They came seeking help. But not everyone can be saved.
When strangers Tess and Leah arrive at the private practice of renowned psychiatrist Dr Jenna O'Hara, both are desperate for support. But behind the calm of the consulting room, something far darker is taking shape.
Leah, now in her forties, is haunted by a childhood trauma she's never escaped. Whereas Tess, a successful social media influencer, insists she's simply burned out.
But not everyone is as they seem, and the next session is more dangerous than any of them could have imagined.
Soon, Tess and Leah are caught in something they don't understand — a labyrinth of revenge where past wounds and hidden motives collide. Someone is lying. Someone is dangerous. And someone is about to pay.
As the walls close in, the women are forced to confront a terrifying when the real danger is sitting across the room, who will walk out alive?
The Patients is a gripping and unsettling psychological thriller about trauma, revenge and manipulation.
Two women meet in the waiting room of their new therapist. What transpires after that? Well you’ll just have to read it to find out.
I was hooked from the very start and loved the short chapters, multiple POV’s and dual timeline. The tension ramped up in all the right places and there was a twist or two I did NOT see coming.
This was such a fun read! The Patients is OUT NOW!
The Patients is twisty, fast-paced, totally gripping, and has everyone at The Pulse slack jawed. Every time I thought I had something figured out, I was surprised by some new element I never saw coming.
When Tess and Leah are inadvertently booked for the same time slot at a high demand therapist, they are both pleased that accommodations are made for them to both see the doctor that morning. But as they get into their intense first sessions, something feels off. What unfolds is terrifying and thrilling and I was on the edge of my seat.
I appreciated that the first "twist" is revealed pretty quickly. Things felt obvious and I was glad that particular piece of the story wasn't drawn out. I also appreciated the flashbacks to Tess and Leah airing their dirty laundry. Tess in particular was a despicable character and I loved how her storyline played out.
I devoured the second half of The Patients in a single sitting. It was the perfect way to end a snowy day and it kept me up way too late. If you're looking for a fun, fresh, twisty thriller, look no further!
I don't think I have read a book more addictive. The chapters are short, so easy to devour. There are so many cliffhangers at the end of the chapters, they just propel you forward, the pages fly by.
This was truly an addictive popcorn thriller with some good twists!
This book was an exhilarating dive into psychological chaos! First, let’s take a moment to appreciate the cover—it’s stunning! If you know my reviews, you’ll already be aware that I absolutely judge books by their covers. This one, with its touch of intrigue and elegance, instantly caught my eye when I heard that Ms. Charlotte was releasing a new title. I knew I had to get it!
In "The Patients," Tess and Leah seek help from psychiatrist Dr. Jenna O'Hara, each burdened by their own issues—Leah with childhood trauma and Tess claiming burnout. As sessions unravel, they uncover a dangerous web of deception and hidden motives, trapping them in a labyrinth of revenge. They must confront the real threat in the room, facing the chilling reality of their situation.
The story unfolds through the lenses of Tess, Leah and concludes with an insightful chapter by D. Jenna O'Hara. I really enjoy multiple perspectives since they let you dig deeper into the characters and uncover their hidden thoughts and secrets, which may or may not be revealed. As I learned more about each character, I quickly found myself gravitating toward a favorite. But beware—like the book cover, these characters can be deceiving! Choose your favorites wisely, as we’re dealing with some true master manipulators here.
The vivid descriptions pulled me right into their world, making me feel as though I was alongside these women navigating the consequences of their therapy sessions. Everything seemed to be going well at first, but as events began to unravel, it became clear that things were not what they seemed. The suspense kicks in right from the start, leaving you questioning whom to trust. I kept trying to piece together the puzzle, but found myself coming up short! There weren’t many subtle clues, just a handful of intriguing details that might tie together later. Yet I certainly didn’t expect everything to connect the way it ultimately did! The main twist stayed hidden until the closing pages, leaving me utterly stunned as the truths emerged. Bravo! New trauma unlocked!
This read is ideal for anyone who relishes complex plots with unexpected turns, the twisted psyche of a vengeful character, and revenge meticulously plotted and delivered! The suspense was thick in the air, and the conclusion was nearly unhinged, leaving some characters in rather grim situations. It was clever how all the threads came together in the end, shedding light on the lengths people will go when they desire something badly! While a few parts felt a tad lengthy, overall, this was a therapy session I won’t forget anytime soon! Excuse me while I go and reconsider my therapist—just to be safe! Ha ha!
Thank you, Charlotte Stevenson, for reaching out and providing me with a gifted DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This might be the fastest I’ve ever read a book. I just couldn’t put it down. The very definition of a page turner. The perfect example of ‘just one more chapter’ and five chapters later, you’re still going.
Unputdownable.
The Patients is a gripping, intelligent thriller that kept me hooked from the very first page. The suspense is masterfully paced, with a palpable tension that builds steadily, never letting up. Just when you think you know where the story is going, Stevenson pulls the rug out from under you.
Each character feels layered, believable, and deeply human. You can pretty much understand and sympathise with the actions of each of the characters… even the most unsavoury ones (actually, maybe there’s one who is slightly too unhinged to understand 😂)
Dark, atmospheric, and sharply written. If you haven’t read a Charlotte Stevenson book before this one will have you hooked.
The Patients is published March 9th. Pre order now! You won’t regret it.
Dark, twisty and completely pulled me in from the start.
I loved that the story was set around a psychiatrist’s office, it instantly created such an intense and unsettling atmosphere. The book is packed with secrets and trauma and you’re constantly questioning who you can actually trust.
It feels incredibly claustrophobic, with everything unfolding in such a close setting, which adds to the tension. The pacing is fast and addictive, just when you think you’ve figured someone out, you start doubting everything again.
A gripping psychological thriller that will have you questioning everyone.
The Patients by Charlotte Stevenson was an excellent psychological thriller that will just grab you from the very first few pages till the very end. It was fast paced with brilliant twists and turns throughout that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. WoW, The Patients was so good I found it hard to put it down. . . . especially as it had short chapters which I love! Mind blowing that will keep you guessing till the very end!
Superb read and I highly recommend. Charlotte Stevenson has now become one of my favourite authors and all her book I have read have been a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read. This one was no different!!!!
What a twisty book! It takes place mostly over a morning with views from the past. Leah is a women in need of help and Leah is a self obsessed woman. When they meet in the doctors office due to a scheduling error, they don’t think they have anything in common. Over the next few hours many secrets are revealed. The twists just keep coming right up until the end!
This is an Intense locked room thriller with all female characters and a lot of past secrets to unlock. When Tess and Leah arrive at Dr O’hara’s office for their first session they realise the receptionist has double booked them. Unfortunately this is only the beginning of their problems as the their lives begin to unravel.
I need a sequel like yesterday! Fantastic book! I don’t even know what I just read. Wow! Spread through this book in a day! You will not be disappointed!
This book will put you off ever wanting to attend therapy again. I came away with my mind blown and one huge book hangover. I devoured this in a couple of sittings, pure binge-worthy; once I started, I couldn't peel my eyes away.
Strangers Tess and Leah attend their planned therapy appointment to see the renowned psychiatrist Dr. Jenna O'Hara. The setting is plush and radiates opulence. Although there appears to be a mistake, the secretary is missing, and they've been double-booked. Dr. O'Hara is embarrassed, apologetic, and swiftly rectifies this mistake, confirming nothing like this has ever happened before. Leah is 40, with childhood trauma; Tess is a burnt-out social media influencer. They both came seeking help, but not everyone is as they seem, and not everyone can be saved.
What an ingenious thriller that comes with a perplexing and mysterious plot. It's unique, dark, sharply detailed, and bitterly chilling.
It begins so simplistically, slowly simmering away. You learn about the characters and their traits, which only leads you into a false pretense, with a belief that they are going to therapy for their troubles. I did not prepare for where this story took me. However, this propulsive plot throws you into a spider's web, entangles you until the end where it spits you out, and your mind is left spinning.
It's a character-driven story, and each one had their own personality. They were intricately layered, with humanised and genuine morals. They were authentic, with natural flaws yet likable in other ways. I feel like I empathised with both Tess and Leah and it evoked inner emotions. Stevenson uses the characters to explore some raw emotions around trauma, revenge, exploitation, and mental health.
This is a stunning novel that becomes a pure art form of manipulation. The writing style was flawless and set me on edge with its tense suspense. It's meticulously planned and brilliantly executed.
A heart-pounding, rollercoaster of a ride and certainly one that's not to be missed. Bravo 👏 I'm chomping at the bit to try more of this authors work.
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 - therapist with secrets past trauma bullying aftermath revenge plot psychological mind games morally grey characters slow burn suspense
• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 - The Patients follows two women, Leah and Tess, who arrive at the private practice of Dr Jenna O’Hara for therapy. What starts as separate sessions slowly turns into a psychological trap. Leah is carrying deep guilt from her teenage years, while Tess thrives on manipulation and emotional chaos. As secrets unfold, it becomes clear that Dr O’Hara is not just a therapist. She has her own connection to their past, and this was never a coincidence. This book gave me chills in the softest, slowest way. It is not loud thriller energy. It is quiet tension that builds and builds until you feel uncomfortable in the best way. I loved how messy and real the characters felt. No one is fully innocent and no one is fully evil. Leah broke my heart. Her guilt felt heavy and real. Tess was so unsettling but also fascinating to read. She is the kind of character you side-eye but cannot stop watching. Dr O’Hara’s reveal was intense. The emotional confrontation scenes were my favorite because they felt raw and personal instead of dramatic for shock value. The revenge element was handled in such a mature way. It showed that revenge does not always heal anything. The pacing is slow burn, so you need patience, but the psychological layers make it worth it. I would have loved a little more tension in the final chapters, but overall it was gripping and thought provoking. This is perfect for readers who enjoy character driven psychological thrillers with emotional depth. Thank you zooloosbooktour for the free ARC!
This was the second book of Charlotte Stevenson’s that I’ve read—the first being The Serial Killer’s Son—and I think this is now my new favourite of hers.
I have never really been interested in psychological thrillers but, if this is anything to go by, I think I need to read more of them from now on.
The storyline of The Patients revolves around the two main characters, Tess and Leah, who are total strangers that meet at the office of Dr Jenna O’Hara, Consultant Psychiatrist, for separate appointments but end up being dragged into a situation that neither one of them can understand. It’s a mistake. A misunderstanding.
Leah is tormented by a childhood trauma that is resurfacing and affecting her mental stability. Tess, on the other hand, is a successful social media influencer, insisting that she's struggling under the limelight. Two patients. Two sessions. One living nightmare.
In their individual sessions, Dr Jenna O’Hara tears through them; psychoanalysing them like a boss, until both women’s façades slip and they begin to unburden themselves. But their next session becomes a fight for their lives. Who will survive?
They say that writers should ‘write what they know’ as in, write from experience, and it is obvious that Charlotte has worked in psychiatry. I absolutely loved the characterisations that Charlotte created and the psychoanalysing of both women—Tess especially—by the doctor was absolutely brilliant. For those that love twists, you will not be disappointed.
Oh 👏🏻 my 👏🏻 Lanta 👏🏻 What did I just read?! I was given an opportunity to read this book before its release date and I am so freaking glad I did! The Patients by Charlotte Stevenson is absolutely next level unhinged in the best freaking way possible!
Two totally different women, Leah and Tess, have decided they need therapy, but for two totally different reasons. Tess is a self absorbed influencer who only cares about herself and thinks sharing a therapy journey on Instagram will get her more attention from her followers. Leah is a married perimenopausal mother of two adult sons who is dealing with a past secret. They both find the best therapist in their town..or did they? They both show up for their appointments, set at the same time..and honestly that’s the least of their problems! What happens next is a whole new level of therapy! The women deal with their pasts, confront new developments, come to terms with what’s happening..that is being trapped in the drs office at pew pew point by who they thought was the therapist! Will they get out alive? Will karma come and cash out for past experiences?
You will never look at therapy the same after reading this book! I didn’t want it to end and I can’t wait to see what happens next! Make sure you read the acknowledgments!! Such a great read and definitely not my last read from the author! Five shining stars ⭐️
Tess and Leah couldn’t be more different, but they both arrive at their new therapist’s office at the exact same time, somehow booked into the same slot. After the awkward mix-up is sorted, they each have their session and are asked to wait in the reception area. That’s when everything changes. Because Dr O’Hara isn’t who she claims to be. And this appointment? It was never about therapy. What follows is a chilling revelation: this was an elaborate setup, and only one of them will be leaving the office alive.
Well… dang. I went into this completely blind, no blurb, no expectations, and I genuinely had no idea what was coming. The opening chapters ease you in with introductions to Tess and Leah, the booking error, and their individual sessions. I’ll admit, at first I wasn’t sure where it was heading. Was this just going to revolve around therapy appointments? Absolutely not. The moment the doctor stepped into the waiting room with a gun, I was hooked. The tension skyrocketed and didn’t let up for a second. From that point on, I couldn’t put it down. The twists came thick and fast, and several genuinely caught me off guard, which doesn’t happen often. Sharp, claustrophobic, and packed with surprises, this was a wildly entertaining thriller. My first book by this author, and definitely not my last.
🤯 F R E A K Y F R I D A Y review & book tour 🤯 featuring “The Patients” by Charlotte Stevenson!
Two patients arrive at the office of popular psychiatrist Dr. Jenna O’Hara only to find out that they had been booked for appointments at the same time. Who knew that a scheduling mishap could turn into their worst nightmare.
Tess is a social media influencer who is selfish, manipulative and desperate to keep her perfectly curated life all together. She feels that sharing her “therapy journey” will help to ramp up attention from her followers. Whereas, Leah is middle aged mom who is haunted by a childhood trauma that she never came to terms with.
Their sessions turn into a dangerous lock down situation, where someone will pay for their sins and the other will be forced to do the dirty work. Who will make it out of the office alive?
💭 Payback’s a bitch in this one! What a whirlwind of revenge, manipulation and trauma all while settling old scores! The dual POVs and timelines paint a slow burn picture of how the past catches up to the present. I felt claustrophobic and unsettled while reading as the walls of the psychiatrist office started to close in on me. This book is multi layered and builds over time with sprinkled bread crumbs of information and shocking sucker punches to the gut! The plot twists are unexpected and deliciously diabolical!
Thank you kindly to @stevenson_charlotte @bloodhound.books @thrillerbookloversthepulse for my advanced digital copy and spot on this book tour! My thoughts and opinions are my own. This book releases on March 9, 2026!
My favorite thrillers always revolves around mental health, and any kind of psychological setting. So when I first saw this title and cover — I knew that I have to read this book as soon as possible. Realizing after that I have read The Guests by this wonderfully talented author before, was a bonus that filled my heart with joy to know I have read and loved a book by Charlotte previously.
Two women arriving at their appointment to an expensive private psychiatrist Dr. Jenna O’Hara at the exact same time. I just knew there will be dark secrets, lots of drama and trouble from the moment I met Leah and Tess. And I couldn't wait to delve into their secrets!
That plot twist?! It was the literal definition of a jaw-dropping twist! I didn't see that coming at all! And I was only 28% into the story. You can imagine how excited it made me to continue and find out what is going on. Everything that happened after that was insane! This was truly a mind-blowing thriller.
Definitely check out the trigger warnings if you think you need them. Reading about Leah's trauma was very heartbreaking.
I highly recommend reading this gripping psychological thriller. ♡
Tess is a social media influencer obsessed with image and attention, willing to push any boundary to keep her followers watching. Leah, nearly twenty years older, is haunted by her past and desperate for redemption. 🥺
Both arrive for their 9am appointment after waiting months to see psychiatrist Dr Jenna O’Hara - only to discover the appointment has somehow been double-booked. 🤦🏼♀️ The receptionist is nowhere to be found, leaving the situation hanging in confusion. 🫤
Dr O’Hara quickly steps in to resolve the mistake. 👩🏼⚕️🙌🏼 But something doesn’t feel right… 🤨
When their worlds collide, chaos unfolds… and the madness begins. 🤯
Secrets start to surface. Stories don’t quite add up. And someone in that room is not who they claim to be. 🤷🏼♀️
One of them is lying. One of them is dangerous. And before the morning is over… Someone will pay the ultimate price. 😩
The question is: who will walk out alive? 🤔
Wow… ‘The Patients’ completely surprised me! 😮 I went into it blind and ended up loving every minute of it. 😍 Dark, gripping, and packed with twists, this fast-paced psychological thriller had me racing through the pages. 📖👀 And I definitely did not see all of this coming! 😱
I’ve already got Charlotte’s other book, ‘The Guests’, and I cannot wait to read it - the hype is real! 🤪
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Zooloo's Book Tours.
This is a gripping psychological thriller. At the beginning, we meet two women, Tess and Leah, who are both starting therapy with Dr O’Hara.
On first impressions, Tess and Leah seemed very different from each other. I felt that I connected a lot more with Leah, as she seemed more caring and compassionate, and I just identified with her more. I found Tess to be materialistic, shallow and somewhat self-absorbed, and she didn't seem like the type of person that I would want to be friends with.
Although I didn't find Tess very likeable in the beginning, I took an interest in her. I could see why she might be the kind of person someone would admire, and I respected the way she seemed to know exactly what she wanted. I wondered if my opinion of her might change as the story progressed.
I had a feeling that everything wasn't entirely as it seemed, and I was right. After a while, I found myself wondering what was really going on, and after that, I never stopped wondering what was going to happen next. I became emotionally invested, and knew I would have to read it all in one sitting. This is a shocker; once you start reading, you won't be able to say “just one more chapter” and mean it.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
The Patients by Charlotte Stevenson was a really enjoyable psychological thriller that kept me hooked the whole way through. I went into this one not knowing much about the story and ended up being completely pulled into the tension and twists.
The premise is immediately intriguing — two very different women, Tess and Leah, arrive for the same appointment with psychiatrist Dr Jenna O’Hara, only to realise the session has somehow been double booked. From that moment on, something feels off, and the story quickly spirals into a dark and twisty game where secrets start to surface and nothing is quite as it seems.
I really enjoyed the twisty nature of the plot. Just when I thought I had a handle on what might be happening, another layer would unfold and change my perspective. The suspense builds well throughout and kept me constantly trying to piece together the truth.
I also really liked Charlotte Stevenson’s writing style. It flows well, keeps the tension high, and makes the story very easy to get lost in. The pacing worked perfectly for this type of psychological thriller and kept the pages turning.
Overall, The Patients was a gripping, twist-filled read that kept me guessing and entertained from start to finish. A solid 4.5 star read for me and one that has definitely made me interested in picking up more books by this author.
The Patients by Charlotte Stevenson is a gripping psychological thriller that pulls you straight into a tense and unsettling mind game.
The story follows two women, Tess and Leah, who both seek help from psychiatrist Dr Jenna O’Hara. At first, their sessions appear routine. Two patients. Two troubled lives. But it quickly becomes clear that something isn’t right. As the therapy sessions unfold, secrets begin to surface, motives grow murky, and the line between victim and manipulator starts to blur.
The tension builds steadily with each chapter. Every conversation feels loaded with hidden meaning. Just when you think you understand what is happening, the story twists and shifts in a way that keeps you questioning everything.
The characters are layered and believable. Each one carries emotional weight, and the story explores themes of trauma, manipulation, and revenge in a way that feels both intense and thought-provoking.
The pacing is sharp, the suspense is constant, and the twists land perfectly. It’s the kind of book that keeps you turning pages late into the night because you need to know how it will end.
If you enjoy dark psychological thrillers filled with secrets, unreliable perspectives, and shocking reveals, this is a must-read.
A tense, clever, and addictive story from start to finish. Highly recommended.
What starts as a double-booked appointment quickly turns into something far more sinister. When complete strangers Leah and Tess turn up for a psychiatrist’s appointment with Dr O’Hará it quickly becomes apparent that something isn’t quite right. After their consultations it is clear that the women have deep-rooted issues, and their meeting feels far from accidental. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, gradually revealing the secrets behind Leah and Tess.
The writing was fantastically well paced and easy to read. As their secrets begin to surface, the story becomes a real page turner that I didn’t want to put down. As neither character is particularly likeable, it was a little hard for me to warm to them, but it definitely added to the darker tone of the story and I found myself intrigued and wanting to learn more about them and their pasts. The twist at the end was clever and unexpected, bringing the story together perfectly.
The Patients was a gripping psychological thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. I enjoyed this read and look forward to reading more from Charlotte.
Big thanks to #ThrillerBookLoversThePulse and #BloodhoundBooks for putting this on my radar. My TBR may be bulging at the seams, but what's one more?
"The Patients" is the kind of psychological thriller that makes you question all those glowing online reviews you’ve trusted before. I expected a tense ride, but Stevenson delivered something sharper, sneakier, and way more addictive than I was prepared for.
Leah and Tess visit Dr. Jenna O’Hara, hoping for help with fairly small, manageable problems. Instead, they’ve stepped into something they never could have imagined. The whole setup is taut and creative. Therapy-centered thrillers can be hit or miss, but this one nails it. The pacing stays steady, and the characters keep things deliciously edgy.
I’d rather keep my crazy thoughts inside my head than ever risk a session on Dr. Jenna’s couch. This is hands-down one of the most clever therapy-centered thrillers I’ve encountered.
This book had it all. It had it all I happen to love about books like this one. BOOK CRAZIES! Give me book crazies! Give me unhinged! Give me surprise unhinged! Give me sneaky unhinged! As soon as I read the blurb, I was fairly certain we would be a perfect match, me and this book. And I wasn’t wrong. A psychopath meets a sociopath, meets another psychopath, meets a gullible subject, meets an unsuspecting and naive pawn, meets another crazy person. Sounds good? Yep. Nothing is what it seems to be, and no one is who they pretend to be. Oh, and the horrible secrets? Are not so horrible after all, you know. The more of those you keep, the more you start believing those make you a bad person. When, in fact, those just make you human. Hating someone for decades and not forgiving, when no one has asked for any kind of forgiveness? Totally normal, I’d say. Wanting some petty revenge? Even more normal. Even more human. But a revenge story that goes horribly wrong, and then takes even more wrong turns? Yesss, bring it on! This book has it all.
SUMMARY Tess and Leah arrive at their appointment to find they have both been booked for the same time with psychiatrist Dr. Jenna Hale. With the receptionist not showing up for work and having booked both women at the same time, Dr.Hale arranges for Leah to take the appointment and Tess to wait for the next appointment. When both appointments are finished, they end up in the reception area together again. This is when things turn bizarre. Why are they both back in the same room with different appointment times?
CHARACTERS There was not one character I liked. I can normally overlook unlikable characters but these were extremely bad.
WRITING STYLE This book was well written and easy to read but…. the story was so unrealistic that I just couldn’t find anything that I could hold onto in order to rate it higher.
I wanted to like this book so bad because the author is a great writer. I would definitely try another book from this author but did not like the story itself.
Thanks to the author for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own!
📖 Book Review 📖 Charlotte Stevenson sets the scene for her new novel that absolutely takes me back to my days of being a therapist. It’s a lot of school and training and you develop a gut feeling that stays with you always, and the gut feels were all over the place with this one! Charlotte Stevenson is a master of gripping, suspenseful thrillers and she knows what she is doing so as a reader, I trusted her to do her job…and she sure did.
When two women arrive for their intake appointment with their new psychiatrist, Dr. Jenni O’Hara, nothing about their day goes as planned and it’s a fight for survival. The pieces of this puzzle fall into place at just the right pace with juicy secrets waiting to come out. Healing is therapeutic but in this session, revenge might just be the end game. The Patients takes the importance of mental health to a whole new level with its never ending twists and turns and I did not want to put this one down.
Firstly thank you to Charlotte and Zoe @zooloosbooktours for having me on the tour and for this free copy! Its been a pleasure!
What have I actually just read!? I am still reeling because that was brilliant, so masterfully crafted. I haven't picked my jaw off the floor yet!
This book offered constant action, secrets, revenge, and a plot so wild you'll get whiplash. We meet Leah and Tess, two women arriving to find they have been double-booked for a therapy session. From that moment on, nothing will ever be the same for anyone as events from the past collide with the present with explosive results.
The action feels claustrophobic and tense. At so many points I genuinely could not work out where this was going, but it is so cleverly written that when all was revealed I needed a minute to regroup.
I am normally one who doesn't enjoy any hint of an open ending and I have already begged the author for a sequel because this can't be where this ends. If this is on your tbr, this is your sign to go read it immediately. After all, it is what the Doctor ordered...