The Doctor’s Disease

by David Hines

A Missing Sister. A Town Full of Secrets.

Things are going well for Victoria Klain. A university student, she’s about to graduate and a guy in her dorm seems interested in her. She might even land a position at a world-renowned research laboratory. Then, someone kidnaps her sister. Why? What do they want? Whoever it is, they’re watching Victoria’s every move. She can’t tell the police, her friends, or her mother.

Alone, Victoria must save her sister, meeting a detective with motives of his own and navigating a wealthy, secluded town uninterested in outsiders. But lurking in that town, a doctor is waiting for Victoria. He has a plan for her, and he will eliminate anyone in his way.

Lisa Jewell’s None of This is True meets Alex Michaelides’ The Fury, The Doctor’s Disease will have you asking one question: who can you really trust?

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Iain Batten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by David Hines that I have had the pleasure of reading. My literary inclinations typically include works by authors such as Harlan Coben, Stephen King, Lee Child, Tom Clancy, Patricia Cornwell, James Patterson, Karin Slaughter, Tess Gerritsen, Clive Cussler, Preston W. Child, C.L. Sutton, KB Fisher, Joe Talon, and Judah Lamb—the latter five of whom I recently discovered. I am particularly drawn to narratives that quickly captivate my attention and tend to avoid those with slow beginnings.

I found the narrative occasionally implausible, yet it was sufficiently compelling to maintain my interest. It certainly raises questions about the extent to which our government and pharmaceutical companies may be concealing secrets. The highlight of the book is undoubtedly the twist at the conclusion, which enhances the storyline as the characters collaborate to escape their dire circumstances.

Although the central premise—a kidnapped sister, imminent danger, and a race against time—does not break new ground, the author’s execution significantly elevates the material. Familiar tropes are handled with confidence, providing a fresh experience despite their recognizability. The pacing of the tension is well-structured, with a gradual buildup that keeps the reader engaged, and the resolution effectively ties together the various threads in a satisfying manner without feeling hurried.

I extend my gratitude to David Hines and Book Sirens for providing a complimentary advance review copy. This review is offered voluntarily.

[Veronica]

ARC Review

This story pulls the rug out from under you fast.

Victoria’s life is on track—college graduation is close, a promising research opportunity is within reach, and life seems to be falling into place. Then everything collapses in an instant when her sister disappears.

No ransom. No clear demands.
Just the terrifying realization that someone is watching her… closely.

Victoria can’t go to the police. She can’t lean on friends or even her own mother. Completely isolated, she’s forced to play along, digging deeper into a situation she doesn’t fully understand—all while trying to save the one person who matters most.

As she searches for answers, she crosses paths with people who aren't exactly what they seems and a powerful, insular town that makes it clear outsiders aren’t welcome.

A doctor quietly pulling strings, convinced Victoria is essential to his carefully crafted plan—and willing to destroy anyone who gets in his way.

The Doctor’s Disease is dark, tense, and deeply unsettling. It explores obsession, control, and how easily power can be abused under the guise of brilliance. The slow-burn suspense kept me on edge, and the psychological elements made it impossible to put down.

If you like thrillers that creep under your skin and make you question every character’s motive, this one is worth the read.

Thanks to @booksirens and @dhinesbooks for the opportunity to be an advanced reader.

[TJ Turns Pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Doctor’s Disease by David Hines follows Victoria, a college student whose world tilts the moment she receives a chilling message: her twin sister, Olivia, has been taken. She’s forced into a twisted game with strict rules. No police. No outside help. Any misstep puts Olivia at risk.

The opening is strong, pulling you in with the bond between the sisters and Victoria’s determination to rescue her. But the story soon veers into the isolated town of Saaville, a place that seems to exist outside the world as we know it. From there, things shift into territory that’s hard to pin down. At times it feels paranormal, at others grounded, and the blend left me unsure of what the book was trying to be.

The pacing works, and the premise has real potential, but the plot’s strangeness didn’t land for me. I’m not even sure I’d call it a thriller. Maybe a mystery with surreal edges. Either way, it didn’t quite hit the mark.

I’m settling on three stars. It wasn’t a bad read, and I never felt like I wasted my time, but it didn’t leave much of an impression either.

Thank you to David Hines & Book Sirens for providing an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindblowing

An intriguing plot draws readers in, immersing them in the characters’ raw emotions and mounting tension. With masterful character development, gripping investigations, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this story keeps you haunted by its mystery, always questioning the doctor’s identity and hidden motives.

The author showcases remarkable storytelling skills, paying close attention to detail, especially in tense situations, the search, the action plan, and unexpected twists. The story is presented from each character's perspective, which allows readers to understand the characters more deeply. Each scene is vividly described, including the well-depicted settings of Saaville City, which allows the readers' imaginations to wander as they engage with the narrative.

Curiosity is piqued throughout the story. Themes of determination, friendship, betrayal, sibling bonds, survival, and hope are portrayed with the right mix of emotions, connecting readers to the plot. The book is a quick read and is written with wit. The surprise revelation in the climax is particularly startling. It is definitely worth a read and is highly recommended for readers who enjoy suspense thrillers.

[Stacey Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Doctor’s Disease,” is a well-written thriller that delivers exactly what fans of the genre look for: tension, momentum, and a protagonist you can root for. Victoria stands out as a fairly solid lead—capable, flawed in believable ways, and determined enough to carry the story’s emotional weight.

While the core premise isn’t breaking new ground—a kidnapped sister, danger closing in from every direction, and a race against time—the author’s execution elevates it. The familiar elements are handled with confidence, making the journey feel fresh even if the overarching idea is recognizable. The tension is well-paced, with a steady buildup that keeps the reader leaning forward, and the resolution ties the threads together in a satisfying way without feeling rushed.

This is a thriller that understands its strengths and plays to them. If you’re looking for a fast, engaging read with solid character work and consistently mounting stakes, The Doctor’s Disease is an easy recommendation.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as a review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review.

David Hine's debut The Doctor's Disease as a haunting roller coaster where around every corner as a new twist and danger that for Victoria Klain has trapped her like a fly in s spider's web. Her sister Olivia has been taken, leaving Victoria to obey their demands if she wants Olivia back; and Victoria is at war with herself to blindly follow the rules or get the police involved. When he quest takes Victoria to unknown town, that on the surface as like every other town. The further and deeper Victoria gets into the mysterious Saaville- a town more at home within series The Outer Limits or The Twilight Zone; darker secrets are hidden behind shiny exteriors, morals and ethics blur the line and putting trust into anyone could cost you everything... including your sanity.


Highly recommended.

[Kyran · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Doctor's Disease is a slow read - it reads like a YA novel but with a pacing that carries each scene a bit longer than it really should. Even still, the short chapters change character perspective multiple times, over most chapters. While this helps show some scenes from multiple angles, it can be confusing and repetitive. 

This novel took several attempts to pick up and read before getting bored of the scenes, the characters, the plot, and having to put it down again. It feels like a stretch to call this a thriller, especially as the main tension is repetitive throughout much of the novel. 

Reviewer's Note: This review was provided without compensation, other than a free advance reader copy.

[Tina Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upside Down
Victoria Klain is going through alot, about to graduate from University, and wham!, someone kidnaps her sister... why?
If that sounds strange and intriguing, it gets better! She finds that she goes to a town that does not appear on the map in the county where she lives. All the people there are filthy rich, and, well, it is just not even close to a normal place. To understand what is going on in this upside-down town, you must read the story.
Thank you, David Hines, for a great story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Danielle]

This story had all the action you could want from a thriller, a kidnapping, surprise attacks and a secret government funded project. The suspense is always enhanced by family trust issues and loyalty issues. This was a twisting tumbling book of suspense and unexpected turns, it was a page turner. The characters were wonderful from beginning to end, they all kept you guessing.

I received an advanced readers copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntary.

[Rebecca Morel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book to evaluate, and here is what I found....

It was amazingly good! A storyline much different than anything I've ever read. A college student was being watched, and her twin sister abducted. Fast forward to a secret town, a secret government agency and no help to speak of with a great twist at the end.

[Laurie Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very twisty thriller, it will keep you entertained and questioning the who’s, why’s and how’s. It’s a barometer of morality in a twisted way. It will keep you guessing. Well recommended.

[Cathy Fierstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader. of suspense/mystery books, I usually figure out the ending. Not with this book. The ending completely surprised me. A well written book that I highly recommend! -

[John Bitsko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and the story moves at a good pace building up the tension throughout. Definitely recommended.