What do you think?
The Case Study
The shocking new psychological thriller from the bestselling author of A Man Downstairs and An Unthinkable Thing: a twisty, unsettling, and masterfully plotted game of magnetic push-and-pull between two women whose secrets threaten to collide.
When Mia was a young woman, she read a magazine article about a murderous teenage girl with a rare and disturbing psychiatric delusion. Fascinated by the details, she sought out the doctor who’d treated the girl, and eventually married him. Twenty years later, Mia’s curiosity is piqued once again when her husband announces that his famous case study will be republished—and that he will be reconnecting with his former patient.
Lainey has never felt that her feet are fully on the ground—not since she was released from a psychiatric institution at the age of twenty-one. When her former doctor reaches out, she decides to tell him the truth about what happened all those years ago. Perhaps she can finally lighten the darkness that has defined her entire existence.
With mirroring software, Mia pores over every recorded therapy session with Lainey, almost as though she’s watching a true crime drama unfold. On the opposite side, Lainey becomes intensely interested in her doctor’s family. How far will she go to insert herself into his seemingly perfect life?
When Mia was a young woman, she read a magazine article about a murderous teenage girl with a rare and disturbing psychiatric delusion. Fascinated by the details, she sought out the doctor who’d treated the girl, and eventually married him. Twenty years later, Mia’s curiosity is piqued once again when her husband announces that his famous case study will be republished—and that he will be reconnecting with his former patient.
Lainey has never felt that her feet are fully on the ground—not since she was released from a psychiatric institution at the age of twenty-one. When her former doctor reaches out, she decides to tell him the truth about what happened all those years ago. Perhaps she can finally lighten the darkness that has defined her entire existence.
With mirroring software, Mia pores over every recorded therapy session with Lainey, almost as though she’s watching a true crime drama unfold. On the opposite side, Lainey becomes intensely interested in her doctor’s family. How far will she go to insert herself into his seemingly perfect life?
336 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 2026
About the author
Nicole Lundrigan
11 books498 followers“Lundrigan’s skillfully balanced blend of psychological thriller and haunting coming-of-age story is infused with creepy, small-town atmospheric suspense. . . . [Her] writing is both elegant and darkly humorous, delivering bareknuckle social commentary that will appeal to fans of Gillian Flynn, Karin Fossum, and Laura Lippman.”
Booklist, Starred review
Nicole is the bestselling author of nine novels including A MAN DOWNSTAIRS and AN UNTHINKABLE THING. Her work has received starred reviews in Booklist, was selected as a top pick by Globe & Mail, Amazon, Now Magazine, among others, and was shortlisted twice for CWC's Best Crime Novel. Her latest psychological thriller, THE CASE STUDY, was just released.
Booklist, Starred review
Nicole is the bestselling author of nine novels including A MAN DOWNSTAIRS and AN UNTHINKABLE THING. Her work has received starred reviews in Booklist, was selected as a top pick by Globe & Mail, Amazon, Now Magazine, among others, and was shortlisted twice for CWC's Best Crime Novel. Her latest psychological thriller, THE CASE STUDY, was just released.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
August 5, 2026
When Mia was young, she read a magazine article about a murderous teenage girl with a rare and disturbing psychiatric delusion. Fascinated by the details, she sought out the doctor who’d treated the girl, and eventually married him. Twenty years later, Mia’s curiosity is piqued once again when her husband announces that his famous case study will be republished—and that he will be reconnecting with his former patient.
I've read and enjoyed quite a few of Nicole Lundrigan's novels and this one is no exception. So proud of this Canadian author. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to give anything away but this book was really dark with many twists that I didn't see coming so that it seemed like one shock after another towards the end. The characters are well fleshed out and mostly unlikeable in my opinion but I couldn't look away. Readers should be aware of triggers - actually too numerous to mention - and also a bit of bad language which might offend some.
Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada|Viking, via Netgalley, for approving my request to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: May 26, 2026
I've read and enjoyed quite a few of Nicole Lundrigan's novels and this one is no exception. So proud of this Canadian author. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to give anything away but this book was really dark with many twists that I didn't see coming so that it seemed like one shock after another towards the end. The characters are well fleshed out and mostly unlikeable in my opinion but I couldn't look away. Readers should be aware of triggers - actually too numerous to mention - and also a bit of bad language which might offend some.
Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada|Viking, via Netgalley, for approving my request to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: May 26, 2026
August 10, 2026
Nicole Lundrigan's books are incredibly well written, I fell in love with her writing a few years ago when I read An Unthinkable Thing.
The Case Study was utterly fascinating, I couldn't put this story down. I have always been captivated by thrillers which center on a psychiatric patient and this one did not disappoint. I was completely enthralled.
Nicole was an expert at slowly revealing the truths of the past, bit by bit. There were some seriously great surprises in this one.
The ending was perfect, I was full on cheering at the end.
The Case Study was utterly fascinating, I couldn't put this story down. I have always been captivated by thrillers which center on a psychiatric patient and this one did not disappoint. I was completely enthralled.
Nicole was an expert at slowly revealing the truths of the past, bit by bit. There were some seriously great surprises in this one.
The ending was perfect, I was full on cheering at the end.
June 14, 2026
a web of hidden intentions
between well-built characters
and a very sad plot twist buried
under layers of past trauma and
scary pathological behaviors. ♡
between well-built characters
and a very sad plot twist buried
under layers of past trauma and
scary pathological behaviors. ♡
June 1, 2026
True to form, The Case Study is another five-star read by Nicole Lundrigan, just as I predicted!
Of course, there were some jaw-dropping twists and WTF moments, but that's really not what stands out to me...
This psychological thriller is dark, moody, and full of grit! It's propulsive, cutting-edge, gripping, and yes, it is a sexy little thing (in the most disturbing of ways)!
Really, I'd better just borrow Robyn Harding's words, because it is "A dark exploration of trauma, obsession, and psychological damage..."
Driven by characters who flip the script, manipulating you to feel, honestly, all the things, viewing marriage, friendship, and motherhood from under a microscope, spinning them from every angle, convincing you everything and nothing is true all at the same time... making one's head spin in the best of ways!
I really don't know what else to say besides: Lundrigan writes some of my favourite psychological thrillers of all time (and in her case "psychological" does not simply refer to the genre, but more so to readers' cognitive well-being; I mentioned manipulative, right!?)!
I'm such a big fan!
Thank you, Tandem Collective Global and Viking Books, for the complimentary copy to read and review.
Of course, there were some jaw-dropping twists and WTF moments, but that's really not what stands out to me...
This psychological thriller is dark, moody, and full of grit! It's propulsive, cutting-edge, gripping, and yes, it is a sexy little thing (in the most disturbing of ways)!
Really, I'd better just borrow Robyn Harding's words, because it is "A dark exploration of trauma, obsession, and psychological damage..."
Driven by characters who flip the script, manipulating you to feel, honestly, all the things, viewing marriage, friendship, and motherhood from under a microscope, spinning them from every angle, convincing you everything and nothing is true all at the same time... making one's head spin in the best of ways!
I really don't know what else to say besides: Lundrigan writes some of my favourite psychological thrillers of all time (and in her case "psychological" does not simply refer to the genre, but more so to readers' cognitive well-being; I mentioned manipulative, right!?)!
I'm such a big fan!
Thank you, Tandem Collective Global and Viking Books, for the complimentary copy to read and review.
September 20, 2026
#ad much love for my finished copy
🅲🅰🆂🅴 🆂🆃🆄🅳🆈
< @
ᴀᴠᴀɪʟᴀʙʟᴇ ɴᴏᴡ
LMAO WTF DID I JUST READ 🫣😂 10/10.
In 1996, Dr. Morrison treated a young girl who was found locked inside a cabin for three days with her dead uncle’s corpse. She was diagnosed with Cotard’s Syndrome, a rare condition in which someone believes they are no longer alive. Those three days in the cabin had fundamentally altered her perception of reality, and LK was eventually charged with manslaughter for her uncle’s death. She was admitted to a psychiatric hospital and remained there until her release on her 21st birthday.
Fast-forward to 2023, when Dr. Morrison reaches out to Lainey. But he isn’t prepared for what she’s about to tell him. As he soon finds out, Lainey didn’t tell Morrison the whole truth of her life and what happened in that cabin.
And then there’s Mia, Ian’s wife, who has a habit of keeping tabs on the people closest to her. Her husband. Her daughter. Watching them is almost a compulsion, and the more I learned about her, the more I wondered what exactly was going on beneath the surface with all that.
I really enjoyed this one. The mystery surrounding Lainey’s past had me completely invested because I needed to know what actually happened in that cabin. And I totally geeked out over the Zoom counseling sessions. I always love books that go into the mind and try to find a reason for things.
The Case Study by Nicole Lundrigan was a fun read mixing dark psychological suspense with humor, some twisted moments, and a little smut thrown in for good measure. There are secrets, questionable choices, complicated characters, and enough WTF moments to keep us invested - and curious enough - to keep the pages turning.
I especially loved the characters. I was fully invested in their lives. I loved Mia’s mother, Faith. That woman was hilarious. Also enjoyed how dark the story descended the further we got into the story. Loved that the story unfold in the psychological world.
I was fascinated how the story explores the psychology behind our actions and the reasons we behave the way we do. Our experiences, especially traumatic ones, can shape the way our brains respond to situations long after the actual event is over. Coping mechanisms, defense mechanisms, survival instincts, fear, conditioning, and even the ways we protect ourselves emotionally can all influence our choices without us consciously realizing it.
It’s fascinating when you step outside of what you know and realize that behavior that might seem irrational, extreme, or even disturbing from the outside can sometimes make sense when you understand what 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 to that person and what their brain 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 from it. We tend to judge people’s actions based solely on what we can see, without stopping to consider what might be happening beneath the surface.
This was only my second book by this author but it’s definitely my favorite so far. I’m absolutely adding more of her backlist to my TBR now though.
🅲🅰🆂🅴 🆂🆃🆄🅳🆈
< @
ᴀᴠᴀɪʟᴀʙʟᴇ ɴᴏᴡ
LMAO WTF DID I JUST READ 🫣😂 10/10.
In 1996, Dr. Morrison treated a young girl who was found locked inside a cabin for three days with her dead uncle’s corpse. She was diagnosed with Cotard’s Syndrome, a rare condition in which someone believes they are no longer alive. Those three days in the cabin had fundamentally altered her perception of reality, and LK was eventually charged with manslaughter for her uncle’s death. She was admitted to a psychiatric hospital and remained there until her release on her 21st birthday.
Fast-forward to 2023, when Dr. Morrison reaches out to Lainey. But he isn’t prepared for what she’s about to tell him. As he soon finds out, Lainey didn’t tell Morrison the whole truth of her life and what happened in that cabin.
And then there’s Mia, Ian’s wife, who has a habit of keeping tabs on the people closest to her. Her husband. Her daughter. Watching them is almost a compulsion, and the more I learned about her, the more I wondered what exactly was going on beneath the surface with all that.
I really enjoyed this one. The mystery surrounding Lainey’s past had me completely invested because I needed to know what actually happened in that cabin. And I totally geeked out over the Zoom counseling sessions. I always love books that go into the mind and try to find a reason for things.
The Case Study by Nicole Lundrigan was a fun read mixing dark psychological suspense with humor, some twisted moments, and a little smut thrown in for good measure. There are secrets, questionable choices, complicated characters, and enough WTF moments to keep us invested - and curious enough - to keep the pages turning.
I especially loved the characters. I was fully invested in their lives. I loved Mia’s mother, Faith. That woman was hilarious. Also enjoyed how dark the story descended the further we got into the story. Loved that the story unfold in the psychological world.
I was fascinated how the story explores the psychology behind our actions and the reasons we behave the way we do. Our experiences, especially traumatic ones, can shape the way our brains respond to situations long after the actual event is over. Coping mechanisms, defense mechanisms, survival instincts, fear, conditioning, and even the ways we protect ourselves emotionally can all influence our choices without us consciously realizing it.
It’s fascinating when you step outside of what you know and realize that behavior that might seem irrational, extreme, or even disturbing from the outside can sometimes make sense when you understand what 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 to that person and what their brain 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 from it. We tend to judge people’s actions based solely on what we can see, without stopping to consider what might be happening beneath the surface.
This was only my second book by this author but it’s definitely my favorite so far. I’m absolutely adding more of her backlist to my TBR now though.
June 5, 2026
Warning: Do NOT marry the doctor just to get a peek at his patient files. 🚨
I read The Case Study by Nicole Lundrigan, and honestly? My jaw is still somewhere on the floor.
The premise hooked me immediately: twenty years ago, Mia read about a teenage girl with a terrifying psychiatric delusion, tracked down the treating psychiatrist, and married him. Fast forward to the present, and that famous patient, Lainey, is being re-released into the wild and back into their lives.
What follows is a deliciously twisted, slow-burn game of cat and mouse. I loved the dual perspectives here. On one side, you have Mia, who is basically treating her husband’s old therapy tapes like a Netflix true-crime documentary. On the other side, you have Lainey, who is quietly observing Mia’s perfect life. It’s creepy, it’s voyeuristic, and it made me deeply uncomfortable in the best way possible.
While the middle pace slowed down just a bit for me as the psychological chess pieces were being set up, the sheer tension kept me flipping pages late into the night. If you love unreliable narrators, deeply flawed characters, and stories that blur the line between curiosity and obsession, you need to add this to your TBR list immediately.
✨️Thank you, Tandem Collective, Viking Books, and Nicole Lundrigan, for sharing The Case Study with me!
I read The Case Study by Nicole Lundrigan, and honestly? My jaw is still somewhere on the floor.
The premise hooked me immediately: twenty years ago, Mia read about a teenage girl with a terrifying psychiatric delusion, tracked down the treating psychiatrist, and married him. Fast forward to the present, and that famous patient, Lainey, is being re-released into the wild and back into their lives.
What follows is a deliciously twisted, slow-burn game of cat and mouse. I loved the dual perspectives here. On one side, you have Mia, who is basically treating her husband’s old therapy tapes like a Netflix true-crime documentary. On the other side, you have Lainey, who is quietly observing Mia’s perfect life. It’s creepy, it’s voyeuristic, and it made me deeply uncomfortable in the best way possible.
While the middle pace slowed down just a bit for me as the psychological chess pieces were being set up, the sheer tension kept me flipping pages late into the night. If you love unreliable narrators, deeply flawed characters, and stories that blur the line between curiosity and obsession, you need to add this to your TBR list immediately.
✨️Thank you, Tandem Collective, Viking Books, and Nicole Lundrigan, for sharing The Case Study with me!
August 7, 2026
Unhinged, crazy, twisted and family dynamics make this one a must read!
This plot is atmospheric and kept me listening with every turn.
Obsession which leads to marriage!
This was my second by @nicolejlundrigan and she delivered another 5⭐️ The narrator for this audiobook is amazing too.
This plot is atmospheric and kept me listening with every turn.
Obsession which leads to marriage!
This was my second by @nicolejlundrigan and she delivered another 5⭐️ The narrator for this audiobook is amazing too.
June 1, 2026
What a whirlwind of a story! My mind feels like it went on a roller coaster ride while playing detective.
The Case Study is written by Canadian author Nicole Lundrigan. And although this is the first book I’ve read by this author, I plan to read more of her work.
This book was filled with twists, hidden agendas, secrets, lies, deceit and breadcrumbs slowly revealing the truth.
There are likely some things that will trigger some readers, so look that up before proceeding.
The Case Study is a psychological thriller that will capture your attention right from the start. The prologue had me right away. It was very captivating.
In this book you follow two POV with different lives, lifestyles that are showcased in different chapters. Each chapter heading having the name of the character in the title.
However, even with the differences in these woman’s life’s, there are some things they have in common. Some connections and it all revolves around an unfortunate past event that both main characters are aware of. It gets more and more interesting, confusing and chaotic the further the reader gets into the story.
I really enjoyed this book. It kept me on my toes with my head spinning in different directions. I was Continuously questioning what was going on, who did it, why, and how there was a connection and so on.
The Case Study is written by Canadian author Nicole Lundrigan. And although this is the first book I’ve read by this author, I plan to read more of her work.
This book was filled with twists, hidden agendas, secrets, lies, deceit and breadcrumbs slowly revealing the truth.
There are likely some things that will trigger some readers, so look that up before proceeding.
The Case Study is a psychological thriller that will capture your attention right from the start. The prologue had me right away. It was very captivating.
In this book you follow two POV with different lives, lifestyles that are showcased in different chapters. Each chapter heading having the name of the character in the title.
However, even with the differences in these woman’s life’s, there are some things they have in common. Some connections and it all revolves around an unfortunate past event that both main characters are aware of. It gets more and more interesting, confusing and chaotic the further the reader gets into the story.
I really enjoyed this book. It kept me on my toes with my head spinning in different directions. I was Continuously questioning what was going on, who did it, why, and how there was a connection and so on.
March 24, 2026
I’ve read all the published books by this author. An Unthinkable Thing is one of the best books I’ve read. Get that one along with The Case Study if you haven’t read it. Then attack her backlist!
The Case Study has a plot filled with tension. It took me some time to figure out how the characters relate to one another, but the reveals were well worth the wait! I loved how this story unfolded and I found the ending to be completely satisfying. I am eagerly anticipating Nicole Lundrigan’s next book.
The Case Study has a plot filled with tension. It took me some time to figure out how the characters relate to one another, but the reveals were well worth the wait! I loved how this story unfolded and I found the ending to be completely satisfying. I am eagerly anticipating Nicole Lundrigan’s next book.
July 11, 2026
This was my first read by this author and the blurb sounded right up my alley. It was very atmospheric, twisty, dark, and captivating. I really liked it. I love psychological thrillers that keep you guessing, and this one definitely did that. The obsession that these characters had was pretty intense. These characters are flawed and manipulative in the best way. Definitely a gripping read. Highly recommend grabbing this one.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
August 11, 2026
Nicole Lundrigan’s The Case Study is an absolute mind-bender and deserves to be on everyone’s radar right now. Seriously, I can’t believe this book isn’t everywhere!
If you’re a fan of John Marrs and Karin Slaughter, run, don’t walk, to pick this up. On my personal scale, this is a solid 10/10 for unhinged vibes.
It definitely starts off as a slow burn, taking its time to carefully construct the atmosphere and establish every character on the board. But that slow build is so worth it. The cast is packed with individuals who are ALL so incredibly unreliable that you’ll spend half the time staring at the pages thinking, "Hmm... I hear you, but should I actually believe you?! I DON'T KNOW!!!"
Just when you think you’ve mapped out the truth, Nicole pulls the rug out from under you. It’s packed with endless twists that you genuinely won't see coming. A masterclass in psychological suspense that will leave you completely reeling!
If you’re a fan of John Marrs and Karin Slaughter, run, don’t walk, to pick this up. On my personal scale, this is a solid 10/10 for unhinged vibes.
It definitely starts off as a slow burn, taking its time to carefully construct the atmosphere and establish every character on the board. But that slow build is so worth it. The cast is packed with individuals who are ALL so incredibly unreliable that you’ll spend half the time staring at the pages thinking, "Hmm... I hear you, but should I actually believe you?! I DON'T KNOW!!!"
Just when you think you’ve mapped out the truth, Nicole pulls the rug out from under you. It’s packed with endless twists that you genuinely won't see coming. A masterclass in psychological suspense that will leave you completely reeling!
May 23, 2026
This psychological thriller had me questioning everyone and side-eyeing every character. Between a decades-old psychiatric case, obsession, buried secrets, recorded therapy sessions, and a woman slowly inserting herself into a seemingly perfect family… this book felt like watching a true crime documentary unfold in real time 👀
The tension is unsettling, the atmosphere is dark and the characters were all a bit unhinged. If you love thrillers that get under your skin and make you wonder who’s really telling the truth, this one deserves a spot on your TBR immediately.
I also want to point out that I have enjoyed all Nicole’s books that I have read and her writing in this one is TOP SHELF.
Note: there are some scenes of explicit nature but I skimmed through those (personal preference).
The tension is unsettling, the atmosphere is dark and the characters were all a bit unhinged. If you love thrillers that get under your skin and make you wonder who’s really telling the truth, this one deserves a spot on your TBR immediately.
I also want to point out that I have enjoyed all Nicole’s books that I have read and her writing in this one is TOP SHELF.
Note: there are some scenes of explicit nature but I skimmed through those (personal preference).
September 28, 2026
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🧠 are interested in psychology
🌶️ enjoy a little spice in your thrillers
🌪️ love unexpected twists
👀 like dual POVs
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
When Mia was a young woman, she read a magazine article about a murderous teenage girl with a rare and disturbing psychiatric delusion. Fascinated by the details, she sought out the doctor who’d treated the girl, and eventually married him. Twenty years later, Mia’s curiosity is piqued once again when her husband announces that his famous case study will be republished—and that he will be reconnecting with his former patient.
Lainey has never felt that her feet are fully on the ground—not since she was released from a psychiatric institution at the age of twenty-one. When her former doctor reaches out, she decides to tell him the truth about what happened all those years ago. Perhaps she can finally lighten the darkness that has defined her entire existence.
With mirroring software, Mia pores over every recorded therapy session with Lainey, almost as though she’s watching a true crime drama unfold. On the opposite side, Lainey becomes intensely interested in her doctor’s family. How far will she go to insert herself into his seemingly perfect life?
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was my second novel by Nicole, and I remember really enjoying the other one, so I was excited to dive into this one! Nicole doesn’t leave anything off the table - this book literally has it all! Secrets, smut, lies, stalking, psychological manipulation and more! I loved Lainey’s character, as I felt that I couldn’t really pin her or her behavior down. I wasn’t sure what her angle was for most of the story. Mia, on the other hand, was so insecure and it fueled her desire to stalk her own family’s lives. It was all a bit sad. There are a few elements in the story that surprised me in a psychological thriller, but it felt right and moved the story in the right direction. The twists had me gasping! I highly recommend this one!
🧠 are interested in psychology
🌶️ enjoy a little spice in your thrillers
🌪️ love unexpected twists
👀 like dual POVs
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
When Mia was a young woman, she read a magazine article about a murderous teenage girl with a rare and disturbing psychiatric delusion. Fascinated by the details, she sought out the doctor who’d treated the girl, and eventually married him. Twenty years later, Mia’s curiosity is piqued once again when her husband announces that his famous case study will be republished—and that he will be reconnecting with his former patient.
Lainey has never felt that her feet are fully on the ground—not since she was released from a psychiatric institution at the age of twenty-one. When her former doctor reaches out, she decides to tell him the truth about what happened all those years ago. Perhaps she can finally lighten the darkness that has defined her entire existence.
With mirroring software, Mia pores over every recorded therapy session with Lainey, almost as though she’s watching a true crime drama unfold. On the opposite side, Lainey becomes intensely interested in her doctor’s family. How far will she go to insert herself into his seemingly perfect life?
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was my second novel by Nicole, and I remember really enjoying the other one, so I was excited to dive into this one! Nicole doesn’t leave anything off the table - this book literally has it all! Secrets, smut, lies, stalking, psychological manipulation and more! I loved Lainey’s character, as I felt that I couldn’t really pin her or her behavior down. I wasn’t sure what her angle was for most of the story. Mia, on the other hand, was so insecure and it fueled her desire to stalk her own family’s lives. It was all a bit sad. There are a few elements in the story that surprised me in a psychological thriller, but it felt right and moved the story in the right direction. The twists had me gasping! I highly recommend this one!
June 8, 2026
Khi đọc truyện này mình không có kì vọng gì nhiều vì có vẻ như nó theo một motif quen thuộc: bác sĩ tâm lý trị liệu cho kẻ giết người. Thế nhưng...
Tác giả đã biến đổi nó thành một motif mới hơn, có thể có một chút quen thuộc nhưng triển khai theo hướng bất ngờ, khó đoán. Cái hay của truyện chính là việc tác giả dẫn dắt người đọc xoay mòng mòng, định hướng người đọc rằng nhân vật này như thế này, nhân vật kia như thế kia mà chúng ta không biết là mình đang bị lừa dối. Một cách thần kì nào đó mà người đọc vừa bị lừa nhưng cũng vừa được biết sự thật, cùng một lúc luôn. Đây mới đúng nghĩa của "thao túng tâm lý". Không chỉ nhân vật đang thao túng nhau mà chính tác giả đang thao túng người đọc!
Một bên chúng ta có Mia có sự ám ảnh kì lạ về vụ án của Lainey nhiều năm về trước và mê mải xem trộm các cuộc trị liệu của Lainey với chồng mình Ian (bác sĩ trị liệu). Bên kia là Lainey bị coi đã giết chú mình và trở nên ám ảnh cuộc sống của Mia và Ian. Những ám ảnh này tạo nên một cảm giác căng thẳng rợn ngợp, len lỏi dần theo từng trang sách. Các nhân vật đều đang xâm phạm đến đời tư của nhau mà chẳng ai hay biết gì, điều đó vừa làm mình (người đọc) bất an nhưng cũng làm mình tò mò - tò mò vì muốn biết họ sẽ xáo trộn cuộc đời nhau thế nào. Khi đọc truyện mình không thích cả Mia và Lainey, nhưng đến cuối truyện, mình hoàn toàn thay đổi suy nghĩ về cả hai nhân vật. Mia và Lainey đều có nhiều khuyết điểm, họ khó ưa, hỗn độn, nhiều lúc làm mình phát bực, nhưng mình thích cảm giác đồng hành cùng họ, để bị họ thao túng - nhưng là để dẫn đến sự thật cuối cùng, dù sự thật đó có cay đắng đến đâu.
Mình thích cách tác giả kể quá khứ trong truyện, phần này được xử lý khéo léo và không biến thành một kiểu timeline kép (dual timeline) rối rắm như nhiều cuốn khác mà vẫn tạo sự hấp dẫn. Mình thấy nhiều review có nói rằng nhiều chỗ nhịp truyện hơi chậm nhưng mình thấy ngược lại, truyện được dẫn dắt ở nhịp độ hài hoà - chắc chắn là không nhanh dồn dập đâu, nhưng chậm rãi, nhấn nhá vừa phải, tập trung vào diễn biến tâm lý nhân vật. Mình rất hài lòng với cách các nhân vật xử lý vấn đề của mình. Có thể là bạn sẽ xâu chuỗi được tình tiết từ một vài manh mối, nhưng sẽ có những khoảnh khắc khiến bạn phải há mồm, mình đảm bảo luôn.
Đây cũng là một trong những cuốn hiếm hoi có nhân vật con gái tuổi teen không làm mình phát điên.
Tác giả đã biến đổi nó thành một motif mới hơn, có thể có một chút quen thuộc nhưng triển khai theo hướng bất ngờ, khó đoán. Cái hay của truyện chính là việc tác giả dẫn dắt người đọc xoay mòng mòng, định hướng người đọc rằng nhân vật này như thế này, nhân vật kia như thế kia mà chúng ta không biết là mình đang bị lừa dối. Một cách thần kì nào đó mà người đọc vừa bị lừa nhưng cũng vừa được biết sự thật, cùng một lúc luôn. Đây mới đúng nghĩa của "thao túng tâm lý". Không chỉ nhân vật đang thao túng nhau mà chính tác giả đang thao túng người đọc!
Một bên chúng ta có Mia có sự ám ảnh kì lạ về vụ án của Lainey nhiều năm về trước và mê mải xem trộm các cuộc trị liệu của Lainey với chồng mình Ian (bác sĩ trị liệu). Bên kia là Lainey bị coi đã giết chú mình và trở nên ám ảnh cuộc sống của Mia và Ian. Những ám ảnh này tạo nên một cảm giác căng thẳng rợn ngợp, len lỏi dần theo từng trang sách. Các nhân vật đều đang xâm phạm đến đời tư của nhau mà chẳng ai hay biết gì, điều đó vừa làm mình (người đọc) bất an nhưng cũng làm mình tò mò - tò mò vì muốn biết họ sẽ xáo trộn cuộc đời nhau thế nào. Khi đọc truyện mình không thích cả Mia và Lainey, nhưng đến cuối truyện, mình hoàn toàn thay đổi suy nghĩ về cả hai nhân vật. Mia và Lainey đều có nhiều khuyết điểm, họ khó ưa, hỗn độn, nhiều lúc làm mình phát bực, nhưng mình thích cảm giác đồng hành cùng họ, để bị họ thao túng - nhưng là để dẫn đến sự thật cuối cùng, dù sự thật đó có cay đắng đến đâu.
Mình thích cách tác giả kể quá khứ trong truyện, phần này được xử lý khéo léo và không biến thành một kiểu timeline kép (dual timeline) rối rắm như nhiều cuốn khác mà vẫn tạo sự hấp dẫn. Mình thấy nhiều review có nói rằng nhiều chỗ nhịp truyện hơi chậm nhưng mình thấy ngược lại, truyện được dẫn dắt ở nhịp độ hài hoà - chắc chắn là không nhanh dồn dập đâu, nhưng chậm rãi, nhấn nhá vừa phải, tập trung vào diễn biến tâm lý nhân vật. Mình rất hài lòng với cách các nhân vật xử lý vấn đề của mình. Có thể là bạn sẽ xâu chuỗi được tình tiết từ một vài manh mối, nhưng sẽ có những khoảnh khắc khiến bạn phải há mồm, mình đảm bảo luôn.
Đây cũng là một trong những cuốn hiếm hoi có nhân vật con gái tuổi teen không làm mình phát điên.
August 19, 2026
This was my first book by Nicole Lundrigan and I really enjoyed it. All I knew going in to reading it was that the wife had somehow gotten access to her physiatrist husband’s case files and it sounded like it would be a crazy wild ride that I needed to go on. Turns out it was and I am glad I took a chance on this book. I now have to check out some of her other books to see if they are as good as this one was.
September 14, 2026
I love Lundrigan’s work. She puts so much research and background into her stories. This one was juicy, deceptive and entertaining. I literally couldn’t put it down.
Told in 2 POVs, things are not what they seem. Lundrigan slowly reveals pieces of the puzzle and if the reader is paying attention, you see the red herrings AFTER the fact. It made me nod my head in captivation. This novel takes past trauma, pathological behavior and manipulation and makes it one hell of a ride.
I don’t want to say much, it’s best to go into this one blind. I also went down a rabbit hole after looking up Cotard’s Syndrome (it’s wild) Thank you so much to @nicolejlundrigan for my copy and another fabulous story. You all need this banger added to your TBR!!!!
Told in 2 POVs, things are not what they seem. Lundrigan slowly reveals pieces of the puzzle and if the reader is paying attention, you see the red herrings AFTER the fact. It made me nod my head in captivation. This novel takes past trauma, pathological behavior and manipulation and makes it one hell of a ride.
I don’t want to say much, it’s best to go into this one blind. I also went down a rabbit hole after looking up Cotard’s Syndrome (it’s wild) Thank you so much to @nicolejlundrigan for my copy and another fabulous story. You all need this banger added to your TBR!!!!
June 10, 2026
This was an atmospheric and unsettling psychological thriller with a unique premise that would be a good pick for readers who don't mind darker themes and a slow burn story.
The story is told in two timelines and includes interesting psychological elements with a bunch of dysfunctional and unlikeable characters whose sexual escapades were outside my comfort zone. But if you're looking for lots of deception, secrets and unsettling vibes, this is your book!
This story is all about sloooww building tension. Readers will have to be patient for the story to take shape and since I lack the patience reading gene, I found this story too slow burn for my tastes. The premise was darkly intriguing, but I never felt pulled into the story. This could be due to some of the changes in POV and timelines which felt abrupt and a bit confusing, pulling me out of the story as I tried to figure out who was speaking and in which time frame.
This was a character-driven read where the suspense is from a gradual build in tension and slowly revealed truths rather than fast-paced action and it has a heck of a good twist that took me by surprise. Despite this not being my favourite book by this author, I am sure it will find its readers who are looking for a darker read with psychological elements and a slow burn vibe.
The story is told in two timelines and includes interesting psychological elements with a bunch of dysfunctional and unlikeable characters whose sexual escapades were outside my comfort zone. But if you're looking for lots of deception, secrets and unsettling vibes, this is your book!
This story is all about sloooww building tension. Readers will have to be patient for the story to take shape and since I lack the patience reading gene, I found this story too slow burn for my tastes. The premise was darkly intriguing, but I never felt pulled into the story. This could be due to some of the changes in POV and timelines which felt abrupt and a bit confusing, pulling me out of the story as I tried to figure out who was speaking and in which time frame.
This was a character-driven read where the suspense is from a gradual build in tension and slowly revealed truths rather than fast-paced action and it has a heck of a good twist that took me by surprise. Despite this not being my favourite book by this author, I am sure it will find its readers who are looking for a darker read with psychological elements and a slow burn vibe.
March 30, 2026
“The Case Study” by Nicole Lundrigan is an intense, twisty psychological thriller that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. It’s layered with deception, and just when you think you have a handle on what’s going on, something shifts.
The story shifts between Mia, who becomes obsessed with her husband’s infamous case study, and Lainey, the former patient whose past is far more complicated and unsettling than it first appears. Lainey’s growing fixation on the doctor’s life adds an eerie, creeping tension.
The tension between the two perspectives keeps the suspense high, and the psychological elements make it even more gripping. It’s dark, unsettling, and full of surprises. Definitely an intriguing read if you enjoy twisty stories with unreliable characters and hidden truths.
The story shifts between Mia, who becomes obsessed with her husband’s infamous case study, and Lainey, the former patient whose past is far more complicated and unsettling than it first appears. Lainey’s growing fixation on the doctor’s life adds an eerie, creeping tension.
The tension between the two perspectives keeps the suspense high, and the psychological elements make it even more gripping. It’s dark, unsettling, and full of surprises. Definitely an intriguing read if you enjoy twisty stories with unreliable characters and hidden truths.
September 6, 2026
I was expecting more cat and mouse thriller, and didn’t feel it came off that way. Twists and turns but had better potential, most of it was just meh for it after initially loving it at the start, leaving me to give it 3 stars.
This just didnt live up to the same level the other book I read, An Unthinkable Thing.
This just didnt live up to the same level the other book I read, An Unthinkable Thing.
July 1, 2026
Never saw the twist
September 22, 2026
THE CASE STUDY was a very good psychological thriller, which just happens to be my favorite genre! It was dark and twisty in the best way. It definitely kept me guessing throughout the story. For me, the characters were the highlight as they were very interesting to follow. The ending clinched it though, it was great!
Many thanks to Nicole Lundrigan for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
Many thanks to Nicole Lundrigan for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
May 16, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
This book is the epitome of a dysfunctional family. With unreliable characters (not just narrators), you’re left wondering who is telling the truth, and while I put some of the pieces together, there were moments where I was shocked. The way the past was revisited was done well and wasn’t a convoluted dual timeline like some books can be. I will say, I struggled with the pacing at times but the overall storyline held my interest throughout the book. Get ready to be introduced to some truly unlikable, messy, and sometimes frustrating characters.
*thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review*
This book is the epitome of a dysfunctional family. With unreliable characters (not just narrators), you’re left wondering who is telling the truth, and while I put some of the pieces together, there were moments where I was shocked. The way the past was revisited was done well and wasn’t a convoluted dual timeline like some books can be. I will say, I struggled with the pacing at times but the overall storyline held my interest throughout the book. Get ready to be introduced to some truly unlikable, messy, and sometimes frustrating characters.
*thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review*
June 30, 2026
Not my favorite by this author if I'm honest. It was a decent psychological thriller but I found it hard to keep track when the narrative switched timelines listening on audio. Perhaps I would have enjoyed this more as a print read but other than some good twists and a strong ending, I found myself struggling to stay interested for the majority of the story.
June 29, 2026
Haha, I never expected that! Read it and find out for yourself. This was a page turner for me.
August 14, 2026
WOW! Nicole Lundrigan, the Author of “Case Study” has written a powerful layered, unique, intense Psychological Thriller. The genres for this well thought out and well written novel are: Mystery, Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Crime Fiction, Suspense and Fiction. The Author vividly describes the haunting scenery, setting, and landscape, as well as the Dramatic and Colorful Characters. Nicole Lundrigan describes the characters as complex, complicated, flawed, toxic, quirky, suspicious, secretive, and suspicious. This novel compares to a sophisticated game of Chess, or Clue, or Cat and Mouse. The timeline is set in the past and the present, when it pertains to the characters or events. There are secrets, betrayals, danger, threats, electronic recording devices, twists and turns, unexpected events, and murder. The suspects can be any of the characters. This is a nail-biting story, and I never guessed what and who would be responsible.
The story goes back to 1996, when there was a young girl’s Uncle murdered. The young niece Lainey, winds up locked up in a Psychiatric Hospital. Did Lainey commit the crime? Lainey is treated by a Psychiatrist, who keeps records and has a case record. Another young girl, Mia is fascinated by articles about Lainey and the Psychiatrist and winds up marrying the Psychiatrist. Twenty years later, Lainey is released, and the Psychiatrist wants to write about her in the present. Lainey wants to tell the doctor what she truly remembers when she was a young girl. Lainey and the doctor correspond by Facetime on the computer. Mia is extremely computer literate, and mirrors her husband’s computer. Mia has a teenager daughter and a manipulative and quirky mother.
Lainey works as a Yoga instructor and has a boyfriend with unusual hobbies. She is curious about the doctor, and his personal life. Of course this could be a recipe for disaster. I was captivated and mesmerized by this novel. I highly recommend this intense and thought-provoking psychological thriller. You won’t see what is coming! Happy Reading!
The story goes back to 1996, when there was a young girl’s Uncle murdered. The young niece Lainey, winds up locked up in a Psychiatric Hospital. Did Lainey commit the crime? Lainey is treated by a Psychiatrist, who keeps records and has a case record. Another young girl, Mia is fascinated by articles about Lainey and the Psychiatrist and winds up marrying the Psychiatrist. Twenty years later, Lainey is released, and the Psychiatrist wants to write about her in the present. Lainey wants to tell the doctor what she truly remembers when she was a young girl. Lainey and the doctor correspond by Facetime on the computer. Mia is extremely computer literate, and mirrors her husband’s computer. Mia has a teenager daughter and a manipulative and quirky mother.
Lainey works as a Yoga instructor and has a boyfriend with unusual hobbies. She is curious about the doctor, and his personal life. Of course this could be a recipe for disaster. I was captivated and mesmerized by this novel. I highly recommend this intense and thought-provoking psychological thriller. You won’t see what is coming! Happy Reading!
September 22, 2026
Vibes
Twisted psychological thriller
Unsettling and dark
Slow build
Parent and child relationship
Doctor and patient relationships
Trauma
Obsession
Thoughts
This character driven book is filled with unlikable and unreliable MCs, their personal relationships and personalities gave me the ick- I didnt want to follow the story to see how it unfolded
I found the pacing to be slow and convoluted, the changing POV adding to my general confusion and making it difficult to follow along and stay engaged
Overall
I can see how some people will dive in and love the messiness, the sinister vibes, the constant lying and treachery - it just wasnt for me
Thanks to the author and publisher for my physical copy. Opinions expressed are my own.
Twisted psychological thriller
Unsettling and dark
Slow build
Parent and child relationship
Doctor and patient relationships
Trauma
Obsession
Thoughts
This character driven book is filled with unlikable and unreliable MCs, their personal relationships and personalities gave me the ick- I didnt want to follow the story to see how it unfolded
I found the pacing to be slow and convoluted, the changing POV adding to my general confusion and making it difficult to follow along and stay engaged
Overall
I can see how some people will dive in and love the messiness, the sinister vibes, the constant lying and treachery - it just wasnt for me
Thanks to the author and publisher for my physical copy. Opinions expressed are my own.
August 19, 2026
This book reminded me how much I love thrillers centered on darker themes of psychological illness, especially when you get insights to the character’s inner thoughts. Lundrigan uses dual POVs to allow readers into not one, but two unreliable narrators! In addition to their complex characterizations, I loved the build-up of slow-burn dread in the present timeline as well as Lainey’s sessions on her past. I knew some type of collision was coming between these women, but I never predicted the brilliant twist. So good! If you enjoy darker psychological thrillers that explore past trauma while walking that grey line between interest and fixation, you need to give this new release a read!
September 24, 2026
Go into this one blind. Seriously. The less you know, the better the twists hit. This dark psychological thriller pulled me straight into Mia and Lainey’s increasingly unsettling worlds. Told through both women’s perspectives, the story plays with obsession, deception, trauma, and the fascinating Cotard’s syndrome. The pacing is more slow-burn than breakneck, but the creeping tension kept building as secrets surfaced and I questioned everyone. Both women are complicated, flawed, and impossible to look away from. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist landed. That ending? Twisted, surprising, and extremely satisfying.
July 19, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Nicole Lundrigan and Penguin Random House for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Obsessed. That’s the only word I have for this book, I was instantly transported into this crazy story that I just could not get enough of. The twists, the plot, the characters - amazing.
Obsessed. That’s the only word I have for this book, I was instantly transported into this crazy story that I just could not get enough of. The twists, the plot, the characters - amazing.
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