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The Resident
Everyone makes mistakes in residency.
But mine might kill someone.
Dr. McKenna “Mac” Forbes is in the final stretch of her grueling medical training, juggling impossible hours, high-stakes decisions, and the ever-present pressure to prove she belongs. But when a brilliant new attending, Dr. Jonathan Shaw, arrives at Liberty Hill Hospital, everything starts to unravel.
He's confident. Charismatic. Stunningly handsome. And far too perfect.
Almost immediately, things go wrong. Mistakes appear in patient charts she swears she didn’t make. Medications are switched. Lab results vanish. Equipment disappears. And the mistakes—her mistakes—keep piling up. But Mac knows she didn’t cause them.
At first, she blames the stress. The exhaustion. But then she hears footsteps outside her apartment at night. There’s a window open that shouldn’t be. Notices strange looks from other doctors.
McKenna starts to doubt herself—until she begins to suspect someone wants her to fail.
Someone’s watching her.
Someone’s setting her up.
And if she can’t uncover the truth soon, she won’t just lose her career—she could lose everything.
But the game isn’t over.
Because when the trap finally snaps shut, she won’t be the one caught inside.
But mine might kill someone.
Dr. McKenna “Mac” Forbes is in the final stretch of her grueling medical training, juggling impossible hours, high-stakes decisions, and the ever-present pressure to prove she belongs. But when a brilliant new attending, Dr. Jonathan Shaw, arrives at Liberty Hill Hospital, everything starts to unravel.
He's confident. Charismatic. Stunningly handsome. And far too perfect.
Almost immediately, things go wrong. Mistakes appear in patient charts she swears she didn’t make. Medications are switched. Lab results vanish. Equipment disappears. And the mistakes—her mistakes—keep piling up. But Mac knows she didn’t cause them.
At first, she blames the stress. The exhaustion. But then she hears footsteps outside her apartment at night. There’s a window open that shouldn’t be. Notices strange looks from other doctors.
McKenna starts to doubt herself—until she begins to suspect someone wants her to fail.
Someone’s watching her.
Someone’s setting her up.
And if she can’t uncover the truth soon, she won’t just lose her career—she could lose everything.
But the game isn’t over.
Because when the trap finally snaps shut, she won’t be the one caught inside.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2025
282 people are currently reading
1869 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 13, 2025
Dr. Mac Forbes is almost done completing her residency, and this journey is not easy! Especially dealing with the pressure of running an emergency department, strict attendings, and complicated family dynamics simultaneously! When odd things start occurring at the hospital, Mac is convinced that someone is intentionally trying to sabotage her or either she’s loosing her mind. Either way, she needs to figure out what is happening fast before she looses her career. There were many secrets lingering from multiple sources, and it ultimately all came together with a few crazy twists! Overall a solid & enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2025
The Resident by K. J. Kalis is a slow-burning medical thriller that makes you question everyone’s true intentions. There was a certain point in the book where I figured out who was behind everything; however, I did not foresee the ending. I would highly recommend adding The Resident to your TBR
September 28, 2025
Dr. McKenna Forbes is almost finished her residency. All of a sudden things seem to start going horribly wrong in her life in both a personal and a professional level. Is it just exhaustion or is something more sinister going on? She is getting blamed for mistakes that she is pretty sure she didn't do. Strange things are happening at her apartment and her bridezilla sister is driving her crazy.
It is a wild ride for Mac while she tries to get her life back on track. This is a fantastic thriller!
It is a wild ride for Mac while she tries to get her life back on track. This is a fantastic thriller!
September 26, 2025
This book had me hooked from start to finish, I just had to know what was going on with Dr Forbes!
So, McKenna (Mac) is having an unlucky time of it, since Dr Shaws arrival that is…
Her relationship is in tatters, her job is in the line, I needed to know what was going on. I honestly could not put this book down, I loved the characters the storyline was great from start to finish, great twists too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So, McKenna (Mac) is having an unlucky time of it, since Dr Shaws arrival that is…
Her relationship is in tatters, her job is in the line, I needed to know what was going on. I honestly could not put this book down, I loved the characters the storyline was great from start to finish, great twists too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2025
You study hard, go to med school, survive residency only to be tripped up on the goal line? That’s what’s facing Mac if she can’t figure out what or who is causing all these mistakes to suddenly happen in her life. Is it the charming and suspiciously perfect new hire? Is she losing her mind? Is it something else altogether? You’ll have to read to find out.
This is creepy in all the best ways of a thriller! You’re on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what’s really going on amidst all the twists and surprises the author throws Mac’s way. Thriller done right!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is creepy in all the best ways of a thriller! You’re on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what’s really going on amidst all the twists and surprises the author throws Mac’s way. Thriller done right!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 21, 2025
Mac is almost at the end of her residency and looking forward to getting hired at a new hospital as an attending in the ER. Then a new attending doctor is hired, Dr. Shaw, and everything starts to go wrong, she fails in diagnosing two patients, cannot do a procedure in a third one, and she also brings the ER system down and is suspended from the hospital. Her boyfriend walks on her on a suspicious situation and decides that they are not an item anymore. Why are these things happening? Who really is this Dr. Shaw? Why Dr. Riley who is responsible for the ER believes him so much? The Resident is a fast-paced story with a woman on the brink of her nervous system trying to understand what is happening to her life and with the help of a friend finding a solution. Very entertaining and highly recommended!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2025
The Resident is a fantastic medical psychological thriller!
I absolutely love this book! The FMC is a 3rd year medical student who seems to have it all together. When a new MD comes, she can't seem to do anything right. Will her mistakes cost her her job, internship, and future? Highly recommend reading to find out! This book had me addicted! I started it, and then something came up, and I restarted it and didn't stop reading until I was done! This is the first book I've read from this author, and I look forward to reading more!
I absolutely love this book! The FMC is a 3rd year medical student who seems to have it all together. When a new MD comes, she can't seem to do anything right. Will her mistakes cost her her job, internship, and future? Highly recommend reading to find out! This book had me addicted! I started it, and then something came up, and I restarted it and didn't stop reading until I was done! This is the first book I've read from this author, and I look forward to reading more!
September 18, 2025
ARC through Goodreads Giveaway. This is my honest review.
I had a difficult time putting this book, when things start going downhill for Mac one after another it felt very relatable, because that’s how life works. One bad thing can’t just happen it’s a domino effect of one thing after another.
I was not expecting the person who was behind it all to unfold the way it did.
I would recommend do anyone who likes a suspense, thriller or mystery
I had a difficult time putting this book, when things start going downhill for Mac one after another it felt very relatable, because that’s how life works. One bad thing can’t just happen it’s a domino effect of one thing after another.
I was not expecting the person who was behind it all to unfold the way it did.
I would recommend do anyone who likes a suspense, thriller or mystery
October 15, 2025
Complete waste of time
What did I just read??? The entire book I kept waiting for the “off feelings” she was having to link to some of the suspect characters and then in the last two chapters all of a sudden there’s enough information linking everyone that it could have taken up 10 chapters (or more) being fleshed out. Seriously - the author just took ALL of the vital details of the plot and shoved them into the last 5 minutes of the book like they were insignificant.
What did I just read??? The entire book I kept waiting for the “off feelings” she was having to link to some of the suspect characters and then in the last two chapters all of a sudden there’s enough information linking everyone that it could have taken up 10 chapters (or more) being fleshed out. Seriously - the author just took ALL of the vital details of the plot and shoved them into the last 5 minutes of the book like they were insignificant.
October 15, 2025
Physician in training nearly loses her career two months before completing her residency - 5 stars
Doctor McKenna Riley (Mac) has only two months remaining of the long grueling days typical of a resident physician working at a busy emergency room in the City of Philadelphia. After three years and ten months of career growth, everything seemed to fall apart. She made at least one medical error in drowsy fog. From that point, she could not do anything right. She seemed to be a neurotic female rather than a woman who had earned a medical degree and would be completing her four-year residency in two months. As the story opens, Mac was the resident in charge with no question that she was going to be a good physician.
Mac was accepted the ER job as a resident with its 18-hour days and frequent 21-hour shifts. All of a sudden, she was confused and seemed to miss some important medical issues. Mac only communicated with the small staff in the Emergency Department -- several other residents, two senior physicians, and a charge nurse. Her boyfriend was out of town on an international sales trip. Her cat was just being a cat--more a burden than an attentive listener. In less than a week, Mac was crying nearly constantly and seemed more concerned about her appearance than a high school senior.
The pace changed when one of the senior physicians called Mac into his office and told her that she was suspended. Suspension would mean that her career would never start. No one would hire her and her hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt to pay for medical school would never be paid off. There was one benefit of being suspended; with her new-found free time, Mac started looking at the internet, trying to find information about the doctors who were her supervisors. The narrative changed in a most unexpected way.
The worst week in Mac's life faded as Mac, having had time to sleep, eat, clean, and look for help zoomed her into sharp focus. Mac became more animated and even asked for her job back. The understaffed ER was willing to give her a second chance. The story played out far differently than I would have ever guessed. While not a fairy tale ending, a surprise had been lurking in the shadows. Mac stopped feeling sorry for herself and took it upon herself to show what she could do, demonstrating her skills.
Doctor McKenna Riley (Mac) has only two months remaining of the long grueling days typical of a resident physician working at a busy emergency room in the City of Philadelphia. After three years and ten months of career growth, everything seemed to fall apart. She made at least one medical error in drowsy fog. From that point, she could not do anything right. She seemed to be a neurotic female rather than a woman who had earned a medical degree and would be completing her four-year residency in two months. As the story opens, Mac was the resident in charge with no question that she was going to be a good physician.
Mac was accepted the ER job as a resident with its 18-hour days and frequent 21-hour shifts. All of a sudden, she was confused and seemed to miss some important medical issues. Mac only communicated with the small staff in the Emergency Department -- several other residents, two senior physicians, and a charge nurse. Her boyfriend was out of town on an international sales trip. Her cat was just being a cat--more a burden than an attentive listener. In less than a week, Mac was crying nearly constantly and seemed more concerned about her appearance than a high school senior.
The pace changed when one of the senior physicians called Mac into his office and told her that she was suspended. Suspension would mean that her career would never start. No one would hire her and her hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt to pay for medical school would never be paid off. There was one benefit of being suspended; with her new-found free time, Mac started looking at the internet, trying to find information about the doctors who were her supervisors. The narrative changed in a most unexpected way.
The worst week in Mac's life faded as Mac, having had time to sleep, eat, clean, and look for help zoomed her into sharp focus. Mac became more animated and even asked for her job back. The understaffed ER was willing to give her a second chance. The story played out far differently than I would have ever guessed. While not a fairy tale ending, a surprise had been lurking in the shadows. Mac stopped feeling sorry for herself and took it upon herself to show what she could do, demonstrating her skills.
January 4, 2026
I'm pretty torn on my rating but we'll go with 2 stars...
The Resident hooked me pretty quick and I found it a quick and interesting read... until about the 90% mark... The story follows Dr. McKenna (Mac) Forbes, a senior resident who is just finishing up her training at a trauma ED in Philadelphia. She seems to be top of her game, she's a chief resident, has a job lined up for after residency, and a great boyfriend who recently moved in. Things go downhill pretty quickly though when after a very long shift and Mac seems to be making some mistakes. Some other strange things happen over the course of a few days that quickly cause all of the good things she has going on to quickly disappear, leaving her to wonder if this really is all just a series of coincidences that may be related to being an overworked, overtired young resident, or is something else going on?
I liked the book, and aside from a few grammar and spelling errors, the writing was pretty decent. I kept thinking that the author must have a background in medicine because things did seem to have a fair amount of realistic details. The suspense was pretty good without being too scary or unlikely, but very low key and not at all gripping like most thrillers or mysteries are. It definitely read more like a realistic fiction or medical fiction than a suspense story.
Then in the last 10% of the book we start to see the need for ends tied up. Without getting to any spoilers, my thoughts were:
- the ending felt very rushed
- there were plot holes and timeline issues
- the narration changed quite a bit for the second last chapter and epilogue
- too many unnecessary steps to solve the mystery and random new characters introduced
- wrapped up with just too nice of a bow - the mystery and life after were pretty unrealistic
I left the book feeling annoyed, frustrated and disappointed. I'm really lost on how to rate it. It is one thing to not enjoy an ending and wish the author did things differently, it's another to feel so let down by the conclusion.
The Resident hooked me pretty quick and I found it a quick and interesting read... until about the 90% mark... The story follows Dr. McKenna (Mac) Forbes, a senior resident who is just finishing up her training at a trauma ED in Philadelphia. She seems to be top of her game, she's a chief resident, has a job lined up for after residency, and a great boyfriend who recently moved in. Things go downhill pretty quickly though when after a very long shift and Mac seems to be making some mistakes. Some other strange things happen over the course of a few days that quickly cause all of the good things she has going on to quickly disappear, leaving her to wonder if this really is all just a series of coincidences that may be related to being an overworked, overtired young resident, or is something else going on?
I liked the book, and aside from a few grammar and spelling errors, the writing was pretty decent. I kept thinking that the author must have a background in medicine because things did seem to have a fair amount of realistic details. The suspense was pretty good without being too scary or unlikely, but very low key and not at all gripping like most thrillers or mysteries are. It definitely read more like a realistic fiction or medical fiction than a suspense story.
Then in the last 10% of the book we start to see the need for ends tied up. Without getting to any spoilers, my thoughts were:
- the ending felt very rushed
- there were plot holes and timeline issues
- the narration changed quite a bit for the second last chapter and epilogue
- too many unnecessary steps to solve the mystery and random new characters introduced
- wrapped up with just too nice of a bow - the mystery and life after were pretty unrealistic
I left the book feeling annoyed, frustrated and disappointed. I'm really lost on how to rate it. It is one thing to not enjoy an ending and wish the author did things differently, it's another to feel so let down by the conclusion.
January 27, 2026
Ok I’m not sure how to attack this story without giving to much away.. 1st I enjoyed the book tremendously it reminded me kinda of me going to school to be a certified nursing assistant.. I once wanted to be a nurse but decided it was not for me after working with them.. you can say I know how McKenna Forbes felt while working in the Emergency Department at Liberty Hill Medical Hospital. McKenna had to finish her residency and prove she was capable of being a great doctor..
Let’s just say Rd Randy Riley did not make it easy on her. McKenna aka(Mac) was doing so good and had already done 3 yrs of her residency and only had a little while to go.. UNTIL!! Dr Jonathan Shaw showed up at Liberty Hill Hospital he was the charming and good looking doctor that everyone wanted to be with ( nurses, other female residence, etc.)
Everything started to fall apart for McKenna, it wasn’t till Dr Riley suspended McKenna that all the situation started falling into place.. But!! What really set it off was a visit from a medical sales rep Jackson Soto that served in the military with Dr Jonathan Shaw.. Now!! This is where the story takes a HUGE twist all the secrets, mysteries, drugs, deaths, and extra people come into play… it left me 😲 and 🤯.. I did not see that coming.. WOW!! You are not going to believe it.. You have to read this Fantastic story by KJ Kalis.. you are not going to be disappointed. I know I wasn’t. Thanks KJ Kalis 👏 amazing 🥰 🫶
Let’s just say Rd Randy Riley did not make it easy on her. McKenna aka(Mac) was doing so good and had already done 3 yrs of her residency and only had a little while to go.. UNTIL!! Dr Jonathan Shaw showed up at Liberty Hill Hospital he was the charming and good looking doctor that everyone wanted to be with ( nurses, other female residence, etc.)
Everything started to fall apart for McKenna, it wasn’t till Dr Riley suspended McKenna that all the situation started falling into place.. But!! What really set it off was a visit from a medical sales rep Jackson Soto that served in the military with Dr Jonathan Shaw.. Now!! This is where the story takes a HUGE twist all the secrets, mysteries, drugs, deaths, and extra people come into play… it left me 😲 and 🤯.. I did not see that coming.. WOW!! You are not going to believe it.. You have to read this Fantastic story by KJ Kalis.. you are not going to be disappointed. I know I wasn’t. Thanks KJ Kalis 👏 amazing 🥰 🫶
September 21, 2025
🏥📖 ARC Review: The Resident by KJ Kalis 📖🏥
Dr. McKenna “Mac” Forbes is this close to finishing her residency long nights, impossible decisions, and the constant pressure to be perfect. But when the charming and oh-so-perfect Dr. Jonathan Shaw arrives, Mac’s carefully balanced world begins to spiral.
⚠️ Charts mysteriously altered.
⚠️ Medications switched.
⚠️ Labs disappearing.
⚠️ Her reputation—and future—slipping away.
Everyone thinks she’s losing it… but Mac knows she’s being set up. And the deeper she digs, the more dangerous things become. With someone watching her every move, she’s in a race to prove the truth before she loses her career, her freedom, or worse her life. ⏳🔍😱
✨ What to Expect:
🩺 Medical suspense
👩⚕️ Strong female doctor under fire
🕵️ Twists, paranoia & gaslighting
🏙️ Creepy hospital & off-duty tension
🔥 A chilling cat-and-mouse game
KJ Kalis delivers a pulse-pounding medical thriller that will keep you questioning everyone. Dark, twisty, and addictive The Resident is a must-read for fans of Grey’s Anatomy with a sinister edge.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#ARCReview #TheResident #KJKalis #MedicalThriller #Bookstagram #PsychologicalSuspense #Unputdownabl
Dr. McKenna “Mac” Forbes is this close to finishing her residency long nights, impossible decisions, and the constant pressure to be perfect. But when the charming and oh-so-perfect Dr. Jonathan Shaw arrives, Mac’s carefully balanced world begins to spiral.
⚠️ Charts mysteriously altered.
⚠️ Medications switched.
⚠️ Labs disappearing.
⚠️ Her reputation—and future—slipping away.
Everyone thinks she’s losing it… but Mac knows she’s being set up. And the deeper she digs, the more dangerous things become. With someone watching her every move, she’s in a race to prove the truth before she loses her career, her freedom, or worse her life. ⏳🔍😱
✨ What to Expect:
🩺 Medical suspense
👩⚕️ Strong female doctor under fire
🕵️ Twists, paranoia & gaslighting
🏙️ Creepy hospital & off-duty tension
🔥 A chilling cat-and-mouse game
KJ Kalis delivers a pulse-pounding medical thriller that will keep you questioning everyone. Dark, twisty, and addictive The Resident is a must-read for fans of Grey’s Anatomy with a sinister edge.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#ARCReview #TheResident #KJKalis #MedicalThriller #Bookstagram #PsychologicalSuspense #Unputdownabl
September 23, 2025
The Resident is a taut, psychologically charged thriller that pulses with dread and quiet desperation. KJ Kalis captures the intensity of medical residency with unnerving precision—where exhaustion blurs reality, and one wrong move could mean the end of everything.
Dr. McKenna “Mac” Forbes is a compelling protagonist: sharp, vulnerable, and caught in a spiral of sabotage that feels all too plausible. As her world begins to fracture—charts altered, medications switched, footsteps in the night—the novel builds a slow, suffocating tension that mirrors the isolation of being gaslit in plain sight.
What elevates this story is its emotional texture. Kalis doesn’t just deliver suspense; she explores the fragility of trust, the weight of expectation, and the quiet terror of losing control in a system that demands perfection. The hospital setting is both sanctuary and trap, and Mac’s unraveling feels heartbreakingly real.
If you’ve ever questioned your instincts or felt the chill of being watched, The Resident will strike a nerve. It’s smart, unsettling, and deeply human—a standout in the psychological thriller genre.
My thanks to KJ Kalis, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC,
Dr. McKenna “Mac” Forbes is a compelling protagonist: sharp, vulnerable, and caught in a spiral of sabotage that feels all too plausible. As her world begins to fracture—charts altered, medications switched, footsteps in the night—the novel builds a slow, suffocating tension that mirrors the isolation of being gaslit in plain sight.
What elevates this story is its emotional texture. Kalis doesn’t just deliver suspense; she explores the fragility of trust, the weight of expectation, and the quiet terror of losing control in a system that demands perfection. The hospital setting is both sanctuary and trap, and Mac’s unraveling feels heartbreakingly real.
If you’ve ever questioned your instincts or felt the chill of being watched, The Resident will strike a nerve. It’s smart, unsettling, and deeply human—a standout in the psychological thriller genre.
My thanks to KJ Kalis, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC,
October 16, 2025
This book is good, and I highly recommend it to you all. I really enjoyed reading "The Resident" and I know you will too. Check the book out and let us know what you think.
This is a book about Dr. McKenna “Mac” Forbes is in the final stretch of her grueling medical training. She is trying to make it through impossible hours, high-stakes decisions and the pressure to prove that she belongs in this job. She is the Chief Resident at Liberty Hill Medical Center’s emergency department. Everything seems to be going well and then it all changes.
When a brilliant new attending, Dr. Jonathan Shaw, arrives at the Hospital, everything starts to unravel. He's confident. Charismatic. Stunningly handsome. And far too perfect. Equipment is moved to different locations, patient's charts have mistakes in them, and I swear I did not make the changes, medications are switched, and lab results just disappear. All of her mistakes just keep piling up but why? Is it all of the stress she is under or is someone trying to sit her up for failure?
This is a book about Dr. McKenna “Mac” Forbes is in the final stretch of her grueling medical training. She is trying to make it through impossible hours, high-stakes decisions and the pressure to prove that she belongs in this job. She is the Chief Resident at Liberty Hill Medical Center’s emergency department. Everything seems to be going well and then it all changes.
When a brilliant new attending, Dr. Jonathan Shaw, arrives at the Hospital, everything starts to unravel. He's confident. Charismatic. Stunningly handsome. And far too perfect. Equipment is moved to different locations, patient's charts have mistakes in them, and I swear I did not make the changes, medications are switched, and lab results just disappear. All of her mistakes just keep piling up but why? Is it all of the stress she is under or is someone trying to sit her up for failure?
January 1, 2026
I won this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I couldn't finish this. In fact, the 70 some pages I did read, I really skimmed.
My issue with this book was believability. Do residents have to work 24 hour shifts? Yes. Do some places abuse this and make residents work with shorter breaks? Probably. But the thing is, these people deal with life and death situations, so do I believe they would only let residents sleep a short period of time and force them to work when they have the brain power of a zombie? No. And I would seriously hope after one mistake, they would be told to rest. After two critical mistakes, why is this person able to continue seeing patients alone? How does a nurse look at blood tests see them, and then like two seconds later believe the resident misread them?
Beyond the believability factor, the main character, and really every character, isn't likeable in my opinion. She repeats phrases within a very short period time and initially comes across as cocky.
If you are able to suspend believability, then read it.
I couldn't finish this. In fact, the 70 some pages I did read, I really skimmed.
My issue with this book was believability. Do residents have to work 24 hour shifts? Yes. Do some places abuse this and make residents work with shorter breaks? Probably. But the thing is, these people deal with life and death situations, so do I believe they would only let residents sleep a short period of time and force them to work when they have the brain power of a zombie? No. And I would seriously hope after one mistake, they would be told to rest. After two critical mistakes, why is this person able to continue seeing patients alone? How does a nurse look at blood tests see them, and then like two seconds later believe the resident misread them?
Beyond the believability factor, the main character, and really every character, isn't likeable in my opinion. She repeats phrases within a very short period time and initially comes across as cocky.
If you are able to suspend believability, then read it.
January 22, 2026
3.5 stars
I was originally drawn to this book by it's cover and it is a nice easy, quick read, but for me the description of psychological thriller is a little misleading as I didn't feel there were enough twists or tension in the story.
I really enjoyed the style of writing and I could empathise with the main character Mac, the chief resident at Liberty Hill Medical Centre, whose lite unravels when things start to go wrong for her at work and she suspects a new work colleague is to blame.
Unfortunately, for me there is just a bit too much detail of ordinary, irrelevant things, a lot of repetition, and not enough surprises to keep me guessing and turn this into a gripping psychological thriller.
The plot is not very complicated, however, despite the absence of a major plot twist, the story kept me interested till the end.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for the advanced copy.
September 20, 2025
I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is a story about Mac who is the Chief resident in the Emergency room. She has only a few months left before she completes the program. All of a sudden after a new doctor appears on the scene, things start going wrong which places her in an unfavorable position with her boss. It even gets to the point where she is placed on suspension and potentially losing the job she has in place once her residency is done.
Learn of all the things that have gone wrong and what she winds up having to put up with as a result of those actions. Discover who is behind it and how it all works out in the end.
The ending will sum it up nicely. This is definitely a book well worth reading, don't miss out!
This is a story about Mac who is the Chief resident in the Emergency room. She has only a few months left before she completes the program. All of a sudden after a new doctor appears on the scene, things start going wrong which places her in an unfavorable position with her boss. It even gets to the point where she is placed on suspension and potentially losing the job she has in place once her residency is done.
Learn of all the things that have gone wrong and what she winds up having to put up with as a result of those actions. Discover who is behind it and how it all works out in the end.
The ending will sum it up nicely. This is definitely a book well worth reading, don't miss out!
September 29, 2025
This book had me hooked from the beginning. Mac is the Chief Resident in Liberty Hill Medical Center’s emergency department. As a third year resident, she is almost finished. And should be ready to be unleashed into the world. The need to be perfect is very exhausting, long hours with no sleep and relationships that are struggling just make it all very difficult. In waltzes Dr. Shaw - charming, good looking and perfect? Stressed out, a missing diagnosis and crashing the computer system bring Mac to the point of suspension from the program. But is she really at fault? Time will tell …..
An early copy was received through BDM LLC and BookSprout. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
An early copy was received through BDM LLC and BookSprout. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
September 29, 2025
The Resident by K. J. Kalis is yet another one of her captivating psychological thrillers. From the beginning, it pulls you into the hectic life of an emergency room chief resident short of sleep but high on anxiety from the never ending demands of a hospital emergency room. This is definitely a page turner where one thing after another keeps going wrong in Mac’s life. Totally out of her control. Until the very end, you don’t know why all this is happening, or who is doing it. There are some very subtle hints along the way that I really didn’t put all together until everything is explained.
This is an exciting edge of the seat read. Don’t miss it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an exciting edge of the seat read. Don’t miss it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2025
This story is a little different, but an excellent read. You will follow Dr McKenna as she goes through her time at the hospital. She is the chief resident and over worked. She is hardly getting any sleep and still having to take care of patients. Then she meets the new attending and she finds him very nice looking and interesting. That when things start to go bad for her. She looks at a patient chart and makes a decision based on what she read. Then later looking at the chart it didn't have what she know she read.
The author as usual has a lot of twists and turns and its the type of book you can't put down till you get to the end.
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I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The author as usual has a lot of twists and turns and its the type of book you can't put down till you get to the end.
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I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2025
The Resident by KJ Kalis
Dr. McKenna “Mac” Forbes is in the last months of her residency at Liberty Hill Hospital in Philadelphia. She’s so close to being done and starting a new job that’s waiting for her. So close…but then everything starts falling apart.
She’s been working long hours and is tired, but still, things are going wrong that she knows can’t all be her fault…or can it? It’s starting to drive her to the brink of craziness. Her boyfriend is gone with his job more often than he’s home, and her mom is so consumed by her younger sister’s wedding that she feels there’s no one to turn to.
A surprise ending that I never saw coming! This story is told from Mac’s POV only.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Dr. McKenna “Mac” Forbes is in the last months of her residency at Liberty Hill Hospital in Philadelphia. She’s so close to being done and starting a new job that’s waiting for her. So close…but then everything starts falling apart.
She’s been working long hours and is tired, but still, things are going wrong that she knows can’t all be her fault…or can it? It’s starting to drive her to the brink of craziness. Her boyfriend is gone with his job more often than he’s home, and her mom is so consumed by her younger sister’s wedding that she feels there’s no one to turn to.
A surprise ending that I never saw coming! This story is told from Mac’s POV only.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
October 17, 2025
Having read and enjoyed many of K. J. Kalis' novels, I was anxious to see how she dealt with fiction with a medical theme. I am happy to report that the result exceeded my expectations. The main character was well developed and likeable. She had a level of snarkiness that I appreciated. I am not in the medical field so I cannot speak to the accuracy of the various activities described in the book but it was my impression that the author did her due diligence.
I will admit that I never saw the ending coming. My jaw literally dropped.
I highly recommend this book and will continue to devour this author's work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I will admit that I never saw the ending coming. My jaw literally dropped.
I highly recommend this book and will continue to devour this author's work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2025
thank you to the publisher for letting me read this ARC!
I LOVED this book Soo much!!! The ending with all of the twists and turns involving both Shawn and Max were incredible.
This book really kept me hooked from the beginning.
Mac, the chief resident at a hospital, starts having one too many things go wrong for her, and it can't all be a coincidence, right..? The new doctor, Dr Shaw, started at the same time as all of these slip ups occurred, and maybe there is something more to his story than he's letting on.
Gosh, I really could go on and on about how good this book was! I loved the suspense, the characters- especially how minor characters stood out (I'm talking about you Marshall!)
I LOVED this book Soo much!!! The ending with all of the twists and turns involving both Shawn and Max were incredible.
This book really kept me hooked from the beginning.
Mac, the chief resident at a hospital, starts having one too many things go wrong for her, and it can't all be a coincidence, right..? The new doctor, Dr Shaw, started at the same time as all of these slip ups occurred, and maybe there is something more to his story than he's letting on.
Gosh, I really could go on and on about how good this book was! I loved the suspense, the characters- especially how minor characters stood out (I'm talking about you Marshall!)
October 16, 2025
Two more grueling months is all Dr. Mac Forbes has left in her residency and then she can start her almost secure job, she can almost taste the freedom of a regular times job. But then things start to become weird and dangerous at the ER, is she making all of those mistakes because of her exhaustion or is there something more sinister going on with the new attendant? She needs to figure out fast what is going on before she loses everything that she has worked so hard to get.
This book is very well written, with a fast moving plot, quite a lot of humor and a twist surprise at the end that you won’t see coming.
This book is very well written, with a fast moving plot, quite a lot of humor and a twist surprise at the end that you won’t see coming.
January 19, 2026
I really was not a fan of this book. Now I am not saying the writing is bad or that the story is bad. This is just how I feel. The story repeated itself to much. It felt like the author was trying to make the book longer by repeating things but just using different words. Like they were trying to ingrain the information in your head just in case you were to forget that the cat got out, or the Shaw was looking at her strange, or how many time she smelled her arm pits. Then the wrap up at the end was so short. It all happened in like 2 pages. You spent all this time repeating things over and over just to have the ending short not very detailed.
Sorry just wasn't for me.
Sorry just wasn't for me.
September 19, 2025
The Resident had me growing increasingly frustrated while reading it. It was written in a way that you could feel how Mac felt. The feeling like you're losing it and not knowing what in the world is going on. I knew there was something sneaky going on and I had a feeling I knew who it was, but the way that it all played out definitely caught me by surprise! This is a quick read because once you start, you won't want to put it down!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 3, 2025
There was something about the cover of this book that drew me in.
I'm normally a bit skeptical about medical books as rubbish with procedural description but as a greys anatomy fan I wanted to read and branch out from normal genres.
Loved the storyline, the hospital aspect and her love life/ family drama. The story built up so well and then I feel like the ending happened very fast and was over very fast. Just wished there was more bulk in the end.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this.
I'm normally a bit skeptical about medical books as rubbish with procedural description but as a greys anatomy fan I wanted to read and branch out from normal genres.
Loved the storyline, the hospital aspect and her love life/ family drama. The story built up so well and then I feel like the ending happened very fast and was over very fast. Just wished there was more bulk in the end.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this.
November 8, 2025
What starts as a case of supposedly missing a severe infection turns into the most twisted, crazy experience for our heroine, the Chief Resident who is within 2 months of getting through with the training and graduating. It even involves being suspended. With no way to know that the new doctor put in charge of the ER is not who he says he is, you will be wondering what is causing all these bad things to happen. Do not let this one go!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2026
Thanks to goodreads and i publisher i won a kindle copy of this book. Let me just say this book sucks you in, you keep reading because you have to know what happens next. With that being said there were many things that was redundant such as knowing she has to finish her residency and this nagging feeling she kept having, etc. With such redundancy i felt like that made the story longer than it needed to be. It was still good in terms of all these things that were happening and you didn't know what was going to happen next. But overall i enjoyed it and rate it a 4.
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