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Shrink Solves Murder: Her three o'clock just became a murder case . . .
Not yet published
Expected 28 Jul 26A small-town psychotherapist draws on all her knowledge of the human psyche to solve the murder of a patient in this warm and witty mystery novel—by a real psychotherapist turned #1 internationally bestselling author.
“Cozy crime at its most enjoyable.”—Natalie Haynes, author of A Thousand Ships
“A total triumph.”—Deanna Raybourn, author of the Killers of a Certain Age series and the Veronica Speedwell Mysteries series
Living in picturesque coastal Sussex, Patricia Philipps enjoys her quiet life—walking the cliffs, shouting at poorly disciplined dog owners, telling tourists to keep their distance from the crumbling cliff edges, and cold-water swimming.
Then a body washes up near Beachy Head, upending her carefully curated life as she discovers the deceased is one of her clients—her “Three O’Clock,” in fact.
The police chalk it up to suicide, but Pat sees things differently. She reads people. She understands them—their lusts, their loves, their quirks, their ticks, their tells, their deepest desires. She looks, she listens, she watches. And she never jumps to conclusions. After all, she spends her days listening to secrets, resentments, fantasies, and motives. She’s certain someone wanted Henry Clayton dead.
With her chaotic best friend Pritchard (part-time poet, full-time meddler) in tow, Pat swaps the therapist’s couch for the crime scene. It’s time to unpick the lies, untangle the egos, and catch a killer hiding in plain sight.
“Cozy crime at its most enjoyable.”—Natalie Haynes, author of A Thousand Ships
“A total triumph.”—Deanna Raybourn, author of the Killers of a Certain Age series and the Veronica Speedwell Mysteries series
Living in picturesque coastal Sussex, Patricia Philipps enjoys her quiet life—walking the cliffs, shouting at poorly disciplined dog owners, telling tourists to keep their distance from the crumbling cliff edges, and cold-water swimming.
Then a body washes up near Beachy Head, upending her carefully curated life as she discovers the deceased is one of her clients—her “Three O’Clock,” in fact.
The police chalk it up to suicide, but Pat sees things differently. She reads people. She understands them—their lusts, their loves, their quirks, their ticks, their tells, their deepest desires. She looks, she listens, she watches. And she never jumps to conclusions. After all, she spends her days listening to secrets, resentments, fantasies, and motives. She’s certain someone wanted Henry Clayton dead.
With her chaotic best friend Pritchard (part-time poet, full-time meddler) in tow, Pat swaps the therapist’s couch for the crime scene. It’s time to unpick the lies, untangle the egos, and catch a killer hiding in plain sight.
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Expected publication July 28, 2026
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About the author
Philippa Perry
40 books585 followersPhilippa Perry, author of How to Stay Sane, is a psychotherapist and writer who has written pieces for The Guardian, The Observer, Time Out, and Healthy Living magazine and has a column in Psychologies Magazine. In 2010, she wrote the graphic novel Couch Fiction, in an attempt to demystify psychotherapy. She lives in London and Sussex with her husband, the artist Grayson Perry, and enjoys gardening, cooking, parties, walking, tweeting, and watching telly.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/philip...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/philip...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Authors tend to write best when they’re writing about what they know. I’m not talking about murder, obviously, but of psychotherapy. Perry is one, and it shows. There’s even a self aware conversation when she’s talking with her supervisor, suggesting she shouldn’t be telling her clients what to do, that maybe she should be an agony aunt (which she also has been) because that’s what they do. I was rather perturbed, as a therapist myself, that she spoke of caring about clients in more than the objective non judgemental way we should be doing, but maybe that was the character rather than the author speaking. It was hard to tell, because the voice and character of Phillipa Perry spoke loud throughout. Personally I prefer to be offered insights through story telling, rather than just telling, so this was a plus for me. Even though I didn’t especially take to Pat’s character.
However, this was a rather cringeworthy middle class story. Maybe it was meant to be. I live near the area and it is generally quite privileged, but not exclusively so. There’s a mixed demographic if you go a little wider, but this was not factored in. It came across as almost a parody. I found it quite amusing that Perry recommended her own book, Pat stating it was written by a friend of hers, and being brilliant. I’m glad the author is pleased with her own brilliance, but product placement isn’t really appropriate in a novel.
The police didn’t seem to be interested in the facts, dismissing anything that didn’t fit the narrative they’d chosen. Yes, people do commit suicide in this area quite regularly, but I found this to be unconvincing. That the police were painted as useless and self serving. While I’m sure this is the case from time to time, it was an artifice I found unconvincing and slightly insulting to the police and the law. Though I know some groups of people rarely get justice, it didn’t come across to me as realistic. As a rule they do tend to go for evidence based conclusions, rather than unfounded assumptions. Though I guess there’d have been no story if they’d actually done their job.
A point of accuracy: as they were sleuthing to find evidence of murder, there was the claim you can’t edit video footage as easily as you can photos. This is completely incorrect. As a long time YouTube Vlogger, I edited all my videos, as do many others. Largely to remove ums, or repetitions, or stumbles in speech, but also to edit out people who wander into view.
Towards the end of the book there was a flurry of making it all fit and people behaving out of character to tie everything up neatly which was unconvincing. Including the police, having ignored Pat throughout, deciding they needed to involve her in another case (no doubt the next in the series), which was highly improbable and as unprofessional of the police as their behaviour throughout.
Murder mystery isn’t a genre I tend to read, cosy or otherwise. I was curious as to how Philippa Perry would tackle it, and a foray into fiction. While it hasn’t encouraged me to read any more of this type of novel, and wasn’t appealing enough to me to read any follow up that might manifest, it was an easy read that was quite amusing.
However, this was a rather cringeworthy middle class story. Maybe it was meant to be. I live near the area and it is generally quite privileged, but not exclusively so. There’s a mixed demographic if you go a little wider, but this was not factored in. It came across as almost a parody. I found it quite amusing that Perry recommended her own book, Pat stating it was written by a friend of hers, and being brilliant. I’m glad the author is pleased with her own brilliance, but product placement isn’t really appropriate in a novel.
The police didn’t seem to be interested in the facts, dismissing anything that didn’t fit the narrative they’d chosen. Yes, people do commit suicide in this area quite regularly, but I found this to be unconvincing. That the police were painted as useless and self serving. While I’m sure this is the case from time to time, it was an artifice I found unconvincing and slightly insulting to the police and the law. Though I know some groups of people rarely get justice, it didn’t come across to me as realistic. As a rule they do tend to go for evidence based conclusions, rather than unfounded assumptions. Though I guess there’d have been no story if they’d actually done their job.
A point of accuracy: as they were sleuthing to find evidence of murder, there was the claim you can’t edit video footage as easily as you can photos. This is completely incorrect. As a long time YouTube Vlogger, I edited all my videos, as do many others. Largely to remove ums, or repetitions, or stumbles in speech, but also to edit out people who wander into view.
Towards the end of the book there was a flurry of making it all fit and people behaving out of character to tie everything up neatly which was unconvincing. Including the police, having ignored Pat throughout, deciding they needed to involve her in another case (no doubt the next in the series), which was highly improbable and as unprofessional of the police as their behaviour throughout.
Murder mystery isn’t a genre I tend to read, cosy or otherwise. I was curious as to how Philippa Perry would tackle it, and a foray into fiction. While it hasn’t encouraged me to read any more of this type of novel, and wasn’t appealing enough to me to read any follow up that might manifest, it was an easy read that was quite amusing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Let’s start by saying what should stand out when you see the cover. The Tagline, “Her three o’clock just became a murder case” must be the single greatest tagline in the history of publishing. How could you not want to read this book from just reading that.
Well, as we have been told since we were children, “You can’t judge a book by it’s cover.” So, the question you have to decide is, “Does this novel live up to its cover?”
I’m still trying to decide, as you may have guessed by me only giving this book three stars.
Even though I haven’t seen where it is indicated as being the start of a new series. But it sure does feel like one.
The mystery is good. There were several parts of the investigation where I thought to myself, “Man, that is awesome. I would never have thought of that.” Also, there are plenty of quirky and interesting characters in this novel. I honestly would like to visit them again to see what they say or do next.
My problem with the book is the main protagonist. Or maybe the author. I’m not sure. There were times that Patricia Philipps would be interesting. But there were a lot more times she came across as a grumpy person that you want to avoid like the plague. Honestly, even when she was right, she came across as a middle-aged Karen. Sure, they are fun to laugh at on TikTok, but they wear you down after a while.
But that wasn’t the only part that bothered me. There were several times that Patricia (“Pat”) would say something derogatory about men or think negatively about them. At first, I thought that this must be part of her backstory. She has an ex-husband. Maybe we will find out something more in future novels. But then I started noticing the male characters are all flighty, dumb, or just buffoons. Then other female characters started saying negative things about men.
Listen, I’m a guy and I will be the first to tell you guys can be stupid at times. I also get that “female revenge” novels are in right now. But at what point is just cliché and a tired and worn-out viewpoint. Go back to late 1960s through current sitcoms portray the dad as an idiot. I’m not saying let the pendulum swing back the other. But can we stop using overused tropes and find a balance? This isn’t a sticking point for me usually and I laugh at the dumb male characters. But it just felt overdone and tiresome and kept taking me out of a well-written novel.
Hopefully this will stop if the series continues. I would love to visit these great characters again and see improvement in this area. But honestly, there are too many good books out there for me to sit through it again. Maybe I will, but right now, I don’t feel like being told just because I’m a guy, I’m an idiot.
Crap. Did I just mansplain that? Never mind. Maybe she is right.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Well, as we have been told since we were children, “You can’t judge a book by it’s cover.” So, the question you have to decide is, “Does this novel live up to its cover?”
I’m still trying to decide, as you may have guessed by me only giving this book three stars.
Even though I haven’t seen where it is indicated as being the start of a new series. But it sure does feel like one.
The mystery is good. There were several parts of the investigation where I thought to myself, “Man, that is awesome. I would never have thought of that.” Also, there are plenty of quirky and interesting characters in this novel. I honestly would like to visit them again to see what they say or do next.
My problem with the book is the main protagonist. Or maybe the author. I’m not sure. There were times that Patricia Philipps would be interesting. But there were a lot more times she came across as a grumpy person that you want to avoid like the plague. Honestly, even when she was right, she came across as a middle-aged Karen. Sure, they are fun to laugh at on TikTok, but they wear you down after a while.
But that wasn’t the only part that bothered me. There were several times that Patricia (“Pat”) would say something derogatory about men or think negatively about them. At first, I thought that this must be part of her backstory. She has an ex-husband. Maybe we will find out something more in future novels. But then I started noticing the male characters are all flighty, dumb, or just buffoons. Then other female characters started saying negative things about men.
Listen, I’m a guy and I will be the first to tell you guys can be stupid at times. I also get that “female revenge” novels are in right now. But at what point is just cliché and a tired and worn-out viewpoint. Go back to late 1960s through current sitcoms portray the dad as an idiot. I’m not saying let the pendulum swing back the other. But can we stop using overused tropes and find a balance? This isn’t a sticking point for me usually and I laugh at the dumb male characters. But it just felt overdone and tiresome and kept taking me out of a well-written novel.
Hopefully this will stop if the series continues. I would love to visit these great characters again and see improvement in this area. But honestly, there are too many good books out there for me to sit through it again. Maybe I will, but right now, I don’t feel like being told just because I’m a guy, I’m an idiot.
Crap. Did I just mansplain that? Never mind. Maybe she is right.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
March 29, 2026
I really wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I liked the sound of it, and amateur sleuth types of mysteries are always a favoured read of mine. Who doesn't love a good whodunnit? And this, is a very witty, highly entertaining whodunnit with a touch of the 'did they even dunnit in the first place' about it too.
Patricia 'Pat' Phillips is a psychotherapist, living on the south coast of England, a stones throw from the notorious Beachy Head, a 'popular' spot for those who feel they have reached the end of the line. When the body of one of Pat's clients is found at the foot of the cliffs, it is immediately assumed that he reached that figurative 'end', but Pat is not so sure. Nothing about their sessions spoke of a man on the edge (no pun intended), and a troubling ex-partner aside, he was practically positive - at least as much as a person in therapy can be. Backed by her trusty friend, Pritchard, Pat sets out to prove that there is more to Henry's demise than meets the eye and the results ... well they are just all I could ask for.
Pat, Pat, Pat ... where to begin. As introductions go, it is very easy to see how she might get the backs of her neighbours well and truly up. Particular is probably a kind way to describe her. A stickler for fairness and not afraid to say what is on her mind. Perhaps dangerous traits for a therapist in many ways, but I actually really liked her. She just says and does all the things most of us would like to say and do, without hesitation or fear of recriminations. She is eternally patient with Pritchard, whose attempts at making the perfect homebrew - be that gin or wine - prove a hoot all on their own. And they make an unconventional but addictive pairing. She is canny and determined and all the qualities you want to see in an amateur 'detective' and I found that I wanted to spend that time with her and see how she got to the bottom of this mystery.
There are many threads in this book that could, and do, point the finger of suspicion in any one of a number of directions. From the on again, off again relationship to a seemingly unscrupulous property developer, Dorna, to whom Pat takes an instant, and eventually understandable dislike, there could be any number of reasons for Henry's potential murder. And the various characters in this book really are what makes is such a laugh. There are so many personalities that, although maybe a touch larger than life, feel so much like someone I might, or probably do know. The personality types at the very least. I actually quite liked the sparks between Dorna and Pat, a strangely addictive back and forth that is endlessly entertaining.
A lot of the real humour in this book comes from Pat's attempts to assimilate into the community, something she has largely actively avoided before. Book clubs, neighbourly parties - all the kinds of things that turn Pat cold but that may hold the clues vital to her, and our, understanding of what is going on. There is an artful use of misdirection at times, and with a plethora of suspects, we have to wait until the pivotal moment for the truth, and the guilty party to be revealed. One mention I must make is for PC Footer, one of the police officers that Pat works hard to convince to look further into Henry's case. He is a simple and yet strangely loveable character, easily swayed by Pat's personality, but although working in the shadow of the more senior officer, DS Stevens, he is far more useful to Pat and perhaps the wiser of the pair as well, in his own way.
If you love your crime on the cosier side, more Marlow Murder Club than Jane Tennison, then this is definitely worth reading. I am unsure from that ending whether we can expect a return for Pat and her friends, but I'd be more than happy to spend time with them all again. A fun and entirely entertaining read.
Patricia 'Pat' Phillips is a psychotherapist, living on the south coast of England, a stones throw from the notorious Beachy Head, a 'popular' spot for those who feel they have reached the end of the line. When the body of one of Pat's clients is found at the foot of the cliffs, it is immediately assumed that he reached that figurative 'end', but Pat is not so sure. Nothing about their sessions spoke of a man on the edge (no pun intended), and a troubling ex-partner aside, he was practically positive - at least as much as a person in therapy can be. Backed by her trusty friend, Pritchard, Pat sets out to prove that there is more to Henry's demise than meets the eye and the results ... well they are just all I could ask for.
Pat, Pat, Pat ... where to begin. As introductions go, it is very easy to see how she might get the backs of her neighbours well and truly up. Particular is probably a kind way to describe her. A stickler for fairness and not afraid to say what is on her mind. Perhaps dangerous traits for a therapist in many ways, but I actually really liked her. She just says and does all the things most of us would like to say and do, without hesitation or fear of recriminations. She is eternally patient with Pritchard, whose attempts at making the perfect homebrew - be that gin or wine - prove a hoot all on their own. And they make an unconventional but addictive pairing. She is canny and determined and all the qualities you want to see in an amateur 'detective' and I found that I wanted to spend that time with her and see how she got to the bottom of this mystery.
There are many threads in this book that could, and do, point the finger of suspicion in any one of a number of directions. From the on again, off again relationship to a seemingly unscrupulous property developer, Dorna, to whom Pat takes an instant, and eventually understandable dislike, there could be any number of reasons for Henry's potential murder. And the various characters in this book really are what makes is such a laugh. There are so many personalities that, although maybe a touch larger than life, feel so much like someone I might, or probably do know. The personality types at the very least. I actually quite liked the sparks between Dorna and Pat, a strangely addictive back and forth that is endlessly entertaining.
A lot of the real humour in this book comes from Pat's attempts to assimilate into the community, something she has largely actively avoided before. Book clubs, neighbourly parties - all the kinds of things that turn Pat cold but that may hold the clues vital to her, and our, understanding of what is going on. There is an artful use of misdirection at times, and with a plethora of suspects, we have to wait until the pivotal moment for the truth, and the guilty party to be revealed. One mention I must make is for PC Footer, one of the police officers that Pat works hard to convince to look further into Henry's case. He is a simple and yet strangely loveable character, easily swayed by Pat's personality, but although working in the shadow of the more senior officer, DS Stevens, he is far more useful to Pat and perhaps the wiser of the pair as well, in his own way.
If you love your crime on the cosier side, more Marlow Murder Club than Jane Tennison, then this is definitely worth reading. I am unsure from that ending whether we can expect a return for Pat and her friends, but I'd be more than happy to spend time with them all again. A fun and entirely entertaining read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When the body of a young man is discovered at the bottom of a cliff, the police assume he died by suicide. However, his psychotherapist, Dr. Patricia Phillips, who lives nearby, is adamant he wasn't suicidal and sets out to prove he was murdered.
Dr. Patricia Phillips was a successful solicitor in London. Dissatisfied with her life, she retrained to become a psychotherapist and now practises from a shepherd's hut attached to her cottage on the South Downs. The death of one of her clients doesn't sit right with Pat, although most of their sessions took place via Zoom, she knows he wasn't suicidal. Along with her close friend and neighbour, Prichard, Pat is determined to prove to the police that it was murder.
From the very opening pages, I loved Pat and her "grumpy old woman" persona, particularly the way that she kept shouting at people who were doing things that annoyed her (standing too close to the cliff edge, not keeping their dog on a lead, etc). The list kept getting longer, and I found myself nodding along in agreement. Pat is obviously very empathetic, but she also has just the right mix of self-doubt and stubbornness to make her an interesting character that the reader can sympathise with. She's not a fan of social media either, and her opinions of Instagram in particular rang very true.
There is a whole host of eccentric support characters, many of whom are possible suspects. Pat's neighbour, Prichard, is only mildly eccentric, but I can see lots of scope for the character. The pair work well together, with Prichard being the comedic sidekick to Pat's straight man.
As Pat digs deeper into the events leading up to her client's death, there are some tender moments, which reflect on the aftermath of a sudden loss. There was one chapter in particular, where Pat is talking to a depressed young man, that was extremely moving, and makes you appreciate the work of those who support individuals in crisis.
I did find the ending a little disappointing. In an effort to keep the identity of the killer hidden until the very end, it felt a little abrupt and almost as if the murderer had been plucked out of a magician's hat. It won't, however, stop me from reading any more of what I hope will be a new cosy crime series.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
Dr. Patricia Phillips was a successful solicitor in London. Dissatisfied with her life, she retrained to become a psychotherapist and now practises from a shepherd's hut attached to her cottage on the South Downs. The death of one of her clients doesn't sit right with Pat, although most of their sessions took place via Zoom, she knows he wasn't suicidal. Along with her close friend and neighbour, Prichard, Pat is determined to prove to the police that it was murder.
From the very opening pages, I loved Pat and her "grumpy old woman" persona, particularly the way that she kept shouting at people who were doing things that annoyed her (standing too close to the cliff edge, not keeping their dog on a lead, etc). The list kept getting longer, and I found myself nodding along in agreement. Pat is obviously very empathetic, but she also has just the right mix of self-doubt and stubbornness to make her an interesting character that the reader can sympathise with. She's not a fan of social media either, and her opinions of Instagram in particular rang very true.
There is a whole host of eccentric support characters, many of whom are possible suspects. Pat's neighbour, Prichard, is only mildly eccentric, but I can see lots of scope for the character. The pair work well together, with Prichard being the comedic sidekick to Pat's straight man.
As Pat digs deeper into the events leading up to her client's death, there are some tender moments, which reflect on the aftermath of a sudden loss. There was one chapter in particular, where Pat is talking to a depressed young man, that was extremely moving, and makes you appreciate the work of those who support individuals in crisis.
I did find the ending a little disappointing. In an effort to keep the identity of the killer hidden until the very end, it felt a little abrupt and almost as if the murderer had been plucked out of a magician's hat. It won't, however, stop me from reading any more of what I hope will be a new cosy crime series.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
December 4, 2025
When a body is found in the sea at the foot of a cliff famous for suicides one’s first thought is ‘another suicide’. The police certainly think that, when Henry Clayton’s body is found in such a position. Henry’s Psychotherapist, Dr Patricia Philipps, is convinced that Henry would not have committed suicide – after all she has been inside his mind for some time – but the local police are obdurate in their verdict. The cliff beneath which Henry was found is close to her home in a small village, so she knows the terrain and can easily investigate the location, and also knows all the local people. Recruiting her friend and neighbour, Pritchard Knowles, they begin to analyse what they know, and what they find. Suspicion falls on Henry’s London based boyfriend, but also on an incomer who plans to construct a vast Hotel/Spa/Golf course on the edge of the village, or perhaps the hedonist couple next door. However, in the absence of any real clues they have to assume that everyone around them is a possible culprit. Can this unlikely pair of sexagenarians prove murder and discover the killer?
There is a category called cosy crime, but this story is more like snug crime. The plot is undemanding, albeit well written, and the characters are well enough constructed, albeit a bit obvious. Given the investigator being a psychologist, one might expect that to be an important aspect of the investigation, and be disappointed to realise that it isn’t. Coincidences are necessary in most murder-mysteries, but are overstretched here. One thing that worries me is the attitude of the local police – which seem to be just a detective sergeant and a uniformed constable (and a couple indolent in the office). Although they are entitled to make a judgement of probable suicide, they would await forensics and the postmortem before making a decision, but they seem to have none of the former and no findings from the latter. So a pleasant, easy read with a slightly surprising conclusion, but not very true to life. I'm giving it three stars but it’s quite borderline.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
There is a category called cosy crime, but this story is more like snug crime. The plot is undemanding, albeit well written, and the characters are well enough constructed, albeit a bit obvious. Given the investigator being a psychologist, one might expect that to be an important aspect of the investigation, and be disappointed to realise that it isn’t. Coincidences are necessary in most murder-mysteries, but are overstretched here. One thing that worries me is the attitude of the local police – which seem to be just a detective sergeant and a uniformed constable (and a couple indolent in the office). Although they are entitled to make a judgement of probable suicide, they would await forensics and the postmortem before making a decision, but they seem to have none of the former and no findings from the latter. So a pleasant, easy read with a slightly surprising conclusion, but not very true to life. I'm giving it three stars but it’s quite borderline.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
October 23, 2025
"Shrink Solves Murder" is about a therapist who lives in the South Downs and learns that one of her clients has fallen off a nearby cliff in an apparent suicide. She suspects murder.
I think this is the first "cozy crime" book I have read, and I may be judging it harshly by the standards of the genre, but I didn't get on with the book.
The plot is motivated by two implausible points. The first is that the therapist's client, whom see saw from his London home via Zoom, would turn out to have a connection to her tiny community that for some reason he never mentioned despite being an honest and innocent witness to his life in other respects. The second is that the police would refuse to consider the idea of murder after cursory enquiries even when the therapist brings forward plausible concerns. These two points lead the therapist to take it upon herself to investigate the death.
However, she doesn't really investigate the death with much gusto, instead learning things pretty much by chance in the course of village life. I thought that the book would involve the therapist-detective making acute psychological assessments of the suspects to find the culprit, but although there are some interesting psychological vignettes (the best written parts of the book), these are basically irrelevant to the plot and the solution does not depend on psychology at all. This was disappointing because I thought that the lack of psychological material would be made up for in a Poirot-like conclusion, but this doesn't happen.
On a wider note, the author does not have a distinctive voice and, apart from the psychological vignettes, anyone could have written this book. The identity of the author as a successful and celebrated therapist is redundant to the end product. Of course, it is impossible to lots of disparate things brilliantly, and I am not critical of the author for trying her hand at detective fiction, but I came away feeling that I should have read something else.
I am grateful to have received a review copy from Cornerstone and NetGalley.
I think this is the first "cozy crime" book I have read, and I may be judging it harshly by the standards of the genre, but I didn't get on with the book.
The plot is motivated by two implausible points. The first is that the therapist's client, whom see saw from his London home via Zoom, would turn out to have a connection to her tiny community that for some reason he never mentioned despite being an honest and innocent witness to his life in other respects. The second is that the police would refuse to consider the idea of murder after cursory enquiries even when the therapist brings forward plausible concerns. These two points lead the therapist to take it upon herself to investigate the death.
However, she doesn't really investigate the death with much gusto, instead learning things pretty much by chance in the course of village life. I thought that the book would involve the therapist-detective making acute psychological assessments of the suspects to find the culprit, but although there are some interesting psychological vignettes (the best written parts of the book), these are basically irrelevant to the plot and the solution does not depend on psychology at all. This was disappointing because I thought that the lack of psychological material would be made up for in a Poirot-like conclusion, but this doesn't happen.
On a wider note, the author does not have a distinctive voice and, apart from the psychological vignettes, anyone could have written this book. The identity of the author as a successful and celebrated therapist is redundant to the end product. Of course, it is impossible to lots of disparate things brilliantly, and I am not critical of the author for trying her hand at detective fiction, but I came away feeling that I should have read something else.
I am grateful to have received a review copy from Cornerstone and NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: 2.3/5
It is often said that you should write what you know. Philippa Perry has taken note of that sage advice for her first venture into cosy crime fiction. Using her background in psychotherapy, Perry has built this story around the central character of Dr Patricia (Pat) Phillips, a shrink practising in beautiful surroundings near Beachy Head. However, in spite of its inherent beauty, the location is also a popular location for suicides. Therefore, when Henry Clayton, a patient of Pat's, is found dead, the authorities believe he is just the latest such casualty. However, Pat is not convinced and with the aid of her faithful friend, Prichard, she sets about investigating Henry's death.
As cosy mysteries go, "Shrink Solves Murder" is far from the worst I have read - but nor is it the best. At times, Pat comes across as something akin to Margaret Rutherford's incarnation of Miss Marple, with Prichard being her equivalent to Mr Stringer. The plot developments are unlikely and of the type that would only ever pass muster in a mystery of the cosy variety. Overall the characterisation isn't bad and the Pat / Prichard combination does work quite well as a double act. Where "Shrink Solves Murder" does fall short is with regard to its pace. There are occasions when it treads water and becomes a touch dull. The pacing issues aren't helped by the narrative going off at a tangent and becoming more like a feel-good family drama. Perhaps the book would have benefitted from some more rigorous editing.
I suspect the plan may be for this to be the start of a series. If that does prove to be the case, then I am not sure this opener has grabbed me sufficiently to have me rushing back to read further instalments.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
It is often said that you should write what you know. Philippa Perry has taken note of that sage advice for her first venture into cosy crime fiction. Using her background in psychotherapy, Perry has built this story around the central character of Dr Patricia (Pat) Phillips, a shrink practising in beautiful surroundings near Beachy Head. However, in spite of its inherent beauty, the location is also a popular location for suicides. Therefore, when Henry Clayton, a patient of Pat's, is found dead, the authorities believe he is just the latest such casualty. However, Pat is not convinced and with the aid of her faithful friend, Prichard, she sets about investigating Henry's death.
As cosy mysteries go, "Shrink Solves Murder" is far from the worst I have read - but nor is it the best. At times, Pat comes across as something akin to Margaret Rutherford's incarnation of Miss Marple, with Prichard being her equivalent to Mr Stringer. The plot developments are unlikely and of the type that would only ever pass muster in a mystery of the cosy variety. Overall the characterisation isn't bad and the Pat / Prichard combination does work quite well as a double act. Where "Shrink Solves Murder" does fall short is with regard to its pace. There are occasions when it treads water and becomes a touch dull. The pacing issues aren't helped by the narrative going off at a tangent and becoming more like a feel-good family drama. Perhaps the book would have benefitted from some more rigorous editing.
I suspect the plan may be for this to be the start of a series. If that does prove to be the case, then I am not sure this opener has grabbed me sufficiently to have me rushing back to read further instalments.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Hutchinson Heinemann for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I think this is Philippa's debut novel but I know she is an accomplished writer. I don't know much about her to be honest, outside of being a psychotherapist and Grayson Perry's wife, so I was going in blind. But I know I like cosy crime novels so I was hoping it would be good.
But it didn't hit the heights I wanted it to.
It's got all the tropes I was expecting and wanted in a cosy crime novel.
The chapters were a little longer than my preference which drew the story out a bit longer.
It felt a bit like a painting-by-numbers at times, a bit formulaic.
I didn't find any of the characters likeable. She's given us a reasonably broad spectrum of characters but most of them were these rich upper-class snooty types and I couldn't take to them. Even with the characters who were introduced as opposites of them didn't hit the mark.
This is going to sound weird because it's a fictional novel and it's not meant to be real, but I do still expect there to be a certain amount of believability in a book and this wasn't. Mainly to do with the police force. They were so unbelievable, and not in a fun quirky way, and that spoiled it slightly for me.
it doesn't take a whole lot of concentration and I think that was at its detriment because I kept losing focus and felt reluctant to continue reading at times.
The ending doesn't really feel in keeping with the rest of it and it felt rushed like she suddenly realised she had to finish it.
I read a lot of cosy crime novels and I do enjoy them. They're good to lose yourself in and relax to, but this one fell short to what I was expecting.
It was okay. Would I recommend it? To fans of really cosy, cosy crime books probably yes. But it is a very basic story, done well but nothing overly special.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hutchinson Heinemann for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I think this is Philippa's debut novel but I know she is an accomplished writer. I don't know much about her to be honest, outside of being a psychotherapist and Grayson Perry's wife, so I was going in blind. But I know I like cosy crime novels so I was hoping it would be good.
But it didn't hit the heights I wanted it to.
It's got all the tropes I was expecting and wanted in a cosy crime novel.
The chapters were a little longer than my preference which drew the story out a bit longer.
It felt a bit like a painting-by-numbers at times, a bit formulaic.
I didn't find any of the characters likeable. She's given us a reasonably broad spectrum of characters but most of them were these rich upper-class snooty types and I couldn't take to them. Even with the characters who were introduced as opposites of them didn't hit the mark.
This is going to sound weird because it's a fictional novel and it's not meant to be real, but I do still expect there to be a certain amount of believability in a book and this wasn't. Mainly to do with the police force. They were so unbelievable, and not in a fun quirky way, and that spoiled it slightly for me.
it doesn't take a whole lot of concentration and I think that was at its detriment because I kept losing focus and felt reluctant to continue reading at times.
The ending doesn't really feel in keeping with the rest of it and it felt rushed like she suddenly realised she had to finish it.
I read a lot of cosy crime novels and I do enjoy them. They're good to lose yourself in and relax to, but this one fell short to what I was expecting.
It was okay. Would I recommend it? To fans of really cosy, cosy crime books probably yes. But it is a very basic story, done well but nothing overly special.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Patricia Phillips, a psychotherapist, welcomes two police officers into her home. They have unpleasant news. The body of Henry Clayton, one of her clients, has been found on the beach below the coastal cliffs of the English county of East Sussex. Dr Phillips lives close by and Clayton was due to arrive for a consultation that very afternoon.
A psychotherapist is a trained mental health professional who facilitates deeper self-awareness and long-term healing for trauma, anxiety and depression.
Information from a close friend of the deceased and the fact Clayton was seeing a shrink have convinced the police that notorious Beachy Head has claimed another death by suicide. Dr Phillips strongly disagrees. Clayton was having problems with the ‘close friend’ but there was absolutely no signs of suicidal ideation. In her opinion, the cause of death was accident or murder.
With help from Prichard Knowles, an eccentric neighbour, Phillips discovers Clayton had links to people in the local community. Gossip, secret liaisons, sexual shenanigans, possible bribery and local government corruption are uncovered. While we listen in, mouths agape, they assess what is – and what is not – relevant to the accident/murder investigation.
'Shrink Solves Murder' is a fascinating psychological cosy crime novel with touches of humour that keep the investigation light-hearted. It’s a promising debut into fiction from an author whose technical books on understanding psychotherapy have sold well.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really liked this book from start to finish. A body is washed up near Beachey Head and the Police decide it was suicide. The Detective Sargeant is adamant not to pursue it as murder as it would mess up her crime rate figures. Dr Patricia Phillips was a lawyer and now is a psychotherapist. Henry Clayton, the one found was one of her patients. She had never met him other than on zoom and she was convinced that he would not have killed himself. He was planning to visit her and Patricia was surprised he was in the local area the day before their appointment. She becomes a nuisance to the Police and decides to investigate his death herself with the help of a neighbour Pritchard Knowles (I loved this character). They bundle along blindly as there does not seem to be any clues but bit by bit they piece the story together. They decide there are several people in the frame and start to eliminate them one by one. It does not help Patricia’s mood as there is a rumour that a Spa and a Golf Course will be built on her doorstep and her newish neighbours are driving her crazy. She has a lot to contend with. The neighbours are very free and easy – enough said. She goes from one drama to the other with a need to solve all. Eventually the crime is solved and all the other things which irritated her come to conclusions. Her daughter has visited and helped with this and that has made her very happy. A charming book
November 18, 2025
Psychotherapist Patricia Philipps likes living on the south coast, her small cottage suits her, and she can run her business from the shepherd hut in her garden. When one of her patients is found on the shore close to Beachy Head, the local police detective is convinced its suicide. Pat, however, thinks otherwise. She was sure Henry Clayton wasn't suicidal. He was just very confused about his way forward with a violent partner. The police aren't interested in her theories and so, along with her best friend, Prichard Knowles, Pat decides it’s up to her to get justice for the young man she had become quite fond of. With the distraction of a possible golf club and spa being built at the end of her garden, an elusive Mars bar wrapper dropping stranger, and new neighbours who live quite a hedonistic lifestyle she knows she needs to focus if justice is to be served.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Random House UK, Cornerstone, Hutchinson Heineman, but the opinions expressed are my own. The beginning of a new series, this was an interesting read. Pat grated on me to start with, but her heart was in the right place, and she softened as the story progressed. There was a definite lead into a second book at the end, which I will be on the lookout for.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Random House UK, Cornerstone, Hutchinson Heineman, but the opinions expressed are my own. The beginning of a new series, this was an interesting read. Pat grated on me to start with, but her heart was in the right place, and she softened as the story progressed. There was a definite lead into a second book at the end, which I will be on the lookout for.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love a whodunnit, murder mystery, cosy mystery - whatever genre you want to label small town crime fiction.
Patricia is a former lawyer and current psychotherapist. No longer having to deal with the fast pace of London, she's enjoying the country pace of life. She's made some friends and her therapy business is going well. Well it was until her latest client ends up dead! Worse, the local police are writing it off a su*cide!
Henry was in no way presenting as wanting to hurt himself and Pat thinks that nothing is adding up. So with her trusty bestie, Pritchard, she sets out to solve this crime herself. With a cast of quirky characters including some friendly swingers, Pat has a plethora of suspects and possible reasons for Henry's death.
Pat, I'm sorry to say was not the easiest mc for me to like. She came over as so privileged and even her being LGBTQIA didn't quite make her endearing. She did grow on me but she isn't my favourite amateur sleuth. Pritchard was a hoot with all his home brew experiments. Lovable PC Footer reminded me so much of Kelbie from Beyond Paradise!
I did enjoy watching all the clues come together as the story unfurled. There were plenty of twists and turns and a suitably fiendish big reveal.
More 3.5 stars to be completely honest just because I didn't gel with Pat as much as I usually do with MC's
Patricia is a former lawyer and current psychotherapist. No longer having to deal with the fast pace of London, she's enjoying the country pace of life. She's made some friends and her therapy business is going well. Well it was until her latest client ends up dead! Worse, the local police are writing it off a su*cide!
Henry was in no way presenting as wanting to hurt himself and Pat thinks that nothing is adding up. So with her trusty bestie, Pritchard, she sets out to solve this crime herself. With a cast of quirky characters including some friendly swingers, Pat has a plethora of suspects and possible reasons for Henry's death.
Pat, I'm sorry to say was not the easiest mc for me to like. She came over as so privileged and even her being LGBTQIA didn't quite make her endearing. She did grow on me but she isn't my favourite amateur sleuth. Pritchard was a hoot with all his home brew experiments. Lovable PC Footer reminded me so much of Kelbie from Beyond Paradise!
I did enjoy watching all the clues come together as the story unfurled. There were plenty of twists and turns and a suitably fiendish big reveal.
More 3.5 stars to be completely honest just because I didn't gel with Pat as much as I usually do with MC's
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Having enjoyed Philippa Perry’s non-fiction, I was really curious to check out her foray into crime fiction with Shrink Solves Murder. I was especially interested to see how her background in psychotherapy might shape the story, in the same way legal and medical expertise inform the novels of writers like John Grisham or Robin Cook.
That professional perspective does make its way into the book, though not always in the central mechanics of the mystery. Instead, it appears more in small asides from our suspiciously named psychotherapist-turned-detective, Patricia Phillips, as she comments on the behaviour and motivations of the people around her.
A better comparison might actually be something cosier, like The Thursday Murder Club. We have an older protagonist, a smaller community, and a picturesque setting that contrasts with the darker elements of the crime. That said, Pat is immediately more curmudgeonly than the much loved retirees. We first meet her shouting at strangers to follow the rules, which made her a little difficult to warm to at the beginning. I initially struggled to relate to her prickly personality, but there a few moments of genuine warmth over the course of the novel and it becomes much easier to root for by the end.
That professional perspective does make its way into the book, though not always in the central mechanics of the mystery. Instead, it appears more in small asides from our suspiciously named psychotherapist-turned-detective, Patricia Phillips, as she comments on the behaviour and motivations of the people around her.
A better comparison might actually be something cosier, like The Thursday Murder Club. We have an older protagonist, a smaller community, and a picturesque setting that contrasts with the darker elements of the crime. That said, Pat is immediately more curmudgeonly than the much loved retirees. We first meet her shouting at strangers to follow the rules, which made her a little difficult to warm to at the beginning. I initially struggled to relate to her prickly personality, but there a few moments of genuine warmth over the course of the novel and it becomes much easier to root for by the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book courtesy of NetGalley for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Overview: Pat has lived in her small English town for almost as long as she's been a psychiatrist. Yet, today, on top of a sore hip, dog owners unwilling to keep their pets leashed, and someone who insists on littering, she finds out that her 3:00 won't be coming in. What happened to Henry? Could it have really been suicide? And why is the new woman in town hiding an injured hand? Let's find out.
Dislikes: Pat is not a woman you'd want as a confidant, a board member of the local HOA, or as counsellor. And it's not because she is opinionated. It's because she acts as if her opinions have descended from on high, and should be followed as if they were the Lord's Gospel.
And the detective running the case, Stevens, completely dropped the ball. What cop assumes that you have a suicide, just because the victim is seeing a psychiatrist and his significant other said so?
Likes: Sofia had a good heart, and was dedicated to her spouse.
Prichard sounds like he is rather adventurous, both as a cook and in life.
Conclusion: This book wasn't for me. If you like to follow the local grump, then this book may be for you. Enjoy the read.
Overview: Pat has lived in her small English town for almost as long as she's been a psychiatrist. Yet, today, on top of a sore hip, dog owners unwilling to keep their pets leashed, and someone who insists on littering, she finds out that her 3:00 won't be coming in. What happened to Henry? Could it have really been suicide? And why is the new woman in town hiding an injured hand? Let's find out.
Dislikes: Pat is not a woman you'd want as a confidant, a board member of the local HOA, or as counsellor. And it's not because she is opinionated. It's because she acts as if her opinions have descended from on high, and should be followed as if they were the Lord's Gospel.
And the detective running the case, Stevens, completely dropped the ball. What cop assumes that you have a suicide, just because the victim is seeing a psychiatrist and his significant other said so?
Likes: Sofia had a good heart, and was dedicated to her spouse.
Prichard sounds like he is rather adventurous, both as a cook and in life.
Conclusion: This book wasn't for me. If you like to follow the local grump, then this book may be for you. Enjoy the read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When a body is found near Beachy Head, the police chalk it up to suicide — a tragic but not uncommon end in these parts. But local psychotherapist Patricia Phillips isn’t convinced. The victim? Her three o’clock patient, Henry Clayton. The cause of death is supposedly self-inflicted. Yet Pat can’t shake the belief that someone wanted Henry Clayton dead. She spends her working life listening to histories and secrets, and she has a nose for when a story doesn’t quite ring true. At her side is her best friend Prichard — a home-brewer of fearsome, stomach-turning concoctions, an excellent cook, and a man who seems to get along with everyone. Which makes him useful for infiltrating village life.
A new author to me & I thoroughly enjoyed it. It took me a while to warm to Pat but I grew to like her down to earth manner & her outspokenness. I really enjoyed the relationship between Pat & Pritchard. There were twists, turns & red herrings & I was kept guessing. I look forward to more books by the author
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
A new author to me & I thoroughly enjoyed it. It took me a while to warm to Pat but I grew to like her down to earth manner & her outspokenness. I really enjoyed the relationship between Pat & Pritchard. There were twists, turns & red herrings & I was kept guessing. I look forward to more books by the author
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm not usually a fan of 'cosy' crime books but I am a fan of Philippa Perry. So, because I've enjoyed her non fiction books I took the plunge and requested an ARC of Shrink Solves Murder her first novel. In her favour she writes about something she knows. Pat, her main character is a psychotherapist as is Philippa. When one of her clients is discovered on the beach dead the police write it of as a suicide. Pat is convinced it is not and together with neighbour Pritchard decides to investigate suspecting most of her neighbours along the way. The formula for cosy crime is as old as the hills but Philippa does it quite well. The quirkiness of and interplay between the characters carries a lot of the weight for its success. It's not quite Thursday Murder Club but definitely has potential and I enjoyed it and will definitely buy looking out for the next in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Doctor Patricia Phillips is a psychotherapist. She lives near the notorious Beachy Head, a popular place for People to commit suicide. Body parts of one of Patricia's clients, Henry Clayton, was found at the bottom of the cliffs. Patricia doesn't the man was suicidal. Patricia had been a lawyer before training to be a psychotherapist. Patricia decides to investigate Henry's death with her neighbour Prichard.
I quite enjoyed this cosy murder mystery. There was some humour in this story. The characters were well-developed. Patricia is funny, frustrating and complex. I'm already looking forward to reading more books by the author.
Published 7th May 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandomHouseUK #Cornerstone for my ARC of #ShrinkSolvesMurder in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandomHouseUK #Cornerstone for my ARC of #ShrinkSolvesMurder in exchange for an honest review.
I quite enjoyed this cosy murder mystery. There was some humour in this story. The characters were well-developed. Patricia is funny, frustrating and complex. I'm already looking forward to reading more books by the author.
Published 7th May 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandomHouseUK #Cornerstone for my ARC of #ShrinkSolvesMurder in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandomHouseUK #Cornerstone for my ARC of #ShrinkSolvesMurder in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Pat is devasted when she finds out that one of her clients has been found dead at the bottom of the cliffs near her home on the South Coast. She is a psychotherapist and is convinced that it wasn't suicide. However the local police seem more concerned with their figures than actually doing detective work so she decides to investigate it herself alongside long time friend and neighbour Pritchard.
Her suspects include Derek, the abusive boyfriend, Dorna, a new local who plans to build a golf course on the south downs and seems to be bulldozing her way through permissions. Henry was part of the group against it and was due to file papers the day after he died to put a halt to things.
As time goes on, the Police are still uninterested with whatever Pat brings them. it's only when she has visitors for the weekend that things change and become clearer, but that leads to Pat being in danger from the actual murderer.
A nicely paced cozy crime. I hope there are more in this series.
Her suspects include Derek, the abusive boyfriend, Dorna, a new local who plans to build a golf course on the south downs and seems to be bulldozing her way through permissions. Henry was part of the group against it and was due to file papers the day after he died to put a halt to things.
As time goes on, the Police are still uninterested with whatever Pat brings them. it's only when she has visitors for the weekend that things change and become clearer, but that leads to Pat being in danger from the actual murderer.
A nicely paced cozy crime. I hope there are more in this series.
December 6, 2025
Who better than a psychiatrist - with all her insights into the human condition - to figure out the motives of a killer? Even more so, surely, when the victim (dismissed by the police as a case of suicide) is a patient of hers.
With the able assistance of her excellent bestie Pritchard, Pat is soon on the case, undeterred by her age and determined to find out what happened to her patient Henry, whom she did not consider suicidal in the least.
This is a humorous and enjoyable cosy crime caper, and will appeal to those who like reading the genre.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
With the able assistance of her excellent bestie Pritchard, Pat is soon on the case, undeterred by her age and determined to find out what happened to her patient Henry, whom she did not consider suicidal in the least.
This is a humorous and enjoyable cosy crime caper, and will appeal to those who like reading the genre.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When the body of one of her clients is found washed up at the bottom of a cliff, Pat is not happy to accept the police verdict of 'Death by Suicide' and her own investigations begin.
With newcomers to their sleepy South Downs village coming under her suspicion, will Pat find out the truth?
This story is ok; the plot itself dragged a bit through predictability until the final few chapters when it picked up steam. The characters are largely likeable but not massively engaging as their back stories are quite complicatedly interwoven. A moment has to be taken for when the mail character plugs Perry's own piece of non-fiction... a book which I've read too and is much better than this one!
With newcomers to their sleepy South Downs village coming under her suspicion, will Pat find out the truth?
This story is ok; the plot itself dragged a bit through predictability until the final few chapters when it picked up steam. The characters are largely likeable but not massively engaging as their back stories are quite complicatedly interwoven. A moment has to be taken for when the mail character plugs Perry's own piece of non-fiction... a book which I've read too and is much better than this one!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would just like to say that I really love Philippa Perry and I was excited to see that she was having a go at cashing in on the cosy crime genre. However, the storyline of the murder was fairly tenuous.
That said I liked the characters and the village. Maybe the storyline could have been different. I would have liked more about Pat, Pritchard, Dorna, Sofe and Sue and less about the murder plot. But, I still found it enjoyable, even when she takes the opportunity to remind people to look after their mental health and plugs her own books. Very meta. A clever read. Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK for the ARC.
That said I liked the characters and the village. Maybe the storyline could have been different. I would have liked more about Pat, Pritchard, Dorna, Sofe and Sue and less about the murder plot. But, I still found it enjoyable, even when she takes the opportunity to remind people to look after their mental health and plugs her own books. Very meta. A clever read. Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK for the ARC.
November 10, 2025
Henry’s body is found on the beach near Beachy Head shortly before he was due at an appointment with his psychotherapist, Pat. The police decide it’s death by suicide, but Pat is not so sure, there was no indications from her meetings with Henry that he had any intention to do this. She is determined to find out the truth and calls upon her friend Pritchard to help her. Well written and I liked the characters and enjoyed how the plot developed. Hopefully, Pat will be doing more sleuthing in future books. My thanks to Net Galley and the author for an ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love Philippa Perry's non-fiction work as it has proven so informative professionally and personally. Her foray into fiction was no less impressive and I should not have been surprised given her ability to communicate effectively and with humour. This is a cozy piece of crime fiction with a character that is relatable and humorous. The wit and insight that is across Perry's other writing is evident here, but so too is an ability to create fictional characters you care about and want to stick with. I hope she writes more fiction (and non-fiction) going forward.
April 5, 2026
When her patient is found dead, something doesn’t sit right with Pat based on her therapy conversations with the man, and so she moves to investigate despite the police citing suicide.
Pat is a complex character who is both likable and frustrating all at once (aren’t we all). Using her intuition and knowledge, she moves to unravel aspects of her clients death that don’t sit right. This was a fun series to follow, and I also enjoyed the backstory of Pat’s own life.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #Crownpublishing for an ARC
Pat is a complex character who is both likable and frustrating all at once (aren’t we all). Using her intuition and knowledge, she moves to unravel aspects of her clients death that don’t sit right. This was a fun series to follow, and I also enjoyed the backstory of Pat’s own life.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #Crownpublishing for an ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Very easy to read and it’s humorous. To start with I thought it was too silly, but I soon changed my mind.
There’s a serious side to this story which is upsetting, however it’s written in such a way that I didn’t feel distressed.
When the police decide to take no further action and say that Henry died by suicide, his therapist doesn’t agree and takes matters into her own hands.
While I liked Dr Pat, I thought that Prichard was great! Such a lovable person who seems to bumble his way through life. The world needs more Prichards!
There’s a serious side to this story which is upsetting, however it’s written in such a way that I didn’t feel distressed.
When the police decide to take no further action and say that Henry died by suicide, his therapist doesn’t agree and takes matters into her own hands.
While I liked Dr Pat, I thought that Prichard was great! Such a lovable person who seems to bumble his way through life. The world needs more Prichards!
Read
March 9, 2026What do you do as a physiotherapist when one of your clients commits suicide?
You are fully convinced that he was not in any way suicidal but trying to leave a dysfunctional relationship.
The start of many questions, a cozy mystery with endearing characters that will make you smile.
Set up ready for the next installment and I will look forward to it.
Great to read about older characters for a change
You are fully convinced that he was not in any way suicidal but trying to leave a dysfunctional relationship.
The start of many questions, a cozy mystery with endearing characters that will make you smile.
Set up ready for the next installment and I will look forward to it.
Great to read about older characters for a change
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I truly enjoyed Shrink Solves Murder! The mystery is paramount, as it should be, and the unveiling a surprise, which is always a delight. The pace was spot on. I especially appreciated the mix of some American terms, such as Five feet six inches in height and miles instead of kilometers with the introduction of British terms including dryrobe, fug and gilet. I’m already looking forward to the next installment of what I hope will be a long and fruitful series.
May 2, 2026
When the police decide that a body found near Beachy Head is suicide, psychotherapist Patricia (Pat) Phillips, believes they are wrong. Pat was helping the victim, but he did not have suicidal tendencies.
With the help of her friend, Prichard, Pat starts to look into the case, determined to prove the police wrong and find out who killed Henry Clayton.
A good read that had some humour to help lighten the story. I liked both Pat and Prichard, they made for an entertaining duo and looked out for each other.
Prichard likes nothing more than to make home-made alcohol, which leads to some very strange concoctions, where he just chucks anything in! He’s loud but likeable and drops everything to help Pat.
I liked how we also got to see Pat’s relationship with her daughter, which was often fraught and awkward.
An enjoyable murder mystery with an outcome that I didn’t see coming.
With the help of her friend, Prichard, Pat starts to look into the case, determined to prove the police wrong and find out who killed Henry Clayton.
A good read that had some humour to help lighten the story. I liked both Pat and Prichard, they made for an entertaining duo and looked out for each other.
Prichard likes nothing more than to make home-made alcohol, which leads to some very strange concoctions, where he just chucks anything in! He’s loud but likeable and drops everything to help Pat.
I liked how we also got to see Pat’s relationship with her daughter, which was often fraught and awkward.
An enjoyable murder mystery with an outcome that I didn’t see coming.
November 5, 2025
A pleasant enough read although was hoping for a bit more meat to the story. It felt like there wasn't a lot of drama or twists to the tale, and one key plot point seemed to fizzle out a bit at the end.
Living close to Seven Sisters, where the book was set, it was interesting to have that local aspect to the story.
Was pleased to have read this but won't be rushing to re-read it.
Living close to Seven Sisters, where the book was set, it was interesting to have that local aspect to the story.
Was pleased to have read this but won't be rushing to re-read it.
March 23, 2026
Brilliant! Humerous, dry, cantankerous, witty and wild.
I loved Pat and her caustic wit. She is tenacious and thorough.
This was a great book with great tv potential too.
I loved her sidekick with his concoctions that sound like potions.
This was great and I didn’t guess the ending.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review.
I loved Pat and her caustic wit. She is tenacious and thorough.
This was a great book with great tv potential too.
I loved her sidekick with his concoctions that sound like potions.
This was great and I didn’t guess the ending.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review.
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