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Incarnate
An ambitious and sharp-witted clinical psychiatrist turns detective when one of her patients comes under investigation for a series of brutal murders—is she a psychopath or a victim herself?
Brilliant psychiatric resident Dr. Kim Patterson has one major flaw: she is too committed to her patients. Her willingness to break the rules and use unconventional methods to help her patients heal has already gotten her thrown out of several hospitals. And when Scarlett Hascall is brought into the psychiatric ward, Kim can’t resist getting involved, even if it means breaking protocol—because Kim can see what the other doctors cannot. Scarlett is suffering from a rare condition: Dissociative Identity Disorder, otherwise known as Multiple Personalities.
But even Kim is at a loss when she realizes that some of Scarlett’s alternate identities are claiming to be people who have gone missing from their town. And when Scarlett’s alter identity “Izzi” knows way too much about the whereabouts of the missing Isabel Wilcox, the police begin to suspect that Scarlett may have been involved with Isabel’s disappearance. Only Kim defends Scarlett, certain of the girl’s innocence. But her new theory is a radical one, one she can hardly believe herself: What if Kim is channeling the troubled souls of these victims?
With the help of local police officer Zack Trainor, Kim digs further into Isabel’s case, trying to find proof that Scarlett wasn’t involved. The more they discover, the more it becomes apparent that something strange and frightening is going on with Scarlett. Is it possible she is truly harboring lost souls? Or is Scarlett playing a twisted game with her doctors and the police?
Brilliant psychiatric resident Dr. Kim Patterson has one major flaw: she is too committed to her patients. Her willingness to break the rules and use unconventional methods to help her patients heal has already gotten her thrown out of several hospitals. And when Scarlett Hascall is brought into the psychiatric ward, Kim can’t resist getting involved, even if it means breaking protocol—because Kim can see what the other doctors cannot. Scarlett is suffering from a rare condition: Dissociative Identity Disorder, otherwise known as Multiple Personalities.
But even Kim is at a loss when she realizes that some of Scarlett’s alternate identities are claiming to be people who have gone missing from their town. And when Scarlett’s alter identity “Izzi” knows way too much about the whereabouts of the missing Isabel Wilcox, the police begin to suspect that Scarlett may have been involved with Isabel’s disappearance. Only Kim defends Scarlett, certain of the girl’s innocence. But her new theory is a radical one, one she can hardly believe herself: What if Kim is channeling the troubled souls of these victims?
With the help of local police officer Zack Trainor, Kim digs further into Isabel’s case, trying to find proof that Scarlett wasn’t involved. The more they discover, the more it becomes apparent that something strange and frightening is going on with Scarlett. Is it possible she is truly harboring lost souls? Or is Scarlett playing a twisted game with her doctors and the police?
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First published July 25, 2017
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About the author
Josh Stolberg
2 books36 followersAlthough INCARNATE is Josh Stolberg's first novel, he's been writing for film and television for over 20 years. Film credits include JIGSAW, the newest addition to the popular Saw horror franchise, as well as the horror/comedies PIRANHA 3D and SORORITY ROW. In television, Josh wrote on two of the pilot episodes of the Nickelodeon series AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER as well as the Disney shows, SO WEIRD and HONEY: I SHRUNK THE KIDS. He also wrote the comedy GOOD LUCK CHUCK and the romantic indie CONCEPTION. Josh also directed Conception, as well as films such as KIDS IN AMERICA and the indie thriller CRAWLSPACE. Currently, Josh is adapting Clive Barker's books Weaveworld and Cabal into television shows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 7, 2017
3.5 STARS
I think I went in with the wrong expectations of this one; I was assuming due to the supernatural nature of this thriller that it would have more of a horror classification but it really wasn't. That's not to discourage anyone from picking up the book; it was an enjoyable read that held my attention well throughout. I think those who enjoy police procedurals and more traditional crime fiction, but are getting burnt out of the same old storyline will really enjoy the unique aspect this one offers. Full review to come.
I think I went in with the wrong expectations of this one; I was assuming due to the supernatural nature of this thriller that it would have more of a horror classification but it really wasn't. That's not to discourage anyone from picking up the book; it was an enjoyable read that held my attention well throughout. I think those who enjoy police procedurals and more traditional crime fiction, but are getting burnt out of the same old storyline will really enjoy the unique aspect this one offers. Full review to come.
August 9, 2017
About: Incarnate is a supernatural thriller written by Josh Stolberg. It will be published on 7/25/17 by Atria/Emily Bestler Books/Alloy Entertainment, imprint of Simon & Schuster, 352 pages. The genres are fiction, thriller, and supernatural.
My Experience: I started reading Incarnate on 6/5/17 and finished it on 6/9/17. This book can be summed up as an exciting read! It’s twisted and unexpected. The characters are interesting and the plot is action packed. So much happening in a small town that were no dull moments reading this book. I love the cover. I like the focus on Dissociative Identity Disorder and the doctors that tend to them. I like learning about psychiatrist in this book.
This book is told in third person point of view. Readers will follow two main characters Dr. Kimberly (Kim) Patterson, a psychiatrist at a hospital in a small town of Jarvis, Alaska and Zack Trainor, the town’s detective. They both have their own broken childhood memories that drives them to be the best they can be in their field, him “protect the peace” and she “protect the peace of mind.” Kim is quirky and intelligent. She’s highly devoted to her patients and often jeopardize her career in the process. Her patient is Scarlett Hascall, nineteen who have been accused of causing havocs to different people, including murder, but she says she doesn’t remember doing any of it. Multiple personalities plays a big role in this book as well as analyzing and solving mystery. Detective Trainor crosses paths with Dr. Patterson when he arrests Scarlet for the murder of Isabel Wilcox, a missing person because of her DNA link. The twists you won’t see coming!
Despite the many medical wordings, I still enjoy reading this book. I like the mystery, suspense, and investigation process. I really enjoy the banter between Kim and Zack. Kim explore the supernatural reason to explain Scarlett’s actions and Zack is livid to the idea, yet they can’t deny their attraction. I like following the strategies taken by Kim in figuring out her patient’s sickness. I love her humor. At times, her actions are farfetched for a doctor like climbing a tree without prior knowledge or putting her life in danger to coerce a confession. The ending is twistedly good! I could not have guessed it! I recommend everyone to read this book if you are looking for a good & twisted mystery!
Pro: mystery, suspense, diversity, psychiatrist, humor, twist, discuss strategies, prologue, fast paced, book cover
Con: the introduction of Brad is awkward, shouldn’t be in the middle of introducing Zack
I rate it 4.5 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to the author Josh Stolberg, publisher Atria/Emily Bestler Books/Alloy Entertainment, and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and review. Please assure that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for a detailed review.
My Experience: I started reading Incarnate on 6/5/17 and finished it on 6/9/17. This book can be summed up as an exciting read! It’s twisted and unexpected. The characters are interesting and the plot is action packed. So much happening in a small town that were no dull moments reading this book. I love the cover. I like the focus on Dissociative Identity Disorder and the doctors that tend to them. I like learning about psychiatrist in this book.
This book is told in third person point of view. Readers will follow two main characters Dr. Kimberly (Kim) Patterson, a psychiatrist at a hospital in a small town of Jarvis, Alaska and Zack Trainor, the town’s detective. They both have their own broken childhood memories that drives them to be the best they can be in their field, him “protect the peace” and she “protect the peace of mind.” Kim is quirky and intelligent. She’s highly devoted to her patients and often jeopardize her career in the process. Her patient is Scarlett Hascall, nineteen who have been accused of causing havocs to different people, including murder, but she says she doesn’t remember doing any of it. Multiple personalities plays a big role in this book as well as analyzing and solving mystery. Detective Trainor crosses paths with Dr. Patterson when he arrests Scarlet for the murder of Isabel Wilcox, a missing person because of her DNA link. The twists you won’t see coming!
Despite the many medical wordings, I still enjoy reading this book. I like the mystery, suspense, and investigation process. I really enjoy the banter between Kim and Zack. Kim explore the supernatural reason to explain Scarlett’s actions and Zack is livid to the idea, yet they can’t deny their attraction. I like following the strategies taken by Kim in figuring out her patient’s sickness. I love her humor. At times, her actions are farfetched for a doctor like climbing a tree without prior knowledge or putting her life in danger to coerce a confession. The ending is twistedly good! I could not have guessed it! I recommend everyone to read this book if you are looking for a good & twisted mystery!
Pro: mystery, suspense, diversity, psychiatrist, humor, twist, discuss strategies, prologue, fast paced, book cover
Con: the introduction of Brad is awkward, shouldn’t be in the middle of introducing Zack
I rate it 4.5 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to the author Josh Stolberg, publisher Atria/Emily Bestler Books/Alloy Entertainment, and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and review. Please assure that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for a detailed review.
October 20, 2017
A solid 4 stars!
Josh Stolberg's Incarnate is a bone chilling, modern-day concoction of The X-Files meets M. Night Shyamalan's Split. Seriously guys, this book is so original though, it really engaged me from the prologue until the very end. Incarnate takes place in a rural town in Alaska, where Dr. Kim Patterson resides over a stringent hospital. One day, a nineteen year old woman named Scarlett Hascall enters the psychiatric ward of the same hospital Kim works in, and Kim cannot help but get herself involved from the get-go. All evidence points Scarlett as a cold-blooded killer, but how come she can't remember if she is innocent or not? Kim ends up deducting that Scarlett could possibly suffer from dissociative identity disorder, but are her alternate identities benevolent or is there something darker here? Everyone is stumped as they realize that Scarlett's alternate identities also identically relate to people who are turning up missing in town. What is Scarlett up to and can they find out before anyone else gets hurt?
Incarnate is a read that was so unexpected for me, as I really didn't know much about the author or the premise before getting my hands on it. Turns out, Josh Stolberg is a co-writer for the next Saw film, Jigsaw and it totally makes sense. No spoilers here, but there were moments where I had to just pause and take deep breaths because I was so engaged that I ended up feeling what the characters were going through. Ugh, my pinkies still feel weird any time I think about one of the chapters. <--- is that a spoiler? Psshhh... Perfect Halloween read for October. I hope this ends up becoming a series.
Josh Stolberg's Incarnate is a bone chilling, modern-day concoction of The X-Files meets M. Night Shyamalan's Split. Seriously guys, this book is so original though, it really engaged me from the prologue until the very end. Incarnate takes place in a rural town in Alaska, where Dr. Kim Patterson resides over a stringent hospital. One day, a nineteen year old woman named Scarlett Hascall enters the psychiatric ward of the same hospital Kim works in, and Kim cannot help but get herself involved from the get-go. All evidence points Scarlett as a cold-blooded killer, but how come she can't remember if she is innocent or not? Kim ends up deducting that Scarlett could possibly suffer from dissociative identity disorder, but are her alternate identities benevolent or is there something darker here? Everyone is stumped as they realize that Scarlett's alternate identities also identically relate to people who are turning up missing in town. What is Scarlett up to and can they find out before anyone else gets hurt?
Incarnate is a read that was so unexpected for me, as I really didn't know much about the author or the premise before getting my hands on it. Turns out, Josh Stolberg is a co-writer for the next Saw film, Jigsaw and it totally makes sense. No spoilers here, but there were moments where I had to just pause and take deep breaths because I was so engaged that I ended up feeling what the characters were going through. Ugh, my pinkies still feel weird any time I think about one of the chapters. <--- is that a spoiler? Psshhh... Perfect Halloween read for October. I hope this ends up becoming a series.
May 22, 2017
Kim Patterson is a brilliant clinical psychiatrist. But, she has several characteristics which could end her career. She cares too much about her patients and gets way more involved than is considered professionally proper with certain patients whom she really connects with. And, she continually breaks the rules if she thinks doing so is in her patient’s best interest. On top of that she is hiding a secret relating to her past which could cloud her judgement regarding her newest patient – 19 yo Scarlett Haskell. Scarlett is linked to the disappearance of another young woman because she knows things that only someone close to Isabel could know; however Scarlett swears she has never met Isabel. Kim – though hypnosis, which is not allowed by the hospital – discovers that Scarlett suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder, or multiple personalities. Things get even more complicated when Kim starts to believe her identities are the souls of people who have disappeared from the area. With the help of Police Officer Zack Trainor Kim starts playing detective, but soon Zack loses faith in her diagnosis and starts believing that Scarlett is guilty and has totally hoodwinked Kim. Incarnate is a thrilling psychological mystery with a touch of paranormal and a whole lot of unanswered questions. The end was truly a surprise and one I didn’t see coming.
April 18, 2018
In the prologue, Isabel Wilcox runs through the woods as shots are being fired at her. Unfortunately, she steps in an animal trap.
In the first chapter, Dr Kim Patterson, resident psychiatrist at a regional hospital, uses unorthodox methods to bond with her patients. Kim suspects a young girl, Scarlet, has multiple personalities. When Scarlet tells Kim she is Isabel and knows specifics about Isabel's life that she shouldn't know, Kim must prove if Scarlet is a killer or is she channeling the dead since Scarlet seems to be harboring several missing people.
I like the unconventional ways Kim used to help her patients. I also like the turn at the end when the real killer is revealed.
In the first chapter, Dr Kim Patterson, resident psychiatrist at a regional hospital, uses unorthodox methods to bond with her patients. Kim suspects a young girl, Scarlet, has multiple personalities. When Scarlet tells Kim she is Isabel and knows specifics about Isabel's life that she shouldn't know, Kim must prove if Scarlet is a killer or is she channeling the dead since Scarlet seems to be harboring several missing people.
I like the unconventional ways Kim used to help her patients. I also like the turn at the end when the real killer is revealed.
September 11, 2017
This was one of those books where the cover caught my eye and I bought on an impulse...I wasn't disappointed.
August 17, 2017
I was really looking forward to an intense psychological thriller in Incarnate by Josh Stolberg. I was not expecting the supernatural twist, and I can’t say that I completely appreciated this aspect of the story premise. However, the quality of the writing and the intense story tension kept me glued to this book.
There are multiple mysteries in Incarnate. There is the odd number of cold-case missing persons. There is the strange behavior of young Scarlett Hascall. There is the mystery in the main characters’ backstories. Both Dr. Kim Patterson and Detective Zack Trainor are complicated characters. Their flawed layers are peeled away like layers of an onion as the story progresses. Kim’s methods and her motives are questionable. Her wit, devotion to patients, and sense of humor won me over . Zack’s myopic adherence to the rules and the suggestions of his boss are not only frustrating for Kim but also dangerous. Although he stubbornly gives Kim no slack, he can cook a mean putanesca sauce. The characters are all richly developed, and if not always likable, they are quite empathetic.
Incarnate is definitely a page-turner. The story progresses at a quick pace. The story tension ramps up quickly, and remains intense. Some plot points are a bit gruesome and difficult to read. The story is set in Jarvis, Alaska–Kim’s desperate attempt at hiding from her problems in the middle of nowhere. I would have appreciated more scene descriptions of a stark, harsh area. Aside from telling me the characters were in a smallish town in Alaska, the story could have been set anywhere near a large body of water. A few of the villains and red herrings were easily spotted well before their reveal. However, the multiple story lines created by the supernatural aspect keep everything interesting until the end. While the conflict culmination required a little suspension of disbelief, the ending was satisfying and organic.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at https://abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com.
There are multiple mysteries in Incarnate. There is the odd number of cold-case missing persons. There is the strange behavior of young Scarlett Hascall. There is the mystery in the main characters’ backstories. Both Dr. Kim Patterson and Detective Zack Trainor are complicated characters. Their flawed layers are peeled away like layers of an onion as the story progresses. Kim’s methods and her motives are questionable. Her wit, devotion to patients, and sense of humor won me over . Zack’s myopic adherence to the rules and the suggestions of his boss are not only frustrating for Kim but also dangerous. Although he stubbornly gives Kim no slack, he can cook a mean putanesca sauce. The characters are all richly developed, and if not always likable, they are quite empathetic.
Incarnate is definitely a page-turner. The story progresses at a quick pace. The story tension ramps up quickly, and remains intense. Some plot points are a bit gruesome and difficult to read. The story is set in Jarvis, Alaska–Kim’s desperate attempt at hiding from her problems in the middle of nowhere. I would have appreciated more scene descriptions of a stark, harsh area. Aside from telling me the characters were in a smallish town in Alaska, the story could have been set anywhere near a large body of water. A few of the villains and red herrings were easily spotted well before their reveal. However, the multiple story lines created by the supernatural aspect keep everything interesting until the end. While the conflict culmination required a little suspension of disbelief, the ending was satisfying and organic.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at https://abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com.
January 9, 2018
An intriguing mystery with a supernatural twist.
Kim, an unconventional psychiatrist, will stop at nothing to figure out what is going on with her current patient Scarlett regardless of hospital protocols or the police. Are Kim’s instincts right or is she being played? You will have to read Incarnate to find out!
Loved the twists and turns. Fingers crossed for another installment with Dr. Patterson. Josh Stolberg’s first novel definitely didn’t disappoint 😉
Kim, an unconventional psychiatrist, will stop at nothing to figure out what is going on with her current patient Scarlett regardless of hospital protocols or the police. Are Kim’s instincts right or is she being played? You will have to read Incarnate to find out!
Loved the twists and turns. Fingers crossed for another installment with Dr. Patterson. Josh Stolberg’s first novel definitely didn’t disappoint 😉
June 30, 2017
I would like to thank NetGalley for an advance copy in return for an honest review. Dr Kim Patterson is a psychiatrist who is completely devoted to her patients. Some say too devoted. But when she meets a girl who is suspected of being involved in a missing persons case, Kim thinks that this patient is suffering from multiple personalities. But as she works with the girl, she sees that the patient has an unnatural knowledge of the lives and deaths of her alternate personalities (alters). Could this girl actually be harboring the souls of these missing persons?
I really enjoyed this book. The idea of souls jumping to living people until their murders are solved was a new and intriguing idea for me. I like Kim and some of the other characters. It was also informative about how hospitals work, particularly how residents are treated during their time at the hospital. I sort of hated for the story to end. I wanted to find out all about the other alters. If you like a mystery that is a bit creepy, this one is for you.
I really enjoyed this book. The idea of souls jumping to living people until their murders are solved was a new and intriguing idea for me. I like Kim and some of the other characters. It was also informative about how hospitals work, particularly how residents are treated during their time at the hospital. I sort of hated for the story to end. I wanted to find out all about the other alters. If you like a mystery that is a bit creepy, this one is for you.
September 2, 2017
I'm a big horror movie fan and have enjoyed the films Josh Stolberg has written. With him being the writer of the upcoming new film in the Saw franchise, Jigsaw I was very anxious to read this book. I definitely wasn't disappointed. This is a really great book that will have you turning the pages faster and faster to find out what happens next. I'm not going to give away any spoilers because the less you know the more you'll enjoy it. I would call it a murder mystery with a supernatural twist. Actually there are quite a few twists in the book and it kept me guessing right till the end. To get a quick summary it's the story of a young girl who may or may not be suffering from dissociative identity disorder, or is she possessed? Or is she faking? She responsible for murders? The psychiatrist interested in her case doesn't think so, the detective investigating does. But what's really going on? Again I'm not going to give any spoilers but I will say it's a very satisfying conclusion and you won't be disappointed that you spent time reading this book. So if you're looking for a great page turner this is a perfect book to pick up.
August 10, 2017
Loved this book... great characters, riveting mystery, and I stayed up all night to finish. I would like to see this turned into a series... I really enjoyed the main character and I would be interested is seeing what she would do next. I don't often write reviews, but I can easily recommend this book.
June 7, 2017
Really 3.5 rating
I love paranormal mysteries. That was the draw to this book. Kim Patterson is a psychiatric resident trying to prove herself at her new hospital. When asked to interview a young woman in the psych ward, she is intrigued. Scarlett has been brought in after attacking her boss, but she has no memory of the incident. What she does seem to recall are details involving other disappearances of people she never knew. She also seems to have a connection to another teenager who recently vanished.
So the story line sounds good and I liked the characters, but! Nothing stuck. I would put the book down and forget what it was about. I say a book is great when I am thinking about it after I have been reading it. I kept walking away from this one. Which is why it took me awhile to review it. Reading it was fine, but afterwards it just faded away. I would still recommend it because of the plot . I just wish it was shorter and more tightly written. That may have helped.
I love paranormal mysteries. That was the draw to this book. Kim Patterson is a psychiatric resident trying to prove herself at her new hospital. When asked to interview a young woman in the psych ward, she is intrigued. Scarlett has been brought in after attacking her boss, but she has no memory of the incident. What she does seem to recall are details involving other disappearances of people she never knew. She also seems to have a connection to another teenager who recently vanished.
So the story line sounds good and I liked the characters, but! Nothing stuck. I would put the book down and forget what it was about. I say a book is great when I am thinking about it after I have been reading it. I kept walking away from this one. Which is why it took me awhile to review it. Reading it was fine, but afterwards it just faded away. I would still recommend it because of the plot . I just wish it was shorter and more tightly written. That may have helped.
August 18, 2017
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to other readers.
The end of the story took me by surprise. I had not seen that coming.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to other readers.
The end of the story took me by surprise. I had not seen that coming.
May 22, 2017
Kim Patterson is no ordinary psychiatrist. She breaks the rules, if it will benefit her patient, even if it means losing her job. One patient, named Scarlett, has multiple personalities, due to traumatic events, including murder. Kim unravels the truth, putting herself and career at risk. Kim also has a hidden dark secret, that affects how she handles situations and relationships.
This book has lots of surprises and twists, and a ending you will not see coming.
I received this book free from Goodreads for a honest opinion.
This book has lots of surprises and twists, and a ending you will not see coming.
I received this book free from Goodreads for a honest opinion.
August 13, 2021
Really loved this one. In a year where the great movie Split came out, I've been hungry for a story of this type, and this has been a great way to quench that thirst! Kim, the protagonist, is supremely likable and full of personality, you really care and root for her as she goes through the events of the plot. The story constantly keeps you on your toes, and moves at a brisk pace. The brutal death scenes might be a bit much for some, but for people who like me who don't mind to squirm a bit, it was fantastic! Highly recommended little gem.
September 2, 2020
This book caught my eye because of the multiple personality angle.
the book is about a psychiatrist in a rural town in Alaska who meets a young girl who is brought into a psychiatric hospital where she is a resident. Kim Patterson uses hypnosis to get to see the inside of her patient, which is not really recognized by her hospital.
Kim is also sleeping with her mentor, which is not really a good thing. When she gets into trouble for connecting with Scarlett, who is thought to be a killer, her mentor tells her that he will not go to bat for her in this one and she is on her own. She is being sent home while the hospital rethinks her hiring. since Kim is not longer working at the hospital, she decides to continue treating Scarlett on her own terms.
In connection with this, Kim gets involved with a detective who is looking into some killings and disappearances in his town. He is drawn to Kim but more concerned with law and order and seeing where the case leads. He believes that Scarlett is the killer and is looking at how the facts point in that direction. On the other hand, he is also drawn to Kim and looks into her background.
There were twists and turns I did not see coming.
I think I would like to see more books by this author as I was teased by her background but want to know more.
I would recommend this to people who are interested in things that are not as they seem.
the book is about a psychiatrist in a rural town in Alaska who meets a young girl who is brought into a psychiatric hospital where she is a resident. Kim Patterson uses hypnosis to get to see the inside of her patient, which is not really recognized by her hospital.
Kim is also sleeping with her mentor, which is not really a good thing. When she gets into trouble for connecting with Scarlett, who is thought to be a killer, her mentor tells her that he will not go to bat for her in this one and she is on her own. She is being sent home while the hospital rethinks her hiring. since Kim is not longer working at the hospital, she decides to continue treating Scarlett on her own terms.
In connection with this, Kim gets involved with a detective who is looking into some killings and disappearances in his town. He is drawn to Kim but more concerned with law and order and seeing where the case leads. He believes that Scarlett is the killer and is looking at how the facts point in that direction. On the other hand, he is also drawn to Kim and looks into her background.
There were twists and turns I did not see coming.
I think I would like to see more books by this author as I was teased by her background but want to know more.
I would recommend this to people who are interested in things that are not as they seem.
September 23, 2017
This book was a white knuckled read. There are multiple secrets which are untangled and deliver a novel that is jam packed with twists.
I would describe this book as one of continuous unexpected revelations. It’s all bundled into a unique supernatural mystery.
The two main characters, psychiatrist Dr. Kim Patterson and Detective Zach Trainor, are two damaged people. I don’t want to divulge too much because you really must read the book in order to enjoy the discovery of their weaknesses and their strengths. I will say that I thought of Kim as being reckless constantly. She rushes into action, damn the consequences!
In addition to liking the quirky characters, I also liked the jarring path of action. I would think that the narrative was going to proceed in a certain way, I was just sure of it, and then the author would throw in a spectacular wrench, and the action would race in a completely different direction.
If you like a book that will have you guessing from page 1 to the end, I recommend this book to you. I will definitely read it a second time to capture any nuances that I may have missed when the action became too intense.
Thank you to the author, Josh Stolberg, for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I would describe this book as one of continuous unexpected revelations. It’s all bundled into a unique supernatural mystery.
The two main characters, psychiatrist Dr. Kim Patterson and Detective Zach Trainor, are two damaged people. I don’t want to divulge too much because you really must read the book in order to enjoy the discovery of their weaknesses and their strengths. I will say that I thought of Kim as being reckless constantly. She rushes into action, damn the consequences!
In addition to liking the quirky characters, I also liked the jarring path of action. I would think that the narrative was going to proceed in a certain way, I was just sure of it, and then the author would throw in a spectacular wrench, and the action would race in a completely different direction.
If you like a book that will have you guessing from page 1 to the end, I recommend this book to you. I will definitely read it a second time to capture any nuances that I may have missed when the action became too intense.
Thank you to the author, Josh Stolberg, for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2019
Looks like INCARNATE is Stolberg’s debut novel. What a way to crash into the thriller genre –full force, full steam!
Dr. Kim Patterson is new on the job. As a hospital psychiatric resident her every move is watched. Dedicated to her patients, she is determined to help Scarlett Hascall.
Hascall is suffering from Dissociation Identity Disorder. Her split personalities are causing problems for Patterson, because Patterson is the only one positive the young girl did not commit murder.
Working with local police, Patterson makes a case in favor of her patient. Hascall might not be responsible for murder but her different personalities have answers to help point Hascall in the right direction.
Truly enjoyed the book. Stolberg’s writing is smooth and engaging. His charters are so well developed. The book’s pace is tight, fast. Kept me turning pages. I will tell you this, I want more.
Phillip Tomasso
Author of the crime novel YOU CHOOSE
and the supernatural thriller WOMAN IN THE WOODS
Dr. Kim Patterson is new on the job. As a hospital psychiatric resident her every move is watched. Dedicated to her patients, she is determined to help Scarlett Hascall.
Hascall is suffering from Dissociation Identity Disorder. Her split personalities are causing problems for Patterson, because Patterson is the only one positive the young girl did not commit murder.
Working with local police, Patterson makes a case in favor of her patient. Hascall might not be responsible for murder but her different personalities have answers to help point Hascall in the right direction.
Truly enjoyed the book. Stolberg’s writing is smooth and engaging. His charters are so well developed. The book’s pace is tight, fast. Kept me turning pages. I will tell you this, I want more.
Phillip Tomasso
Author of the crime novel YOU CHOOSE
and the supernatural thriller WOMAN IN THE WOODS
October 3, 2021
What a story, Kim is quite a character and her determination to find out the truth of the missing cases and mysteries in town after her patient Scarlett is connected to them is admirable. The story takes some wild twists and turns but I appreciated the respect given to mental health diagnoses because since Scarlett has been dealing with alters for a while and not being believed, Kim really makes all the difference and even though her methods as a psychiatrist are not accepted by the hospital, can't doubt that they get things done. I liked the dual perspective of Zach as well and getting the Detective's point of view on the case and so you see the connections and again things are a bit ridiculous but seeing in the acknowledgements that the author wanted this to be a TV series makes sense as to the drama and intensity maintained throughout. Glad I randomly stumbled on this book at the library.
November 13, 2017
I️ had high expectations of this book being a detailed thriller with a psychological suspense and a murder mystery. And while it does cover all of the above, I️ didn’t particularly care for the lack of depth into detail and the lack of character development. I️ was very excited to buy this book and I’m about a third of the way through and I️ can’t seem to bring myself to finish it. I’ve put it down several times and forgotten about it. It just doesn’t draw me in. But if you’re looking for a quick read or something in between books that doesn’t draw you in with too much detail or depth, I️ feel this would be for you.
December 18, 2018
This is the author's first novel, but he has written screenplays. This was to be a television show. I enjoyed it and found it different.
A brilliant but unconventional Psychiatric resident is put on notice for hypnotizing a patient and that is against the hospital's rules. When this resident was a little girl she was in the back seat of her parents' car when they are murdered by two masked men who were never caught. Her personality split and she changed her name to Kim Patterson. She is presently working with a patient who several personalities.
The story continues with what happens and whether Kim does graduate.
I found it enjoyable and different.
A brilliant but unconventional Psychiatric resident is put on notice for hypnotizing a patient and that is against the hospital's rules. When this resident was a little girl she was in the back seat of her parents' car when they are murdered by two masked men who were never caught. Her personality split and she changed her name to Kim Patterson. She is presently working with a patient who several personalities.
The story continues with what happens and whether Kim does graduate.
I found it enjoyable and different.
August 5, 2018
I was looking for a medical thriller and stumbled across this book. It loosely fits since one of the characters is a psychologist.
A few things I liked : the strong female lead, the twist with the accused.
The things I did not like : the romance had a obvious factor and yuck factor; the obvious twist at the end; the everything totally hunky dory at the end, very Shakespearean.
So it is not a bad summer filler read just not a run our hand get it now read.
A few things I liked : the strong female lead, the twist with the accused.
The things I did not like : the romance had a obvious factor and yuck factor; the obvious twist at the end; the everything totally hunky dory at the end, very Shakespearean.
So it is not a bad summer filler read just not a run our hand get it now read.
January 4, 2019
Unexpectedly a great thriller/mystery that was sent to me through my MyBookBox subscription. I’m really glad this was chosen for me and I wish I got around to reading it sooner. Kim Patterson is a great character from the very first moment we meet her. The plot is exciting and lots of twists and turns.
January 6, 2023
Originally I was going to give this book 3 stars but I definitely didn’t see the end part happening (good twist), so that bumped up my rating. I did find some of the descriptive parts a little bland but overall enjoyed this murder mystery.
May 9, 2018
Starts with a bang, action-packed and mysterious throughout the book, I really liked this book, keeps you guessing until the end.
June 12, 2018
Check out my video review: https://youtu.be/64cCeWoul94
April 12, 2020
Entertaining, liked the twists.
April 24, 2020
It was an intriguing story with an interesting main character. It makes you question the truth until the end.
February 7, 2021
This book was a fun thriller, easy to read and hard to put down.
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