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The Doctor
How much do you know about the couple next door?
When Emily and Ben move in next door to Dr Burman and his wife Anita, they are keen to get to know their new neighbours. Outgoing and sociable, Emily tries to befriend the doctor’s wife, but Anita is strangely subdued, barely leaving the house, and terrified of answering the phone.
When Emily goes missing a few weeks later, Ben is plunged into a panic. His wife has left him a note, but can she really have abandoned him for another man? Or has Emily’s curiosity about the couple next door led her straight into danger?
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First published July 24, 2019
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About the author
Lisa Stone
34 books393 followersAs a writer of suspense thrillers I often ask myself what if? What if this happened instead of that? Or why a particular person reacted as they did. So often fact is stranger than fiction and these books start with a fact which I develop. You may be surprised to know, for example, just how many patients experience changes in their likes and dislikes after a transplant operation ~ The Darkness Within. Or how easy it is to look into someone’s home through their CCTV ~ Stalker.
Just a little bit about me. I live in England and have three children. I have always been a writer - from when I was at school, with poems and articles in the school magazine. In my teens I began writing short stories, a few radio plays and novels. I finally made it into the bestseller charts with Damaged in 2007 which I wrote under the pseudonym Cathy Glass. Since then I have had 28 books published, many of which have become international bestsellers.
Thank you for your time, I hope you enjoy the Lisa Stone thrillers.
Just a little bit about me. I live in England and have three children. I have always been a writer - from when I was at school, with poems and articles in the school magazine. In my teens I began writing short stories, a few radio plays and novels. I finally made it into the bestseller charts with Damaged in 2007 which I wrote under the pseudonym Cathy Glass. Since then I have had 28 books published, many of which have become international bestsellers.
Thank you for your time, I hope you enjoy the Lisa Stone thrillers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 485 reviews
October 24, 2019
Another great sinister read from Lisa Stone.
I’m sure most know her as Cathy Glass. It astounds me how she has switched to this genre and writes absolutely astounding astonishing stories that grip you.
This one is of no exception.
We’ve seen this phrase from publishers before right? “How well do you know your neighbours “. I’ve seen this used a lot trying to grab readers attention. This time it’s for real.
By the time I got towards the end the hairs on the back of my neck were standing on end.
The author does such a great job.
The bit at the back which tells us about the facts and realisation and theories of this procedure makes for chills down my spine.
I loved how she breathed life into all her characters.
Then ending was chilling, really chilling.
I’m sure most know her as Cathy Glass. It astounds me how she has switched to this genre and writes absolutely astounding astonishing stories that grip you.
This one is of no exception.
We’ve seen this phrase from publishers before right? “How well do you know your neighbours “. I’ve seen this used a lot trying to grab readers attention. This time it’s for real.
By the time I got towards the end the hairs on the back of my neck were standing on end.
The author does such a great job.
The bit at the back which tells us about the facts and realisation and theories of this procedure makes for chills down my spine.
I loved how she breathed life into all her characters.
Then ending was chilling, really chilling.
November 8, 2019
This is the type of story that even though you can guess where the plot is leading, it’s still a fun and compelling ride.
Numerous time I was hoping for both Emily’s husband Ben and the police to be able to make the connection and try to discover the true nature of her disappearance.
With Dr Burman planing his most audacious experiment over New Years, the clock is ticking to place that final piece of the puzzle.
I loved how bold Dr Burman was and it adds to some of the questionable moments during his first attempt on an elderly lady.
It should be noted that some animals are harmed too, which some readers may find distressing.
That aside it was a highly enjoyable read.
Numerous time I was hoping for both Emily’s husband Ben and the police to be able to make the connection and try to discover the true nature of her disappearance.
With Dr Burman planing his most audacious experiment over New Years, the clock is ticking to place that final piece of the puzzle.
I loved how bold Dr Burman was and it adds to some of the questionable moments during his first attempt on an elderly lady.
It should be noted that some animals are harmed too, which some readers may find distressing.
That aside it was a highly enjoyable read.
July 20, 2019
Having read Lisa Stone’s “ The Stalker” and loved it I was so excited to start this book.
Emily, Ben and their son Robbie move into a new house. Their neighbours seem a little odd, Dr Birman looks after his sick wife Alisha who never leaves the house and at night he is always at the bottom of the garden in his workshop.
Dr Birman is obsessed with cryogenic research, freezing a body until a cure can be found for them. His workshop is his own theatre all ready for him. He may be an anaesthetist at the hospital but at home he is more like Dr Frankenstein!!
Emily tries to make friends with Alisha and slowly they become closer keeping it secret from the creepy Dr who has cameras everywhere. The Dr is not a fan of Emily and he wants to keep her away from his fragile wife.
When Emily goes missing, is it because she has ran off with another man? Or is it something more sinister involving Dr creepy (that’s my nickname for him)
I really enjoyed this chilling thriller. It is refreshing when you read so many psychological thrillers to stumble upon a storyline that is different!!
I was totally hooked throughout this book, there are plenty of twists and surprises that will keep you turning the pages.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Emily, Ben and their son Robbie move into a new house. Their neighbours seem a little odd, Dr Birman looks after his sick wife Alisha who never leaves the house and at night he is always at the bottom of the garden in his workshop.
Dr Birman is obsessed with cryogenic research, freezing a body until a cure can be found for them. His workshop is his own theatre all ready for him. He may be an anaesthetist at the hospital but at home he is more like Dr Frankenstein!!
Emily tries to make friends with Alisha and slowly they become closer keeping it secret from the creepy Dr who has cameras everywhere. The Dr is not a fan of Emily and he wants to keep her away from his fragile wife.
When Emily goes missing, is it because she has ran off with another man? Or is it something more sinister involving Dr creepy (that’s my nickname for him)
I really enjoyed this chilling thriller. It is refreshing when you read so many psychological thrillers to stumble upon a storyline that is different!!
I was totally hooked throughout this book, there are plenty of twists and surprises that will keep you turning the pages.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
May 12, 2022
This was the first book I’ve read by author Lisa Stone and I was immediately drawn in by the hook… if you had a rare or terminal illness and could be cryogenically frozen until such time that a cure could be found… would you want to be? This crime thriller gave me the shivers in places. Great pacing and tension. The characters were all super creepy (other than Emily.) I enjoyed the sense of suspense throughout as Anita (who is terminally ill) is trapped in an abusive marriage to her doctor husband, and her neighbor Emily grows ever more suspicious. Ahmed, who is an anesthesiologist, is determined to preserve his wife Anita and bring her back to life against her wishes and works in his lab in a garden shed in back of their house. Very Dr. Frankenstein.
I had a teeny bit of trouble suspending belief in a few places… particularly with Anita. This story is set in 2019, and we are supposed to believe that Anita, who is in her 30’s and went to college then trained and worked as a nurse (so quite well educated) has no idea how to 1) use the internet 2) use a computer 3) use a cell phone. I could buy that if she were an elderly person in her 80’s who had never attended school, but with her age and education… it was a head scratcher. But overall this was a good story with some interesting twists.
I had a teeny bit of trouble suspending belief in a few places… particularly with Anita. This story is set in 2019, and we are supposed to believe that Anita, who is in her 30’s and went to college then trained and worked as a nurse (so quite well educated) has no idea how to 1) use the internet 2) use a computer 3) use a cell phone. I could buy that if she were an elderly person in her 80’s who had never attended school, but with her age and education… it was a head scratcher. But overall this was a good story with some interesting twists.
August 10, 2019
EXCERPT: It was pitch black outside except for the small light coming from the outbuilding at the very end of their neighbour's garden. Emily could just make out the slither of light through the tall shrubs and trees that flanked their boundary fence. No moon or stars shone in the cloudladen sky and no wind stirred the foliage. She liked their secluded garden, it had been one of the reasons she and Ben had bought the house, but sometimes it felt just a bit creepy. Especially at night.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: How much do you know about the couple next door?
When Emily and Ben move in next door to Dr Burman and his wife Alisha, they are keen to get to know their new neighbours. Outgoing and sociable, Emily tries to befriend the doctor’s wife, but Alisha is strangely subdued, barely leaving the house, and terrified of answering the phone.
When Emily goes missing a few weeks later, Ben is plunged into a panic. His wife has left him a note, but can she really have abandoned him for another man? Or has Emily’s curiosity about the couple next door led her straight into danger?
MY THOUGHTS: If you have a creepy neighbour, I don't know if I should recommend you read this book, or not read this book.....
We all want to live forever, don't we? Well, I don't, but Dr Burman does. In fact he is fanatical in his quest. It rules his life......
I was prepared not to like this book. There were a few things in the first few pages that kind of annoyed me and I actually put the book down and walked away from it for a couple of days. Then I picked it up again....and found it difficult to put down.
The writing, in places, felt a little unweildly, but the plot is excellent, and for once the blurb was right...there was a twist that I just didn't see coming. I don't know that it was entirely necessary, but I didn't see it coming. Personally I would have ended the book a little earlier than the author does, but that is just me....
All in all an interesting read.
#TheDoctor #NetGalley
🙂🙂🙂.5 stars
THE AUTHOR: I live in England and have three children. I have always been a writer - from when I was at school, with poems and articles in the school magazine. In my teens I began writing short stories, a few radio plays and novels. I finally made it into the bestseller charts with Damaged in 2007 which I wrote under the pseudonym Cathy Glass. Since then I have had 28 books published, many of which have become international bestsellers.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to publishers Avon via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of The Doctor by Lisa Stone for review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my profile page on Goodreads.com or the about page on my webpage, sandysbookaday/wordpess.com This review and others also appear on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: How much do you know about the couple next door?
When Emily and Ben move in next door to Dr Burman and his wife Alisha, they are keen to get to know their new neighbours. Outgoing and sociable, Emily tries to befriend the doctor’s wife, but Alisha is strangely subdued, barely leaving the house, and terrified of answering the phone.
When Emily goes missing a few weeks later, Ben is plunged into a panic. His wife has left him a note, but can she really have abandoned him for another man? Or has Emily’s curiosity about the couple next door led her straight into danger?
MY THOUGHTS: If you have a creepy neighbour, I don't know if I should recommend you read this book, or not read this book.....
We all want to live forever, don't we? Well, I don't, but Dr Burman does. In fact he is fanatical in his quest. It rules his life......
I was prepared not to like this book. There were a few things in the first few pages that kind of annoyed me and I actually put the book down and walked away from it for a couple of days. Then I picked it up again....and found it difficult to put down.
The writing, in places, felt a little unweildly, but the plot is excellent, and for once the blurb was right...there was a twist that I just didn't see coming. I don't know that it was entirely necessary, but I didn't see it coming. Personally I would have ended the book a little earlier than the author does, but that is just me....
All in all an interesting read.
#TheDoctor #NetGalley
🙂🙂🙂.5 stars
THE AUTHOR: I live in England and have three children. I have always been a writer - from when I was at school, with poems and articles in the school magazine. In my teens I began writing short stories, a few radio plays and novels. I finally made it into the bestseller charts with Damaged in 2007 which I wrote under the pseudonym Cathy Glass. Since then I have had 28 books published, many of which have become international bestsellers.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to publishers Avon via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of The Doctor by Lisa Stone for review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my profile page on Goodreads.com or the about page on my webpage, sandysbookaday/wordpess.com This review and others also appear on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
June 23, 2019
This story is about a Doctor who works as an anaesthetist who's conducting his own experiments. Dr Burman looks after his sick wife, Alisha. It's quite clear that all is not as it seems in the Burman household. He is quite obsessed with his interest in cryogenic research, freezing humans until a cure can be found for their illnesses, then brought back to life and cured. Emily and Ben are there neighbours. Emily is intrigued about the coming and goings around her neighbours. Emily tries to make friends with Alisha and slowly chips away at her resolve and eventually Alisha lets her in to her home. But Emily is shocked at what she finds.
It's a true saying that you never know what goes on behind closed doors, and that's true in the contents of this book. Not exactly what I was expecting. The Doctor is quite a creepy character. There is a lot I would like to say about this book, but it would contain too many spoilers. There are plenty of twists and the subject matter has been well researched. It's very well written. Another book I could not read quickly enough.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Lisa Stone for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's a true saying that you never know what goes on behind closed doors, and that's true in the contents of this book. Not exactly what I was expecting. The Doctor is quite a creepy character. There is a lot I would like to say about this book, but it would contain too many spoilers. There are plenty of twists and the subject matter has been well researched. It's very well written. Another book I could not read quickly enough.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Lisa Stone for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2019
Emily is a stay at home mum who becomes intrigued by the somewhat reclusive doctor Amit and his wife next door. Why does he spend so long in an outbuilding every night? Why does his wife Alisha never leave the home? Why does Emily insist on trying to befriend Alisha and not see the warning signs that start to appear?
This book did get me in, and the storyline revolving around the field of cryonic suspension intriguing. I had to keep going to find out what happened, and there were moments when I found the book hard to put down. In some aspects the book was quite realistic in terms of the science and the ability of this 'rogue' doctor to control his family. However, I think the reality was stretched to its limits in parts, such as a hospital releasing a vulnerable patient into the hands of an impostor, the failure of Amit's colleagues to not recognise his deterioration in mental health as well as the inability of some characters to see what was going on around them.
The points that frustrated me most were keeping track of all of the characters, I found the way it jumped between people a little confusing and new characters kept being introduced. I was also really annoyed with the ending. I am not sure if it was too subtle or wrapped up too quickly but I felt a bit let down by the outcome.
Overall an interesting read, if not a bit disturbing. An obviously well researched story to incorporate such a controversial science as the plot unfolded.
Thank you Avon Books UK and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this e-ARC.
This book did get me in, and the storyline revolving around the field of cryonic suspension intriguing. I had to keep going to find out what happened, and there were moments when I found the book hard to put down. In some aspects the book was quite realistic in terms of the science and the ability of this 'rogue' doctor to control his family. However, I think the reality was stretched to its limits in parts, such as a hospital releasing a vulnerable patient into the hands of an impostor, the failure of Amit's colleagues to not recognise his deterioration in mental health as well as the inability of some characters to see what was going on around them.
The points that frustrated me most were keeping track of all of the characters, I found the way it jumped between people a little confusing and new characters kept being introduced. I was also really annoyed with the ending. I am not sure if it was too subtle or wrapped up too quickly but I felt a bit let down by the outcome.
Overall an interesting read, if not a bit disturbing. An obviously well researched story to incorporate such a controversial science as the plot unfolded.
Thank you Avon Books UK and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this e-ARC.
June 23, 2019
The Doctor by Lisa Stone is hard book for me to get my thoughts down on. I did not hate it nor did I love it. It is a strange book with a unique story. I struggled to connect with the characters, none of them had much going for them and the story was far fetched and hard to believe. Certain actions seemed far too easy and in reality could not happen that way. In saying that though it was a quick read and different .
Emily and Ben live next door to Dr Burman and his wife Alisha. Emily is on maternity leave and tries to make friends with Alisha but she is very guarded and doesn't leave the house a lot. She seems afraid of everything. Behind closed doors the Doctor is abusive and controlling, not allowing his wife to have any sort of a life. She has a chronic illness and he is experimenting in his shed with cryonics, freezing bodies to come back when medical advances have the cure. He is not a nice person at all, having no limits to how far he will go for his research.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
Emily and Ben live next door to Dr Burman and his wife Alisha. Emily is on maternity leave and tries to make friends with Alisha but she is very guarded and doesn't leave the house a lot. She seems afraid of everything. Behind closed doors the Doctor is abusive and controlling, not allowing his wife to have any sort of a life. She has a chronic illness and he is experimenting in his shed with cryonics, freezing bodies to come back when medical advances have the cure. He is not a nice person at all, having no limits to how far he will go for his research.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
July 12, 2019
Did you ever wonder what would happen if you mixed a little bit of mad scientist with a pinch of nosy neighbor? Well, if you did and you want to find out what will come out of this interesting concoction, read “The Doctor”. This book is a unique and cleverly written domestic thriller that will make your skin crawl at times. Yes, the plot is a little predictable, but there is enough of twist and turns and sci-fi mixed into it that the book will still keep you engaged and turning pages. I really enjoyed the scientific/medical background of the plot, as I myself am a scientist by trade :). Therefore, if you want to read a good thriller with an original and refreshing plot, I think this is the book for you.
Thank you NetGalley, Avon Books, and the author, Lisa Stone, for giving me an opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley, Avon Books, and the author, Lisa Stone, for giving me an opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 6, 2019
Emily and Ben have moved next door to Dr. Burman and his wife, Alisha. Alisha never seems to leave the house .. she doesn't talk on the phone. Her husband spends a lot of his time in a building out back that he keeps padlocked. What's he hiding?
Their cat, Tibs, goes missing. Dr. Burman brings to Emily the cat's collar ... supposedly he found it in his yard.
And then Emily goes missing ... leaving a note stating she was leaving Ben ..and their small son.. for another man. Really?
There is so much more to this story than the few lines above. There are secrets and lies and just plain evil involved. This was a fast read for me .. I just had to know what was coming next. It definitely will make you wonder who your neighbors really are.
The reader learns early on exactly what is happening, but that only whets the appetite to discover what comes next. It kept me gripped until the final unpredictable ending.
Many thanks to the author / Avon Books UK / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily. opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Their cat, Tibs, goes missing. Dr. Burman brings to Emily the cat's collar ... supposedly he found it in his yard.
And then Emily goes missing ... leaving a note stating she was leaving Ben ..and their small son.. for another man. Really?
There is so much more to this story than the few lines above. There are secrets and lies and just plain evil involved. This was a fast read for me .. I just had to know what was coming next. It definitely will make you wonder who your neighbors really are.
The reader learns early on exactly what is happening, but that only whets the appetite to discover what comes next. It kept me gripped until the final unpredictable ending.
Many thanks to the author / Avon Books UK / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily. opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 30, 2020
Audio 4.25 Stars
Story 3.75 Stars
Story 3.75 Stars
June 25, 2019
Spookkeeeeeeeee
Emily and Ben move in next door to the Burman’s, Dr Burman no less, a respected anaesthetist and his ‘terminally ill’ wife
Many secrets are waiting at the Burmans, Dr Burman for one is obsessed with cryogenics and has his own experimental operating theatre in the garden!, plus hidden children with genetic diseases and the like, there is much more than meets the eye going on next door!!!
The book starts quite medical and technical but this passes and it turns into quite a grim, claustrophobic menacing horror/psychological story
Dr Burman is insidious, a foul and evil creature ( yep that bad ), his wife although felt really sorry for is as weak as water....thankfully Emily and Ben are great and I loved Emily’s insistent nosiness that got her into next door, although she did come to regret it!!!!
Theres a scene where the good ( bad ) Dr pretends to be a relatives patient on a ward which is super chilling and you want to stop him doing what he intends on doing but of course you cant!
The ending is well done and builds the story ( and the reader ) up to a frenzy of a finish or so you think.....and then after a reflective epilogue another chilling added few pages that will unsettle you
A good dramatic ( if implausible at some levels ) story
7.5/10 4 Stars
August 11, 2019
I did not like the characters much, except Ben maybe. Emily is nosy, Alisha is to scared to defend herself and Eva, Amit is a bastard and poor Eva is the victim here. I'm a pediatric doctor and I have seen patients with rare genetic disorders. It's not easy for them or the family. But here, Amit is the father of one and a doctor too, and he hates her. Disappointed by this idea.
And the mini lab he is doing for his "research", it can't be so easy buying online this stuff. Unreal in my opinion.
Thank you Netgalley for this book.
And the mini lab he is doing for his "research", it can't be so easy buying online this stuff. Unreal in my opinion.
Thank you Netgalley for this book.
October 1, 2019
THE DOCTOR is a psychological thriller by Lisa Stone. This is the first book I have read by this author but it won’t be the last. This book kept me glued to the story to see what would happen next.
Emily and Ben bought a house next to Dr. Burman “the odd couple” referred to by Emily, as the Doctor spent a lot of late nights in the outbuilding. His wife, Alisha is sick and rarely leaves the house or sees visitors.
Emily and Ben have a newborn son, Robbie and Emily plans to stay home after her maturity leave ends to look after her son. Emily being very outgoing and sociable, tries to start a friendship with the doctor’s wife, but Alisha is too nervous and preoccupied to be a friend to Emily.
Then Emily’s cat, Tibs goes missing, and the doctor brings back the cat’s collar found in his yard to Emily. What is going on?
When Emily goes missing a few weeks later, Ben is plunged into a panic. His wife has left him a note, saying that she was leaving Ben and her son for another man? I don’t believe it!
Even though the reader can see how the story is being laid out, with so much evil lurking around the corner…you can’t put this book down. I had to see how it would end. The book ends on a cliff-hanger and not one I saw coming. I was glued right to the end.
Do you really know who your neighbors are?
Many thanks to the author, Avon Books UK via Netgalley for my digital copy. of this psychological thriller.
Emily and Ben bought a house next to Dr. Burman “the odd couple” referred to by Emily, as the Doctor spent a lot of late nights in the outbuilding. His wife, Alisha is sick and rarely leaves the house or sees visitors.
Emily and Ben have a newborn son, Robbie and Emily plans to stay home after her maturity leave ends to look after her son. Emily being very outgoing and sociable, tries to start a friendship with the doctor’s wife, but Alisha is too nervous and preoccupied to be a friend to Emily.
Then Emily’s cat, Tibs goes missing, and the doctor brings back the cat’s collar found in his yard to Emily. What is going on?
When Emily goes missing a few weeks later, Ben is plunged into a panic. His wife has left him a note, saying that she was leaving Ben and her son for another man? I don’t believe it!
Even though the reader can see how the story is being laid out, with so much evil lurking around the corner…you can’t put this book down. I had to see how it would end. The book ends on a cliff-hanger and not one I saw coming. I was glued right to the end.
Do you really know who your neighbors are?
Many thanks to the author, Avon Books UK via Netgalley for my digital copy. of this psychological thriller.
June 24, 2019
The Doctor, the third novel written under the pseudonym Lisa Stone, is a refreshingly original domestic thriller and a thoroughly wild and addictive ride. I couldn't get through the pages rapidly enough; there was so much more to the plot than a bog-standard family drama and that made it a real winner. The story revolves around two couples who are neighbours on the same street — Emily and Ben, Amit and Anita. Anita is suffering from a terminal illness and Amit, who feels as though he cannot live without her, takes to researching the possibility of using cryogenic's to preserve her body until she can be awoken. This takes a very sinister turn when the new neighbours begin to ask questions.
This is an expertly plotted thriller with a fascinating medical/science background and is gripping from first page to last. There were plenty of twisty surprises throughout and a rare and constant feeling that something ominous was about to happen. It is a nail-biting tale with great, relatable characters and enough intrigue and mystery to keep you guessing right until the chilling conclusion. It was a little improbable at times but given I was completely absorbed and entertained this was of little issue to me. Above all, it highlights the extent we will often go to for those we love. Recommended. Many thanks to Avon for an ARC.
This is an expertly plotted thriller with a fascinating medical/science background and is gripping from first page to last. There were plenty of twisty surprises throughout and a rare and constant feeling that something ominous was about to happen. It is a nail-biting tale with great, relatable characters and enough intrigue and mystery to keep you guessing right until the chilling conclusion. It was a little improbable at times but given I was completely absorbed and entertained this was of little issue to me. Above all, it highlights the extent we will often go to for those we love. Recommended. Many thanks to Avon for an ARC.
June 16, 2019
This book is certainly not what I expected! I assumed it was going to be a domestic thriller with a creepy neighbour...and it was, but it was also much more than that. I was intrigued by the notion of a doctor as they swore an oath to preserve life...but THE DOCTOR, this doctor, takes that to the next level!!
It also poses the questions:
How well do you know your neighbours?
How can we know what really goes on behind closed doors?
And how far would you go to hide your darkest secret?
Emily and Ben have recently moved to a new house with their baby son Robbie. As a new mum, Emily is on extended maternity leave and becomes somewhat curious about their neighbours, Dr Amit Burman and his wife Alisha, who has an incurable genetic illness. She sees Dr Burman go into the shed or outbuilding at the bottom of his garden the same time every night and leave the same time every night. She comments to Ben about this curious behaviour but Ben dismisses it as none of their business. Although she agrees, Emily still can't help but feel it a bit strange. She has never warmed to Dr Burman, and has always found him to be unfriendly, arrogant and aloof.
Being of a friendly and sociable nature, Emily tries on more than one occasion to befriend Dr Burman's wife, Alisha - as you do with your neighbours. However, Alisha appears to be very withdrawn, does not leave the house and is scared of answering the door. But Emily is tenacious and her inquiring mind does not give in so easily. She begins to speculate that Alisha must feel incredibly isolated as Dr Burman certainly doesn't appear to spend much time with his wife, since he is always either at work or in his shed!
The very fact that Alisha is ill is reason enough for the woman to need support. Then in search for her missing cat Emily waits for the doctor to leave for work before knocking on their door, knowing Alisha would be inside as she never goes out. Reluctant at first, Alisha agrees to a cuppa at Emily's but no sooner is she there does she suddenly leave again without any explanation except "I have to go!" Emily is puzzled as to what made her leave so abruptly. Was it Robbie? As he had just approached her with a toy and a smile before she made her excuses and left. Alisha was certainly jumpy, nervy and very apparently frightened of something. But what? Emily is sure her husband has something to do it.
Refusing to give up, Emily continues to knock and break down the wall Alisha has around her. It isn't until one day when she knocks, after hearing what appeared to be a child's cry, that Alisha seems relieved to see her and ushers her quickly inside, exclaiming "Thank goodness you're here! I need your help!" Following Alisha upstairs, nothing could prepare Emily for what she would see. Shocked at first, she gives her assistance after which Alisha swears her to secrecy. No one must know! Not even Ben! It is this secret that binds the women together and they form a tentative friendship. But Alisha comes to look forward to Emily and Robbie's visits, which are kept secret and against Dr Burman's wishes.
But Emily soon becomes increasingly concerned for the welfare of her friend. She is extremely isolated and quite obviously under her husband's severe control. She begins to fear what would happen to her should he learn that Alisha has defied him. What would he do to her? One thing is for certain, Emily could not predict the chain of events that will begin to unfold once he does. Will her inquisitiveness and friendly nature be her downfall?
Dr Amit Burman is from a country not specified but possibly somewhere in the Middle East, and his culture demands success in the highest regard. His parents had mapped out his future for him to become a doctor, which he did not want to be. But almost failing his final exams, his results were not enough to become a doctor so he chose to be an anaesthetist. It does require some form of "God-like" superiority as he has the life of the patient in his hands. To appease his family of disappointment he has brought them, he is then forced into an arranged marriage to his cousin, Alisha. However, Amit continues to disappoint his family in not producing a healthy heir to their name, but rather a child with severe physical deformities resulting from a faulty gene causing the genetic illness Alisha now suffers. His family furious that they were not informed of this before the marriage.
Amit blames and shames Alisha for the medical issues and being the sole carrier of the gene. Why can't he have a healthy child? How can that nosy neighbour be allowed to have a healthy child and he cannot? He must be find a cure so that he can make his parents proud.
Amit refuses to allow Alisha to have any friends. She has long since lost contact with her family or anyone else. It is too dangerous. She might let something slip, and then they will let something slip. No one can know! He does not let her have a computer, laptop or phone and keeps her isolated and completely reliant on him. It has taken years to teach her to respect his wishes and if she ever defies him, he will punish her severely. By beatings, locking her in the cupboard or even where it will hurt her most. He must keep Alisha under control. For no one must know that secret - ever! That is one reason why he will not allow the friendship with that nosy neighbour, Emily - that and the fact she is far too nosy for her own good. Always asking questions. Always watching him from her window. But Amit has measures in place to stop his nosy neighbour - he has opaque film on the windows and CCTV cameras surrounding their house. He will know if she has been here.
But Amit has more than one secret. He is putting his medical training to good use and researching cryonic suspension animation with the idea of cryogenically freezing his wife for her to be resuscitated in the future when a cure for the genetic condition she carries is found. But Alisha flatly refuses to take part. As cryonic suspension requires the permission of the person to be suspended, Amit has taken it upon himself to research and test subjects - so he can undertake the task himself. Over the course of many months he has purchased and stored items in his shed, as well as discreetly stolen anaesthesia drugs from the hospital in which he works. All to contribute to his groundbreaking medical research which will see him ahead of his peers and at last make his parents proud.
Then Emily suddenly goes missing, leaving behind a note for Ben saying she had left him for another man. Ben refuses to believe it but soon begins to have doubts when he discovers a photo of Emily and someone named Greg with their respective children on Facebook. Who is Greg? And why has Emily never mentioned him before? Is this who she has left him for? He decides to message this Greg but days go by with no response, which only seems to confirm the fact that maybe they were together. The police are not much help. They, too, believe Emily has gone off with another man. It happens. So her missing persons case is marked as "non-urgent".
But then Ben starts to recall things he'd noticed and hadn't registered. Little things that didn't make sense is Emily had really left him. The kettle was still switched on (Emily always switched it off at the switch after a fire as a child). The mug on the sink (Emily always put it in the dishwasher). The remote on the coffee table (they always left the remotes next to the TV when not in use). The fact she didn't take any clothes, her handbag was still there with her purse and credit cards, their bank accounts were untouched, she had not been on social media and she had signed the note "Emily". Ben always called her "Em" and she always signed her notes and text as such. And she would never leave Robbie alone. EVER! Something was wrong.
Then a knock at the door reveals answers Ben never even knew. It seems Emily had confided a secret in someone who could tell them why Robbie was insistently repeating the words "Isha eve" when everyone had assumed he was saying "Christmas Eve", which had passed by a week ago. What had really happened to Emily?
THE DOCTOR is a sinister story with twists and turns, both atmospheric and claustrophobic which provides the reader with a chilling tale. The description for the book reads quite differently to how it actually plays out, which is probably why I thought I was delving into a domestic suspense with a creepy neighbour. It is misleading in the way the reader is lead to believe it is Emily and Ben's story, despite its title referencing otherwise.
The characters in this sinister tale are all strong, convincing and well-developed. I liked them all - well, except for Amit. Emily is a friendly well-meaning woman who is rather intuitive but very likable. Ben is the perfect partner, attentive, hardworking and loving. Alisha is very obviously a victim of an oppressive and domineering husband with a God-complex and self-inflated ego. But she is also dependent on him for everything.
THE DOCTOR himself is invariably creepy. Is he mad or bad? Or both? While he blames his wife for the faulty gene and we watch events unfold, we learn the truth quite differently revealing just how deranged he is and has become. The reader very definitely gets the strong sense of where the doctor is coming from and where his intentions lie.
I really liked how it mostly took place in one location which really gives that oppressive claustrophobic feeling of being trapped, adding to the drama and intrigue. While the reader knows throughout who "the bad guy" is, there are still many secrets to be revealed and twists along the way to keep you engaged. And still enough to keep you guessing.
The final chapters see the story climax at a rapid pace resulting in an epilogue with a last minute twist that will leave you thinking you cannot trust anyone. While some may dispute that it wasn't in keeping with the rest of the story and what had been a convincing portrayal throughout, I found it to be a delicious twist that was even better because I didn't see it coming!
A domestic thriller with a difference, THE DOCTOR is a compelling read that is also somewhat disturbing. It is not for the faint-hearted and comes with a TRIGGER WARNING for those sensitive to issues of domestic violence, child abuse, animal abuse and elder abuse, as THE DOCTOR touches on all of these.
Overall, an intriguing read I highly recommend. Particularly those who like their thrillers with a disturbing twist.
I would like to thank #LisaStone, #NetGalley and #AvonBooksUK for an ARC of #TheDoctor in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
It also poses the questions:
How well do you know your neighbours?
How can we know what really goes on behind closed doors?
And how far would you go to hide your darkest secret?
Emily and Ben have recently moved to a new house with their baby son Robbie. As a new mum, Emily is on extended maternity leave and becomes somewhat curious about their neighbours, Dr Amit Burman and his wife Alisha, who has an incurable genetic illness. She sees Dr Burman go into the shed or outbuilding at the bottom of his garden the same time every night and leave the same time every night. She comments to Ben about this curious behaviour but Ben dismisses it as none of their business. Although she agrees, Emily still can't help but feel it a bit strange. She has never warmed to Dr Burman, and has always found him to be unfriendly, arrogant and aloof.
Being of a friendly and sociable nature, Emily tries on more than one occasion to befriend Dr Burman's wife, Alisha - as you do with your neighbours. However, Alisha appears to be very withdrawn, does not leave the house and is scared of answering the door. But Emily is tenacious and her inquiring mind does not give in so easily. She begins to speculate that Alisha must feel incredibly isolated as Dr Burman certainly doesn't appear to spend much time with his wife, since he is always either at work or in his shed!
The very fact that Alisha is ill is reason enough for the woman to need support. Then in search for her missing cat Emily waits for the doctor to leave for work before knocking on their door, knowing Alisha would be inside as she never goes out. Reluctant at first, Alisha agrees to a cuppa at Emily's but no sooner is she there does she suddenly leave again without any explanation except "I have to go!" Emily is puzzled as to what made her leave so abruptly. Was it Robbie? As he had just approached her with a toy and a smile before she made her excuses and left. Alisha was certainly jumpy, nervy and very apparently frightened of something. But what? Emily is sure her husband has something to do it.
Refusing to give up, Emily continues to knock and break down the wall Alisha has around her. It isn't until one day when she knocks, after hearing what appeared to be a child's cry, that Alisha seems relieved to see her and ushers her quickly inside, exclaiming "Thank goodness you're here! I need your help!" Following Alisha upstairs, nothing could prepare Emily for what she would see. Shocked at first, she gives her assistance after which Alisha swears her to secrecy. No one must know! Not even Ben! It is this secret that binds the women together and they form a tentative friendship. But Alisha comes to look forward to Emily and Robbie's visits, which are kept secret and against Dr Burman's wishes.
But Emily soon becomes increasingly concerned for the welfare of her friend. She is extremely isolated and quite obviously under her husband's severe control. She begins to fear what would happen to her should he learn that Alisha has defied him. What would he do to her? One thing is for certain, Emily could not predict the chain of events that will begin to unfold once he does. Will her inquisitiveness and friendly nature be her downfall?
Dr Amit Burman is from a country not specified but possibly somewhere in the Middle East, and his culture demands success in the highest regard. His parents had mapped out his future for him to become a doctor, which he did not want to be. But almost failing his final exams, his results were not enough to become a doctor so he chose to be an anaesthetist. It does require some form of "God-like" superiority as he has the life of the patient in his hands. To appease his family of disappointment he has brought them, he is then forced into an arranged marriage to his cousin, Alisha. However, Amit continues to disappoint his family in not producing a healthy heir to their name, but rather a child with severe physical deformities resulting from a faulty gene causing the genetic illness Alisha now suffers. His family furious that they were not informed of this before the marriage.
Amit blames and shames Alisha for the medical issues and being the sole carrier of the gene. Why can't he have a healthy child? How can that nosy neighbour be allowed to have a healthy child and he cannot? He must be find a cure so that he can make his parents proud.
Amit refuses to allow Alisha to have any friends. She has long since lost contact with her family or anyone else. It is too dangerous. She might let something slip, and then they will let something slip. No one can know! He does not let her have a computer, laptop or phone and keeps her isolated and completely reliant on him. It has taken years to teach her to respect his wishes and if she ever defies him, he will punish her severely. By beatings, locking her in the cupboard or even where it will hurt her most. He must keep Alisha under control. For no one must know that secret - ever! That is one reason why he will not allow the friendship with that nosy neighbour, Emily - that and the fact she is far too nosy for her own good. Always asking questions. Always watching him from her window. But Amit has measures in place to stop his nosy neighbour - he has opaque film on the windows and CCTV cameras surrounding their house. He will know if she has been here.
But Amit has more than one secret. He is putting his medical training to good use and researching cryonic suspension animation with the idea of cryogenically freezing his wife for her to be resuscitated in the future when a cure for the genetic condition she carries is found. But Alisha flatly refuses to take part. As cryonic suspension requires the permission of the person to be suspended, Amit has taken it upon himself to research and test subjects - so he can undertake the task himself. Over the course of many months he has purchased and stored items in his shed, as well as discreetly stolen anaesthesia drugs from the hospital in which he works. All to contribute to his groundbreaking medical research which will see him ahead of his peers and at last make his parents proud.
Then Emily suddenly goes missing, leaving behind a note for Ben saying she had left him for another man. Ben refuses to believe it but soon begins to have doubts when he discovers a photo of Emily and someone named Greg with their respective children on Facebook. Who is Greg? And why has Emily never mentioned him before? Is this who she has left him for? He decides to message this Greg but days go by with no response, which only seems to confirm the fact that maybe they were together. The police are not much help. They, too, believe Emily has gone off with another man. It happens. So her missing persons case is marked as "non-urgent".
But then Ben starts to recall things he'd noticed and hadn't registered. Little things that didn't make sense is Emily had really left him. The kettle was still switched on (Emily always switched it off at the switch after a fire as a child). The mug on the sink (Emily always put it in the dishwasher). The remote on the coffee table (they always left the remotes next to the TV when not in use). The fact she didn't take any clothes, her handbag was still there with her purse and credit cards, their bank accounts were untouched, she had not been on social media and she had signed the note "Emily". Ben always called her "Em" and she always signed her notes and text as such. And she would never leave Robbie alone. EVER! Something was wrong.
Then a knock at the door reveals answers Ben never even knew. It seems Emily had confided a secret in someone who could tell them why Robbie was insistently repeating the words "Isha eve" when everyone had assumed he was saying "Christmas Eve", which had passed by a week ago. What had really happened to Emily?
THE DOCTOR is a sinister story with twists and turns, both atmospheric and claustrophobic which provides the reader with a chilling tale. The description for the book reads quite differently to how it actually plays out, which is probably why I thought I was delving into a domestic suspense with a creepy neighbour. It is misleading in the way the reader is lead to believe it is Emily and Ben's story, despite its title referencing otherwise.
The characters in this sinister tale are all strong, convincing and well-developed. I liked them all - well, except for Amit. Emily is a friendly well-meaning woman who is rather intuitive but very likable. Ben is the perfect partner, attentive, hardworking and loving. Alisha is very obviously a victim of an oppressive and domineering husband with a God-complex and self-inflated ego. But she is also dependent on him for everything.
THE DOCTOR himself is invariably creepy. Is he mad or bad? Or both? While he blames his wife for the faulty gene and we watch events unfold, we learn the truth quite differently revealing just how deranged he is and has become. The reader very definitely gets the strong sense of where the doctor is coming from and where his intentions lie.
I really liked how it mostly took place in one location which really gives that oppressive claustrophobic feeling of being trapped, adding to the drama and intrigue. While the reader knows throughout who "the bad guy" is, there are still many secrets to be revealed and twists along the way to keep you engaged. And still enough to keep you guessing.
The final chapters see the story climax at a rapid pace resulting in an epilogue with a last minute twist that will leave you thinking you cannot trust anyone. While some may dispute that it wasn't in keeping with the rest of the story and what had been a convincing portrayal throughout, I found it to be a delicious twist that was even better because I didn't see it coming!
A domestic thriller with a difference, THE DOCTOR is a compelling read that is also somewhat disturbing. It is not for the faint-hearted and comes with a TRIGGER WARNING for those sensitive to issues of domestic violence, child abuse, animal abuse and elder abuse, as THE DOCTOR touches on all of these.
Overall, an intriguing read I highly recommend. Particularly those who like their thrillers with a disturbing twist.
I would like to thank #LisaStone, #NetGalley and #AvonBooksUK for an ARC of #TheDoctor in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
December 6, 2021
3.5 stars
January 10, 2020
I know I’m the odd man out here, but I just thought it was kinda ridiculous. & for such a wacky book it’s amazing how predictable most of it was! I don’t know, maybe it’s just because it was so far from what I was expecting.. Like more on the horror side, then a thriller or mystery. But not horror like Stephen King, more like that movie Scream.🙄🙄🙄 Just wasn’t for me..
June 21, 2019
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley. It does not impact my review.
To be perfectly honest, the reason I decided to read this book was because of that little blurb from Katerina Diamond, who is one of my favorite authors. Unfortunately, I was not gripped immediately by The Doctor – or at all, really.
First of all, I need to point out a little pet peeve I have with the synopsis, which is that the name of the doctor’s wife was not the same as in the book. In the book, her name was Alisha, not Anita, so either the synopsis is wrong, or it was changed after the ARC was done. Also, Emily doesn’t go “missing” until the latter half of the book and the reader knows where she is the whole time. I expected it to be more of a mystery, but while Ben doesn’t know where she is, we know everything that happens and I felt it took away a lot of the tension.
Alisha has a chronic disease and her husband, Amit, is obsessed with the idea of cryonics, which involves freezing her body when she dies until medicine has advanced enough to cure the disease, when she can then be brought back to life. Alisha won’t consent to signing up with the agency that does this, so he decides to teach himself the process and will do it to her himself. In the mean time, he’s emotionally and physically abusive to Alisha to make sure she’s too scared to leave the house or accept the friendly advances of their neighbors, Emily.
I thought the book was much, much longer than it needed to be. The plot advanced very slowly and I never really felt the characters were developed that fully, either. The quality of the writing left a little to be desired for me, as well. It felt like a first or second draft and could have used a lot more editing and polishing. I was also really disappointed with the “twist” that was promised. It was barely a twist at all and left no real impact.
Overall, The Doctor just wasn’t for me. While it had an interesting angle with the cryonics plotline, it never really lived up to it’s potential. I never connected with the characters and thought Amit was a pretty weak villain. I was originally going to give this two stars, but once I actually started to write this review, I realized I don’t really have anything positive to say about it, so it’s only getting 1 star from me.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 1 Star
To be perfectly honest, the reason I decided to read this book was because of that little blurb from Katerina Diamond, who is one of my favorite authors. Unfortunately, I was not gripped immediately by The Doctor – or at all, really.
First of all, I need to point out a little pet peeve I have with the synopsis, which is that the name of the doctor’s wife was not the same as in the book. In the book, her name was Alisha, not Anita, so either the synopsis is wrong, or it was changed after the ARC was done. Also, Emily doesn’t go “missing” until the latter half of the book and the reader knows where she is the whole time. I expected it to be more of a mystery, but while Ben doesn’t know where she is, we know everything that happens and I felt it took away a lot of the tension.
Alisha has a chronic disease and her husband, Amit, is obsessed with the idea of cryonics, which involves freezing her body when she dies until medicine has advanced enough to cure the disease, when she can then be brought back to life. Alisha won’t consent to signing up with the agency that does this, so he decides to teach himself the process and will do it to her himself. In the mean time, he’s emotionally and physically abusive to Alisha to make sure she’s too scared to leave the house or accept the friendly advances of their neighbors, Emily.
I thought the book was much, much longer than it needed to be. The plot advanced very slowly and I never really felt the characters were developed that fully, either. The quality of the writing left a little to be desired for me, as well. It felt like a first or second draft and could have used a lot more editing and polishing. I was also really disappointed with the “twist” that was promised. It was barely a twist at all and left no real impact.
Overall, The Doctor just wasn’t for me. While it had an interesting angle with the cryonics plotline, it never really lived up to it’s potential. I never connected with the characters and thought Amit was a pretty weak villain. I was originally going to give this two stars, but once I actually started to write this review, I realized I don’t really have anything positive to say about it, so it’s only getting 1 star from me.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 1 Star
June 18, 2019
This was one of my most wicked reads. Not because there was a witch or a demon, but a doctor, an anaesthetist, who was conducting experiments, playing God and wanting drastic results. Something which, according to him, was life saving... But noooo... the doctor in me says it was murder.
Amit was the doctor and Alisha his silent never-leaving-home wife. She kept to the house with blackened windows, and he was in the shed down the garden. Enter Ben and Emily, an easygoing friendly couple who wanted to befriend the doc and his wife but were stalled. Emily's curiosity soon led to the disappearance of the cat followed by her own.
Lisa Stone has created an aura of the mad doctor quite well in this book. I could read the doctor's thoughts and his notes about his experiments with horrified eyes. Lisa's portrayal of the other characters was distinct and contrary. Alisha was the scared one who couldn't leave home even if she wanted to. Her hidden secrets had more depths than the doctor's. I enjoyed knowing her. Emily was the ever-curious one who couldn't let go despite her partner's advice. And things came to a hair-raising climax when Amit decided to take matters in his hands....
Few things were unbelievable, but it went with the creative licence of writing a fiction. I quite enjoyed this book.
Amit was the doctor and Alisha his silent never-leaving-home wife. She kept to the house with blackened windows, and he was in the shed down the garden. Enter Ben and Emily, an easygoing friendly couple who wanted to befriend the doc and his wife but were stalled. Emily's curiosity soon led to the disappearance of the cat followed by her own.
Lisa Stone has created an aura of the mad doctor quite well in this book. I could read the doctor's thoughts and his notes about his experiments with horrified eyes. Lisa's portrayal of the other characters was distinct and contrary. Alisha was the scared one who couldn't leave home even if she wanted to. Her hidden secrets had more depths than the doctor's. I enjoyed knowing her. Emily was the ever-curious one who couldn't let go despite her partner's advice. And things came to a hair-raising climax when Amit decided to take matters in his hands....
Few things were unbelievable, but it went with the creative licence of writing a fiction. I quite enjoyed this book.
July 4, 2019
The Doctor by Lisa Stone is a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Avon Books, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Emily King is a very sociable woman, presently on an extended maternity leave so that she can spend more time with her young son. Her husband Ben continues to question her decision to stay at home, but she assures him she is happy. So future events come as a complete surprise to him.
Their neighbours, Dr. Amit Burman and his wife Alisha, are keeping Emily’s mind busy. She is sure there is more there than meets the eye. She is trying to befriend Alisha, who has a rare disease that prevents her from leaving the house, but having little luck. Emily fears that Amit may be abusing his wife, and she wonders what he could be doing in his large backyard shed almost every night. When their friendship finally progresses, Alisha makes Emily swear to tell no one, not even Ben. Emily is going to learn more than she wants to from Alisha, more than is good for her.
Dr. Amit Burman is researching the rare disease which afflicts his wife, but his research methods leave a lot to be desired.
My Opinions:
This book captivated me from the start, and kept me hooked to the end.
The characters were deep, and although I didn’t particularly like anyone but Ben and Emily’s father David, the others played their parts well. Emily’s nosiness was exasperating, Alisha’s weakness was atrocious, and Amit was just creepy, but all needed to have those attributes to tell the story.
The plot, while a little far-fetched, was compelling, and the writing very good. The final twist came as a bit of a surprise, but not a big one.
This was a fast read, and very entertaining.
For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
May 11, 2019
The Doctor
I could not put this book down, it was immensely creepy and disturbing! The storyline was so intriguing and it was a fast paced and easy read. Cryonic preservation is real, and is a big part of the subject matter in this story which makes it additionally fascinating.
The storyline revolves around Emily a mum who is currently on maternity leave and her obsession with trying to get to know her neighbours next door. Emily has a friendly and caring nature and desperately wants to befriend her neighbour Alisha who appears to be timid and never ventures outside the house. Alisha’s husband Dr Burman is somewhat unfriendly and spends a lot of his evenings in an outbuilding at the back of his house till late at night.
When Emily goes missing and leaves a note to say that she has left her husband for another man everybody is in shock but what they discover is mind blowing.
If you enjoy a creepy thriller, this is for you!
Thanks to Netgalley for my ARC copy for an honest review
I could not put this book down, it was immensely creepy and disturbing! The storyline was so intriguing and it was a fast paced and easy read. Cryonic preservation is real, and is a big part of the subject matter in this story which makes it additionally fascinating.
The storyline revolves around Emily a mum who is currently on maternity leave and her obsession with trying to get to know her neighbours next door. Emily has a friendly and caring nature and desperately wants to befriend her neighbour Alisha who appears to be timid and never ventures outside the house. Alisha’s husband Dr Burman is somewhat unfriendly and spends a lot of his evenings in an outbuilding at the back of his house till late at night.
When Emily goes missing and leaves a note to say that she has left her husband for another man everybody is in shock but what they discover is mind blowing.
If you enjoy a creepy thriller, this is for you!
Thanks to Netgalley for my ARC copy for an honest review
August 30, 2019
I thought this book was really good and interesting. It was definitely a different subject matter than I’ve read before but that made it better. It felt so real and my heart was racing in some parts. I liked the ending which I think is really important in a book. All the characters were interesting and they all added something to the story. I really enjoyed this book and I definitely recommend it. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
June 14, 2019
Emily and Ben with young son Robbie move into their new home and try make friends with all their neighbours Doctor Amit Burman and his wife Alisha. Doctor Burman is an unfriendly character and Alisha is a timid soul, who never leaves the house. She has also a genetic disease that limits her to what she can do. The house has opaque film on the windows and has CCTV cameras watching the surrounding areas of their home. Doctor Burman is always spending time in the outbuilding of his home. Elisha tries to make friends with Alisha but is so scared of Amit finding out and she doesn’t realise what Amit will do if he finds out.
The story continues describing Amit trying to find a cure of Alisha’s disease involving Cryogenics. First with animals and then he tries to test an old dementia patient that he has abducted from the local hospital. But she dies before he can do it.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for a copy of The Doctor by Lisa Stone. I was really looking forward to reading this from the Burb. I found the subject matter a bit different to other psychological thrillers I have read. I found this book to be really creepy and it just made me so uncomfortable to read. I have never had a book make me feel like this before. I found the story a bit unbelievable especially Amit how he stole things from his workplace but also the abduction of the old lady. If this was real life I would have thought, the hospital who have more security measures then in this story and the police wasn’t much better. 3 stars from me.
The story continues describing Amit trying to find a cure of Alisha’s disease involving Cryogenics. First with animals and then he tries to test an old dementia patient that he has abducted from the local hospital. But she dies before he can do it.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for a copy of The Doctor by Lisa Stone. I was really looking forward to reading this from the Burb. I found the subject matter a bit different to other psychological thrillers I have read. I found this book to be really creepy and it just made me so uncomfortable to read. I have never had a book make me feel like this before. I found the story a bit unbelievable especially Amit how he stole things from his workplace but also the abduction of the old lady. If this was real life I would have thought, the hospital who have more security measures then in this story and the police wasn’t much better. 3 stars from me.
November 4, 2019
The Doctor by Lisa Stone
Creepy doctor next door his wife ill with disease, daughter noone knows about.... starts off creepy and goes from there. It draws you in slowly and keeps you asking if you really want to know your neighbors or are you better off minding your own business. Thank you Netgalley and the Publishers for allowing me to read this and leave my opinion.
Creepy doctor next door his wife ill with disease, daughter noone knows about.... starts off creepy and goes from there. It draws you in slowly and keeps you asking if you really want to know your neighbors or are you better off minding your own business. Thank you Netgalley and the Publishers for allowing me to read this and leave my opinion.
August 15, 2023
This is one of those books that you can whizz through and despite some predictable moments it still tosses out some curve balls. The Doctor and his quiet, reclusive and reserved wife live next door. Sounds great right? Someone to call on in an emergency? A nice new neighbour to enjoy a glass of Prosecco with in the garden (or champagne as her hubby is a Doctor)? Not quite.
You know how some books are not literary masterpieces but the writing is plenty enough to keep you going? This is like that. It’s not going to strain the brain but does entertain.
Things turn darker with some reveals but don’t expect true terror or horror. It’s not going to need your light on for bed. However I did enjoy the moments of truth even if some are a little far-fetched but that’s fiction for you.
I found the Doctors wife the most interesting character. The woman she has been made into over years. I think I know and have met some like her for sure in my life.
An easy to read novel that will entertain if you like psychological thrillers and secrets in the house next door.
Just don’t end up accidentally locked in your neighbours garden shed if you decide to read this in it for a more immersive experience. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
Thanks so much for reading my review! If you’d like to connect you can send me a friend request. 🐱
She needed books like others need air to live.
You know how some books are not literary masterpieces but the writing is plenty enough to keep you going? This is like that. It’s not going to strain the brain but does entertain.
Things turn darker with some reveals but don’t expect true terror or horror. It’s not going to need your light on for bed. However I did enjoy the moments of truth even if some are a little far-fetched but that’s fiction for you.
I found the Doctors wife the most interesting character. The woman she has been made into over years. I think I know and have met some like her for sure in my life.
An easy to read novel that will entertain if you like psychological thrillers and secrets in the house next door.
Just don’t end up accidentally locked in your neighbours garden shed if you decide to read this in it for a more immersive experience. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
Thanks so much for reading my review! If you’d like to connect you can send me a friend request. 🐱
She needed books like others need air to live.
June 21, 2019
Oh wow this book was fantastic. I’ve never read any of this author’s books but, I’m going to try and change that in the future.
This book was an exciting read from beginning to end and such a different story from others.
My thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for giving me the chance to read this book in return for an honest review.
This book was an exciting read from beginning to end and such a different story from others.
My thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for giving me the chance to read this book in return for an honest review.
March 9, 2020
Emily King tries to be a good neighbor and tries to befriend Alisha Burman. When her husband Dr Amit Burman plans a mad scientist experiment to bring someone back to life from the dead using cryogenics, Alisha fears for her family's life. Will the mad doctor's plan succeed and what will happen if Emily gets involved? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a pretty good psychological horror medical thriller. If you like these types of stories, be sure to check this book out wherever ebooks and books are sold online.
This was a pretty good psychological horror medical thriller. If you like these types of stories, be sure to check this book out wherever ebooks and books are sold online.
January 9, 2020
This book was definitely the type of thriller I enjoy. Weird, unreliable main characters, a small cast of characters set in an isolated place, and multiple points of view.
The writing was fast paced and kept my interest the whole time. I didn't want to put this down because I needed to know what was happening next.
The biggest downside to this book was that the synopsis gave away way too much. And I know that's not necessarily the author's fault and you can only be so vague with a synopsis, but giving away a huge plot point made that twist less exciting as I knew it was coming.
The best thing about this book? The ending!! I DID NOT see that coming. I got chills when I read it. I had to read it five times to make sure it was real. I would recommend this book just for the ending.
The writing was fast paced and kept my interest the whole time. I didn't want to put this down because I needed to know what was happening next.
The biggest downside to this book was that the synopsis gave away way too much. And I know that's not necessarily the author's fault and you can only be so vague with a synopsis, but giving away a huge plot point made that twist less exciting as I knew it was coming.
The best thing about this book? The ending!! I DID NOT see that coming. I got chills when I read it. I had to read it five times to make sure it was real. I would recommend this book just for the ending.
April 9, 2023
This was a quick read, short snappy chapters and an interesting concept on freezing bodies at death in science to be awoken when a cure is found for their said ailment that killed them! So we would all love immortality wouldn’t we ?
When Emily & Ben move into their home they find their neighbours are reluctant to be “neighbourly” and Emily is like a dog with a bone trying to make friends with the Dr and his wife
When Emily & Ben move into their home they find their neighbours are reluctant to be “neighbourly” and Emily is like a dog with a bone trying to make friends with the Dr and his wife
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