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The Therapist
It’s my first day back at work, and the grief I’m carrying is still with me, but I file it away and put on my professional face to greet my new patient.
As a successful psychiatrist and criminologist, I’m used to working with damaged minds. But I’m not prepared for Trent Davis. Sitting across the table from me, his warm brown eyes shine. He laughs easily and part of me can’t help but like him, despite what his file says he’s capable of.
Then a package arrives for Trent, with my home as the return address.
And everything falls apart…
A shocking and unputdownable thriller with a ‘didn’t see that coming’ twist. The perfect read for fans of The Silent Patient, Mike Omer and Freida McFadden.
As a successful psychiatrist and criminologist, I’m used to working with damaged minds. But I’m not prepared for Trent Davis. Sitting across the table from me, his warm brown eyes shine. He laughs easily and part of me can’t help but like him, despite what his file says he’s capable of.
Then a package arrives for Trent, with my home as the return address.
And everything falls apart…
A shocking and unputdownable thriller with a ‘didn’t see that coming’ twist. The perfect read for fans of The Silent Patient, Mike Omer and Freida McFadden.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2024
332 people are currently reading
1156 people want to read
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April 4, 2024
The Therapist by S.A. Falk
Synopsis /
It’s my first day back at work, and the grief I’m carrying is still with me, but I file it away and put on my professional face to greet my new patient.
As a successful psychiatrist and criminologist, I’m used to working with damaged minds. But I’m not prepared for Trent Davis. Sitting across the table from me, his warm brown eyes shine. He laughs easily and part of me can’t help but like him, despite what his file says he’s capable of.
Then a package arrives for Trent, with my home as the return address.
And everything falls apart…
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author S.A. Falk, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for April 25, 2024.
A psychologist who works in the prison system trying to rehabilitate the criminally insane. Serial Killers. Hell Yeah - I'm in.
And I was all in. Until I wasn't. Let's be honest.
This was a solid four star read, but unfortunately it came with a two-star ending. Nothing is more frustrating for this reader when that happens. WHY???? Run out of ideas? Didn't think ahead to plot the ending? Rushed into publication? I could ruminate until the cows come home and still be no closer to picking the right answer.
Dr Stephanie Fletcher is the lead psychiatrist for the high security ward of Pantano State Hospital, a state-run forensic psychiatric facility. Pantano State Hospital is reserved for a very specific type of offender. Patients who have committed heinous crimes but have been deemed criminally insane.
There is a heightened feeling of anticipation from the staff for the newest patient to the facility arriving today. Trent Davis. Convicted of murdering six women, Trent has been sent the Pantano to serve his time. Head of the Hospital, Warden Moreno, assigns Trent to Dr Fletcher.
Shortly after arriving at the Facility, bodies start turning up, and the crime scenes are an exact replica to Davis. Copycat? Or did they convict the wrong man? Fletcher has been tasked with getting into Davis' head to see if she can find out if he knows anything about this latest spate of murders.
As a MC, I didn't connect with Fletcher. I found her arrogant and overconfident. Davis meanwhile was the perfect serial killer character - so yay for that.
So much of the plot was well done. Fast paced. Engaging. Suspenseful. Right up until the last 30%, when it seemed to spiral in circles and go down the gurgler (and so did my rating).
#NetGalley #TheTherapist #S.A.Falk
Synopsis /
It’s my first day back at work, and the grief I’m carrying is still with me, but I file it away and put on my professional face to greet my new patient.
As a successful psychiatrist and criminologist, I’m used to working with damaged minds. But I’m not prepared for Trent Davis. Sitting across the table from me, his warm brown eyes shine. He laughs easily and part of me can’t help but like him, despite what his file says he’s capable of.
Then a package arrives for Trent, with my home as the return address.
And everything falls apart…
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author S.A. Falk, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for April 25, 2024.
A psychologist who works in the prison system trying to rehabilitate the criminally insane. Serial Killers. Hell Yeah - I'm in.
And I was all in. Until I wasn't. Let's be honest.
This was a solid four star read, but unfortunately it came with a two-star ending. Nothing is more frustrating for this reader when that happens. WHY???? Run out of ideas? Didn't think ahead to plot the ending? Rushed into publication? I could ruminate until the cows come home and still be no closer to picking the right answer.
Dr Stephanie Fletcher is the lead psychiatrist for the high security ward of Pantano State Hospital, a state-run forensic psychiatric facility. Pantano State Hospital is reserved for a very specific type of offender. Patients who have committed heinous crimes but have been deemed criminally insane.
There is a heightened feeling of anticipation from the staff for the newest patient to the facility arriving today. Trent Davis. Convicted of murdering six women, Trent has been sent the Pantano to serve his time. Head of the Hospital, Warden Moreno, assigns Trent to Dr Fletcher.
Shortly after arriving at the Facility, bodies start turning up, and the crime scenes are an exact replica to Davis. Copycat? Or did they convict the wrong man? Fletcher has been tasked with getting into Davis' head to see if she can find out if he knows anything about this latest spate of murders.
As a MC, I didn't connect with Fletcher. I found her arrogant and overconfident. Davis meanwhile was the perfect serial killer character - so yay for that.
So much of the plot was well done. Fast paced. Engaging. Suspenseful. Right up until the last 30%, when it seemed to spiral in circles and go down the gurgler (and so did my rating).
#NetGalley #TheTherapist #S.A.Falk
March 20, 2024
When it comes to psychologist any psychiatrist books, I’m there! They are so enthralling to me. The mind is a fascinating thing.
Dr Fletcher is a psychiatrist who specializes in psychiatric disorders in the criminal system. So basically, she works for the ‘facility who takes in the criminally insane. People who avoid the death penalty.
One day, they bring in the notorious Trent Davis, he has brutally murdered six women that they know of. Fletcher can’t wait to crack his mind. As if this man will magically rehabilitate after a few sessions. She knows there has to be some deep seeded abuse that stems from his childhood. She too was a victim of abuse.
Shortly after his arrival, there appears to be a copycat out in the real world. Fletcher and another cop continuously pull Trent into interrogations to see if he knows. Then the riddles start to come. Many pages were of a bunch of mumbo jumbo. Not really necessary for the enjoyment of the story. There were sentences as an example like
‘Do you think there’s a copycat?
I don’t know
‘Do you think he knows who the copycat is?
Over and over. I tried to finish this on a 3 1/2 airline flight only wishing I could have napped.
The pros - Started out suspenseful, who doesn’t want to know what goes on in a killer’s mind?
Bit repetitive. The characters went round and round in circles. The ending, you see it a million miles away.
I wish I could say that I loved it. However, it did hold my interest.
Thanks so much to Storm Publishing, NetGalley and the author. All opinions are my own.
Dr Fletcher is a psychiatrist who specializes in psychiatric disorders in the criminal system. So basically, she works for the ‘facility who takes in the criminally insane. People who avoid the death penalty.
One day, they bring in the notorious Trent Davis, he has brutally murdered six women that they know of. Fletcher can’t wait to crack his mind. As if this man will magically rehabilitate after a few sessions. She knows there has to be some deep seeded abuse that stems from his childhood. She too was a victim of abuse.
Shortly after his arrival, there appears to be a copycat out in the real world. Fletcher and another cop continuously pull Trent into interrogations to see if he knows. Then the riddles start to come. Many pages were of a bunch of mumbo jumbo. Not really necessary for the enjoyment of the story. There were sentences as an example like
‘Do you think there’s a copycat?
I don’t know
‘Do you think he knows who the copycat is?
Over and over. I tried to finish this on a 3 1/2 airline flight only wishing I could have napped.
The pros - Started out suspenseful, who doesn’t want to know what goes on in a killer’s mind?
Bit repetitive. The characters went round and round in circles. The ending, you see it a million miles away.
I wish I could say that I loved it. However, it did hold my interest.
Thanks so much to Storm Publishing, NetGalley and the author. All opinions are my own.
March 24, 2024
This is a dark, disturbing, gory thriller about a therapist who treats a serial killer. While he is locked away, a copycat killer emerges.
This is a darker thriller than most and after reading I felt like I needed to scrub my brain to think happy thoughts again. It involves talk of the devil and demons. This might be hard for some to read.
I liked the fact that every time I thought I had the story figured out, something would happen that would make me think ‘no that can’t be right’, so I was definitely kept on my toes.
When I found out what was truly going on in the end, it was one of the options I had guessed, but it was never obvious throughout the story which was good, because it kept me reading to try to figure it out.
I almost didn’t read this one, because I saw some bad reviews. I am glad I did, because I thought it was good.
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a darker thriller than most and after reading I felt like I needed to scrub my brain to think happy thoughts again. It involves talk of the devil and demons. This might be hard for some to read.
I liked the fact that every time I thought I had the story figured out, something would happen that would make me think ‘no that can’t be right’, so I was definitely kept on my toes.
When I found out what was truly going on in the end, it was one of the options I had guessed, but it was never obvious throughout the story which was good, because it kept me reading to try to figure it out.
I almost didn’t read this one, because I saw some bad reviews. I am glad I did, because I thought it was good.
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2024
3.4⭐️
The evil in our world is not the result of the works of the devil, nor is it the byproduct of God’s indifference or powerlessness. Evil is simply the consequence of human fragility when put under the pressure of extreme circumstances. Nothing more. Nothing less.
….WELL, that was a ride. Think of the most disturbing Criminal Minds episode then multiply creepy levels by 10. That’s this book.
Dr Stephanie ‘Steph’ Fletcher works for a department of corrections psych facility where the worst criminals deemed insane are sent.
Steph is just returning to work whilst grieving a hurtful loss. Her first action upon return is settling in Trent ‘Spawn of Satan’ Davis, an accused serial killer and cannibal who drank his victims blood and ate their organs. YEP. (Don’t worry, this isn’t the spoiler, we’re introduced to his crimes right off the bat. The thriller and mystery concerns a copycat).
A copycat killer ends up committing some pretty gruesome crimes whilst Trent is incarcerated. And Steph is brought in to consult on the case. From here, we are led on a wild goose chase as to who the copy cat could be and what the motives are? Is Trent orchestrating it from the inside? Does he simply have a fan? Is there a deeper message connected to Steph and the hospital? We’re introduced to a number of suspects and taken through the investigation. This is the bulk of the plot.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved the writing and the story! Although it was darker than expected, I likened it very much to a criminal minds episode and thought it was interesting. It’s not a four star for me because I really didn’t like to twist reveal…I just really really didn’t want that to be the case. And I would have wanted it to be a bit more shocking. I was shocked-ish, but it was something I had guessed and then dismissed.
Obvious TWs to me: SA, child abuse, drug addiction/misuse, occult, murder, violence against women, mental health deterioration.
——————————————————
Loving the psychological mystery genre right now. Especially when there’s a therapist/patient relationship… continuing my mystery reading streak. I need my mind BLOWN.
The evil in our world is not the result of the works of the devil, nor is it the byproduct of God’s indifference or powerlessness. Evil is simply the consequence of human fragility when put under the pressure of extreme circumstances. Nothing more. Nothing less.
….WELL, that was a ride. Think of the most disturbing Criminal Minds episode then multiply creepy levels by 10. That’s this book.
Dr Stephanie ‘Steph’ Fletcher works for a department of corrections psych facility where the worst criminals deemed insane are sent.
Steph is just returning to work whilst grieving a hurtful loss. Her first action upon return is settling in Trent ‘Spawn of Satan’ Davis, an accused serial killer and cannibal who drank his victims blood and ate their organs. YEP. (Don’t worry, this isn’t the spoiler, we’re introduced to his crimes right off the bat. The thriller and mystery concerns a copycat).
A copycat killer ends up committing some pretty gruesome crimes whilst Trent is incarcerated. And Steph is brought in to consult on the case. From here, we are led on a wild goose chase as to who the copy cat could be and what the motives are? Is Trent orchestrating it from the inside? Does he simply have a fan? Is there a deeper message connected to Steph and the hospital? We’re introduced to a number of suspects and taken through the investigation. This is the bulk of the plot.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved the writing and the story! Although it was darker than expected, I likened it very much to a criminal minds episode and thought it was interesting. It’s not a four star for me because I really didn’t like to twist reveal…I just really really didn’t want that to be the case. And I would have wanted it to be a bit more shocking. I was shocked-ish, but it was something I had guessed and then dismissed.
Obvious TWs to me: SA, child abuse, drug addiction/misuse, occult, murder, violence against women, mental health deterioration.
——————————————————
Loving the psychological mystery genre right now. Especially when there’s a therapist/patient relationship… continuing my mystery reading streak. I need my mind BLOWN.
March 26, 2024
☆ Synopsis
After a sudden bereavement, lead psychiatrist at Pantano State Hospital Stephanie Fletcher reluctantly returns to work. On her first day back, her team welcome a new inmate, cannibalistic serial killer Trent Davis. A series of copycat murders begin to occur after Trent’s arrival and Stephanie sets out to discover who is behind them.
☆ My thoughts
I really disliked this book, I found it incredibly boring and started skimming pages just to get it over with. There were no likeable characters, a half-hearted attempt at a random romance subplot, predictable twists and turns, and the whole thing was utterly unrealistic. It was also unnecessarily gory and lacked the suspenseful writing I expect from a thriller. I didn’t care about anyone or their motives. I was tempted to mark as DNF at 30% and I honestly wish I had. Overall, just a really disappointing read.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After a sudden bereavement, lead psychiatrist at Pantano State Hospital Stephanie Fletcher reluctantly returns to work. On her first day back, her team welcome a new inmate, cannibalistic serial killer Trent Davis. A series of copycat murders begin to occur after Trent’s arrival and Stephanie sets out to discover who is behind them.
☆ My thoughts
I really disliked this book, I found it incredibly boring and started skimming pages just to get it over with. There were no likeable characters, a half-hearted attempt at a random romance subplot, predictable twists and turns, and the whole thing was utterly unrealistic. It was also unnecessarily gory and lacked the suspenseful writing I expect from a thriller. I didn’t care about anyone or their motives. I was tempted to mark as DNF at 30% and I honestly wish I had. Overall, just a really disappointing read.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2024
Alright, I'm going to say it. S.A. Falk is better than Freida McFadden. It took me less than 24 hours to get through this one and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Having read both Falk's novels now, I think he'll be one of my new "auto-buy" authors.
So much of this book was very well done. It's fast-paced, easy to follow, and really engages you as a reader. It is a little bit weird reading something that is set in the current time period, but I think that made the story much more immersive. The characters are well-developed and the spiraling madness that surrounds this whole story was very intriguing. I will also say that I really enjoy that a big part of this story happens in my hometown, I thought it was fun... in a morbid way, I guess, since this story is about a serial killer😅
The ONE "complaint" (if you could even call it that) is that I absolutely had this book figured out well before the big reveal. That being said, I really don't think that took anything away from the story as a whole. I enjoyed the path that Falk takes to get to the final twist and the build up to it had my heart pounding.
Overall, I really did enjoy this one!
So much of this book was very well done. It's fast-paced, easy to follow, and really engages you as a reader. It is a little bit weird reading something that is set in the current time period, but I think that made the story much more immersive. The characters are well-developed and the spiraling madness that surrounds this whole story was very intriguing. I will also say that I really enjoy that a big part of this story happens in my hometown, I thought it was fun... in a morbid way, I guess, since this story is about a serial killer😅
The ONE "complaint" (if you could even call it that) is that I absolutely had this book figured out well before the big reveal. That being said, I really don't think that took anything away from the story as a whole. I enjoyed the path that Falk takes to get to the final twist and the build up to it had my heart pounding.
Overall, I really did enjoy this one!
March 30, 2024
OBSESSED. I could not put this book down!
There are some major tw's in this book including:
"The Therapist" follows.... you guessed it, a therapist but not just any therapist. Dr. Stephanie Fletcher works with the criminally insane. The story begins as she returns to work after losing a mentor and close friend. Amidst her grief, insomnia, and resurfacing PTSD she receives a new patient. Trent Davis, the new patient, has recently been sent to Dr. Fletcher's hospital after murdering and possibly consuming multiple people. It's not long after they meet that a copycat emerges and they have Dr. Fletcher in their sights.
My favorite part about this book was that it had me guessing until the last page. I suspected every last person in this book except the actual killer. I also loved Falk's ability to slowly make the narrator more and more unreliable as she falls victim to stress, lack of sleep, and her past trauma. I sincerely hope Falk writes fast because I need more!
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
There are some major tw's in this book including:
"The Therapist" follows.... you guessed it, a therapist but not just any therapist. Dr. Stephanie Fletcher works with the criminally insane. The story begins as she returns to work after losing a mentor and close friend. Amidst her grief, insomnia, and resurfacing PTSD she receives a new patient. Trent Davis, the new patient, has recently been sent to Dr. Fletcher's hospital after murdering and possibly consuming multiple people. It's not long after they meet that a copycat emerges and they have Dr. Fletcher in their sights.
My favorite part about this book was that it had me guessing until the last page. I suspected every last person in this book except the actual killer. I also loved Falk's ability to slowly make the narrator more and more unreliable as she falls victim to stress, lack of sleep, and her past trauma. I sincerely hope Falk writes fast because I need more!
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 6, 2024
Stephanie Fletcher, is a psychiatrist who is grieving the loss of her long-time therapist. Stephanie was a victim of horrid childhood abuse and depended on therapy to help her to process it. Back at work at her job at the Pantano State Hospital, a facility for the criminally insane, Stephanie relies on her job as a correctional psychiatrist to help patients, even those with extensive life sentences. One patient in a particular, new to the facility, has been given six life sentences for his brutal and vile crimes to six victims. Stephanie tries to help him, but realizes that the trauma of her past affects the way she views and treats her patients.
Stephanie’s newest patient, Trent, has a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, with years of self-medicating, as well as how he was affected from the horrible treatment of his mother when he was a child. Her sessions with Trent were vey telling, if not cringeworthy, yet she strives to find common ground with him.
The Therapist was full of tense scenes and packed a wallop when it came to a shocking twist and conclusion, making me tap my Kindle faster ad faster as the book ended with a crescendo.
Many thanks to Storm Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Stephanie’s newest patient, Trent, has a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, with years of self-medicating, as well as how he was affected from the horrible treatment of his mother when he was a child. Her sessions with Trent were vey telling, if not cringeworthy, yet she strives to find common ground with him.
The Therapist was full of tense scenes and packed a wallop when it came to a shocking twist and conclusion, making me tap my Kindle faster ad faster as the book ended with a crescendo.
Many thanks to Storm Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
June 24, 2024
This book centres around a successful psychiatrist Dr Stephanie Fletcher, who works in the prison system trying to rehabilitate the criminally insane. When the serial killer Trent Davis is assigned to her and the emergence of a copycat so Dr. Fletcher throws herself into the investigation.
I struggled with the book, I enjoyed the premise and most of the story, but it was quite repetitive at times, but the ending really let it down, I don't always have a need for the story to rounded off neatly, but an ending would have been good, it felt unfinished.
I loved the story and the building of the Trent Davis character, it felt very intriguing and I felt short changed with that towards the end. I also loved how dark and involved the plot went and the pacing was great. I was so glad it didn't turn into a romance novel.
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Reviews also published on:
Coffee and Kindle Blog
The StoryGraph
Amazon
I struggled with the book, I enjoyed the premise and most of the story, but it was quite repetitive at times, but the ending really let it down, I don't always have a need for the story to rounded off neatly, but an ending would have been good, it felt unfinished.
I loved the story and the building of the Trent Davis character, it felt very intriguing and I felt short changed with that towards the end. I also loved how dark and involved the plot went and the pacing was great. I was so glad it didn't turn into a romance novel.
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Reviews also published on:
Coffee and Kindle Blog
The StoryGraph
Amazon
April 25, 2024
This is really good! There are notes of Silence of the Lambs and some reasonably chilling gore fests but the undercurrents of psychology are fascinating and immersive.
I was captivated by the centre stage and totally was blind to who was just off stage until (almost) too late. There were some good clues and hints to the twistier parts of this story which I slowly soaked up so when I did finally make the association the parts of the jigsaw slid neatly together. I enjoyed the links to heavy metal, initially I thought this cliche might irritate me but the songs and lyrics were innovative and a great part of the storyline as was the concept that music can be such an escape and somewhere to vent your innermost thoughts, a therapy of sorts.
Definitely an exciting and exhilarating read and not one for the faint hearted.
I was captivated by the centre stage and totally was blind to who was just off stage until (almost) too late. There were some good clues and hints to the twistier parts of this story which I slowly soaked up so when I did finally make the association the parts of the jigsaw slid neatly together. I enjoyed the links to heavy metal, initially I thought this cliche might irritate me but the songs and lyrics were innovative and a great part of the storyline as was the concept that music can be such an escape and somewhere to vent your innermost thoughts, a therapy of sorts.
Definitely an exciting and exhilarating read and not one for the faint hearted.
May 23, 2024
Many trigger warnings for this book including child abuse, sexual assault.
A serial killer who is also a musician, and a copycat who follows him. A psychiatrist trying to uncover his history and past. It was so suspenseful and hooked me from the beginning. The only reason it’s not 5 stars from me is I figured the ending out so i didn’t experience that big twist.
A serial killer who is also a musician, and a copycat who follows him. A psychiatrist trying to uncover his history and past. It was so suspenseful and hooked me from the beginning. The only reason it’s not 5 stars from me is I figured the ending out so i didn’t experience that big twist.
April 30, 2024
🦭 ꒰ 메모 ꒱ ۪ ݁ 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
the therapist was so mysterious in every way possible, but I have literally figured out who this creepy "copycat" is miles away. this book was too predictable though it held my interest for sure! it was nonetheless fun to actually solve it yourself <3 gave this a 3.75 star! Thank you so much NetGalley and to the author for this ARC !
the therapist was so mysterious in every way possible, but I have literally figured out who this creepy "copycat" is miles away. this book was too predictable though it held my interest for sure! it was nonetheless fun to actually solve it yourself <3 gave this a 3.75 star! Thank you so much NetGalley and to the author for this ARC !
March 30, 2024
Title- The therapist by SA Falk
Rating -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For those who have a taste for psychological thrillers and enjoy works by authors like Freida, I suggest giving this novel a try if you liked The Silent Patient by Alex michaelides .I finished it in just about six hours, I was HOOKED from the beginning to the end.
I have a deep interest in understanding the motivations behind criminal behavior, as well as the complexities of mental health and trauma that can contribute to it. Additionally, I am intrigued by the debate surrounding whether individuals are born evil or shaped into it. This book was perfectly aligned with my interests.
It’s my first day back at work, and the grief I’m carrying is still with me, but I file it away and put on my professional face to greet my new patient.
As a successful psychiatrist and criminologist, I’m used to working with damaged minds. But I’m not prepared for Trent Davis. Sitting across the table from me, his warm brown eyes shine. He laughs easily and part of me can’t help but like him, despite what his file says he’s capable of.
Then a package arrives for Trent, with my home as the return address.
And everything falls apart…
I will say that I had a feeling about the plot twist, but I don't think it's always a bad thing to have some foresight as a reader. However, I'm still unsure of my feelings towards how everything ended. The ending left room for interpretation and raised several questions, leading me to hope there will be another installment so we can delve deeper into this intricate world.
This is my first book by S.A. Falk and I already have his other book on the way.👏🏽
Add this one to your tbr besties, available on kindle unlimited April 25, 2024 and purchase ✨
Thank you @netgalley @safalkauthor and @stormbooks_co for this advanced copy.
Rating -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For those who have a taste for psychological thrillers and enjoy works by authors like Freida, I suggest giving this novel a try if you liked The Silent Patient by Alex michaelides .I finished it in just about six hours, I was HOOKED from the beginning to the end.
I have a deep interest in understanding the motivations behind criminal behavior, as well as the complexities of mental health and trauma that can contribute to it. Additionally, I am intrigued by the debate surrounding whether individuals are born evil or shaped into it. This book was perfectly aligned with my interests.
It’s my first day back at work, and the grief I’m carrying is still with me, but I file it away and put on my professional face to greet my new patient.
As a successful psychiatrist and criminologist, I’m used to working with damaged minds. But I’m not prepared for Trent Davis. Sitting across the table from me, his warm brown eyes shine. He laughs easily and part of me can’t help but like him, despite what his file says he’s capable of.
Then a package arrives for Trent, with my home as the return address.
And everything falls apart…
I will say that I had a feeling about the plot twist, but I don't think it's always a bad thing to have some foresight as a reader. However, I'm still unsure of my feelings towards how everything ended. The ending left room for interpretation and raised several questions, leading me to hope there will be another installment so we can delve deeper into this intricate world.
This is my first book by S.A. Falk and I already have his other book on the way.👏🏽
Add this one to your tbr besties, available on kindle unlimited April 25, 2024 and purchase ✨
Thank you @netgalley @safalkauthor and @stormbooks_co for this advanced copy.
April 28, 2024
Mixed feelings on this book- it started out with a strong plot and ended with a great twisty finish! However, I felt the middle got kind of boring and redundant and ultimately dragged on.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ebook to read.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ebook to read.
March 26, 2024
**3.5 Rounded up**
I have many mixed emotions about books with an unreliable narrator, and this one is no exception. From the beginning, the author has you second guessing yourself on who the copycat killer is. However, if you pay close enough attention to the information between the lines, the ending can be predicted from the beginning. I definitely finished the book with the idea that I should’ve seen it coming a mile away. This is a classic psychological thriller that would make a fantastic introduction to the genre. There just wasn’t anything about the story that made it stand out against the rest. Definitely comparable to the Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.
TW: csa, religion, satan/devil, religious influence, sa, extreme mental health issues, violence, graphic descriptions of violent crimes, murder.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #StormPublishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I have many mixed emotions about books with an unreliable narrator, and this one is no exception. From the beginning, the author has you second guessing yourself on who the copycat killer is. However, if you pay close enough attention to the information between the lines, the ending can be predicted from the beginning. I definitely finished the book with the idea that I should’ve seen it coming a mile away. This is a classic psychological thriller that would make a fantastic introduction to the genre. There just wasn’t anything about the story that made it stand out against the rest. Definitely comparable to the Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.
TW: csa, religion, satan/devil, religious influence, sa, extreme mental health issues, violence, graphic descriptions of violent crimes, murder.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #StormPublishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2024
3.5/5 - If you enjoyed "The Silent Patient," I think you'll love this!
Corrections psychiatrist, Steph Fletcher, is grappling with her own childhood traumas while treating patients who have committed terrible crimes. After losing her mentor, therapist and friend she throws herself into her work and, more importantly, her newest patient, Trent, who has just been charged with brutal serial murders. Once Trent is admitted a copycat killer emerges and Steph dives headfirst into the investigation.
I will admit that this book started off a bit slow for me. A lot of demon and devil talk which typically isn't my cup of tea. Once I got halfway into it I was HOOKED. This is a psychologically thriller through and through with a twist that will have your head explode.
Corrections psychiatrist, Steph Fletcher, is grappling with her own childhood traumas while treating patients who have committed terrible crimes. After losing her mentor, therapist and friend she throws herself into her work and, more importantly, her newest patient, Trent, who has just been charged with brutal serial murders. Once Trent is admitted a copycat killer emerges and Steph dives headfirst into the investigation.
I will admit that this book started off a bit slow for me. A lot of demon and devil talk which typically isn't my cup of tea. Once I got halfway into it I was HOOKED. This is a psychologically thriller through and through with a twist that will have your head explode.
March 20, 2024
Rounded up to 3.5
I received the Arc of this title and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Whew, this was dark and twisty! Dr. Stephanie fletcher is a psychiatrist working at a prison. A new inmate comes- Trent- who is a famous singer. He is in because he murdered several women- very violently, and seems to have many psychosis’s.
As Stephanie works with him, a copycat killer begins a new spree. Stephanie begins helping the police.
So. This was dark. I never connected with the main character, yet I couldn’t stop reading. It is well written, and gains speed. However, I had the “twist” figured out halfway through the book.. I feel like “suspense thrillers” lately are following a certain trend. There was also repetition and vague ambiguity in the conversations between Dr. Fletcher and Trent. The ending seemed to just suddenly stop- without reference to other characters reactions.
If you like dark psychological suspense, you might want to give it a try!
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC.
I received the Arc of this title and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Whew, this was dark and twisty! Dr. Stephanie fletcher is a psychiatrist working at a prison. A new inmate comes- Trent- who is a famous singer. He is in because he murdered several women- very violently, and seems to have many psychosis’s.
As Stephanie works with him, a copycat killer begins a new spree. Stephanie begins helping the police.
So. This was dark. I never connected with the main character, yet I couldn’t stop reading. It is well written, and gains speed. However, I had the “twist” figured out halfway through the book.. I feel like “suspense thrillers” lately are following a certain trend. There was also repetition and vague ambiguity in the conversations between Dr. Fletcher and Trent. The ending seemed to just suddenly stop- without reference to other characters reactions.
If you like dark psychological suspense, you might want to give it a try!
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC.
May 30, 2025
What was this book ?? As a Psychology student, I enjoyed this story a lot ! All the twisted vibes were insane! Some parts were a bit disturbing but this book got me addicted !!!
The only reason I didn’t rate it a 5 star book is because I thought the final part was way to rushed. I got the feeling like “is this over already? Where’s the rest of the book?”.
Though I really recommend you this book! It is way too vicious!
The only reason I didn’t rate it a 5 star book is because I thought the final part was way to rushed. I got the feeling like “is this over already? Where’s the rest of the book?”.
Though I really recommend you this book! It is way too vicious!
April 21, 2025
The Therapist by S.A. Falk is a thriller about a therapist and a serial killer.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Storm Publishing, and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Dr. Stephanie Fletcher just lost her mentor, her best friend, her only true family, so she is struggling to contain her grief. But since the woman wasn't really family, she must return to work.
Stephanie is a psychiatrist and criminologist for the California Department of Corrections. She is the lead psychiatrist at Pantano State Hospital, the state-run forensic psychiatric facility. She sees those that have committed horrendous crimes, but deemed to be insane.
There is a new patient today. Trent Davis was a popular (if somewhat controversial) heavy metal musician and star, before kidnapping, torturing and killing six people. He is now popularly known as The Vampire of Bakersfield.
When another victim is found, Detective Navarro approaches Stephanie for assistance. They are sure this is a copy-cat killer, and start working together. Although Stephanie is getting in over her head, she doesn't stop.
My Opinions:
This was quite good. A rather dark and creepy read.
The characters kept me guessing who the copy-cat killer was, and who they would target next. I really liked Navarro, but found Stephanie a little arrogant, a bit of a know-it-all. I think the plot allowing her to involve Trent in seeing evidence of the investigation was a little too "out-there". Can't see her boss allowing that either, or make some other decisions. I know it's fiction, but are you seriously going to allow a psychiatric patient that is accused of cannibalism, to see bloody organs? Anyway, other than that, I think the plot was really good.
I had guessed (and dismissed) the identity of the killer, so that twist still ended up being good.
So, for all my nay-saying, I still enjoyed the story. A prison, a psychiatrist, a serial killer. The combination works well. The writing was good, fairly fast-paced, and kept me interested. So, as much as I had some "niggles", I still recommend it.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
April 25, 2024
Let me tell you a little about cheese.
Cheese is often a pejorative term in fiction, "so cheesy" "Block of cheese", and I too often use this as a negative term. HOWEVER...
Cheese is delicious
When properly prepared and utilized there is something distinctively satisfying about consuming cheese, and while all this intro may sound crazy harsh - I think its relatively non-controversial to say that Falk's story The Therapist is quite cheesy.
After all the plot is fairly transparent. 'Trent,' only the most edgelord emo rock star every to grace fiction, is an (alleged) serial killer in a psychiatric institute. Our MC is a brilliant but haunted psychiatrist who is determined to get to the root cause of his problems. Surprising none he's a manipulative game player and things quickly unravel! And again while it sounds like I'm being mean and critical the reality is this book is GREAT. It's written very solidly, its fun, scary, excited and a little weird. I genuinely wasn't too sure where things were going and devoured this book a LOT faster than I expected.
Now that said there is one major beef I had with this book is that it is simply too SHORT, or more specifically it ends just as it feels like the story was really ramping up. There basically isn't a denouement in this novel. Obviously its a little hard to review without spoilers on this point and the ending is certainty fine it just left me wanting more deats!!
Cheese is often a pejorative term in fiction, "so cheesy" "Block of cheese", and I too often use this as a negative term. HOWEVER...
Cheese is delicious
When properly prepared and utilized there is something distinctively satisfying about consuming cheese, and while all this intro may sound crazy harsh - I think its relatively non-controversial to say that Falk's story The Therapist is quite cheesy.
After all the plot is fairly transparent. 'Trent,' only the most edgelord emo rock star every to grace fiction, is an (alleged) serial killer in a psychiatric institute. Our MC is a brilliant but haunted psychiatrist who is determined to get to the root cause of his problems. Surprising none he's a manipulative game player and things quickly unravel! And again while it sounds like I'm being mean and critical the reality is this book is GREAT. It's written very solidly, its fun, scary, excited and a little weird. I genuinely wasn't too sure where things were going and devoured this book a LOT faster than I expected.
Now that said there is one major beef I had with this book is that it is simply too SHORT, or more specifically it ends just as it feels like the story was really ramping up. There basically isn't a denouement in this novel. Obviously its a little hard to review without spoilers on this point and the ending is certainty fine it just left me wanting more deats!!
April 2, 2024
This was my first time reading this author’s work and I absolutely loved the writing style! As someone who enjoys psychology and criminology, this book was the perfect read for me. My mind was working in overdrive trying to figure out where the story was going and I loved the twist, did not see that coming! I was also very interested in reading about the author and I enjoyed how he used personal and educational experiences to draw inspiration and bring awareness to certain subjects. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to reading his other work.
THANK YOU to Storm Publishing, Netgalley and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review
THANK YOU to Storm Publishing, Netgalley and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review
April 19, 2024
'Nurse Ratched' meets Stephen King. 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' meets Hannibal Lectre.
"He leans forward as far as his shackles will allow him to go before whispering, 'You gotta watch out for curiosity. You might not like what you find out.'"
This book immediately snatched my interest and kept me captivated to the end. Well written, well researched, well developed, with believable, relatable characters. This story blew me away. Trent only gets more and more intriguing and mysterious, all the while Dr. Fletcher is withholding some skeletons of her own. And Larua. Yikes! Is the demon real or an excuse?
Supernatural. Demons. Possession. Murder. Serial killer. Psychopaths. Chilling. Spooky. Sinister. Mind games. Twists and turns. Mystery. Thrilling. This story literally has it all and I absolutely loved it.
"He leans forward as far as his shackles will allow him to go before whispering, 'You gotta watch out for curiosity. You might not like what you find out.'"
This book immediately snatched my interest and kept me captivated to the end. Well written, well researched, well developed, with believable, relatable characters. This story blew me away. Trent only gets more and more intriguing and mysterious, all the while Dr. Fletcher is withholding some skeletons of her own. And Larua. Yikes! Is the demon real or an excuse?
Supernatural. Demons. Possession. Murder. Serial killer. Psychopaths. Chilling. Spooky. Sinister. Mind games. Twists and turns. Mystery. Thrilling. This story literally has it all and I absolutely loved it.
March 20, 2024
This psychological thriller, reminiscent of The Silent Patient, follows Dr Stephanie Fletcher, a psychiatrist who works with the criminally insane, and her patient Trent Davis, a rockstar and serial killer. Then a copycat shows up and this dark twisty book makes you hold on tight 'til the ending you can't guess. Unputdownable!
May 27, 2025
Such an intense, gripping thriller.
Loved this.
Loved this.
April 1, 2024
Please, for the love of God, can we acknowledge that a psychiatrist is a medical doctor??? The book gets all the medical jargon down, even prescribes palliperidone, which isn't first line but hey, it's an atypical antipsychotic but just one time!!!! The author goes through all the trouble to explain to us how our doctor came to this job as a forensic psychiatrist: oh, I did an internship at a correctional facility, blah blah - there's also medical school involved!!! Please!! I'm begging you!!
From: someone who is quite literally training to be a forensic psychiatrist and yes, also goes to correctional facilities
*Deep breath* Okay. Clearly Falk is someone who has worked in corrections and worked with mental illness. Truly, the way in which our doctor thinks sounds relatively reasonable, if a bit dramatized. But certainly the general wording is there. I read this book because sometimes, I just want to dissociate and read a fun thriller and have it be a twisty psychological bit. But this author really does have most of the accuracy, even if sensationalized. I'm curious why he chose schizoaffective, specifically over schizophrenia, for example.
There is a twist. You see it coming by halfway. I am not a fan of the twist.
From: someone who is quite literally training to be a forensic psychiatrist and yes, also goes to correctional facilities
From: someone who is quite literally training to be a forensic psychiatrist and yes, also goes to correctional facilities
*Deep breath* Okay. Clearly Falk is someone who has worked in corrections and worked with mental illness. Truly, the way in which our doctor thinks sounds relatively reasonable, if a bit dramatized. But certainly the general wording is there. I read this book because sometimes, I just want to dissociate and read a fun thriller and have it be a twisty psychological bit. But this author really does have most of the accuracy, even if sensationalized. I'm curious why he chose schizoaffective, specifically over schizophrenia, for example.
There is a twist. You see it coming by halfway. I am not a fan of the twist.
From: someone who is quite literally training to be a forensic psychiatrist and yes, also goes to correctional facilities
November 8, 2024
Forensic psychiatrist Dr Stephanie Fletcher has to be the worst forensic psych in the history of forensic psychiatrists. At one point I considered that perhaps she was actually a psych patient who thought she was a psychiatrist. That’s how bad she was.
Writer SA Falk either took a lot of liberty with the role of psychiatrists in prisons/forensic hospitals or she did no research. Hospital and prison forensic psychiatrists work for the justice system and patients aren’t guaranteed confidentiality, unlike they are in the private sector. HIPAA does not apply. Patients do not have the luxury of therapy, due to huge caseloads. Heck, most psychiatrists only dispense meds due to the way services are paid by insurance companies. Most importantly, forensic psychiatrists are not investigators unless they work for the police department (like Dr Skota on Law&Order). Their interests are diagnostic and medical, not investigated.
I saw the twist coming a mile away but still enjoyed the book despite its many flaws.
Writer SA Falk either took a lot of liberty with the role of psychiatrists in prisons/forensic hospitals or she did no research. Hospital and prison forensic psychiatrists work for the justice system and patients aren’t guaranteed confidentiality, unlike they are in the private sector. HIPAA does not apply. Patients do not have the luxury of therapy, due to huge caseloads. Heck, most psychiatrists only dispense meds due to the way services are paid by insurance companies. Most importantly, forensic psychiatrists are not investigators unless they work for the police department (like Dr Skota on Law&Order). Their interests are diagnostic and medical, not investigated.
I saw the twist coming a mile away but still enjoyed the book despite its many flaws.
April 14, 2024
This is the definition of a psychological thriller. We get to dive into the mind of a killer and feel the danger and confusion of a copycat killer. I find plots like this so fascinating. My complaint is that we didn’t get enough of the killer’s mind. We abruptly get cut out when the main character is put on leave. I also would have loved a more extended ending to get into the copycat’s mind. Why did they suddenly turn into the a killer? What was the trigger? An epilogue from the copycat with some answers would have been perfect. Overall still a fascinating and thrilling read. Thank you to NetGalley for my copy.
May 26, 2024
Dr. Stephanie Fletcher is lead psychiatrist at Pantano State Hospital, treating its criminally insane and most disturbed patients. When new cannibalistic serial killer, Trent Davis arrives, he is assigned to Dr. Fletcher’s patient roster. What follows is a series of copycat killings, in which Dr. Fletcher becomes involved with the investigation.
Dr. Fletcher was not the most interesting main character, and did not come across as a competent psychiatrist. Trent Davis, as the Villain, was perhaps a more intriguing character. He was vile but somehow interesting, layered, and well-developed. His rock-star career was an unexpected background to give a serial killer, and yet it worked well.
The story was perhaps a bit darker, gruesome, and graphic than I was expecting, and without any relief of tension, it was a challenging read.
The premise was excellent, though I did anticipate the ending. Overall it was a good read for fans of more graphic thrillers. But I would trigger warn others about references to childhood sexual abuse, and explicit descriptions of murder victims.
Thank you to NetGalley, author S. A. Falk, and Storm Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dr. Fletcher was not the most interesting main character, and did not come across as a competent psychiatrist. Trent Davis, as the Villain, was perhaps a more intriguing character. He was vile but somehow interesting, layered, and well-developed. His rock-star career was an unexpected background to give a serial killer, and yet it worked well.
The story was perhaps a bit darker, gruesome, and graphic than I was expecting, and without any relief of tension, it was a challenging read.
The premise was excellent, though I did anticipate the ending. Overall it was a good read for fans of more graphic thrillers. But I would trigger warn others about references to childhood sexual abuse, and explicit descriptions of murder victims.
Thank you to NetGalley, author S. A. Falk, and Storm Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2024
Ummm....excuse me? That ending!? It's going to take me a bit to digest that one.
I really enjoyed this psychological thriller and it reminded me a lot of Silence of the Lambs. I would love this to be a movie or show, I felt like I could picture what was happening and I credit that to the author. I was also familiar with some of the locations mentioned in the book, especially living in Oregon.
I don't want to spoil anything, so I highly recommend reading this book. Check trigger warnings, there's dark subject matter since this story center's around serial killer's and the gruesome way the victims were tortured.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to review, all opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this psychological thriller and it reminded me a lot of Silence of the Lambs. I would love this to be a movie or show, I felt like I could picture what was happening and I credit that to the author. I was also familiar with some of the locations mentioned in the book, especially living in Oregon.
I don't want to spoil anything, so I highly recommend reading this book. Check trigger warnings, there's dark subject matter since this story center's around serial killer's and the gruesome way the victims were tortured.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to review, all opinions are my own.
April 30, 2024
After reading this authors debut ‘The Patients Secret’ and thoroughly enjoying it I was delighted to be granted the arc of this book (Thank you NetGalley, the author & publisher)
Dr Fletcher works at Pantano State Hospital, which is a psychiatric institution for the criminally insane, those who will more than likely never see the outside of here in their lifetime. The most recent patient is former heavy metal star from the band SOS , serial killer Trent Davis who has been nicknamed “The Vampire” due to him drinking the blood & eating the organs of his victims. As Dr Fletcher delves into the mind of Trent who claims he suffers hallucinations, she learns of the voice of Larua that Trent says he hears. Then a copycat emerges and Dr Fletcher is sure Trent knows exactly who it is!
This is one hundred percent my type of book, getting inside the criminal mind, insanity, psychiatry etc , I really didn’t want to put it down, every time I got time to read I was addicted and desperate to finish it. It is a dark and disturbing read digging deep inside the relationship between therapist and serial killer. Mind bending & an Outstanding read and one I definitely recommend. I am looking forward to more from S.A. Falk, with the author’s knowledge and writing skills I would love him to generate a series. He builds great characters not only in his protagonists but also cameo characters. Great book!
Dr Fletcher works at Pantano State Hospital, which is a psychiatric institution for the criminally insane, those who will more than likely never see the outside of here in their lifetime. The most recent patient is former heavy metal star from the band SOS , serial killer Trent Davis who has been nicknamed “The Vampire” due to him drinking the blood & eating the organs of his victims. As Dr Fletcher delves into the mind of Trent who claims he suffers hallucinations, she learns of the voice of Larua that Trent says he hears. Then a copycat emerges and Dr Fletcher is sure Trent knows exactly who it is!
This is one hundred percent my type of book, getting inside the criminal mind, insanity, psychiatry etc , I really didn’t want to put it down, every time I got time to read I was addicted and desperate to finish it. It is a dark and disturbing read digging deep inside the relationship between therapist and serial killer. Mind bending & an Outstanding read and one I definitely recommend. I am looking forward to more from S.A. Falk, with the author’s knowledge and writing skills I would love him to generate a series. He builds great characters not only in his protagonists but also cameo characters. Great book!
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