When a therapist named Lana agrees to take on a new client, she expects the usual sessions. Some trauma, a few secrets, perhaps a breakthrough or two. But Sandy with her polished appearance and eerie calm is anything but typical. Sandy insists her husband Mike is controlling and abusive. She shares stories that leave Lana unsettled but something just doesn't feel right. The details don't add up and the tears definitely feel forced. And then Sandy vanishes. Now, Lana is caught between her professional ethics and doubt. Why did Sandy seem threatened by her husband? And why does Sandy's husband seem terrified, not for his wife's safety, but of what Sandy might have said? As Lana digs deeper, she unravels a web of lies, and manipulation. Someone is lying. And the truth might destroy them all.
Nicole Trope is another auto buy author for me! As always, Trope delivers another gripping psychological thriller that had me questioning everything, and everyone, until the last page. As the story unfolds, Trope expertly explores themes of gaslighting, emotional trauma, and the slipperyness of truth. Her ability to create tension through the little moments is beautiful. Pauses that feel loaded, and dialogue that reveals just as much as it conceals. The alternating POVs keep the pace steady and I was constantly flip-flopping on who to believe or root for. Character development is definitely a highlight. Lana as our main character is flawed, vulnerable but also strong. And then Sandy is just a whole puzzle in human form. This is definitely a book that plays with perception. Just when you think you know everything, Trope twists the narrative. Overall, The Therapist is an addictive read where no one is quite what they seem. Definitely a worthy addition to your TBR!
Thank you to NetGalley, Nicole Trope, and Bookouture for this ARC! Publication date was July 31st 2025.