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The Perfect Therapist
Dr. Lauren Beckinsale's first patient started writing letters to a serial killer when she was ten years old, searching for the truth about what happened to her mother.
Now Lauren has a new patient—a drifter with a violent past who was at the same bar the night a man she was seeing vanished without a trace.
He's court-ordered, which means she can't refuse him. He's in her home once a week, which means she can't avoid him. And everything she knows about what he is, she knows as his therapist—which means she can't tell a soul.
So Lauren goes back to the letters. Years of correspondence between a young girl and the convicted killer she believes murdered her mother—searching for the one detail that will tell her how to survive what's sitting across from her. A copycat. A coincidence. Or something worse.
In this house, everyone is hiding something.
"A master of the psychological narrative." ★★★★★
For readers of Gillian Flynn, Freida McFadden, and Patricia Highsmith.
Please note: The Perfect Therapist is Book 1 of a duology. The resolution, The Perfect Denial, is out May 21st.
'Just when you think you know where the story is heading...' - ★★★★★
Perfect for fans of Never Lie, Sharp Objects, and Gone Girl.
Now Lauren has a new patient—a drifter with a violent past who was at the same bar the night a man she was seeing vanished without a trace.
He's court-ordered, which means she can't refuse him. He's in her home once a week, which means she can't avoid him. And everything she knows about what he is, she knows as his therapist—which means she can't tell a soul.
So Lauren goes back to the letters. Years of correspondence between a young girl and the convicted killer she believes murdered her mother—searching for the one detail that will tell her how to survive what's sitting across from her. A copycat. A coincidence. Or something worse.
In this house, everyone is hiding something.
"A master of the psychological narrative." ★★★★★
For readers of Gillian Flynn, Freida McFadden, and Patricia Highsmith.
Please note: The Perfect Therapist is Book 1 of a duology. The resolution, The Perfect Denial, is out May 21st.
'Just when you think you know where the story is heading...' - ★★★★★
Perfect for fans of Never Lie, Sharp Objects, and Gone Girl.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2025
About the author
Stewart Clyde
17 books40 followersStewart Clyde is the Kindle #1 bestselling author of the Carver & Sandling FBI Mystery Thriller series.
Dive in to what fans are calling 'Criminal Minds' meets 'Silence of the Lambs' now.
Dive in to what fans are calling 'Criminal Minds' meets 'Silence of the Lambs' now.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 25, 2025
This was very meh. I think people who don’t often read thrillers will enjoy this one but for me personally I knew the twist by the second chapter…
April 9, 2026
I give this an honest 2.5 stars. Writing a book is no easy thing to do, so hand clap for that. 👏🏿
I didn't care for the FMC and how she was written, but I'm realizing that is partially due to the twist at the end. There were some plot points that didn't get resolved or explained well enough (but there is a sequel so maybe they get explained there). I like the concept of the plot, it was the execution that left me with questions.
I didn't care for the FMC and how she was written, but I'm realizing that is partially due to the twist at the end. There were some plot points that didn't get resolved or explained well enough (but there is a sequel so maybe they get explained there). I like the concept of the plot, it was the execution that left me with questions.
May 30, 2025
Stewart Clyde has rapidly become one of my favorite authors. This book is the first in his new series, and it's a psychological thriller that lives up to its promise and then some, plunging readers into a world of suspense and unexpected turns right from the start. If you're looking for a book that keeps you guessing right until the very end, this is a must read.
From the start Clyde masterfully draws you into the story, establishing a relentless pace that never lets up. This is a book entirely devoid of filler; every chapter, every scene, every line, feels essential, driving the plot forward with an urgency that is genuinely captivating. My interest never waned, a testament to Clyde's plotting and ability to maintain high stakes throughout.
I absolutely loved the main female character. Far from being "The Perfect Therapist," Lauren is depicted with a compelling human vulnerability. We see her flaws, her moments of lost concentration during sessions, and this makes her instantly relatable. Yet she is also an incredibly strong and proactive character. She doesn't passively wait to be saved, but rather takes charge, navigating potentially dangerous situations with resilience and determination.
This book's greatest strength lies in it's intricate twists. These aren't just minor diversions; there are some seismic shifts that genuinely left me stunned. Just when you think you have it all worked out, Clyde pulls the rug out from under you. The ending in particular is a masterclass in surprise. It left me replaying previous events in my mind trying to work out how I never saw it coming.
I am so excited to see where Clyde takes this series next. My thanks to Stewart for once again allowing me the absolute privilege of being one of his beta readers.
From the start Clyde masterfully draws you into the story, establishing a relentless pace that never lets up. This is a book entirely devoid of filler; every chapter, every scene, every line, feels essential, driving the plot forward with an urgency that is genuinely captivating. My interest never waned, a testament to Clyde's plotting and ability to maintain high stakes throughout.
I absolutely loved the main female character. Far from being "The Perfect Therapist," Lauren is depicted with a compelling human vulnerability. We see her flaws, her moments of lost concentration during sessions, and this makes her instantly relatable. Yet she is also an incredibly strong and proactive character. She doesn't passively wait to be saved, but rather takes charge, navigating potentially dangerous situations with resilience and determination.
This book's greatest strength lies in it's intricate twists. These aren't just minor diversions; there are some seismic shifts that genuinely left me stunned. Just when you think you have it all worked out, Clyde pulls the rug out from under you. The ending in particular is a masterclass in surprise. It left me replaying previous events in my mind trying to work out how I never saw it coming.
I am so excited to see where Clyde takes this series next. My thanks to Stewart for once again allowing me the absolute privilege of being one of his beta readers.
May 26, 2025
Thank you to Stewart Clyde for this BETA copy of The Perfect Therapist.
Stewart Clyde is one of the few authors that I will read any book he writes without knowing a single thing about it because I know it's going to be phenomenal. His books pull you in from the start, keep you engaged through the whole book, and leave your jaw on the floor at the end. The twists are never expected, and I love that most of his books are series because you're just left wanting more by the end.
The Perfect Therapist follows the life of a psychologist who is practicing out of her home. When she gets a new, mysterious patient, she becomes afraid of what he's capable of. Did he kill his previous psychologist? Is he a psychopath? Is she safe? Is someone watching her? Will she be able to stop them before it's too late?
The ending was completely unexpected, and I can't wait for the sequel to this book to find out more about these characters and what happens next in their stories. I highly recommend this book and any book by Stewart Clyde.
Stewart Clyde is one of the few authors that I will read any book he writes without knowing a single thing about it because I know it's going to be phenomenal. His books pull you in from the start, keep you engaged through the whole book, and leave your jaw on the floor at the end. The twists are never expected, and I love that most of his books are series because you're just left wanting more by the end.
The Perfect Therapist follows the life of a psychologist who is practicing out of her home. When she gets a new, mysterious patient, she becomes afraid of what he's capable of. Did he kill his previous psychologist? Is he a psychopath? Is she safe? Is someone watching her? Will she be able to stop them before it's too late?
The ending was completely unexpected, and I can't wait for the sequel to this book to find out more about these characters and what happens next in their stories. I highly recommend this book and any book by Stewart Clyde.
May 31, 2025
This is Stewart Clyde’s best book yet, brilliantly executed with enough twists to keep the most avid psychological thriller readers turning pages. Just when you think you know where the story is heading, Clyde will send you reeling with an unexpected turn. Immersed in the multi-faceted world of the richly-crafted protagonist, Dr. Lauren Beckinsale, you’ll find chapter after chapter of surprises. Clyde carries readers through his book with crisp pacing and masterful storytelling. He delivers an expertly-woven, satisfying tale full of compelling characters. If you’re a fan of the genre, this is highly recommended. Pick it up and be among the first to say you were there to read Stewart Clyde’s debut psychological thriller. Stewart Clyde
May 23, 2025
Another great read by this author!
While I loved the storyline, I felt that there was a bit more satire and comical points of this book, but it just kept me going and I got through it pretty quick.
The twist at the end was great, and I’m craving more after that ending. Add this to your TBR for when it releases!
Thank you to the author for this ARC!
While I loved the storyline, I felt that there was a bit more satire and comical points of this book, but it just kept me going and I got through it pretty quick.
The twist at the end was great, and I’m craving more after that ending. Add this to your TBR for when it releases!
Thank you to the author for this ARC!
June 26, 2025
Started this book in Audible (free download) but AI narration is not for me, was able to get the book with Kindle. A bit confusing to follow, did keep me engaged, and a few chapters prior to end I was able to piece together and figure the situation out. Looking forward to the next book in the sequel but not due out til next year
May 25, 2025
Another great book by Stewart Clyde! This book had me on the edge the whole time and Everytime I thought I had something figured out, it stone walled me! I can't wait for the sequel because I need more!!!
June 5, 2025
Wow!!!! I can't even explain what I just read. There are so many twists and turns. Even if you think you know what is happening you don't. I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially anyone who feels like they are stuck in a reading rut.
June 11, 2025
It felt unnecessarily windy and twisted. I did not like the narrator and I felt that at the end I was not sure what to believe of the novel. I also felt like the ending crashed down fast, which could be interesting for some readers but was not my preference
June 8, 2025
So Boring. DNF @50%. This book was putting me in a major slump. I Skim read the ending- I correctly guessed the major twist in the beginning. Can’t be bothered to find out what happened in between.
June 10, 2025
Great read now I have to wait 11 months for the sequel! 😩
June 11, 2025
Gripping but I guessed the plot twist.
June 25, 2025
Okay
Wasn't the best book I read, just keep going to finish it. Wouldn't read it again or honestly recommend it
Wasn't the best book I read, just keep going to finish it. Wouldn't read it again or honestly recommend it
July 1, 2025
I knew this bitch was crazy and paranoid for a reason
Read
August 5, 2025This was pretty confusing to figure out what was actually going on. Even after the last page I’m not sure who some of the characters were.
May 11, 2026
Found the book very compelling although i had worked out who she really was .
looking forward to book 2 and hopefully answer a few unanswered questions .
looking forward to book 2 and hopefully answer a few unanswered questions .
March 19, 2026
AudioBook review
The virtual voice reading did not help this book at all. Probably made it harder to listen to but I decided to listen all the way through. The story itself was pretty good but it was not pieced together at all. No smooth transitions, confusing parts, and even some not sure where they came from. The twists were good, just wish it was better put together. Wish I could say I’d recommend it but unfortunately I don’t.
The virtual voice reading did not help this book at all. Probably made it harder to listen to but I decided to listen all the way through. The story itself was pretty good but it was not pieced together at all. No smooth transitions, confusing parts, and even some not sure where they came from. The twists were good, just wish it was better put together. Wish I could say I’d recommend it but unfortunately I don’t.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews