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The Night Counsellor
When silence dawns, only dusk will break it.
In the shadowy corridors of The Beaumont, a mental hospital haunted by its dark history as an asylum, a disturbing mystery unfolds when in 1953, a woman is found mute, naked, and drenched in blood on the outskirts of West Yorkshire. With no memory of her past and no one to claim her, she is dubbed Patient A and placed under the care of the institution’s staff.
Counsellor Jane Galloway, is drawn to Patient A’s case with a resolve to restore her ability to speak, no matter how unorthodox her methods appear to be. However, her efforts to penetrate the silence meet with stark opposition from the hospital's rigid hierarchy. The situation takes a spine-chilling turn when whispers in the night link Patient A to a recently discovered corpse.
As Jane edges closer to unravelling the eerie connection between her patient and the mysterious death, she must challenge a web of institutional resistance and hidden agendas. With time running against them, Jane’s quest to help Patient A reclaim her voice grows desperate. But in the harrowing halls of The Beaumont, speaking up can be deadly.
Will Patient A find her voice before the shadows of her past come to silence her forever?
In the shadowy corridors of The Beaumont, a mental hospital haunted by its dark history as an asylum, a disturbing mystery unfolds when in 1953, a woman is found mute, naked, and drenched in blood on the outskirts of West Yorkshire. With no memory of her past and no one to claim her, she is dubbed Patient A and placed under the care of the institution’s staff.
Counsellor Jane Galloway, is drawn to Patient A’s case with a resolve to restore her ability to speak, no matter how unorthodox her methods appear to be. However, her efforts to penetrate the silence meet with stark opposition from the hospital's rigid hierarchy. The situation takes a spine-chilling turn when whispers in the night link Patient A to a recently discovered corpse.
As Jane edges closer to unravelling the eerie connection between her patient and the mysterious death, she must challenge a web of institutional resistance and hidden agendas. With time running against them, Jane’s quest to help Patient A reclaim her voice grows desperate. But in the harrowing halls of The Beaumont, speaking up can be deadly.
Will Patient A find her voice before the shadows of her past come to silence her forever?
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2024
13 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
L.K. Pang
2 books15 followersL. K. Pang’s love of the great gothic love stories have been ingrained in her since her teenage years and ever since watching the school production of Jane Eyre on stage, she has been imagining life immersed in a Victorian world of big dresses, wild moorland, large country mansions and handsome, enigmatic men. Of course, being of Chinese ethnicity growing up in 1980s England, this gothic world was far from reach - until now. Her debut novel, Moat Hill Hall, is the amalgamation of these desires.
Since being published, she has continued with novel writing, enjoying the telling of mysteries, blurring the boundaries of suspenseful thrillers and tales of love with a gothic edge. Her second novel, The Night Counsellor, continues on with this theme and embraces the harsh truths of mental hospitals and women in society during the 1950s.
L. K. Pang is also an artist and lives in Yorkshire with her family.
Since being published, she has continued with novel writing, enjoying the telling of mysteries, blurring the boundaries of suspenseful thrillers and tales of love with a gothic edge. Her second novel, The Night Counsellor, continues on with this theme and embraces the harsh truths of mental hospitals and women in society during the 1950s.
L. K. Pang is also an artist and lives in Yorkshire with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 10, 2024
In a Nutshell: A historical mystery with a mental asylum as the dominant setting. Intriguing characters, creepy vibes, good handling of the two timelines. A great option for readers who enjoy gritty historical narratives.
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Plot Preview:
Bookish Yays:
🎯 The book hits the mark when it comes to creating complex characters. Even when they are stock characters such as the friendly neighbour or the concerned local policeman or the bristly nurse, they still have at least something that sets them apart. Most of the characters are not completely likeable, but each comes with their good and bad traits, making it tough to decide whom to trust. The one goody-goody sweetheart was Jane’s five-year-old son Jasper – he was adorable.
🎯 Jane’s role as the counsellor is also interesting, considering the idea of using conversations as therapy was quite novel at the time. I am unsure of a couple of her methods (they sounded more like hypnotherapy), but I am not an expert in therapy anyway, so I assume the author’s research must be accurate. Her role also brings out the inherent bias in medical practitioners against new treatments.
🎯 While the title clearly indicates that the focus is on the “night counsellor”, the story keeps things balanced by including Jane’s personal life also. This gives us a better idea of the kind of woman she is. Thanks to her interactions with little Jasper, we also see the struggles of a single parent.
🎯 The setting of The Beaumont, a Gothic-style asylum, is put to great use to generate an eerie atmosphere. Giving the carers and one patient active roles ensures that we get the best of the creepiness.
🎯 The treatment (in both its meanings) of mental illness in that era. Right from the attitude of mental asylums and its staff to the secrecy surrounding mental health issues, the novel captures the time period well.
🎯 Despite such a tricky story, the pacing is still quite fast.
🎯 Both timelines are equally gripping but in very different ways. Thanks to the other timeline and one clue towards the start of the 1953 timeline, it seems possible to guess who Patient A might be. The who’s of the situation do become clear soon enough, and the mystery is left to the hows and the whys. However, don’t assume that this is all the story has to offer There are plenty of surprises and tricky twists thrown in to keep us hooked.
🎯 There are a few diary entries in one timeline, and these are written as genuine diary entries and not like descriptive novels.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
⚔️ There are multiple first-person narratives in the plot. As the gap between the two timelines isn’t too much, there might be some confusion about who is speaking. But the author has made the identification process of each narrative easy, and there is *mostly* no confusion about who is speaking and when. You do need to be ready to switch frequently between the first-person narratives without losing your track.
⚔️ I don’t like it when non-romance genres include romantic arcs. I admit, one of the arcs was needed for the plot and was truly well-written, but the more contemporary one could have been safely skipped. This of course comes from my personal preferences and won't bother most readers.
Bookish Nays:
🔪 While the characters are interesting, they are also somewhat unpredictable. I feel like their character detailing could have been better fleshed out. We see a lot of their actions but it's tough to understand why they behave the way they do. Some of the decisions seem contrary to character. Some revelations come out of nowhere and aren't immediately used in the plot. Jane's character development is the weakest as we never learn enough about her backdrop. Her backstory is mentioned but not utilised that well.
🔪 The ending is a bit too HEA for such a story.
All in all, despite some reservations about the character development, I was quite hooked by this novel. To me, it clicked better as a dark/Gothic historical fiction than as a mystery. Its plot, the historical setting, and the asylum setting combine to create an intense and emotional plot. I’d love to read more by this author.
Definitely recommended to historical fiction and historical mystery lovers who enjoy dark narratives. The content is quite dark so read it when in the right headspace.
4 stars.
My thanks to Love Books Tours and author L.K. Pang for a complimentary copy of 'The Night Counsellor'. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
1953. Jane Galloway, in a new role as a counsellor, has just been assigned a new patient at The Beaumont, a mental asylum trying to shed its dark tag but not doing a great job of it. This patient, dubbed Patient A, was found wandering naked and covered in blood on the outskirts of Yorkshire. She doesn’t talk or respond in any way to anyone. The mystery gets even darker when Jane learns that this patient is a murder suspect.
The hospital staff is firmly opposed to this new method of using conversations as therapy, but Jane is determined to make a difference. Can she help Patient A before it is too late? Is Patient A really guilty of such a heinous crime?
The story comes to us in alternating timelines, with the 1953 one being from Jane's point of view. All the other perspectives are also in first person but clearly indicated.
Bookish Yays:
🎯 The book hits the mark when it comes to creating complex characters. Even when they are stock characters such as the friendly neighbour or the concerned local policeman or the bristly nurse, they still have at least something that sets them apart. Most of the characters are not completely likeable, but each comes with their good and bad traits, making it tough to decide whom to trust. The one goody-goody sweetheart was Jane’s five-year-old son Jasper – he was adorable.
🎯 Jane’s role as the counsellor is also interesting, considering the idea of using conversations as therapy was quite novel at the time. I am unsure of a couple of her methods (they sounded more like hypnotherapy), but I am not an expert in therapy anyway, so I assume the author’s research must be accurate. Her role also brings out the inherent bias in medical practitioners against new treatments.
🎯 While the title clearly indicates that the focus is on the “night counsellor”, the story keeps things balanced by including Jane’s personal life also. This gives us a better idea of the kind of woman she is. Thanks to her interactions with little Jasper, we also see the struggles of a single parent.
🎯 The setting of The Beaumont, a Gothic-style asylum, is put to great use to generate an eerie atmosphere. Giving the carers and one patient active roles ensures that we get the best of the creepiness.
🎯 The treatment (in both its meanings) of mental illness in that era. Right from the attitude of mental asylums and its staff to the secrecy surrounding mental health issues, the novel captures the time period well.
🎯 Despite such a tricky story, the pacing is still quite fast.
🎯 Both timelines are equally gripping but in very different ways. Thanks to the other timeline and one clue towards the start of the 1953 timeline, it seems possible to guess who Patient A might be. The who’s of the situation do become clear soon enough, and the mystery is left to the hows and the whys. However, don’t assume that this is all the story has to offer There are plenty of surprises and tricky twists thrown in to keep us hooked.
🎯 There are a few diary entries in one timeline, and these are written as genuine diary entries and not like descriptive novels.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
⚔️ There are multiple first-person narratives in the plot. As the gap between the two timelines isn’t too much, there might be some confusion about who is speaking. But the author has made the identification process of each narrative easy, and there is *mostly* no confusion about who is speaking and when. You do need to be ready to switch frequently between the first-person narratives without losing your track.
⚔️ I don’t like it when non-romance genres include romantic arcs. I admit, one of the arcs was needed for the plot and was truly well-written, but the more contemporary one could have been safely skipped. This of course comes from my personal preferences and won't bother most readers.
Bookish Nays:
🔪 While the characters are interesting, they are also somewhat unpredictable. I feel like their character detailing could have been better fleshed out. We see a lot of their actions but it's tough to understand why they behave the way they do. Some of the decisions seem contrary to character. Some revelations come out of nowhere and aren't immediately used in the plot. Jane's character development is the weakest as we never learn enough about her backdrop. Her backstory is mentioned but not utilised that well.
🔪 The ending is a bit too HEA for such a story.
All in all, despite some reservations about the character development, I was quite hooked by this novel. To me, it clicked better as a dark/Gothic historical fiction than as a mystery. Its plot, the historical setting, and the asylum setting combine to create an intense and emotional plot. I’d love to read more by this author.
Definitely recommended to historical fiction and historical mystery lovers who enjoy dark narratives. The content is quite dark so read it when in the right headspace.
4 stars.
My thanks to Love Books Tours and author L.K. Pang for a complimentary copy of 'The Night Counsellor'. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
January 24, 2025
I loved this book!
The blurb had everything I love in a book, so just had to read it!
It was an intriguing start, and the story just got better the more I read. The characters were fascinating and perfectly well written, but the plot was really where my full enjoyment lay. I had this book as my evening and bedtime read, and it was perfect for relaxing.
I adored it.
The blurb had everything I love in a book, so just had to read it!
It was an intriguing start, and the story just got better the more I read. The characters were fascinating and perfectly well written, but the plot was really where my full enjoyment lay. I had this book as my evening and bedtime read, and it was perfect for relaxing.
I adored it.
January 17, 2025
This is a twisted psychological thriller set in the 1950s. The story is set over different timelines, and we get multiple POV, which I always enjoy. I really liked how the story unfolds, and we see little glimpses of what came before as we try to figure out what is going on in the current timeline. Nothing is revealed too quickly, and this adds to the intrigue and mystery.
There are some dark and unsettling aspects within the story. Some are relevant to the historical period. I feel the author did a great job of highlighting some of these accepted yet harmful beliefs such as judging single mothers and same sex relationships. There is also insight into how people were institutionalised and treated for perceived mental health issues... when perhaps the real issue was societal views.
The story explores relationships, love, commitment, betrayal, corruption, social expectations, conformity, rebellion, identity, and revenge.
The author gives detailed descriptions, and this really brings the story to life. The characters are also well developed, and you get a feel for what makes them do the things they do.
The story is engaging, and I found myself wanting to keep reading to see what happens next. Some scenes were full of tension, and there were some unexpected twists and turns.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. With thanks to the author and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
There are some dark and unsettling aspects within the story. Some are relevant to the historical period. I feel the author did a great job of highlighting some of these accepted yet harmful beliefs such as judging single mothers and same sex relationships. There is also insight into how people were institutionalised and treated for perceived mental health issues... when perhaps the real issue was societal views.
The story explores relationships, love, commitment, betrayal, corruption, social expectations, conformity, rebellion, identity, and revenge.
The author gives detailed descriptions, and this really brings the story to life. The characters are also well developed, and you get a feel for what makes them do the things they do.
The story is engaging, and I found myself wanting to keep reading to see what happens next. Some scenes were full of tension, and there were some unexpected twists and turns.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. With thanks to the author and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
November 8, 2024
I personally love love love books based around asylums. This one was done really well, and I think it was tastefully written. The twists weren't hard to figure out, BUT the story was great, so I don't mind that at all.
This is listed as being a psychological thriller, but it has some historical fiction and even gothic vibes, too. It definitely felt like it could have happened, maybe not every last event, but the concept of women being unfairly treated and imprisoned in an asylum... that 100 % happened.
I really loved the characters and setting. The writing style was perfect. The cover is stunning. I legitimately have no complaints and can't wait for my next L.K. Pang novel.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is listed as being a psychological thriller, but it has some historical fiction and even gothic vibes, too. It definitely felt like it could have happened, maybe not every last event, but the concept of women being unfairly treated and imprisoned in an asylum... that 100 % happened.
I really loved the characters and setting. The writing style was perfect. The cover is stunning. I legitimately have no complaints and can't wait for my next L.K. Pang novel.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2025
Wow what a read - gothic and disturbing as it’s set in a mental hospital, deeply fascinating with an interesting cast of characters I sincerely hope there will be more featuring these protagonists. If you like your crime novels a little different I heartily recommend this sleep stealing read. 5* from me
January 27, 2025
The Night Counsellor will be on my top reads of 2024 list without a doubt. I devoured this book in one night and that is rare for me. Whilst this is a historical thriller, it’s set in Leeds and more notably Bramley as well. I’ve lived in Bramley for 10 years, so there was a lot mentioned which I could really picture in my head reading through. The end note of the book does indeed say that this is a work of fiction, but anyone who lives or has lived in Leeds has probably heard of High Royds and I honestly couldn’t stop picturing this in my head. This then led me to a 2am rabbit hole on Google of the history of the area because we absolutely do not have a tram system anymore.
So let’s get down to the book itself. The pacing was perfect, flicking between Jane and Georgina’s stories really worked for me and each chapter is short, snappy and there were so many twists I regularly put my kindle down to ask my dog what the hell just happened.
Again I feel the need to mention this is a work of fiction, but we can’t deny that these things really did take place at facilities up and down the country, and often it was women who suffered these experiments at the hands of men running them. I felt completely absorbed into the story and loved Jane and Georgina so much. My heart really ached for Cleo.
Pangs writing is absolutely wonderful, the character building really gave them a life of their own and even characters which you think will be passing mentions take on a life of their own and add to the back story. I’ve already added Pangs previous book Moat Hill Hall to my kindle after finishing this book, because she’ll without a doubt be one of my instant buy authors now.
So let’s get down to the book itself. The pacing was perfect, flicking between Jane and Georgina’s stories really worked for me and each chapter is short, snappy and there were so many twists I regularly put my kindle down to ask my dog what the hell just happened.
Again I feel the need to mention this is a work of fiction, but we can’t deny that these things really did take place at facilities up and down the country, and often it was women who suffered these experiments at the hands of men running them. I felt completely absorbed into the story and loved Jane and Georgina so much. My heart really ached for Cleo.
Pangs writing is absolutely wonderful, the character building really gave them a life of their own and even characters which you think will be passing mentions take on a life of their own and add to the back story. I’ve already added Pangs previous book Moat Hill Hall to my kindle after finishing this book, because she’ll without a doubt be one of my instant buy authors now.
November 7, 2024
Oh my gosh, this was a great psychological thriller! With a dual timeline mixed with multiple POV, this allowed for a depth of insight into character and why they acted how they did. It gave you bits of what happened to cause Patient A to be the state she is in during the current timeline, while the counselor is trying to figure out what happened. I didn’t want to put it down, and I never truly had it figured out. Overall a tense and fascinating read.
Jane is starting a new job at the psychiatric facility in town. She is a counsellor and they requested her help with a patient known as Patient A. She was found walking by the road, covered in blood with a scrap of paper saying Gina. She isn’t talking and makes no movements without help. After several sessions with no progress, she is corned by another patient who tells her she talks in her sleep. But that patient also sees a man that isn’t there. But with nowhere left to turn, she decides to go against directions and observe her while she sleeps. Because something happened to her, and if she doesn’t start talking the facility is talking about using more…aggressive… means to make her talk. After all, the police think she had something to do with the dead body found in a car nearby.
Thank you to Love Books Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
Jane is starting a new job at the psychiatric facility in town. She is a counsellor and they requested her help with a patient known as Patient A. She was found walking by the road, covered in blood with a scrap of paper saying Gina. She isn’t talking and makes no movements without help. After several sessions with no progress, she is corned by another patient who tells her she talks in her sleep. But that patient also sees a man that isn’t there. But with nowhere left to turn, she decides to go against directions and observe her while she sleeps. Because something happened to her, and if she doesn’t start talking the facility is talking about using more…aggressive… means to make her talk. After all, the police think she had something to do with the dead body found in a car nearby.
Thank you to Love Books Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
January 18, 2025
I had the pleasure of meeting the author at a Waterstones event, I had searched LK Pang’s up online before attending the event just to get a general idea of her and her work and was so so happy to see ‘The Night Counsellor’. The book was slow at the start however that matched the storyline of the book perfectly as Jane was struggling to communicate with Patient A and she herself felt slow progress. As the story progressed I began to find myself trying to find any spare time I had to read the book because I was so invested. Overall the storyline was fantastic with multiple POVs it allowed for me as a reader to develop a stronger connection to the characters within the book.
December 8, 2024
Thanks to Chronos Publishing for my advanced reader copy. This is my honest review, with no obligation to post.
Historical fiction with a dark edge is one of my favourite genres, and The Night Counsellor is a fine example of it. Set in the 1950s – in an asylum – across multiple timelines and POVs, Pang perfects the pacing on this story, unveiling the plot bit by bit as we the reader try to untangle what is happening in the current day. The entire first half is a near-perfect slow burn with gorgeous characters: a single working mother, a new wife, a kind neighbour, an absent husband.
Pang doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of life in an institution either. In fact, she delves deep into the unsettling way that women were demonised and institutionalised for things like, grieving baby loss and a marriage. The author seems to have conducted a great deal of research into this, which I appreciate, and it is a thoughtfully written thread throughout. Aside from the setting, this is also an engaging page-turner. The multiple POVs are well-plotted and, while I thought it was fairly predictable, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story.
I love that Pang isn't afraid to spend plenty of time setting the scene too. There's really beautiful, evocative descriptions of the asylum, Georgina's new home and deep inside all the characters' minds.
An enjoyable historical fiction laced with themes of love, betrayal, mental health, parenthood, trust and the treatment of women.
CW: child loss, abuse, homophobia.
Historical fiction with a dark edge is one of my favourite genres, and The Night Counsellor is a fine example of it. Set in the 1950s – in an asylum – across multiple timelines and POVs, Pang perfects the pacing on this story, unveiling the plot bit by bit as we the reader try to untangle what is happening in the current day. The entire first half is a near-perfect slow burn with gorgeous characters: a single working mother, a new wife, a kind neighbour, an absent husband.
Pang doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of life in an institution either. In fact, she delves deep into the unsettling way that women were demonised and institutionalised for things like, grieving baby loss and a marriage. The author seems to have conducted a great deal of research into this, which I appreciate, and it is a thoughtfully written thread throughout. Aside from the setting, this is also an engaging page-turner. The multiple POVs are well-plotted and, while I thought it was fairly predictable, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story.
I love that Pang isn't afraid to spend plenty of time setting the scene too. There's really beautiful, evocative descriptions of the asylum, Georgina's new home and deep inside all the characters' minds.
An enjoyable historical fiction laced with themes of love, betrayal, mental health, parenthood, trust and the treatment of women.
CW: child loss, abuse, homophobia.
November 13, 2025
A thrilling story of love and loss in the most dire of settings. There has always been something that has moved me, reading accounts of women who were forced into asylums, the mistreatment and absolute misunderstanding of the women psyche. This story is not a true story, but there are many true stories out there that would be similar, its heartbreaking to read.
For many of us, this could have been our life if born into the wrong time. We are lucky, but still not always understood.
This story was written well, it was clear and concise in its writing style, with multiple POVs adding to the story telling and building the back story in a more complete sense.
An enjoyable read
For many of us, this could have been our life if born into the wrong time. We are lucky, but still not always understood.
This story was written well, it was clear and concise in its writing style, with multiple POVs adding to the story telling and building the back story in a more complete sense.
An enjoyable read
October 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅ Short Chapters
✅ Two Timelines
✅ Multiple POVs
✅ Locked room trope
Just when I thought I had it all figured out - nope. Not today. I could talk about this for days. It is a dark psychological thriller with themes of mental health, sexual orientation and literal asylums and medical treatment that took place. Like ahh. Think Nurse Ratched.
✅ Short Chapters
✅ Two Timelines
✅ Multiple POVs
✅ Locked room trope
Just when I thought I had it all figured out - nope. Not today. I could talk about this for days. It is a dark psychological thriller with themes of mental health, sexual orientation and literal asylums and medical treatment that took place. Like ahh. Think Nurse Ratched.
November 3, 2024
I was sent a copy of this book for review.
This book took me by surprise and captivated me from start to finish. The premise intrigued me, but the intricate story with its multiple plot threads gripped me so tightly that I read it in one sitting.
The book features many incredible female characters. Jane, the night counselor, is a single mother striving to succeed in a profession that often looks down on her as a woman, while society shuns her for being abandoned by her husband. Despite these challenges, she perseveres and does her best to help her patient.
Patient A is the main mystery of the story. She is mute due to unexplained trauma, yet at night she sleep talks, allowing the horrifying truth for her current state to emerge from her nightmares. The picture revealed by her nightmares becomes increasingly unsettling but provides Jane with clues about who she is and what led to her catatonia.
The narrative unfolds over a year, shifting between different timelines. The present-day storyline follows Jane’s efforts to help Patient A recover from her trauma and to uncover why she was found near a woman’s dead body. Flashbacks reveal the lives of Alma and Georgina from the nearby village, who are experiencing marital struggles for different reasons but have formed a deep friendship and love for one another. As the story is set in the 1950s, the prevalent homophobia from other characters regarding their relationship adds tension and danger to their lives.
The book provides a chilling glimpse into the inhumane treatment experienced in mental institutions during the 1950s. It highlights how easily women could be committed simply for attempting to step outside traditional societal roles or explore their sexuality. The heartbreaking realities of their suffering: including shocking procedures, violence, and experimental treatments administered by uncaring doctors—serve as a saddening eye-opener.
Overall, I highly recommend this emotional read populated with intriguingly realistic characters whose journeys compel you to care for them deeply.
This book took me by surprise and captivated me from start to finish. The premise intrigued me, but the intricate story with its multiple plot threads gripped me so tightly that I read it in one sitting.
The book features many incredible female characters. Jane, the night counselor, is a single mother striving to succeed in a profession that often looks down on her as a woman, while society shuns her for being abandoned by her husband. Despite these challenges, she perseveres and does her best to help her patient.
Patient A is the main mystery of the story. She is mute due to unexplained trauma, yet at night she sleep talks, allowing the horrifying truth for her current state to emerge from her nightmares. The picture revealed by her nightmares becomes increasingly unsettling but provides Jane with clues about who she is and what led to her catatonia.
The narrative unfolds over a year, shifting between different timelines. The present-day storyline follows Jane’s efforts to help Patient A recover from her trauma and to uncover why she was found near a woman’s dead body. Flashbacks reveal the lives of Alma and Georgina from the nearby village, who are experiencing marital struggles for different reasons but have formed a deep friendship and love for one another. As the story is set in the 1950s, the prevalent homophobia from other characters regarding their relationship adds tension and danger to their lives.
The book provides a chilling glimpse into the inhumane treatment experienced in mental institutions during the 1950s. It highlights how easily women could be committed simply for attempting to step outside traditional societal roles or explore their sexuality. The heartbreaking realities of their suffering: including shocking procedures, violence, and experimental treatments administered by uncaring doctors—serve as a saddening eye-opener.
Overall, I highly recommend this emotional read populated with intriguingly realistic characters whose journeys compel you to care for them deeply.
November 2, 2024
Gorgeous cover, short chapters, different timeline with different POV all set in an institutional setting.
I was creeped out reading the blurb but once I started this I was completely hooked.
Mental health in the 1950s would be bad enough but being in the Beaumont with its dark history as an asylum is a partnership in spooky heaven.
The story of patient A was fascinating mystery and I couldn’t wait to find out more about them.
A really good psychological twisty thriller that fans of the genre will love, I know I did ❤️
I was creeped out reading the blurb but once I started this I was completely hooked.
Mental health in the 1950s would be bad enough but being in the Beaumont with its dark history as an asylum is a partnership in spooky heaven.
The story of patient A was fascinating mystery and I couldn’t wait to find out more about them.
A really good psychological twisty thriller that fans of the genre will love, I know I did ❤️
September 23, 2024
I absolutely adored this book! L.K Pang has a great gift of transporting her readers right into the story. I fell in love with the diversity of characters even side characters. I loved Clio right from the start and even more so at the end. Jaw dropping twists & turns throughout. You won’t be able to put this book down. I still think about it days after finishing it! If you love an asylum story you will love this.
November 8, 2024
I cant express how obsessed I am with this read, I miss reading it! It is just an epic gripping tale! Hooked me in on the very first page and I literally couldn't put it down! Luckily I didn't have any appointments or I would have cancelled them so I didn't have to put this book down.
The storyline is just chillingly epic! At times it sent chills to my very soul! To think of what happens in these places and to people whom don't actually need to be there.. woahhh..
The characters are just brilliantly created! Jane was so good and brave to go in so deep and uncover the truth. I actually love Cleo, and feel like she was just a great nutty side character.
The storyline is just chillingly epic! At times it sent chills to my very soul! To think of what happens in these places and to people whom don't actually need to be there.. woahhh..
The characters are just brilliantly created! Jane was so good and brave to go in so deep and uncover the truth. I actually love Cleo, and feel like she was just a great nutty side character.
January 18, 2025
Anything to do with Asylums and I get so freaked out 😂 but when I saw the book I fell in love with the cover, and the synopsis definitely had me intrigued so I couldn’t help but give it a read.
As soon as I started reading I was hooked and didn’t want to stop, this is such a brilliant historical fiction read that’s heavy on the mystery with spooky elements sprinkled all the way through. A brilliant read that I for one highly recommend!
As soon as I started reading I was hooked and didn’t want to stop, this is such a brilliant historical fiction read that’s heavy on the mystery with spooky elements sprinkled all the way through. A brilliant read that I for one highly recommend!
October 31, 2024
What a fantastic read! Right up my alley!
This book chilled me to the core, perfect for a spooky season.
I liked how the author explores many problems that are still relevant today and shows us a society that punishes women who dared to defy social conversations.
Such a compelling and satisfying read.
Gothic atmosphere, Forbidden Love, Betrayal, Insanity ,
Secrets ,Experiments: This book has it all.
This book chilled me to the core, perfect for a spooky season.
I liked how the author explores many problems that are still relevant today and shows us a society that punishes women who dared to defy social conversations.
Such a compelling and satisfying read.
Gothic atmosphere, Forbidden Love, Betrayal, Insanity ,
Secrets ,Experiments: This book has it all.
October 19, 2024
Note: The author provided me with the book for this review, but all opinions stated are my own honest thoughts. The links are not affiliated in any way.
Summary:
In 1953, a woman who became known as Patient A, is found covered in blood and unable to speak or move. She is taken to The Beaumont, a hospital for the mentally ill with a disturbing treatment history, where Jane Galloway is sent to try and help her. Soon Jane discovers that she must work fast, as Patient A may be forced to take the blame for a crime she did not commit. After a tipoff from a patient, Jane realises that Patient A is talking in her sleep and so visits her every night to finally uncover the strange events and dangerous agendas at play. But how will Jane prove her patient’s innocence and protect her son when others are working to keep her silenced?
The Specifics of the Edition:
I read a digital advanced readers copy. It is available in paperback format and is currently free on Kindle Unlimited.
My thoughts:
Something that will always interest me in stories is when it is told between split perspectives, allowing the reader into the mind of other characters – often, therefore, adding a new twist on established events – and letting us be a step ahead of the protagonist. The Night Counsellor weaves together the events of Jane, Alma, Georgia and Charles’s life through a multi-media approach, having chapters of them going through events, diary entries and letters. Charles’ perspective was included towards the end of the book, which I found an interesting choice, as it showed us his thought processes and felt jarring (in a way that benefited the horror of the events we had just read).
A core aspect of this novel is the ill treatment of those that did not conform with the expectations of the society of the time, from the victims of malpractice at The Beaumont, the struggle Jane goes through as a single mother who was pregnant outside of wedlock, Georgina who cannot have children and the intolerance of society against same-sex relationships. I think every character encountered felt fully fleshed out and enriched the realism of all perspectives. I could certainly see that there could be potential for further stories stemming from the resulting events of the novel’s conclusion or about other more minor characters (such as more about Cleo/the family story that connects to Alexander Feyman). Jane, the official protagonist, Alma and Georgia were wonderful characters to centre around and felt particularly alive on the page.
I found the settings to be described vividly, which allowed me to feel fully immersed into the story and understand more about the perspective I was presented with. Pang is clearly well-versed with the thriller/gothic-leaning genre and hit every emotional beat and expected scene flawlessly. The pacing and atmosphere kept readers engaged, no scene feeling particularly dragged out or too short for my personal preference. Though each character went through incredibly traumatic events, many aspects will be keenly relatable to readers, which I think helps you connect to them on a personal level and makes their happy endings more meaningful.
I am not particularly knowledgeable about this time period...
Please find the rest of my review here: https://thesilentreviewerblog.wordpre...
Summary:
In 1953, a woman who became known as Patient A, is found covered in blood and unable to speak or move. She is taken to The Beaumont, a hospital for the mentally ill with a disturbing treatment history, where Jane Galloway is sent to try and help her. Soon Jane discovers that she must work fast, as Patient A may be forced to take the blame for a crime she did not commit. After a tipoff from a patient, Jane realises that Patient A is talking in her sleep and so visits her every night to finally uncover the strange events and dangerous agendas at play. But how will Jane prove her patient’s innocence and protect her son when others are working to keep her silenced?
The Specifics of the Edition:
I read a digital advanced readers copy. It is available in paperback format and is currently free on Kindle Unlimited.
My thoughts:
Something that will always interest me in stories is when it is told between split perspectives, allowing the reader into the mind of other characters – often, therefore, adding a new twist on established events – and letting us be a step ahead of the protagonist. The Night Counsellor weaves together the events of Jane, Alma, Georgia and Charles’s life through a multi-media approach, having chapters of them going through events, diary entries and letters. Charles’ perspective was included towards the end of the book, which I found an interesting choice, as it showed us his thought processes and felt jarring (in a way that benefited the horror of the events we had just read).
A core aspect of this novel is the ill treatment of those that did not conform with the expectations of the society of the time, from the victims of malpractice at The Beaumont, the struggle Jane goes through as a single mother who was pregnant outside of wedlock, Georgina who cannot have children and the intolerance of society against same-sex relationships. I think every character encountered felt fully fleshed out and enriched the realism of all perspectives. I could certainly see that there could be potential for further stories stemming from the resulting events of the novel’s conclusion or about other more minor characters (such as more about Cleo/the family story that connects to Alexander Feyman). Jane, the official protagonist, Alma and Georgia were wonderful characters to centre around and felt particularly alive on the page.
I found the settings to be described vividly, which allowed me to feel fully immersed into the story and understand more about the perspective I was presented with. Pang is clearly well-versed with the thriller/gothic-leaning genre and hit every emotional beat and expected scene flawlessly. The pacing and atmosphere kept readers engaged, no scene feeling particularly dragged out or too short for my personal preference. Though each character went through incredibly traumatic events, many aspects will be keenly relatable to readers, which I think helps you connect to them on a personal level and makes their happy endings more meaningful.
I am not particularly knowledgeable about this time period...
Please find the rest of my review here: https://thesilentreviewerblog.wordpre...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2024
Set against the grim backdrop of a 1950s psychiatric hospital in Yorkshire, The Night Counsellor weaves a haunting tale of fear, passion and the struggle for identity. The novel masterfully explores the complexities of love and the suffocating societal norms of the time, particularly through the poignant friendship between two women, whose bond defies the oppressive structures surrounding them.
L. K. Pang’s vivid descriptions of the hospital’s bleak corridors and cold institutional walls create an atmosphere thick with tension and despair. Yet, within this harsh environment, the story blossoms through its strong female characters. The night counsellor herself, a fierce advocate for her patient, stands as a beacon of hope amid the suppression. Her compassion contrasts sharply with the cruel realities of the hospital, highlighting the broader themes of resilience and solidarity among women.
The nurses, each with their own struggles and backgrounds, add depth to the narrative. They navigate their roles within a system that often dehumanises those it’s meant to care for, revealing the moral dilemmas they face. The relationships between the staff and the patients, as well as the dynamics between the main characters and their neighbours and relatives, reflect the societal attitudes of the era, creating a rich tapestry of interactions that underscore the isolation experienced by the women.
At the heart of the story is the love affair between the two protagonists, which is both tender and fraught with danger. Their relationship is beautifully depicted, capturing the intensity of their feelings amid a world that seeks to tear them apart. L. K. Pang doesn’t shy away from the risks involved, portraying the constant threat of exposure and the devastating consequences that follow.
The writing is evocative, with a lyrical quality that draws readers into the emotional landscape of the characters. Moments of quiet intimacy contrast sharply with the brutality of the psychiatric hospital, making the stakes feel even higher. As the story unfolds, the tension builds, leading to a climax that is both heart-wrenching and cathartic.
The Night Counsellor is a powerful exploration of love in the face of adversity, showcasing the strength and resilience of women in a time when their voices were often silenced. It’s a gripping read that lingers long after the final page, inviting reflection on the themes of identity, love and the fight against oppression. This novel is a must-read for those who appreciate stories of courage and passion set against a backdrop of societal struggle.
L. K. Pang’s vivid descriptions of the hospital’s bleak corridors and cold institutional walls create an atmosphere thick with tension and despair. Yet, within this harsh environment, the story blossoms through its strong female characters. The night counsellor herself, a fierce advocate for her patient, stands as a beacon of hope amid the suppression. Her compassion contrasts sharply with the cruel realities of the hospital, highlighting the broader themes of resilience and solidarity among women.
The nurses, each with their own struggles and backgrounds, add depth to the narrative. They navigate their roles within a system that often dehumanises those it’s meant to care for, revealing the moral dilemmas they face. The relationships between the staff and the patients, as well as the dynamics between the main characters and their neighbours and relatives, reflect the societal attitudes of the era, creating a rich tapestry of interactions that underscore the isolation experienced by the women.
At the heart of the story is the love affair between the two protagonists, which is both tender and fraught with danger. Their relationship is beautifully depicted, capturing the intensity of their feelings amid a world that seeks to tear them apart. L. K. Pang doesn’t shy away from the risks involved, portraying the constant threat of exposure and the devastating consequences that follow.
The writing is evocative, with a lyrical quality that draws readers into the emotional landscape of the characters. Moments of quiet intimacy contrast sharply with the brutality of the psychiatric hospital, making the stakes feel even higher. As the story unfolds, the tension builds, leading to a climax that is both heart-wrenching and cathartic.
The Night Counsellor is a powerful exploration of love in the face of adversity, showcasing the strength and resilience of women in a time when their voices were often silenced. It’s a gripping read that lingers long after the final page, inviting reflection on the themes of identity, love and the fight against oppression. This novel is a must-read for those who appreciate stories of courage and passion set against a backdrop of societal struggle.
November 6, 2024
Hush, can you hear that? The silence is almost deafening, until dusk decides to break it that is.
Deep within the shadowy corridors of The Beaumont, a mental hospital haunted by its sordid past as an asylum, a chilling mystery unfolds. In 1953, a woman is found mute, nude, and drenched in blood on the outskirts of West Yorkshire. With no memory and no one to claim her, she's dubbed Patient A and committed to the institution's care.
Enter Jane Galloway, a driven counsellor dead-set on restoring Patient A's ability to speak, no matter how unconventional her methods may seem. But Jane's efforts to pierce the eerie silence face fierce opposition from the hospital's rigid hierarchy. And when whispers in the night link Patient A to a recently discovered corpse, the situation takes a bone-chilling turn.
As Jane closes in on unraveling the unsettling connection between her patient and the mysterious death, she must battle a tangled web of institutional resistance and hidden agendas. With time running out, Jane's quest to help Patient A reclaim her voice grows more desperate by the minute. Because in the harrowing halls of The Beaumont, speaking up can be a deadly proposition.
Will Patient A find her voice before the shadows of her past come to silence her forever?
I've been getting back into historical fiction lately, and when I saw the blurb for this one, I knew I had to check it out. And let me tell you, Pang absolutely crushed it.
From the first page, they had me hooked. The way they set the scene, plunging you right into the shadowy corridors of this mental hospital with a haunting past? It's like you can practically feel the tension in the air.
And the characters and the way the story unfolds? Spot on, my friends. Absolutely spot on.
I was completely lured in, just diving headfirst into this unraveling tale.
And the writing, guys, the writing is top-notch. Pang really knows how to craft a gripping narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
If you're looking for a historical fiction read that's going to thrill you from start to finish, I can't recommend "The Night Counsellor" enough. Seriously, do yourself a favour and pick this one up. You won't regret it.
I’ll just be over here waiting patiently until January to meet L K Pang and get my beautiful paperback signed.
Deep within the shadowy corridors of The Beaumont, a mental hospital haunted by its sordid past as an asylum, a chilling mystery unfolds. In 1953, a woman is found mute, nude, and drenched in blood on the outskirts of West Yorkshire. With no memory and no one to claim her, she's dubbed Patient A and committed to the institution's care.
Enter Jane Galloway, a driven counsellor dead-set on restoring Patient A's ability to speak, no matter how unconventional her methods may seem. But Jane's efforts to pierce the eerie silence face fierce opposition from the hospital's rigid hierarchy. And when whispers in the night link Patient A to a recently discovered corpse, the situation takes a bone-chilling turn.
As Jane closes in on unraveling the unsettling connection between her patient and the mysterious death, she must battle a tangled web of institutional resistance and hidden agendas. With time running out, Jane's quest to help Patient A reclaim her voice grows more desperate by the minute. Because in the harrowing halls of The Beaumont, speaking up can be a deadly proposition.
Will Patient A find her voice before the shadows of her past come to silence her forever?
I've been getting back into historical fiction lately, and when I saw the blurb for this one, I knew I had to check it out. And let me tell you, Pang absolutely crushed it.
From the first page, they had me hooked. The way they set the scene, plunging you right into the shadowy corridors of this mental hospital with a haunting past? It's like you can practically feel the tension in the air.
And the characters and the way the story unfolds? Spot on, my friends. Absolutely spot on.
I was completely lured in, just diving headfirst into this unraveling tale.
And the writing, guys, the writing is top-notch. Pang really knows how to craft a gripping narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
If you're looking for a historical fiction read that's going to thrill you from start to finish, I can't recommend "The Night Counsellor" enough. Seriously, do yourself a favour and pick this one up. You won't regret it.
I’ll just be over here waiting patiently until January to meet L K Pang and get my beautiful paperback signed.
June 9, 2025
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Night Counsellor
Author: L K Pang
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
12 felt it was easy to follow.
13 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Excellent mystery. A little bit scary in parts – which I loved. The setting is spooky, and the MC (Jane) is wonderfully determined. I loved every page of this.” Male reader, aged 69
“The writer did a super job of SLOWLY revealing who did what to who. Excellent pacing with an atmospheric (asylum/mental hospital) setting. In terms of writing style, it’s vivid, the author possessing far-ranging vocabulary and the ability to put over a story in a suspenseful way.” Female reader, aged 66
“As psychological thrillers go, this was better than most. It’s highly unpredictable, and the MC, Jane, is the sort of character you want to root for. Her tenacity in the face of difficult odds is why this novel is so good.” Female reader, aged 49
“A little slow in parts, the author in no rush to unravel the mystery, But it’s well-written, smartly plotted, with plenty of suspense – particularly in the second half. It’s not always easy to follow, with different POVs, but everything clicks by the end. A solid mystery/thriller/low level horror.” Male reader, aged 55
“If you enjoy a good thriller, this is for you. I enjoyed this book over three evenings – it became my Friday night novel!” Female reader, aged 67
To Sum It Up:
‘A suspense-filled, highly unpredictable thriller with a strong, female protagonist to root for. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: The Night Counsellor
Author: L K Pang
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
12 felt it was easy to follow.
13 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Excellent mystery. A little bit scary in parts – which I loved. The setting is spooky, and the MC (Jane) is wonderfully determined. I loved every page of this.” Male reader, aged 69
“The writer did a super job of SLOWLY revealing who did what to who. Excellent pacing with an atmospheric (asylum/mental hospital) setting. In terms of writing style, it’s vivid, the author possessing far-ranging vocabulary and the ability to put over a story in a suspenseful way.” Female reader, aged 66
“As psychological thrillers go, this was better than most. It’s highly unpredictable, and the MC, Jane, is the sort of character you want to root for. Her tenacity in the face of difficult odds is why this novel is so good.” Female reader, aged 49
“A little slow in parts, the author in no rush to unravel the mystery, But it’s well-written, smartly plotted, with plenty of suspense – particularly in the second half. It’s not always easy to follow, with different POVs, but everything clicks by the end. A solid mystery/thriller/low level horror.” Male reader, aged 55
“If you enjoy a good thriller, this is for you. I enjoyed this book over three evenings – it became my Friday night novel!” Female reader, aged 67
To Sum It Up:
‘A suspense-filled, highly unpredictable thriller with a strong, female protagonist to root for. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ Wishing Shelf Book Awards
November 24, 2025
In 1953 in Yorkshire, counsellor Jane Galloway is asked by a doctor she works with if she would be prepared to help with a patient in Beaumont mental hospital. The patient was found naked and bloody near a burnt-out car containing a body. The police want to question her as a suspect to murder but as she is mute and unresponsive, no one knows her name or what happened.
Jane visits the patient daily to try to win her confidence and break through her silence, but to no avail. When she is told by another inmate that the patient talks in her sleep, Jane decides to visit her at night to see if she can get through to her while she sleeps. What she discovers will endanger both Jane and her patient.
In the Beaumont, the author has created a very creepy, gothic atmosphere ruled over by a sinister doctor with his own agenda. The attitudes and treatment of mental health in the 1950s is well depicted, along with a range of characters from the disdainful nurse following strict rules to the more friendly nurse who cares about the patients, and female patients incarcerated for not behaving as society expected them to.
Jane is an interesting character, although we only get a sketchy outline of her background and what led her to become a counsellor. Unusually for the time period, she’s a single working mother with a young son, deserted by her husband, and lucky to have a friendly neighbour to stay with her son at night. She has also captured the attention of a friendly policeman who is concerned about her safety at night in the eerie hospital.
The tale is related in two time lines, gradually giving us the patient’s background at the same time as events unfold in the Beaumont. Both are intriguing and move along at a good pace and, although the reader can work out who the patient is, there is still plenty to find out about what happened before she came to be in the Beaumont. Several unexpected twists lead to an exciting climax which readers of historical mysteries with gothic vibes will enjoy. 4.5★
Jane visits the patient daily to try to win her confidence and break through her silence, but to no avail. When she is told by another inmate that the patient talks in her sleep, Jane decides to visit her at night to see if she can get through to her while she sleeps. What she discovers will endanger both Jane and her patient.
In the Beaumont, the author has created a very creepy, gothic atmosphere ruled over by a sinister doctor with his own agenda. The attitudes and treatment of mental health in the 1950s is well depicted, along with a range of characters from the disdainful nurse following strict rules to the more friendly nurse who cares about the patients, and female patients incarcerated for not behaving as society expected them to.
Jane is an interesting character, although we only get a sketchy outline of her background and what led her to become a counsellor. Unusually for the time period, she’s a single working mother with a young son, deserted by her husband, and lucky to have a friendly neighbour to stay with her son at night. She has also captured the attention of a friendly policeman who is concerned about her safety at night in the eerie hospital.
The tale is related in two time lines, gradually giving us the patient’s background at the same time as events unfold in the Beaumont. Both are intriguing and move along at a good pace and, although the reader can work out who the patient is, there is still plenty to find out about what happened before she came to be in the Beaumont. Several unexpected twists lead to an exciting climax which readers of historical mysteries with gothic vibes will enjoy. 4.5★
November 6, 2024
This chilling tale takes us through the maze-like halls of The Beaumont, a mental hospital that’s definitely not winning any “Most Inviting Place to Recover” awards. Built on the bones of its past as an asylum, it’s the sort of place where footsteps echo a little too loudly and whispers drift from the shadows.
It’s here that Patient A, found mute, bloody, and utterly lost, becomes the focal point of the story….. eerie vibes!
Enter Jane Galloway, a counsellor who’s as compassionate as she is determined, and whose methods of treating Patient A are anything but typical. Jane’s mission to help Patient A rediscover her voice quickly turns from professional to personal as she faces down institutional pushback, skeptical colleagues, and a thickening mystery involving a nearby corpse that Patient A may—or may not—be connected to.
Pang has crafted Jane as the ultimate underdog, and her fight to connect with Patient A had me rooting for her even as I'd worry what she’ll uncover next.
With a Gothic, suspense-laden atmosphere, Pang sets up each scene to feel like a secret waiting to be told, or a danger waiting to strike. The hospital itself feels alive, as if it’s holding its own dark memory of the past, an unspoken tale stitched into every cracked tile and shadowy corridor.
This is more than a thriller; The Night Counsellor is an unsettling reflection on the human urge to connect, even in the most broken places.
The story’s twists and turns kept me up until late, piecing together Jane’s race against time and Patient A’s tangled memories.
In a world where silence can kill, The Night Counsellor delivers a chilling question: what if the truth is just as terrifying as the unknown?
If you’re in the mood for a book that’ll haunt you in the best possible way, this is one you will not want to miss out on!!
It’s here that Patient A, found mute, bloody, and utterly lost, becomes the focal point of the story….. eerie vibes!
Enter Jane Galloway, a counsellor who’s as compassionate as she is determined, and whose methods of treating Patient A are anything but typical. Jane’s mission to help Patient A rediscover her voice quickly turns from professional to personal as she faces down institutional pushback, skeptical colleagues, and a thickening mystery involving a nearby corpse that Patient A may—or may not—be connected to.
Pang has crafted Jane as the ultimate underdog, and her fight to connect with Patient A had me rooting for her even as I'd worry what she’ll uncover next.
With a Gothic, suspense-laden atmosphere, Pang sets up each scene to feel like a secret waiting to be told, or a danger waiting to strike. The hospital itself feels alive, as if it’s holding its own dark memory of the past, an unspoken tale stitched into every cracked tile and shadowy corridor.
This is more than a thriller; The Night Counsellor is an unsettling reflection on the human urge to connect, even in the most broken places.
The story’s twists and turns kept me up until late, piecing together Jane’s race against time and Patient A’s tangled memories.
In a world where silence can kill, The Night Counsellor delivers a chilling question: what if the truth is just as terrifying as the unknown?
If you’re in the mood for a book that’ll haunt you in the best possible way, this is one you will not want to miss out on!!
June 2, 2025
This was a great read! Gothic and oppressive and quite terrifying in parts - the monsters aren't always who you think they are.
Jane, a counsellor who is also a single mother in the 1950s, is enlisted by the Beaumont Asylum to assist with Patient A, an anonymous woman who has turned up at the hospital mute and barely able to even move of her own accord. She appeared naked, covered in blood and mud, with no ability to communicate what had happened, and she is quickly embroiled in a murder investigation. It's Jane's job to try to get the patient to talk to help untangle exactly what happened.
The setting in a 1950s asylum is brilliant - such an iconic era, and especially terrifying as a woman confined to it. I also really enjoyed the wider setting of West Yorkshire which added a lot of depth to the novel.
I enjoyed reading about the exploration of the mind through unorthodox methods, particularly including during sleep. It was a time of emerging therapies and, while much of it seems barbaric now, it's fascinating.
Jane is a great character, both in her professional and personal life, as these stories sit alongside each other. Of course, Patient A's story along with another's is also interwoven throughout the novel, and these characters are also well written.
The book reminded me of a slightly more historic and English version of some of those by my all time favourite author, Carol Goodman, so if that's your jam, I'm sure you'll love this too.
Thank you to the author and the publishers for a review copy of this book - I received it earlier this year via a request in a local Facebook group (the author is local to me), and have only just managed to get it compatible with my Kindle - but I'm so glad I did! I have her first book on my list to read soon now too!
Jane, a counsellor who is also a single mother in the 1950s, is enlisted by the Beaumont Asylum to assist with Patient A, an anonymous woman who has turned up at the hospital mute and barely able to even move of her own accord. She appeared naked, covered in blood and mud, with no ability to communicate what had happened, and she is quickly embroiled in a murder investigation. It's Jane's job to try to get the patient to talk to help untangle exactly what happened.
The setting in a 1950s asylum is brilliant - such an iconic era, and especially terrifying as a woman confined to it. I also really enjoyed the wider setting of West Yorkshire which added a lot of depth to the novel.
I enjoyed reading about the exploration of the mind through unorthodox methods, particularly including during sleep. It was a time of emerging therapies and, while much of it seems barbaric now, it's fascinating.
Jane is a great character, both in her professional and personal life, as these stories sit alongside each other. Of course, Patient A's story along with another's is also interwoven throughout the novel, and these characters are also well written.
The book reminded me of a slightly more historic and English version of some of those by my all time favourite author, Carol Goodman, so if that's your jam, I'm sure you'll love this too.
Thank you to the author and the publishers for a review copy of this book - I received it earlier this year via a request in a local Facebook group (the author is local to me), and have only just managed to get it compatible with my Kindle - but I'm so glad I did! I have her first book on my list to read soon now too!
October 11, 2024
Review of The Night Counsellor by LK Pang
I really enjoyed reading this book.
This is a thriller and love story set against the background of a forbidding asylum that towers over the local town and the attitudes and prejudices of the 1950s.
I was drawn immediately into the story by the opening pages. I too wanted to know who Patient A was and what her story was, and why she was in the asylum? Who had put her there? What were the circumstances behind how she was found?
I liked the fact that it was a single woman with a child working in such an institution as a Talking Therapy Counsellor in the 1950’s. The book highlighted the difficulties of women at that time trying to be different from the expected norms. All the main characters had heartache, disappointments and secrets in their life.
This is a Gothic style novel set amongst the background of a building that dominates the surrounding town and area ruled by a domineering doctor who does not like new methods and acts like his word is God. We are told by the local people that ‘whoever goes in there does not come out’
We first meet Jane and Patient A and then we are introduced to Georgina and her unhappy and loveless marriage. Here we do encounter stereotypes of an absent husband and then an interfering mother-in-law. We then are introduced to Alma who we guess must be Patient A.
Different time periods are used in the book to good effect. The story of Georgina and Alma are set in the past whilst the story of Jane and her attempts to find out who Patient A is takes place in the present time of the story.
The story of patient A slowly unfolds and the desire of Jane to find out what happened to her leads her into danger. Can she uncover the truth and set Patient A free without endangering all their lives?
I really enjoyed reading this book.
This is a thriller and love story set against the background of a forbidding asylum that towers over the local town and the attitudes and prejudices of the 1950s.
I was drawn immediately into the story by the opening pages. I too wanted to know who Patient A was and what her story was, and why she was in the asylum? Who had put her there? What were the circumstances behind how she was found?
I liked the fact that it was a single woman with a child working in such an institution as a Talking Therapy Counsellor in the 1950’s. The book highlighted the difficulties of women at that time trying to be different from the expected norms. All the main characters had heartache, disappointments and secrets in their life.
This is a Gothic style novel set amongst the background of a building that dominates the surrounding town and area ruled by a domineering doctor who does not like new methods and acts like his word is God. We are told by the local people that ‘whoever goes in there does not come out’
We first meet Jane and Patient A and then we are introduced to Georgina and her unhappy and loveless marriage. Here we do encounter stereotypes of an absent husband and then an interfering mother-in-law. We then are introduced to Alma who we guess must be Patient A.
Different time periods are used in the book to good effect. The story of Georgina and Alma are set in the past whilst the story of Jane and her attempts to find out who Patient A is takes place in the present time of the story.
The story of patient A slowly unfolds and the desire of Jane to find out what happened to her leads her into danger. Can she uncover the truth and set Patient A free without endangering all their lives?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2024
Some parts of this book were very personal for me, so I found it harrowing to read at times. I apologise as I’ve alluded to this before, but my Jewish mother (who I now believe was suffering from PTSD following a traumatic escape from Vienna in 1938, and the death of my sister from tubercular meningitis in 1951) was sent to one of these places. She was given electric shock treatment – I can never read about the patients being tied down and a piece of wood put in their mouths to stop them from screaming without flinching – and finally she had a lobotomy.
Women suffering from depression and chronic anxiety disorder were described as having ‘neurotic melancholia’. Sir Alexander Feyman (head of the Beaumont in the story) believed that EST and a lobotomy were the only ways forward. Patients supposedly became calmer like Cleo. Lobotomies were often performed on gay men to ‘cure’ their homosexuality. Shocking to think that this was what they still did in my lifetime.
The Night Counsellor opens in 1953 where Counsellor Jane Galloway, has been hired by the Beaumont lunatic asylum (they still used that term) to try and help Patient ‘A’ to regain her speech. But Jane is getting nowhere and time is running out as the police believe Patient ‘A’ is linked to the death of another woman, whose body was found nearby. They don’t know who either of the women are.
Then we go back to 1952 and Georgina is married to Charles who takes her away from London to live in his huge house in Yorkshire. It’s right next door to his mother Lillian, who comes and goes as she pleases with her own key. They have tried to start a family, but she miscarries every time and she soon finds herself severely depressed. She self-harms and becomes anorexic, and this is where Charles brings in Alexander to ‘help’, while he swans around Europe selling luxury cigars, allegedly.
While a lot of the treatment in these mental hospitals seems barbaric by today’s standards, the author makes it clear that The Night Counsellor is a work of fiction. I’m sure most hospitals believed they were helping patients using the limited knowledge and expertise of their time, not carrying out experimental procedures that resulted in patients being buried in unmarked graves. Science has moved on thank goodness.
I really enjoyed reading The Night Counsellor, particularly from Jane’s point of view. The last quarter of the book really ramps up the tension as the truths and secrets are revealed, much of which was shocking and unexpected. I also adored the Gothic feel of the book, as Gothic is probably in my top three genres at the moment.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of #TheNightCounsellor blog tour.
Women suffering from depression and chronic anxiety disorder were described as having ‘neurotic melancholia’. Sir Alexander Feyman (head of the Beaumont in the story) believed that EST and a lobotomy were the only ways forward. Patients supposedly became calmer like Cleo. Lobotomies were often performed on gay men to ‘cure’ their homosexuality. Shocking to think that this was what they still did in my lifetime.
The Night Counsellor opens in 1953 where Counsellor Jane Galloway, has been hired by the Beaumont lunatic asylum (they still used that term) to try and help Patient ‘A’ to regain her speech. But Jane is getting nowhere and time is running out as the police believe Patient ‘A’ is linked to the death of another woman, whose body was found nearby. They don’t know who either of the women are.
Then we go back to 1952 and Georgina is married to Charles who takes her away from London to live in his huge house in Yorkshire. It’s right next door to his mother Lillian, who comes and goes as she pleases with her own key. They have tried to start a family, but she miscarries every time and she soon finds herself severely depressed. She self-harms and becomes anorexic, and this is where Charles brings in Alexander to ‘help’, while he swans around Europe selling luxury cigars, allegedly.
While a lot of the treatment in these mental hospitals seems barbaric by today’s standards, the author makes it clear that The Night Counsellor is a work of fiction. I’m sure most hospitals believed they were helping patients using the limited knowledge and expertise of their time, not carrying out experimental procedures that resulted in patients being buried in unmarked graves. Science has moved on thank goodness.
I really enjoyed reading The Night Counsellor, particularly from Jane’s point of view. The last quarter of the book really ramps up the tension as the truths and secrets are revealed, much of which was shocking and unexpected. I also adored the Gothic feel of the book, as Gothic is probably in my top three genres at the moment.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of #TheNightCounsellor blog tour.
November 1, 2024
It’s 1953 in the outskirts of West Yorkshire and a woman has been found naked, drenched in blood and completely mute. Who is she and more importantly, what happened? Named Patient A by the staff at The Beaumont Mental Health Hospital, she is placed under their care whilst the Police and staff attempt to figure out who she is. With a corpse being found close to where Patient A was discovered, all signs point to her as the killer…
I was instantly hooked from the get go. The split POV going back and forth in time really added to the suspense of the story and allowed us to understand and connect with the characters more.
Jane, labelled the night counsellor, makes it her mission to help Patient A find her voice and unravel the truth.
There are multiple interesting characters and you can’t help but feel sorry for a lot of the patients in the mental hospital. It shows the ill-treatment of those who would not, or simply, could not conform to society’s “norm”.
Twists and turns are thrown at you from all angles leaving you confused and contemplating whether you’re on the right track to solving the mystery.
If you’re a lover of thrillers/gothic style novels with unique characters and love in the face of diversity; you’ll devour this!
Thank you so much to NETGALLEY and LKPANG for allowing me to read and review this ARC in return for my honest opinion. 💙
I was instantly hooked from the get go. The split POV going back and forth in time really added to the suspense of the story and allowed us to understand and connect with the characters more.
Jane, labelled the night counsellor, makes it her mission to help Patient A find her voice and unravel the truth.
There are multiple interesting characters and you can’t help but feel sorry for a lot of the patients in the mental hospital. It shows the ill-treatment of those who would not, or simply, could not conform to society’s “norm”.
Twists and turns are thrown at you from all angles leaving you confused and contemplating whether you’re on the right track to solving the mystery.
If you’re a lover of thrillers/gothic style novels with unique characters and love in the face of diversity; you’ll devour this!
Thank you so much to NETGALLEY and LKPANG for allowing me to read and review this ARC in return for my honest opinion. 💙
January 27, 2025
At the heart of the story is an asylum, a mute patient found near a dead body, and a dedicated therapist who is determined to uncover the truth behind the institution’s dark secrets while helping the patient heal.
This book completely captivated me from the first page to the last. The pacing was masterful, starting off slow and gradually intensifying, pulling me deeper into the story with each chapter. What stood out most was the author’s ability to paint such vivid pictures with words—I could almost see every moment unfolding in front of me. The setting of the asylum was especially fascinating, with its dark history and the eerie atmosphere surrounding it. The treatment of women in that era was brutal, and even though it was a work of fiction, the author made it clear that it was rooted in the harsh realities of the time.
Reading this was an emotional rollercoaster. I got so invested in the characters and their journeys. The shifts between different perspectives and the dual timelines were a bit tricky to follow at first, but once everything fell into place, I was hooked. The characters themselves felt real, complex, and unforgettable—by the end, I felt like I had lived through their experiences with them.
It’s a compelling mix of mystery, emotional depth, and psychological intrigue.
This book completely captivated me from the first page to the last. The pacing was masterful, starting off slow and gradually intensifying, pulling me deeper into the story with each chapter. What stood out most was the author’s ability to paint such vivid pictures with words—I could almost see every moment unfolding in front of me. The setting of the asylum was especially fascinating, with its dark history and the eerie atmosphere surrounding it. The treatment of women in that era was brutal, and even though it was a work of fiction, the author made it clear that it was rooted in the harsh realities of the time.
Reading this was an emotional rollercoaster. I got so invested in the characters and their journeys. The shifts between different perspectives and the dual timelines were a bit tricky to follow at first, but once everything fell into place, I was hooked. The characters themselves felt real, complex, and unforgettable—by the end, I felt like I had lived through their experiences with them.
It’s a compelling mix of mystery, emotional depth, and psychological intrigue.
November 2, 2024
Wow, what a story! It brought up so many emotions in me and I really couldn't put it down. Although it was only a very small part of the story, more to reinforce when it was set rather than anything else I think, it felt strange to read about the ascension of Queen Elizabeth with her death still feeling so recent.
I used to work in a mental health facility. Thankfully the treatment of patients had greatly improved, although some of the older ones would mention ill treatment they had received in the past. I was also struck by the treatment of homosexuals, it's all too easy at times to forget how recently it has become accepted. It's also shocking to think that men could have their wives locked away so easily.
I really liked Jane, she was clearly highly intelligent and quite forward thinking for her time. I also loved Georgina and Alma. I had an initial thought on who they really were, but I was totally wrong. I wasn't entirely sure if Richard was trustworthy or not, likewise some of the nursing staff.
This book was a terrifying glimpse into 1950s psychiatric care, a sad reminder of the prejudices of the past and an overall fantastic read.
I used to work in a mental health facility. Thankfully the treatment of patients had greatly improved, although some of the older ones would mention ill treatment they had received in the past. I was also struck by the treatment of homosexuals, it's all too easy at times to forget how recently it has become accepted. It's also shocking to think that men could have their wives locked away so easily.
I really liked Jane, she was clearly highly intelligent and quite forward thinking for her time. I also loved Georgina and Alma. I had an initial thought on who they really were, but I was totally wrong. I wasn't entirely sure if Richard was trustworthy or not, likewise some of the nursing staff.
This book was a terrifying glimpse into 1950s psychiatric care, a sad reminder of the prejudices of the past and an overall fantastic read.
October 12, 2024
I had already enjoyed Moat Hill Hall so had high hopes for The Night Counsellor. Wow! I really felt I was there, in the room, solving the mystery. I'm always a fan of the Gothic, and this setting in West Yorkshire feels so clear and foreboding.
The sense of dedication of Jane to find out who Patient A really is was admirable - and the commentary of the stigma of female mental health issues especially in that era helps to empathise with Jane's determination.
The diverse cast of characters were deeply intriguing, the time hops easy to follow and necessary (I often worry that multiple timelines can be lazy, but that is not the case in TNC!). I couldn't wait to find out who Patient A was, but at the same time I didn't want the mystery to end, so found myself holding off continuing to read through the night despite the massive temptation. I wanted to savour the pages, the twists and turns, and spend time sitting with the characters. As such, it took me longer to read than usual, but only because I didn't want it to end.
The sense of dedication of Jane to find out who Patient A really is was admirable - and the commentary of the stigma of female mental health issues especially in that era helps to empathise with Jane's determination.
The diverse cast of characters were deeply intriguing, the time hops easy to follow and necessary (I often worry that multiple timelines can be lazy, but that is not the case in TNC!). I couldn't wait to find out who Patient A was, but at the same time I didn't want the mystery to end, so found myself holding off continuing to read through the night despite the massive temptation. I wanted to savour the pages, the twists and turns, and spend time sitting with the characters. As such, it took me longer to read than usual, but only because I didn't want it to end.
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