Patient's Privilege

by Rich Morvillo

When Timothy Shea, a clinical psychologist at an elite clinic in New York, is thrust into the middle of a criminal investigation where the circumstantial evidence against him is compelling, he sets out to prove that not only is he innocent, but also that he is being framed. A dark secret involving patients at the clinic, one that implicates well-known psychiatrist Abner Reeves, might be the path to his exoneration, but the patient’s privilege prevents him from disclosing this confidential information. As Timothy tries to work around the privilege, Reeves reveals information to the police that all but seals Timothy's fate. What unfolds is a roller-coaster ride that pits two strong-willed professionals against one another in a battle to see whose version of the truth will prevail.

296 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 3, 2026

About the author

Rich Morvillo resides in Washington, DC with his wife, two children and two dogs. He is a nationally recognized white- collar defense lawyer who co-chairs the practice at a large international law firm. He is a graduate of Colgate University and Fordham University School of Law.

Reviews

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

What a creative, intense story and poignant story.

Tim Shea had his world shattered when he was young; but a chance encounter with psychiatrists Abner Reeves changed Tim's life that he sought out to become a psychologist and take up a position at his mentor's clinic.

When Abner's personal is broken... all he wants to find the individual that could destroy his life; and the man sets this sights upon Tim as being responsible. Trying to convince the police, his once mentor and even to his own family that her is innocent is a daunting challenge. When stark experiences begin to affect patients at the clinic, Tim and other colleagues discover that much darker as happening within was is suppose to be a place of safety... and Tim struggles to make of what is unfolding, as it shatters a part of his sanity.

Highly recommended.

[Howard Lee Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fiction author ( my name is Howard Lee Kramer, not Howard Lee Lee), I really enjoyed Patient's Privilege. It's very well written and weaves a compelling tale of murder, jealousy, and intrigue. Morvillo masterfully uses his knowledge of law and psychiatry to spin a "who done it" that will keep you guessing until the end. I was fortunate to review a pre-release draft and was so impressed I did a testimonial for the book.

[Andrew Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Patient's Privilege, Rich Morvillo delivers a story that is both thought-provoking and impossible to put down. His compelling narrative combines riveting suspense with profound ethical insight while exploring the complex boundaries of professional ethics, confidentiality, and betrayal within the world of psychiatry. Incisive and gripping, Patient's Privilege is a novel that is sure to linger in the mind long after the final chapter.