What do you think?
Rate this book
The Model Patient
A psychological tour-de-force about obsession, control, and the dangerous relationship between a therapist and patient in 1960s London.
Evelyn Westbrook has given up her career as a model and wants to find fulfilment in married life. But when her husband suggests they start trying for a baby, everything begins to unravel. Struggling to cope with crippling nightmares, Evelyn takes the advice of a friend and goes to see a psychotherapist. She is apprehensive about exposing her intimate what she absolutely does not want to do is unearth the secrets of her past. The enigmatic Dr. Daley, however, is determined to take her back there, and she soon finds herself drawn to him. Evelyn’s interest in her therapist turns to obsession, and she becomes locked in a powerful relationship where the question of whether he is caring for her or manipulating her becomes impossible to untangle.
Evelyn Westbrook has given up her career as a model and wants to find fulfilment in married life. But when her husband suggests they start trying for a baby, everything begins to unravel. Struggling to cope with crippling nightmares, Evelyn takes the advice of a friend and goes to see a psychotherapist. She is apprehensive about exposing her intimate what she absolutely does not want to do is unearth the secrets of her past. The enigmatic Dr. Daley, however, is determined to take her back there, and she soon finds herself drawn to him. Evelyn’s interest in her therapist turns to obsession, and she becomes locked in a powerful relationship where the question of whether he is caring for her or manipulating her becomes impossible to untangle.
Audible Audio
Published April 14, 2026
About the author
Lucy Ashe
6 books126 followersLUCY ASHE is the author of THE MODEL PATIENT, a psychological novel published by Simon & Schuster (UK) and Hachette/Union Square & Co (US).
Her debut novel is CLARA & OLIVIA (Magpie, Oneworld publications), published as THE DANCE OF THE DOLLS in the US (Union Square & Co). Her second novel is THE SLEEPING BEAUTIES.
CLARA & OLIVIA was shortlisted for the Crime Writers Association Historical Dagger 2024.
Lucy Ashe trained at the Royal Ballet School before changing course to study English Literature at Oxford University, where she graduated in 2010. She later qualified as an English and Drama teacher. Her first two novels were inspired by her years immersed in the world of classical dance.
A former resident of London, UK, Ashe lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Her debut novel is CLARA & OLIVIA (Magpie, Oneworld publications), published as THE DANCE OF THE DOLLS in the US (Union Square & Co). Her second novel is THE SLEEPING BEAUTIES.
CLARA & OLIVIA was shortlisted for the Crime Writers Association Historical Dagger 2024.
Lucy Ashe trained at the Royal Ballet School before changing course to study English Literature at Oxford University, where she graduated in 2010. She later qualified as an English and Drama teacher. Her first two novels were inspired by her years immersed in the world of classical dance.
A former resident of London, UK, Ashe lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
March 9, 2026
#ad much love for my advance copy @unionsqandco + @getredprbooks for my tour spot #partner
The Model Patient
< @
Releases: April 14, 2026
Evelyn Westbrook used to have it all. A modeling career and all the friends, but then she got married and lost herself completely. Now suffering from night terrors an old friend tells her about a psychiatrist she should go see. So she does.
But this psychiatrist is a master manipulator and knows how to get under his patients skin. He’s hiding something and has his own plans for Evelyn. But he’s never met a patient quite like Evelyn, because she has her own secrets too.
Oof. I loved this one. The 1960’s, the secrets, the slow suffocation of marriage - everything just made for the perfect read. It is more of a slow brew type of read, but that is what made it so special for me.
And while a major part of the plot is about sex (and getting pregnant) it’s not one of those reads. I had no issues. I loved how the book tackled women’s issues.
Loved the writing. I loved her previous book The Dance of the Dolls (ballet and highly recommend it) and can’t wait to read her other one now - The Sleeping Beauties.
This is one of those reads that does your head in as you read it. Reality becomes distorted. And you know I love a well researched story.
The Model Patient
< @
Releases: April 14, 2026
Evelyn Westbrook used to have it all. A modeling career and all the friends, but then she got married and lost herself completely. Now suffering from night terrors an old friend tells her about a psychiatrist she should go see. So she does.
But this psychiatrist is a master manipulator and knows how to get under his patients skin. He’s hiding something and has his own plans for Evelyn. But he’s never met a patient quite like Evelyn, because she has her own secrets too.
Oof. I loved this one. The 1960’s, the secrets, the slow suffocation of marriage - everything just made for the perfect read. It is more of a slow brew type of read, but that is what made it so special for me.
And while a major part of the plot is about sex (and getting pregnant) it’s not one of those reads. I had no issues. I loved how the book tackled women’s issues.
Loved the writing. I loved her previous book The Dance of the Dolls (ballet and highly recommend it) and can’t wait to read her other one now - The Sleeping Beauties.
This is one of those reads that does your head in as you read it. Reality becomes distorted. And you know I love a well researched story.
February 24, 2026
4.5⭐️
The Model Patient follows Evelyn Westbrook, who seems like she has it all. She has the perfect house, the perfect husband, not having to work, etc. This sounds like the perfect life. Just not Evelyn’s perfect life. She gave up her successful job in modeling, she has to deal with her mother-in-law, who is always in her business and also reminding Evelyn that she will never live up to her expectations, and facing pressure of having a baby. On top of all of this, she is having recurring nightmares of turning into a snake and devouring herself. She decides to turn to therapy to help with unhappiness and hides it from everyone in her life. This is during the 1960s, when therapy has not been normalized yet. She meets the enigmatic Dr. Daley, who she sees once a week. And she notices herself becoming drawn to him. But it is not the normal connection one has, it becomes borderline obsessive. Evelyn continues to struggle throughout her therapy sessions, as Dr. Daley’s utilizes the transference method, where he allows her to put all of her emotions from the past onto him. This blurs the line of therapist and client, especially as she notices that Dr. Daley is seeping into her daily life outside of their sessions. For instance, he becomes romantically involved with her best friend. Evelyn believes that he is doing everything on purpose to derail her life and make her fall in love with him. But for what reason? Isn’t the purpose of therapy to help heal from the past trauma and gain a healthier mindset? This is what Evelyn aims to find out while her mental health spirals out of control.
This was such an interesting book, and I absolutely devoured it! As a mental health therapist myself, I do not agree with Dr. Daley’s therapy methods at all. The psychodynamic modality is old school, but was popular in the 1960s due to Freud’s influence at the time. I received education and training in psychodynamic therapy, so I think it is fair to say that it has changed a lot since then. Dr. Daley utilizes the transference method to force Evelyn to put all of her emotions and desires onto him. This is unethical especially in Evelyn’s situation, who is a victim sexual assault. Nowadays, transference still happens in sessions, but there are boundaries in place and the therapist is supposed to help the client understand why their emotions are being placed onto the therapist. I definitely felt a lot of icks when reading the sessions between Evelyn and Dr. Daley. I also believe that the author did a great job with the unreliable narrator trope and having the reader question if Evelyn is accurately perceiving reality or if she is distorting reality to fulfill her own needs and desires.
Thank you to Get Red PR for the gifted arc 🌹
Read more reviews on my blog! https://christinaschapterblog.com
The Model Patient follows Evelyn Westbrook, who seems like she has it all. She has the perfect house, the perfect husband, not having to work, etc. This sounds like the perfect life. Just not Evelyn’s perfect life. She gave up her successful job in modeling, she has to deal with her mother-in-law, who is always in her business and also reminding Evelyn that she will never live up to her expectations, and facing pressure of having a baby. On top of all of this, she is having recurring nightmares of turning into a snake and devouring herself. She decides to turn to therapy to help with unhappiness and hides it from everyone in her life. This is during the 1960s, when therapy has not been normalized yet. She meets the enigmatic Dr. Daley, who she sees once a week. And she notices herself becoming drawn to him. But it is not the normal connection one has, it becomes borderline obsessive. Evelyn continues to struggle throughout her therapy sessions, as Dr. Daley’s utilizes the transference method, where he allows her to put all of her emotions from the past onto him. This blurs the line of therapist and client, especially as she notices that Dr. Daley is seeping into her daily life outside of their sessions. For instance, he becomes romantically involved with her best friend. Evelyn believes that he is doing everything on purpose to derail her life and make her fall in love with him. But for what reason? Isn’t the purpose of therapy to help heal from the past trauma and gain a healthier mindset? This is what Evelyn aims to find out while her mental health spirals out of control.
This was such an interesting book, and I absolutely devoured it! As a mental health therapist myself, I do not agree with Dr. Daley’s therapy methods at all. The psychodynamic modality is old school, but was popular in the 1960s due to Freud’s influence at the time. I received education and training in psychodynamic therapy, so I think it is fair to say that it has changed a lot since then. Dr. Daley utilizes the transference method to force Evelyn to put all of her emotions and desires onto him. This is unethical especially in Evelyn’s situation, who is a victim sexual assault. Nowadays, transference still happens in sessions, but there are boundaries in place and the therapist is supposed to help the client understand why their emotions are being placed onto the therapist. I definitely felt a lot of icks when reading the sessions between Evelyn and Dr. Daley. I also believe that the author did a great job with the unreliable narrator trope and having the reader question if Evelyn is accurately perceiving reality or if she is distorting reality to fulfill her own needs and desires.
Thank you to Get Red PR for the gifted arc 🌹
Read more reviews on my blog! https://christinaschapterblog.com
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Evelyn Westbrook should be happy. She has a nice home, married to the man she loves and a best friend who she adores. She is struggling to fit into the role of housewife and seems to garner nothing but criticism from her new in-laws who are desperate for a grandchild.
But Evelyn feels like she cannot give them what they want and that her body has never belonged to her. She begins to suffer with nightmares that take her back to the start of her modelling career and seeks professional help to deal with it. But will dredging up the past make things any clearer for her?
I thought the premise for this novel interesting but I found the actual story a little too circuitous. I am assuming it was meant to convey Evelyn's spiralling mental health but it just became irritating after a while.
Evelyn is an interesting character whose past informs so much of what happens in the novel, preventing her from moving on in her life. It was cleverly and sensitively dealt with but I found Evelyn herself an unsympathetic character, despite her fragility. For me it made it difficult to truly engage with the story.
I would recommend this as an interesting look at mental health and the use of psychotherapy and transference as tools to help certain patients.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the digital review copy.
But Evelyn feels like she cannot give them what they want and that her body has never belonged to her. She begins to suffer with nightmares that take her back to the start of her modelling career and seeks professional help to deal with it. But will dredging up the past make things any clearer for her?
I thought the premise for this novel interesting but I found the actual story a little too circuitous. I am assuming it was meant to convey Evelyn's spiralling mental health but it just became irritating after a while.
Evelyn is an interesting character whose past informs so much of what happens in the novel, preventing her from moving on in her life. It was cleverly and sensitively dealt with but I found Evelyn herself an unsympathetic character, despite her fragility. For me it made it difficult to truly engage with the story.
I would recommend this as an interesting look at mental health and the use of psychotherapy and transference as tools to help certain patients.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the digital review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If you are looking for a thriller that will really cause your head to twist and to question your on sanity then The Model Patient is the story for you. There was so much going on that at one point I was starting to think everyone in this book was the enemy. Not to mention that towards the end there is a super amazing plot twist that will blow your mind. This story takes place in the UK during the 1960's so in a way there has been progress made in regards to mental heath. Overall this is an exciting story you don't want to miss.
We are introduced to Evelyn who seems to have it all. However, she feels stuck and keeps having a recurring nightmare. She decides to start therapy where she meets Dr. Daly. The first couple of sessions are pretty basic. However after the first couple ones is where things get more intense. We get a peak into Evelyn's past and some of the indiscretions that happened during her teen years.
From there is when things are really starting to go down hill. She starts having mistrust for her husband and best friend. She then believes that her Dr. secretly wants her. However, she is shocked when she learns the true mess of the situation
We are introduced to Evelyn who seems to have it all. However, she feels stuck and keeps having a recurring nightmare. She decides to start therapy where she meets Dr. Daly. The first couple of sessions are pretty basic. However after the first couple ones is where things get more intense. We get a peak into Evelyn's past and some of the indiscretions that happened during her teen years.
From there is when things are really starting to go down hill. She starts having mistrust for her husband and best friend. She then believes that her Dr. secretly wants her. However, she is shocked when she learns the true mess of the situation
February 5, 2026
The Model Patient by Lucy Ashe. Thanks to @getredprbooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1963 London, ex-model and new wife, Evelyn Westbrook begins to see a therapist. She is at first apprehensive but quickly develops a rapport with him. He seems manipulative and eager to pull out her secrets.
I don’t usually love therapy tropes, but I did find this one interesting. The therapy sessions were compelling, and a lot was based around the transference and therapist/client relationship. I figured out the twist, but it was more of a “maybe this is what’s going on” way, so I still enjoyed the reveal. I may have yelled “I knew it! excitedly. I loved that a female friendship was at the heart of the story and how it ended.
“The good girl, the dutiful daughter, lover, wife: they were slipping away. Instead, there was something darker, a monster, or a demon, rising to the surface.
Read if you like:
-Therapy tropes
-1960’s setting
-Female friendships
-Dream analysis
The Model Patient comes out 4/14.
1963 London, ex-model and new wife, Evelyn Westbrook begins to see a therapist. She is at first apprehensive but quickly develops a rapport with him. He seems manipulative and eager to pull out her secrets.
I don’t usually love therapy tropes, but I did find this one interesting. The therapy sessions were compelling, and a lot was based around the transference and therapist/client relationship. I figured out the twist, but it was more of a “maybe this is what’s going on” way, so I still enjoyed the reveal. I may have yelled “I knew it! excitedly. I loved that a female friendship was at the heart of the story and how it ended.
“The good girl, the dutiful daughter, lover, wife: they were slipping away. Instead, there was something darker, a monster, or a demon, rising to the surface.
Read if you like:
-Therapy tropes
-1960’s setting
-Female friendships
-Dream analysis
The Model Patient comes out 4/14.
March 14, 2026
Here is a story that felt unsettlingly raw and real. I was taken back to mid-twentieth century London where the world of fashion, art, and youth culture mingled against the backdrop of postwar conservatism. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘭 𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 is about a young model seeking professional therapy to uncover the symbols behind her festering nightmares in an attempt to regain control over a troubling marriage.
I was entirely transfixed by the power dynamic between Evelyn Westbrook and Dr. Daley over a course of weekly psychotherapy sessions. Never have I shifted so much in my seat by their increasing unease and toxic tension. It was agonizing and at times difficult to pinpoint the true villain. In the first half, Lucy Ashe was giving the readers all but also nothing at the same time which only added to the mystery and intrigue of this book. It was unapologetically dark, complex, unrelenting, neurotic. All the words. And the cat-and-mouse romance? Emotionally manipulative if not entirely delusional. Yet boundaries were clearly broken and trust, severed.
The powerful themes surrounding motherhood, societal implications on women’s mental health and sexual autonomy were all central in this all-encompassing psychological suspense. I was held captive, desperate for answers and simply could not put it down.
Thank you Union Square Co. & Get Red PR for an advance copy.
I was entirely transfixed by the power dynamic between Evelyn Westbrook and Dr. Daley over a course of weekly psychotherapy sessions. Never have I shifted so much in my seat by their increasing unease and toxic tension. It was agonizing and at times difficult to pinpoint the true villain. In the first half, Lucy Ashe was giving the readers all but also nothing at the same time which only added to the mystery and intrigue of this book. It was unapologetically dark, complex, unrelenting, neurotic. All the words. And the cat-and-mouse romance? Emotionally manipulative if not entirely delusional. Yet boundaries were clearly broken and trust, severed.
The powerful themes surrounding motherhood, societal implications on women’s mental health and sexual autonomy were all central in this all-encompassing psychological suspense. I was held captive, desperate for answers and simply could not put it down.
Thank you Union Square Co. & Get Red PR for an advance copy.
May 11, 2026
Couldn’t put this down, I stayed up till 1.20am on a Monday morning to find out what happened at the end.
This book is certainly a page turner.
This book is certainly a page turner.
April 14, 2026
There were many times during The Model Patient that I thought I knew exactly where the novel was going... I was wrong every time.
The Model Patient is an interesting historical fiction novel focusing on a retired model now housewife adjusting to her new role. She seeks out psychotherapy to help her become a "better wife" so she can move on from her past and enjoy her present and future. The sessions reveal the dark and often manipulative power dynamic between the therapist and the patient. As Evelyn progresses in her therapeutic journey, the reader is left questioning if she is losing her grip on reality or if her therapist has an alternative agenda.
This book felt a bit redundant as Evelyn attends session after session, the build up to the climax slow and intentional. I kept expecting a big crash that didn't quite come and the reveal may be predictable for the experienced thriller reader.
Overall, The Model Patient is intriguing, thought-provoking, and dark. I loved the undercurrents of feminine rage and the recurring themes of friendship, independence, and reclaiming your power.
Thank you to Union Square & Co. and the Novel Insiders Book Club for the copy.
The Model Patient is an interesting historical fiction novel focusing on a retired model now housewife adjusting to her new role. She seeks out psychotherapy to help her become a "better wife" so she can move on from her past and enjoy her present and future. The sessions reveal the dark and often manipulative power dynamic between the therapist and the patient. As Evelyn progresses in her therapeutic journey, the reader is left questioning if she is losing her grip on reality or if her therapist has an alternative agenda.
This book felt a bit redundant as Evelyn attends session after session, the build up to the climax slow and intentional. I kept expecting a big crash that didn't quite come and the reveal may be predictable for the experienced thriller reader.
Overall, The Model Patient is intriguing, thought-provoking, and dark. I loved the undercurrents of feminine rage and the recurring themes of friendship, independence, and reclaiming your power.
Thank you to Union Square & Co. and the Novel Insiders Book Club for the copy.
May 17, 2026
Book Title: The Model Patient
Author: Lucy Ashe
Publishers: Union Square & Co. & Hachette Audio
Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Dates Read/Listened: April 20, 2026 – April 23, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔(𝚒𝚜𝚑) 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: Ohhh, the levels of darkness and obsession this read took me to! Evelyn is such a layered character, and while I didn’t always agree with her choices (shocker, I know), she was very flawed and authentically herself. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up liking this! There were even a couple of jaw-dropping twists that I wasn’t expecting, and the ending is absolutely WILD. Triggers are definitely important to check before starting this, and some parts felt undeniably uncomfortable while I read them. This was a great book to push me out of my comfort zone, and it held my attention completely.
🎧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬: I was very impressed by Lucy Scott’s narration, and I thought she was a great choice to be the voice of Evelyn. She perfectly embodied the character, and I felt like I was right there in the story. The pace is on the slower side as well, so listening to this was extremely helpful for me.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 🖼️📸📝👀���
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Author: Lucy Ashe
Publishers: Union Square & Co. & Hachette Audio
Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Dates Read/Listened: April 20, 2026 – April 23, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔(𝚒𝚜𝚑) 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: Ohhh, the levels of darkness and obsession this read took me to! Evelyn is such a layered character, and while I didn’t always agree with her choices (shocker, I know), she was very flawed and authentically herself. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up liking this! There were even a couple of jaw-dropping twists that I wasn’t expecting, and the ending is absolutely WILD. Triggers are definitely important to check before starting this, and some parts felt undeniably uncomfortable while I read them. This was a great book to push me out of my comfort zone, and it held my attention completely.
🎧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬: I was very impressed by Lucy Scott’s narration, and I thought she was a great choice to be the voice of Evelyn. She perfectly embodied the character, and I felt like I was right there in the story. The pace is on the slower side as well, so listening to this was extremely helpful for me.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 🖼️📸📝👀���
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 19, 2026
This Review Copy was provided by Union Square & Co. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a gripping psychological thriller that had me wondering how it would pan out right up to the very end! It did not disappoint! I don’t think I’ve ever rooted SO hard for a fictional female character before. Evelyn has been having a lot of nightmares about snakes, so she goes to see a psychodynamic therapist (this is in the 60s.) At first, and honestly throughout the entire book, I was rooting so hard for Evelyn and her mental health. She has some insufferable people all around her through a lot of the book (which is so infuriating) and she’s gone through some big life changes and is facing intense pressures as an adult, so no wonder she sought therapy for her own well-being. The book takes a crazy turn when Evelyn starts to think that her therapist has ulterior motives and that’s where things really start to unravel for her. There were so many times where I was so mad at the men in this book, including her therapist, and that just made me root for Evelyn harder. She went through some traumatic and heavy stuff as a child, which made for a deeply layered character and heartbreaking story. There were many times throughout this book that I audibly gasped in excitement, frustration or fury and made some remark out loud, which just goes to show how the author really makes you invested in Evelyn’s well-being and mental health. Overall, it was super well written and I love a strong female character with good instincts! The author’s way of making some twists pretty predictable and others not is what made this story so compelling and I would gladly recommend this to other readers who love a good thriller with a psychological and feminist bent and emotionally complex characters.
This book was a gripping psychological thriller that had me wondering how it would pan out right up to the very end! It did not disappoint! I don’t think I’ve ever rooted SO hard for a fictional female character before. Evelyn has been having a lot of nightmares about snakes, so she goes to see a psychodynamic therapist (this is in the 60s.) At first, and honestly throughout the entire book, I was rooting so hard for Evelyn and her mental health. She has some insufferable people all around her through a lot of the book (which is so infuriating) and she’s gone through some big life changes and is facing intense pressures as an adult, so no wonder she sought therapy for her own well-being. The book takes a crazy turn when Evelyn starts to think that her therapist has ulterior motives and that’s where things really start to unravel for her. There were so many times where I was so mad at the men in this book, including her therapist, and that just made me root for Evelyn harder. She went through some traumatic and heavy stuff as a child, which made for a deeply layered character and heartbreaking story. There were many times throughout this book that I audibly gasped in excitement, frustration or fury and made some remark out loud, which just goes to show how the author really makes you invested in Evelyn’s well-being and mental health. Overall, it was super well written and I love a strong female character with good instincts! The author’s way of making some twists pretty predictable and others not is what made this story so compelling and I would gladly recommend this to other readers who love a good thriller with a psychological and feminist bent and emotionally complex characters.
April 24, 2026
I liked aspects of this book but, as a therapist myself, I had a hard time with how much this book made me cringe. I appreciate how the author highlights the vulnerability of patients, and more so how complicated that was in the 1960's.
I did find the pacing to be less "slow burn" and more repetitive and ultimately landed on 3 stars instead of more.
I did find the pacing to be less "slow burn" and more repetitive and ultimately landed on 3 stars instead of more.
April 19, 2026
This was a solid, absorbing read and it kept my attention the entire time. The therapy sessions added such an interesting layer and I loved how the tension slowly built as Evelyn unraveled. That twist completely caught me off guard and I always love when that happens.
Evelyn as a main character did not work for me. She is probably one of my least favorite FMCs to date, which made it harder to fully connect to the story at times. Even with that, I was still invested in what was happening and needed to see how it all played out.
The themes around identity, control, and obsession were done well, and the ending felt strong and satisfying. Overall, a really enjoyable read despite not loving the main character. 3.5 stars rounded up!
Thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the gifted copy!
Evelyn as a main character did not work for me. She is probably one of my least favorite FMCs to date, which made it harder to fully connect to the story at times. Even with that, I was still invested in what was happening and needed to see how it all played out.
The themes around identity, control, and obsession were done well, and the ending felt strong and satisfying. Overall, a really enjoyable read despite not loving the main character. 3.5 stars rounded up!
Thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the gifted copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Meh. This was pretty predictable and the author's writing style is weird in a way I can't put my finger on. But I did finish it, so it was mostly ok. Ish.
May 3, 2026
it’s been so long since a book has made me feel this excited!!
May 17, 2026
On the couch, everyone's a suspect. Probably including the doctor.
1963 London. Former model Evelyn Westbrook has traded runways for a restless domestic life and a mother-in-law who will not let up about grandchildren. Cue the enigmatic Dr. Daley, whose therapy sessions seem to raise more questions than they answer.
The premise is solid and the doctor/patient tension does its job. It's a slow burn that tests your patience a little, and Evelyn keeps you at arm's length even when you want to pull for her.
Vibes We Are Tracking:
🐍 Recurring snake dream doing a lot of heavy lifting
🛋️ Therapy as a weapon, not a cure
🪞 Former model, reluctant wife, unreliable narrator
🎩 Dr. Daley has never once had good intentions
1963 London. Former model Evelyn Westbrook has traded runways for a restless domestic life and a mother-in-law who will not let up about grandchildren. Cue the enigmatic Dr. Daley, whose therapy sessions seem to raise more questions than they answer.
The premise is solid and the doctor/patient tension does its job. It's a slow burn that tests your patience a little, and Evelyn keeps you at arm's length even when you want to pull for her.
Vibes We Are Tracking:
🐍 Recurring snake dream doing a lot of heavy lifting
🛋️ Therapy as a weapon, not a cure
🪞 Former model, reluctant wife, unreliable narrator
🎩 Dr. Daley has never once had good intentions
April 13, 2026
I was looking forward to picking this one up because it’s a change from my go to genre. PLUS, the premise sounded great! This however ended up being a disappointing read. The thriller aspect of the story was lacking in my opinion and unfortunately most of the mystery elements were rather obvious. I think the writing and the message the author is trying to portray were great! However, I was just bored reading this.
What to expect:
✨therapist/patient
✨psychotherapy
✨1960’s London
✨drama
Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Pub date: 4/14
Thank you BookSpark and Union Square for the gifted arcs!
What to expect:
✨therapist/patient
✨psychotherapy
✨1960’s London
✨drama
Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Pub date: 4/14
Thank you BookSpark and Union Square for the gifted arcs!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
All i can say is wow ! This book has many layers that you dont expect to be peeling back when reading, and i really do feel that the author has done so much work in this book. There are alot of themes in this book which i really didnt see coming. the main character has done really well for herself with a successful modelling career and is obviously struggling with life changes and adjusting to being newly married and the pressures of having a family. We all know we shouldnt judge a book by its cover so we dont just our main character either as on the outside she looks like she has it all ,the looks , the success and lifestyle. But when you look very closely at her emotional state shes fragile, untrusting and vunerable, due to the fact that people have let her down. This is hard for a reader and if you are upset easily perhaps this wouldnt be the book for you as it does have some strong themes.
The main character Evelyn decides that the anxiety shes facing needs to be confronted head on , she wants to be settled and be happy . As a reader we can all buy into the self improvement journey but this uncovers alot , its very deep. On the outlook we meet the therapist and he seems well a bit cold and non emotional but theres something about him that you cant quite put your finger on. Evelyn did well to carry on the sessions as most people would have been like its not for me.
This goes way deeper than expected and alot of sensitive themes are explored in this book and the therapy, it felt like a slow burn thriller but then theres the heightened emotional turmoil that roots the reader into carrying on. My heart sank alot in this book at how let down she had been by people around her and the fact that our main character is so much more than the pretty face of a magazine cover. The themes bring alot into question and thats why i feel the author did its research well. It felt so much deeper for a thriller book.
My sunday today was i will pick the book up and read a few chapters, turns out i read the book for the rest of the day, you feel like you are invested in Evelyn , she faces alot but we need to be able to see that in adversity she can rise again!
Thanks to Netgalley for this advanced reader copy.
The main character Evelyn decides that the anxiety shes facing needs to be confronted head on , she wants to be settled and be happy . As a reader we can all buy into the self improvement journey but this uncovers alot , its very deep. On the outlook we meet the therapist and he seems well a bit cold and non emotional but theres something about him that you cant quite put your finger on. Evelyn did well to carry on the sessions as most people would have been like its not for me.
This goes way deeper than expected and alot of sensitive themes are explored in this book and the therapy, it felt like a slow burn thriller but then theres the heightened emotional turmoil that roots the reader into carrying on. My heart sank alot in this book at how let down she had been by people around her and the fact that our main character is so much more than the pretty face of a magazine cover. The themes bring alot into question and thats why i feel the author did its research well. It felt so much deeper for a thriller book.
My sunday today was i will pick the book up and read a few chapters, turns out i read the book for the rest of the day, you feel like you are invested in Evelyn , she faces alot but we need to be able to see that in adversity she can rise again!
Thanks to Netgalley for this advanced reader copy.
December 10, 2025
There's a thoughtful afterword and bibliography to this book which demonstrates how Ashe had been thinking and researching her themes, so it's a bit disappointing that this ends up being so tropey. Rather than being 'addictive' as promised in the blurb, this is rather slow-paced and a bit repetitive, so that I had guessed some of the tired plot - including the 'big reveal' - very early on. Partly that's because we've read this before: the male psychiatrist and his female patient, the push-pull of attraction and fear, the gaslighting, the hidden secrets
The 1960s setting can feel a bit heavy-handed: flat-footed mentions of Cliff Richard and the Beatles, lunch in Carnaby Street, the fashions, the pill - it would have been nice to have seen the decade portrayed in less clichéd terms, in surprising rather than expected images.
And I guess that's my main takeaway - nothing here startled me or caught me unawares. From Evelyn's past trauma to her current struggles with her overwhelming mother-in-law, and the tension between her and her best friend (who dress alike and can be interchangeable in some ways - natch!) all feel like re-used components from a thousand other female-authored thrillers.
This is a fun switch-off read but it can also feel a bit of a slog at times. Reading about someone else's Freudian/Jungian dreams really isn't very interesting especially when they're as hackneyed and over-used as a phallic snake!
There are interesting things happening but they get rather overwhelmed by the banal plottiness - to me this felt like it wanted to be a serious book about trauma and the problematic dynamics in some forms of psychotherapy only that gets pushed aside by the urge to turn this into a 'mad woman - or is she?' psychological thriller with switched identities, knives and not one but two dastardly plots.
Great as a page-turner to read on the train but this had the potential to be deeper than that.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster for an ARC via NetGalley
The 1960s setting can feel a bit heavy-handed: flat-footed mentions of Cliff Richard and the Beatles, lunch in Carnaby Street, the fashions, the pill - it would have been nice to have seen the decade portrayed in less clichéd terms, in surprising rather than expected images.
And I guess that's my main takeaway - nothing here startled me or caught me unawares. From Evelyn's past trauma to her current struggles with her overwhelming mother-in-law, and the tension between her and her best friend (who dress alike and can be interchangeable in some ways - natch!) all feel like re-used components from a thousand other female-authored thrillers.
This is a fun switch-off read but it can also feel a bit of a slog at times. Reading about someone else's Freudian/Jungian dreams really isn't very interesting especially when they're as hackneyed and over-used as a phallic snake!
There are interesting things happening but they get rather overwhelmed by the banal plottiness - to me this felt like it wanted to be a serious book about trauma and the problematic dynamics in some forms of psychotherapy only that gets pushed aside by the urge to turn this into a 'mad woman - or is she?' psychological thriller with switched identities, knives and not one but two dastardly plots.
Great as a page-turner to read on the train but this had the potential to be deeper than that.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster for an ARC via NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.25 ⭐️
This book opens strong with an intriguing therapist–patient dynamic, but I ended up wishing the momentum had stayed as sharp as those early chapters. The premise of The Model Patient immediately caught my attention—1960s London, a moody atmosphere, and a woman whose carefully controlled life starts to slip. Evelyn Westbrook, a former model trying to settle into married life, begins to unravel when her husband suggests they try for a baby. Haunted by nightmares and a past she’d rather avoid, she turns to Dr. Daley for support—only to find herself pulled into a dynamic where care and manipulation blur, and she’s no longer sure what’s real or who to trust.
Lucy Ashe’s writing is atmospheric and introspective, leaning into emotional unease and vintage tension. The opening had that quiet, compelling sense of dread I love, but as the story progressed, it slowly lost momentum for me, and I found my mind wandering where I wished the tension would tighten.
I really liked how Ashe explores power, vulnerability, and emotional unraveling without relying on big twists. The therapeutic relationship has an unsettling edge, and the 1960s backdrop adds an interesting layer to the themes of secrecy and identity.
But I will say, some sections felt repetitive, especially around Evelyn’s inner turmoil, which slowed the pacing. A few developments felt predictable, and I occasionally wanted more drive in the middle and later chapters.
Overall, The Model Patient is a moody, character-driven psychological story with an intriguing setup and a strong sense of atmosphere. Even though the pacing softened as it went on, the themes of control, vulnerability, and emotional unraveling give it a compelling undercurrent.
Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This book opens strong with an intriguing therapist–patient dynamic, but I ended up wishing the momentum had stayed as sharp as those early chapters. The premise of The Model Patient immediately caught my attention—1960s London, a moody atmosphere, and a woman whose carefully controlled life starts to slip. Evelyn Westbrook, a former model trying to settle into married life, begins to unravel when her husband suggests they try for a baby. Haunted by nightmares and a past she’d rather avoid, she turns to Dr. Daley for support—only to find herself pulled into a dynamic where care and manipulation blur, and she’s no longer sure what’s real or who to trust.
Lucy Ashe’s writing is atmospheric and introspective, leaning into emotional unease and vintage tension. The opening had that quiet, compelling sense of dread I love, but as the story progressed, it slowly lost momentum for me, and I found my mind wandering where I wished the tension would tighten.
I really liked how Ashe explores power, vulnerability, and emotional unraveling without relying on big twists. The therapeutic relationship has an unsettling edge, and the 1960s backdrop adds an interesting layer to the themes of secrecy and identity.
But I will say, some sections felt repetitive, especially around Evelyn’s inner turmoil, which slowed the pacing. A few developments felt predictable, and I occasionally wanted more drive in the middle and later chapters.
Overall, The Model Patient is a moody, character-driven psychological story with an intriguing setup and a strong sense of atmosphere. Even though the pacing softened as it went on, the themes of control, vulnerability, and emotional unraveling give it a compelling undercurrent.
Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
'The Model Patient' by Lucy Ashe is a mind-blowing psychological thriller. It explores many important themes like Mental health, counselling, different therapy techniques especially psychodynamic theory. It does talk about many taboo subjects which rarely people talk openly. It has heavy themes and can at times make one uneasy while reading it but it is important to read and know about such topics.
The central character of this novel is Evelyn who is a housewife and seeks therapy. The relationship dynamic between patient and therapist is shown and how complex it gets as the story unfolds. It mainly focuses on psychodynamic therapy and psychoanalysis. Various techniques like word association, Rorscharch ink blot test,dream analysis, transference is shown and the pioneers of this therapy like Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud are mentioned. The counselling sessions were written in such a way that one can feel Evelyn while reading it.
The complex relationship between Evelyn and her husband henry is well depicted and it shows how much controlling the environment was for her. It also shows how certain traumatic events in life can shape a person's behavior and personality.
I enjoyed reading about the friendship between Evelyn and Diana. As a side character, I did like her a lot and they had such a tight knit friendship which was adorable to read.
The therapy sessions are from patient's POV which was really interesting to read. The in laws of Evelyn were unlikable characters and were really toxic.
Overall I would highly recommend everyone to read this amazing book because one can gain a lot of knowledge from it regarding mental health and psychodynamic therapy. Reading about Evelyn felt like there are many women who go through this silently and can never heal from it. It was really eye opening in many ways.
Thank you unionsqandco netgalley for this ARC!!
The central character of this novel is Evelyn who is a housewife and seeks therapy. The relationship dynamic between patient and therapist is shown and how complex it gets as the story unfolds. It mainly focuses on psychodynamic therapy and psychoanalysis. Various techniques like word association, Rorscharch ink blot test,dream analysis, transference is shown and the pioneers of this therapy like Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud are mentioned. The counselling sessions were written in such a way that one can feel Evelyn while reading it.
The complex relationship between Evelyn and her husband henry is well depicted and it shows how much controlling the environment was for her. It also shows how certain traumatic events in life can shape a person's behavior and personality.
I enjoyed reading about the friendship between Evelyn and Diana. As a side character, I did like her a lot and they had such a tight knit friendship which was adorable to read.
The therapy sessions are from patient's POV which was really interesting to read. The in laws of Evelyn were unlikable characters and were really toxic.
Overall I would highly recommend everyone to read this amazing book because one can gain a lot of knowledge from it regarding mental health and psychodynamic therapy. Reading about Evelyn felt like there are many women who go through this silently and can never heal from it. It was really eye opening in many ways.
Thank you unionsqandco netgalley for this ARC!!
February 18, 2026
BOOK REVIEW — The Model Patient by Lucy Ashe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
This book is tense, atmospheric, and quietly unsettling — a psychological spiral built on obsession, control, and the dangerous intimacy between therapist and patient.
Characters:
🕊 Evelyn Westbrook — elegant, trapped, emotionally unraveling beneath the perfect-wife image
🩺 Dr. Daley — enigmatic, distant, impossible to fully trust
👔 Henry — respectable husband with expectations Evelyn can’t live inside
Vibes:
• psychological drama
• obsession
• unreliable perceptions
• 1960s societal pressure
• marriage confinement
• therapist/patient boundary tension
• slow-burn unease
What the story gives:
In 1960s London, Evelyn Westbrook has left behind her modelling career to become the perfect wife — but the role feels suffocating. Pressured into motherhood she doesn’t want and haunted by recurring nightmares, she turns to therapy hoping for clarity.
Instead, her sessions with Dr. Daley only deepen the questions. What begins as vulnerability slowly shifts into fixation, blurring the lines between help and harm. The more Evelyn searches for answers about herself, the more entangled she becomes in her therapist’s orbit — and it becomes unclear who truly holds the power.
What I Loved:
• the eerie, claustrophobic atmosphere
• Evelyn’s gradual psychological unraveling
• constant uncertainty about truth vs manipulation
• commentary on women’s roles and expectations
• tension that builds quietly rather than dramatically
• a story that keeps you questioning motives
Final Vibe:
Haunting, intelligent, and deeply uncomfortable in the best way.
The Model Patient is a slow psychological descent into obsession and control — perfect if you enjoy character-driven suspense that leaves you thinking long after the last page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
This book is tense, atmospheric, and quietly unsettling — a psychological spiral built on obsession, control, and the dangerous intimacy between therapist and patient.
Characters:
🕊 Evelyn Westbrook — elegant, trapped, emotionally unraveling beneath the perfect-wife image
🩺 Dr. Daley — enigmatic, distant, impossible to fully trust
👔 Henry — respectable husband with expectations Evelyn can’t live inside
Vibes:
• psychological drama
• obsession
• unreliable perceptions
• 1960s societal pressure
• marriage confinement
• therapist/patient boundary tension
• slow-burn unease
What the story gives:
In 1960s London, Evelyn Westbrook has left behind her modelling career to become the perfect wife — but the role feels suffocating. Pressured into motherhood she doesn’t want and haunted by recurring nightmares, she turns to therapy hoping for clarity.
Instead, her sessions with Dr. Daley only deepen the questions. What begins as vulnerability slowly shifts into fixation, blurring the lines between help and harm. The more Evelyn searches for answers about herself, the more entangled she becomes in her therapist’s orbit — and it becomes unclear who truly holds the power.
What I Loved:
• the eerie, claustrophobic atmosphere
• Evelyn’s gradual psychological unraveling
• constant uncertainty about truth vs manipulation
• commentary on women’s roles and expectations
• tension that builds quietly rather than dramatically
• a story that keeps you questioning motives
Final Vibe:
Haunting, intelligent, and deeply uncomfortable in the best way.
The Model Patient is a slow psychological descent into obsession and control — perfect if you enjoy character-driven suspense that leaves you thinking long after the last page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to Booksparks for a copy of The Model Patient and selecting me as a Spring 2026 ambassador! Here are my thoughts on the novel.
Taking place in 1960s London, with a focus on Evelyn Westbrook, a newly married, retired model. She is struggling in her marriage, her husband and his family really want the couple to start a family, but Evelyn doesn’t feel ready. She decides to start seeing a therapist secretly, to unpack her history as well as why she doesn’t feel as if she fits into her new families’ ideals. Soon she becomes obsessed with her doctor, but she can’t tell if this is a natural attraction or if he’s manipulating her.
This novel was very different from most thrillers I have read. I would almost classify it as a historical fiction thriller, as the author put a ton of research and attention into her depiction of Evelyn’s experience during the 1960s. The reader learns about important issues such as birth control or women’s rights as well as more cultural pieces such as art and jewellery. It allowed for a well-rounded setting that was both beautiful and troublesome, depending on the angle.
The thriller aspect was definitely a slower burn. Not really grasping me until a little over halfway through the novel. But I could feel the intensity of the character interactions while reading, it was very tense and you could feel the stress in the room. There are some scenes and scenarios that Evelyn faces that made me want scream in rage at the discomfort and injustice.
This isn’t your standard quick-read summer thriller, but something with a lot more depth that is going to cause a lot of people discomfort and questioning what sacrifices were made in the past for women to have the freedoms they have today.
Taking place in 1960s London, with a focus on Evelyn Westbrook, a newly married, retired model. She is struggling in her marriage, her husband and his family really want the couple to start a family, but Evelyn doesn’t feel ready. She decides to start seeing a therapist secretly, to unpack her history as well as why she doesn’t feel as if she fits into her new families’ ideals. Soon she becomes obsessed with her doctor, but she can’t tell if this is a natural attraction or if he’s manipulating her.
This novel was very different from most thrillers I have read. I would almost classify it as a historical fiction thriller, as the author put a ton of research and attention into her depiction of Evelyn’s experience during the 1960s. The reader learns about important issues such as birth control or women’s rights as well as more cultural pieces such as art and jewellery. It allowed for a well-rounded setting that was both beautiful and troublesome, depending on the angle.
The thriller aspect was definitely a slower burn. Not really grasping me until a little over halfway through the novel. But I could feel the intensity of the character interactions while reading, it was very tense and you could feel the stress in the room. There are some scenes and scenarios that Evelyn faces that made me want scream in rage at the discomfort and injustice.
This isn’t your standard quick-read summer thriller, but something with a lot more depth that is going to cause a lot of people discomfort and questioning what sacrifices were made in the past for women to have the freedoms they have today.
May 16, 2026
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🛋️ have ever been to a therapist
☮️ love books centered around the 60s
👶🏼 both desire but detest to have a baby
💃🏻 ever modeled
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Evelyn Westbrook has given up her career as a model and wants to find fulfilment in married life. But when her husband suggests they start trying for a baby, everything begins to unravel. Struggling to cope with crippling nightmares, Evelyn takes the advice of a friend and goes to see a psychotherapist. She is apprehensive about exposing her intimate issues: what she absolutely does not want to do is unearth the secrets of her past. The enigmatic Dr. Daley, however, is determined to take her back there, and she soon finds herself drawn to him. Evelyn’s interest in her therapist turns to obsession, and she becomes locked in a powerful relationship where the question of whether he is caring for her or manipulating her becomes impossible to untangle.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was an interesting concept that went in a direction I didn’t fully see coming! Evelyn is a former model now wife whose husband would like to start having children. Haunted by her past, she begins having awful night terrors and starts seeing a therapist to help overcome them. This is where it got weird - Dr. Daley isn’t an innocent doctor like he pretends to be, but rather preys on vulnerable women. I felt like I was inside of Evelyn’s mind this entire story - the story was a bit repetitive, but it reminded me of anxiety and how people can repeat events again and again in their minds, trying to make sense of it all. The author does a fantastic job of really making you feel everything she’s going through. Definitely a bit on the slower side, but perfect for those who enjoy novels that aren’t quite straightforward.
🛋️ have ever been to a therapist
☮️ love books centered around the 60s
👶🏼 both desire but detest to have a baby
💃🏻 ever modeled
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Evelyn Westbrook has given up her career as a model and wants to find fulfilment in married life. But when her husband suggests they start trying for a baby, everything begins to unravel. Struggling to cope with crippling nightmares, Evelyn takes the advice of a friend and goes to see a psychotherapist. She is apprehensive about exposing her intimate issues: what she absolutely does not want to do is unearth the secrets of her past. The enigmatic Dr. Daley, however, is determined to take her back there, and she soon finds herself drawn to him. Evelyn’s interest in her therapist turns to obsession, and she becomes locked in a powerful relationship where the question of whether he is caring for her or manipulating her becomes impossible to untangle.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was an interesting concept that went in a direction I didn’t fully see coming! Evelyn is a former model now wife whose husband would like to start having children. Haunted by her past, she begins having awful night terrors and starts seeing a therapist to help overcome them. This is where it got weird - Dr. Daley isn’t an innocent doctor like he pretends to be, but rather preys on vulnerable women. I felt like I was inside of Evelyn’s mind this entire story - the story was a bit repetitive, but it reminded me of anxiety and how people can repeat events again and again in their minds, trying to make sense of it all. The author does a fantastic job of really making you feel everything she’s going through. Definitely a bit on the slower side, but perfect for those who enjoy novels that aren’t quite straightforward.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
TLDR : early copy from GetRedPR, thank you! This is a great, and fast, read for suspense fans and a good one for suspense book clubs.
A 1960s London psychological thriller where therapy turns unsettling, The Model Patient dives into transference, manipulation, and an unraveling sense of reality. I was hooked by the tense therapist-client dynamic and the slow-burn spiral, even if I suspected the twist early (still satisfying). The emotional core especially the female friendship really grounded the story, though Evelyn herself was a bit hard to connect with. The historical lens on mental health added an extra layer of intrigue (and discomfort). A twisty, thought-provoking read for fans of unreliable narrators and therapy tropes.
Given what I study/teach...I don’t always love therapy-centered plots, but this one pulled me in and I knew that the author would explore themes thoughtfully. The exploration of transference and the therapist/client dynamic was compelling (and honestly, unsettling in all the right ways, this is a good one for suspense fans!). I did start to suspect the twist early on but that didn’t stop me from fully enjoying the reveal.
As someone who appreciates nuanced discussions of mental health, I found the historical lens really effective as I think we need to better understand the history of this field to understand why/where we are at and also historical trauma around this field. Ashe does a good job grounding the book in the time period and what I know from my studies about the history of clinical applications, problematic and all, and the role of transference issues.
A 1960s London psychological thriller where therapy turns unsettling, The Model Patient dives into transference, manipulation, and an unraveling sense of reality. I was hooked by the tense therapist-client dynamic and the slow-burn spiral, even if I suspected the twist early (still satisfying). The emotional core especially the female friendship really grounded the story, though Evelyn herself was a bit hard to connect with. The historical lens on mental health added an extra layer of intrigue (and discomfort). A twisty, thought-provoking read for fans of unreliable narrators and therapy tropes.
Given what I study/teach...I don’t always love therapy-centered plots, but this one pulled me in and I knew that the author would explore themes thoughtfully. The exploration of transference and the therapist/client dynamic was compelling (and honestly, unsettling in all the right ways, this is a good one for suspense fans!). I did start to suspect the twist early on but that didn’t stop me from fully enjoying the reveal.
As someone who appreciates nuanced discussions of mental health, I found the historical lens really effective as I think we need to better understand the history of this field to understand why/where we are at and also historical trauma around this field. Ashe does a good job grounding the book in the time period and what I know from my studies about the history of clinical applications, problematic and all, and the role of transference issues.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A difficult book to review as the author has clearly invested considerable research and commitment in writing this. However I think perhaps a marmite book, strongly appealing to some readers but maybe frustrating for others who might expect more action in a thriller, this is very character driven story.
I stuck with my usual habit of reading about 15% a day, otherwise I might have struggled to finish. Much of the narrative takes the form of therapy sessions with Dr Darley, with each one going in ever decreasing circles, making it feel a little repetitive, and leaving me feeling as frustrated as Evelyn. The plot is subtle, and these sessions demand close reading, skim reading isn’t an option as they form the main thrust of the book.
The book deals with some serious issues, sexual abuse, coercion, but also highlights the changing expectations of women during the late 50’s and 60’s, when getting married and bringing up a family was no longer seen as the be all and end all, at least for the educated, middle class women. I think maybe working class women took a little longer to catch up to wanting more from life. Later in the book the pace picks up with twists, revelations and more action, which made me more engaged, leading me to finish a large chunk at one go.
I wouldn’t say I ‘enjoyed’ it in the usual sense, but it certainly gives food for thought and the author’s endnotes give further explanation and insight into the psychotherapy used in the book, providing useful context for readers interested in that aspect. 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.
I stuck with my usual habit of reading about 15% a day, otherwise I might have struggled to finish. Much of the narrative takes the form of therapy sessions with Dr Darley, with each one going in ever decreasing circles, making it feel a little repetitive, and leaving me feeling as frustrated as Evelyn. The plot is subtle, and these sessions demand close reading, skim reading isn’t an option as they form the main thrust of the book.
The book deals with some serious issues, sexual abuse, coercion, but also highlights the changing expectations of women during the late 50’s and 60’s, when getting married and bringing up a family was no longer seen as the be all and end all, at least for the educated, middle class women. I think maybe working class women took a little longer to catch up to wanting more from life. Later in the book the pace picks up with twists, revelations and more action, which made me more engaged, leading me to finish a large chunk at one go.
I wouldn’t say I ‘enjoyed’ it in the usual sense, but it certainly gives food for thought and the author’s endnotes give further explanation and insight into the psychotherapy used in the book, providing useful context for readers interested in that aspect. 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Set in 1960s London this is a quite an unsettling story which follows Evelyn ‘Evie’ Westbrook as she goes through psychotherapy with Dr Daley after experiencing distressing dreams. I was a child in the 60’s but the descriptions of the era really resonated with me. It’s also clear the author has done a lot of research into this particular form of therapy, which in itself is a quite disturbing treatment.
Briefly, former model Evie looks on the surface to have the perfect life; loving husband, nice home in Pimlico, comfortable lifestyle but all is not rosy. Her mother in law is pressuring her to have a baby, which she doesn’t want, and under the surface Evie is mentally collapsing. At the recommendation of an old friend she starts therapy once a week. But there is something not quite right about Daley, and Evie has so much baggage in her past she begins to get an unhealthy obsession with Daley.
I felt quite uncomfortable as the therapy sessions continued with a transference dominant methodology clearly having a negative influence on Evie. It was like a car crash waiting to happen and nothing could stop it. There are a number of issues raised in the book such as coercion and abuse but just as disturbing is the general treatment of women, I remember how my mother was in the 60’s, she basically did everything. But the fact that women had now started to wrest back some control over their lives was so positive. A thought provoking and fascinating read, dark and complex but compelling. I enjoyed it.
Briefly, former model Evie looks on the surface to have the perfect life; loving husband, nice home in Pimlico, comfortable lifestyle but all is not rosy. Her mother in law is pressuring her to have a baby, which she doesn’t want, and under the surface Evie is mentally collapsing. At the recommendation of an old friend she starts therapy once a week. But there is something not quite right about Daley, and Evie has so much baggage in her past she begins to get an unhealthy obsession with Daley.
I felt quite uncomfortable as the therapy sessions continued with a transference dominant methodology clearly having a negative influence on Evie. It was like a car crash waiting to happen and nothing could stop it. There are a number of issues raised in the book such as coercion and abuse but just as disturbing is the general treatment of women, I remember how my mother was in the 60’s, she basically did everything. But the fact that women had now started to wrest back some control over their lives was so positive. A thought provoking and fascinating read, dark and complex but compelling. I enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Model Patient is a taut and atmospheric psychological novel that lingers long after you’ve closed the final page. Set in 1960s London, it captures the quiet intensity of therapy sessions where Evelyn Westbrook, a former model turned reluctant housewife, begins to unravel under the weight of secrets, expectations, and haunting dreams.
Evelyn is a fascinating protagonist—restless, vulnerable, and caught between the roles others demand of her and the identity she longs to claim for herself. Her recurring nightmare of becoming a snake devouring its own tail is a chilling metaphor for the cycle of repression and self-doubt she endures. The dynamic with Dr. Daley, her enigmatic therapist, is the novel’s beating heart: a relationship that teeters dangerously between care and manipulation, obsession and betrayal.
Lucy Ashe’s prose is elegant yet unsettling, perfectly suited to the claustrophobic atmosphere of Evelyn’s world. The novel explores themes of power, identity, and the cost of conformity with sharp psychological insight, making it both compelling and deeply thought-provoking.
The Model Patient is a gripping exploration of obsession and control, perfect for readers who enjoy psychological fiction that probes the darker corners of human relationships. It’s stylish, haunting, and quietly devastating—a novel that asks what happens when the roles we’re forced to play begin to consume us.
with thanks to Lucy Ashe, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Evelyn is a fascinating protagonist—restless, vulnerable, and caught between the roles others demand of her and the identity she longs to claim for herself. Her recurring nightmare of becoming a snake devouring its own tail is a chilling metaphor for the cycle of repression and self-doubt she endures. The dynamic with Dr. Daley, her enigmatic therapist, is the novel’s beating heart: a relationship that teeters dangerously between care and manipulation, obsession and betrayal.
Lucy Ashe’s prose is elegant yet unsettling, perfectly suited to the claustrophobic atmosphere of Evelyn’s world. The novel explores themes of power, identity, and the cost of conformity with sharp psychological insight, making it both compelling and deeply thought-provoking.
The Model Patient is a gripping exploration of obsession and control, perfect for readers who enjoy psychological fiction that probes the darker corners of human relationships. It’s stylish, haunting, and quietly devastating—a novel that asks what happens when the roles we’re forced to play begin to consume us.
with thanks to Lucy Ashe, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Evie, a former model, has been experiencing traumatic dreams. Although each one is different, they always involve a snake. A friend recommends Dr Daley, a psychologist who is currently working on the analysis of dreams. However, rather than helping, her sessions with him always leave her frustrated that nothing seems to have improved. This is because rather than tackling her problems, Dr Daley seems to want to explore other issues within her life. She also realises she is beginning to develop a dangerous attachment to the clinician. It is a situation which is not helping her home life with husband Henry, and trying to cope with her awful mother in law (definitely the mother in law from hell!)
Set against a backdrop of the mid-1960s, I found The Model Patient slow to begin with, probably because a large part of the story concentrated on Evie's visits to Dr Dailey. Through these conversatons, however, Evie's back story is revealed and darker issues beyond the dreams begin come to the surface.
Early on, I realised Dr Daley had an ulterior motive with the way he was conducting his sessions with Evie, and was not at all surprised when all was revealed.
A well written and cleverly structured novel that pulls you in and holds your attention.
I would like to thank Simon and Schuster, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of The Model Patient in exchange for an honest review.
Set against a backdrop of the mid-1960s, I found The Model Patient slow to begin with, probably because a large part of the story concentrated on Evie's visits to Dr Dailey. Through these conversatons, however, Evie's back story is revealed and darker issues beyond the dreams begin come to the surface.
Early on, I realised Dr Daley had an ulterior motive with the way he was conducting his sessions with Evie, and was not at all surprised when all was revealed.
A well written and cleverly structured novel that pulls you in and holds your attention.
I would like to thank Simon and Schuster, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of The Model Patient in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Get Red PR and the author for the advanced reader copy of this new psychological thriller. The psychological aspects of this book were done extremely well. The author did an excellent job of putting you in the mind of a character that us unsure about her own reality.
The book is set in the 1960's in London at a time when women are just starting to get control of their own bodies through the release of the birth control pill. The author does an excellent job of showing us what it felt like for a women during this controversial time. The female main character has recently left her career as a model to get married and start a new part of her life. She is struggling with this change and her husband's pressure to have a child, and decides to start seeing a psychologist. They start psycodynamic therapy, which is a Fruedian style therapy that was just becoming popular during this time. The line starts to blur between transference and manipulation quickly and the plot progresses from there.
Although the plot line was fairly predictable if you are a thriller reader, this did not take away from my enjoyment of the novel. The writing is very atmospheric and the character work is excellent. This was also well researched and the author's note explains her own experience with this kind of therapy.
I definitely recommend this one and will be picking up other books by this author in the future.
The book is set in the 1960's in London at a time when women are just starting to get control of their own bodies through the release of the birth control pill. The author does an excellent job of showing us what it felt like for a women during this controversial time. The female main character has recently left her career as a model to get married and start a new part of her life. She is struggling with this change and her husband's pressure to have a child, and decides to start seeing a psychologist. They start psycodynamic therapy, which is a Fruedian style therapy that was just becoming popular during this time. The line starts to blur between transference and manipulation quickly and the plot progresses from there.
Although the plot line was fairly predictable if you are a thriller reader, this did not take away from my enjoyment of the novel. The writing is very atmospheric and the character work is excellent. This was also well researched and the author's note explains her own experience with this kind of therapy.
I definitely recommend this one and will be picking up other books by this author in the future.
April 26, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
Evelyn has the perfect life, a perfect home, a perfect husband, Henry, she doesn’t have to work, she gave up her career as a model to be a model housewife. Her life looks perfect but Evelyn is unhappy.
She will never be able to live up to her mother-in-laws expectations, Henry is unhappy as he wants them to start a family right away, It’s 1960 and Evelyn is not ready to have a baby, she is taking the new contraceptive pill, she misses her modelling and she is having a strange reoccurring nightmare.
Evelyn decides to try therapy, she is going to keep this a secret from Henry who she feels would not approve. She finds herself drawn to the enigmatic therapist, Dr Daly, she begins to see him once a week. He probes her with questions, encouraging her to talk about her past, previous relationships before Henry, she shares her trauma of sexual abuse, she fantasies and becomes obsessed with him, she is in love with him and is frustrated that he won’t say how he feels about her.
The story is quite slow for the first half but picks up when Evelyn’s best friend has a new man in her life, guess who? This puts a huge strain on their long frienship.
It’s an interesting, thought provoking read from the therapy point of view and the rather toxic unethical sessions, which held my attention,
Friendship and independence come through strongly in the story,
Evelyn has the perfect life, a perfect home, a perfect husband, Henry, she doesn’t have to work, she gave up her career as a model to be a model housewife. Her life looks perfect but Evelyn is unhappy.
She will never be able to live up to her mother-in-laws expectations, Henry is unhappy as he wants them to start a family right away, It’s 1960 and Evelyn is not ready to have a baby, she is taking the new contraceptive pill, she misses her modelling and she is having a strange reoccurring nightmare.
Evelyn decides to try therapy, she is going to keep this a secret from Henry who she feels would not approve. She finds herself drawn to the enigmatic therapist, Dr Daly, she begins to see him once a week. He probes her with questions, encouraging her to talk about her past, previous relationships before Henry, she shares her trauma of sexual abuse, she fantasies and becomes obsessed with him, she is in love with him and is frustrated that he won’t say how he feels about her.
The story is quite slow for the first half but picks up when Evelyn’s best friend has a new man in her life, guess who? This puts a huge strain on their long frienship.
It’s an interesting, thought provoking read from the therapy point of view and the rather toxic unethical sessions, which held my attention,
Friendship and independence come through strongly in the story,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews