Silent Patient Paperback – International Edition, December 12, 2019

Okay, The Silent Patient is absolutely wild—in the best way possible. From the very first page, I was hooked. It’s the kind of book that messes with your head in all the right ways and keeps you guessing until the very last second.The story follows Alicia Berenson, this insanely talented artist who, out of nowhere, shoots her husband and then stops talking completely. Like, not a single word. Enter Theo Faber, a psychotherapist who’s determined to figure out what went down. What’s so cool is how the book switches between Theo’s investigation and Alicia’s old journal entries—it’s like peeling back layers of a mystery.And let me just say, THE TWIST. I’m usually pretty good at figuring these things out, but this one hit me like a freight train. It’s so smart, so sneaky, and so satisfying that I immediately wanted to go back and reread it just to see all the clues I missed.The writing is dark and atmospheric, but it’s also super easy to get into. It’s not just about the mystery; it’s about people—their secrets, their trauma, and how much we hide even from ourselves.If you’re into psychological thrillers with insane twists and a story that’ll stick with you, this book is an absolute must-read. Just do yourself a favor and clear your schedule because you won’t want to put it down.

I really liked this book. It has been a while since I said that. I chose it to fulfill the category requirement of a book "told in a non-chronological order." That sounds complicated, but it isn't. This book was a fun, easy read - which is what I needed right now. It is a psychological mystery. The main narrator is a therapist, which lends some unique insights into the narrator's observations. The chapters are short, which is another reason it made for an easy end-of-summer read for me. The different perspectives and varying timelines were interesting. This style kept my brain engaged without feeling like work. And it had a twist. Of course.

The Silent Patient, Alex Michaelides’ bestselling psychological thriller, offers an intense journey into the depths of trauma, obsession, and betrayal. It tells the story of Alicia Berenson, a successful painter who is accused of murdering her husband, Gabriel, in cold blood. After the incident, Alicia becomes mute, refusing to speak a word about the murder. Her silence becomes a mystery that captivates the public and the media, earning her a reputation as “the silent patient.”Enter Theo Faber, a forensic psychologist drawn to Alicia’s case. Intrigued by her silence and determined to understand her motivations, Theo takes a job at the mental institution where she is held. His goal: to help Alicia find her voice again and unravel the mystery of what happened on that fateful night. However, as he delves into her life and psyche, Theo discovers that his own dark past and obsessive tendencies make him deeply vulnerable, and the line between therapist and patient begins to blur.Michaelides’ writing is atmospheric and gripping, layering suspense with carefully placed hints and misdirection. The novel’s pacing builds suspense beautifully, with short, sharp chapters that keep readers on edge. The narrative oscillates between Theo's perspective and Alicia’s diary entries, adding depth to the plot and a haunting quality to Alicia’s silence.One of the most notable strengths of The Silent Patient is its twist ending, which is both shocking and well-earned. Michaelides carefully constructs the story to ensure that readers are left reeling as the truth unfolds. This twist not only changes the perspective on previous events but also forces readers to question the reliability of the narrator—a hallmark of great psychological thrillers.Although some may find the characters slightly underdeveloped, particularly those on the periphery of the central mystery, Michaelides succeeds in making both Alicia and Theo complex and compelling. The themes of mental illness, trauma, and the search for truth are explored thoughtfully, though some aspects feel more surface-level compared to the novel’s twist-driven appeal.In summary, The Silent Patient is a thrilling read with a satisfying blend of suspense and psychological depth. Its success lies in Michaelides' ability to manipulate readers’ expectations, making it a highly recommended choice for anyone who enjoys thrillers with unexpected twists and complex psychological layers.

I finished this book in 3 days all because I could not put it down! A captivating read and satisfying ending! I will 100% be reading more from this author. His writing is super smooth and easy.

I really liked this book. The mystery kept you guessing the whole time. The ending was shocking. The characters are likeable, some relatable and worth rooting for but others I had a full dislike.What I didn't like was how much the book dragged on in the beginning it wasn't until 100or so pages that the story picked up pace and became interestingOverall this was a good book and I liked it. Short chapters helped. I would recommend this as a great thriller read.

Great thriller book! We read this for book club as a “spooky” book in October and it delivered. It kept us on our toes, not knowing how it was going to end.