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The Patients

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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.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 16, 2026

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About the author

Charlotte Stevenson

11 books72 followers

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5 stars
346 (25%)
4 stars
496 (36%)
3 stars
372 (27%)
2 stars
129 (9%)
1 star
31 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
Profile Image for Nina (ninjasbooks).
1,725 reviews1,953 followers
April 23, 2026
I liked the beginning, but then it all went bonkers. Can honestly not believe that someone would act like that. It was fun enough though, worth the read
Profile Image for Jindi (readingwithcaffeine).
237 reviews423 followers
April 19, 2026
Okay, this book is totally unhinged. At no point did I have any idea where this book was going and I love that! It took me by total surprise and that first twist????? Wow, Charlotte, you definitely got me with that one!!! The little reveals continue right up until the very last page and it’s definitely worth picking up if you’re looking for something short, fast-paced and twisty! 4 stars
7 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2026
Good plot but the whole story could’ve been 100 pages. It was very repetitive and drawn out.
Profile Image for liv.
61 reviews13 followers
March 19, 2026
that went in none of the directions i thought it would.
Profile Image for Stephanielikesbooks.
786 reviews86 followers
April 8, 2026
A quick read that has an unexpected reveal a third of the way in which shifts the trajectory of the story. Lots of smaller reveals and twists in the second half of the book. Interesting but unlikeable characters for the most part. I enjoyed the locked-room setting.

An easy popcorn thriller read.

Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kristin (Readwithdubs).
137 reviews28 followers
April 1, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Thriller Bookie.
137 reviews12 followers
April 13, 2026
Discovery of 2026? Definitely Charlotte Stevenson.

I had never read her before, but now I already know I will be picking up her other books too, because this one completely won me over.

I love psychological thrillers set around psychiatrists and patient dynamics, and this one immediately grabbed my attention. What made it stand out, though, was how bold and intense it felt right from the start. There is no slow build here. It feels suspicious, tense, and slightly unhinged almost immediately.

I really enjoyed that constant feeling that something was not right, and that the situation was going to spiral. The whole setup feels daring and a little outrageous in the best possible way.

I do not want to go into details because this is one of those books where it is better to know as little as possible. Just trust the process and go in blind.

Also, it is a very quick read. I flew through it.

If you enjoy dark psychological thrillers that are intense, character-driven, and a bit unpredictable, I would definitely recommend this one.
Profile Image for Gidha Iftikhar.
78 reviews
April 14, 2026
What on earth did I just read? I honestly can’t believe someone actually wrote this and thought it made sense.
The drama is completely unnecessary and extremely unrealistic. The whole revenge plot feels forced and blown way out of proportion for something so trivial. Nothing about the characters’ actions feels believable or grounded. I just don’t have the words for how pointless and frustrating this book was. A complete mess from start to finish.
Profile Image for Jane.
357 reviews117 followers
May 4, 2026
This one took so many twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting.

Two woman turn up to meet with a therapist one day, they both were mistakenly given the same time so when one of them agrees to wait the sessions both go ahead.

First we have Tess, a social media influencer who claims she is burnt out from always being there for everyone else.

Then there’s Leah who is struggling with is struggling from traumatic memories for the past.

You make think this is all pretty straight forward but it’s not and the events that follow are shocking! I really enjoyed this one.
Profile Image for Tehane.
36 reviews
July 3, 2026
"Folie a deux. Two mad people making each other madder and convincing each other it's okay." 🤪
Profile Image for Chelsey (a_novel_idea11).
758 reviews174 followers
March 10, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Laureen.
209 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2026
This was a very entertaining read. There are many twists and turns some I figured out. I was thinking what is happening in this story? In a good way. A psychological thriller that takes place in a Psychiatrists office. It hooked me right in. Then it started getting long, but didn’t really end. It all felt rushed and over the top. The dialogue was a little flat, and multiple characters used the same adverbial phrase. It was distracting to me. It would make a good movie or series.
Profile Image for Christi Bee.
345 reviews5 followers
April 21, 2026
1.5 ⭐️. Rounded up. In my opinion this book was awful. 😞 but maybe for the right reader it will be great. It had decent bones, but the dialogue and overall writing was not good. For me it was a hard no
Profile Image for Donna.
848 reviews11 followers
April 8, 2026

This is a fun, but dark read from Charlotte Stevenson and one that is completely addictive. The totally unhinged characters add an edge to this frantic psychological thriller which is full of suspense and some sublime twists. The setting verges on claustrophobic as the complex plot unfolds and the short sharp chapters set the pace. Well written and cleverly plotted this is an edge of your seat and gripping locked room mystery. My first book by this author and I throughly enjoyed it.
Profile Image for A.J. Campbell.
Author 16 books766 followers
May 17, 2026
Completely addictive

A character-driven story where you don’t know whose version to trust. A great read from Charlotte Stevenson that you won’t want to put down! Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Madelline.
47 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2026
Started out good, but story and plot just went downhill thereafter
Profile Image for Sandra Tauden.
205 reviews
April 7, 2026
Such books are the reason why readers fall into a reading slump. Why write a book that basically isn’t about anything?
The beginning seemed promising… and then it gave nothing.
At least the ending — the very last pages — were actually good.
Profile Image for Tom Carter.
Author 5 books26 followers
May 16, 2026
The Patients

Two women
One deadly game
No way out.

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.

An easy 5 stars for me!
Profile Image for Emily.
150 reviews
Did Not Finish
March 28, 2026
How does this have 4 stars
Profile Image for Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm).
818 reviews29 followers
January 26, 2026
4.5 stars!

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.
Profile Image for Carrie West.
521 reviews13 followers
April 22, 2026
First off, fuck yeah! Dude. It has been a hot minute since a book has had me flipping pages this fast. Having to work was getting in the way of finding out who was making it out alive. It was marvelous. How the whole story played out had me intrigued. It was like of you take “Mean Girls” but have M. Night Shyamalan as the writer. The suspense had me giddy. Events rolled off the pages so well. It was written very well. Maybe no movie deals, but this is a story that would translate well as a play due to setting. My solo ticket would be bought so fast.

There are a few cons. They need to be noted since this is not a five star rating due to them. Yes, the above paragraph is all praise for this book. A few things that irked me to keep it at a four star rating. There are some spoilers. DO NOT read on if you don’t want to know them.

SPOILERS! PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK!!

Starting off the story is Tess. We fucking hate her. We also hate her fiancé Joe by page five. Anyway, then why the fuck did she get put on the back burner for so much of the story? It felt like the author didn’t know how to keep her relevant, yet she was needed for it all. That didn’t make sense.

Then Sally. Ummmm… Were we supposed to hate her because of her vengeance fueled actions? Were we supposed to be sympathetic to her because she loved her family? She had a big part in the whole book, yet she is was not the focus of anything. It was as if she was the Lollipop Guild guy in green that was in every scene because she had something the director liked. If you are unsure of the reference, the said man was one of the few who was not piss ass drunk and followed directions so well that he was placed front and center in almost every scene set in Munchkin Land. That was Sally to me.

Profile Image for Susan Blissett.
285 reviews
June 16, 2026
I really enjoyed this dark and twisty thriller, which kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. When two patients, Leah and Tess, visit Dr Jenna O’Hara, neither has any idea of the events that are about to unfold. What follows is an intricate and cleverly constructed story in which the characters are connected in ways that are gradually revealed as the plot progresses.

I particularly enjoyed the author’s storytelling style. The plot moves at a fast pace while remaining easy to follow, with each revelation adding another layer to the mystery. The character development was especially strong, and I felt as though I really got to know the characters’ personalities, thoughts, and motivations. Each character was distinct and brought something different to the story.

One aspect I found particularly interesting was the moral complexity of the characters. No one was entirely good or entirely bad; almost everyone had made mistakes or poor choices at some point in their lives. This made them feel realistic and added depth to the narrative. I also enjoyed seeing some of the characters gain greater self-awareness and recognise aspects of themselves they wanted to change.

The ending was thrilling and full of surprises. I certainly didn’t see it coming, and it brought the various strands of the story together in a satisfying and memorable way.

Overall, this was another excellent read from this author. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and unexpected twists, it was a book I thoroughly enjoyed, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
Profile Image for Lu thrillskillsandchills.
359 reviews12 followers
April 14, 2026
That first twist absolutely floored me.

I went into The Patients by Charlotte Stevenson expecting a fairly standard psychological thriller setup — therapy sessions, two women with complicated pasts, and a slow unravel of secrets… and then it completely flipped on me early on.

From that point, I flew through this.

It’s incredibly bingeable and fast paced, with short, punchy chapters and dual POVs that keep things moving. I kept thinking I’d stop “after one more chapter” and suddenly I was way further in than planned.

I’ll admit, Leah frustrated me from the get go — I struggled with how deeply she was still impacted by something from her school years. But at the same time, I can appreciate that for some people, that kind of experience does linger and shape everything that follows.

The story leans into trauma, control and manipulation, gradually revealing how everything is connected, and I was hooked the whole way through.

Such an addictive read with a standout early twist that really sets the tone.
Profile Image for Jill.
49 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2026
Trust no one. Question everything. 🖤📚

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.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
3,448 reviews29 followers
March 11, 2026
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!!!!
Profile Image for Georgie.
32 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Where do I start?!

This book had me gripped from page one and didn’t disappoint at all!

I didn’t want to put the book down. I loved that it had short chapters as I am that sort of girl! There was always a thought of why and how will that work. The way it all unwinded was just not what I thought would happen.

The twists were EPIC!
_______________________

Counselling… what they thought they were going for but turned horrific!

2 women went for counselling. There was a problem with their bookings…or was there?

Karma came back to get them both that’s for sure for their past and present actions.
Profile Image for Sheri.
1,853 reviews58 followers
February 16, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Zoe Kindle Queen.
766 reviews42 followers
March 17, 2026
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews