The Silent Patient

Bookseller recommendation

“The Silent Patient is a suspenseful story that reads like a Greek tragedy, bursting with unknowns and sprinkled with exciting twists. It is a brilliant novel written by a man that certainly knows how to write something gripping and dramatic, perfect for readers that liked 'The Woman in the Window". At the center of the story is the mystery that is Alicia Berenson, an incredibly gifted painter that was convicted of murdering her husband six years before the start of the book...Years have passed and people have forgotten about Alicia Berenson, everyone except Theo Faber, a troubled psychotherapist that has been obsessed with her case since the very beginning and believes he can help her. When a position opens at the declining Grove Psychiatric Hospital, Theo quits his better-paying job and jumps at the chance to finally work with Alicia and get to the bottom of why she has remained silent for the past six years. It is the chance of a lifetime for him. Alex Michaelides is a talented screenwriter that was inspired by a post graduate course in psychotherapy and working part-time at a secure psychiatric unit, meaning that the writing and structure of this debut novel is brilliantly done, and the story is layered with reality. An excellent read!”

— Devin • McLean & Eakin Booksellers

Bookseller recommendation

“This is a psychological thriller that will carry through the ages. It’s so well done, it keeps you guessing til the very end. For those looking for the ultimate psychological thriller this is the one for you. You’ll be sad when it’s over because you’re not still reading it!”

— Cassie • Book and Bloom

Bookseller recommendation

“In “The Silent Patient”, a masterfully maniacal mystery set in London, Alex Michaelides manages to manipulate the most sleuthful and it’s magnificent! Meet artist Alicia and her photographer husband Gabriel, happily married for seven years until one evening, they were not. Convicted of killing Gabriel, a guilty Alicia is sentenced to a mental institution where she has spent the past six years, silent, never uttering a single word since her vicious act. Enter Theo, a psychotherapist slightly obsessed with Alicia’s case and quietness. Can Theo unleash Alicia’s closely guarded secrets without suffering the consequences or will her madness destroy him and all he has overcome? It’s an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller sure to keep you questioning until the very end. And, then some… ”

— Kristin Bates • McLean & Eakin Booksellers

Bookseller recommendation

“This psychological thriller pulls you in and does not let go until the crazy twisty end. Alicia is a famous painter that mysteriously shoots her husband in the face five times and never speaks again. Theo is a criminal psychotherapist that thinks he can change that. In the mental institution, Alex is speaking through her paintings and as Theo interviews her friends and family, dark secrets are revealed, including some Theo would rather remain secret. Enjoy the ride because this book is ALL about the ending! ”

— Suzanne • Underground Books

Bookseller recommendation

“When Theo Faber starts his new job at the Grove, a forensic psychiatric hospital, he is determined to work with the famous painter Alicia Berenson, who allegedly murdered her husband. What follows is a tale that will grip you and keep you guessing. With the incredible voice talent of Jack Hawkins, the audiobook elicits the feeling of something very slowly creeping up your spine, and will have you gripping your seat with anxiety throughout. An expansive cast of characters populates this novel, all with intricate connections and relationships, all with dark secrets of their own, making anyone and everyone a suspect. The ending twist was so intense and so unexpected, I had to pause the narration for a moment to scream and gather myself before I could move on. I highly recommend this audiobook for anyone who wants to explore the dark and twisted corners of the human psyche.”

— Kaitlyn • Oxford Exchange

Bookseller recommendation

“The Silent Patient is an outstanding thriller centered on a spellbinding mystery with a shocking twist; in other words, you are going to love this book. Alicia was a talented painter and devoted wife until the night she was discovered still as a statue and covered in blood, having apparently killed her husband. The answer as to why has remained locked inside of Alicia, who stops speaking following the murder. Six years later, Theo, a young psychologist, is determined to get the mysterious Alicia to spill all of her secrets. The final surprise will have you rethinking every riveting scene in this brilliant debut.”

— Luisa Smith • Book Passage