Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient

A shocking psychological thriller of a woman's act of violence against her husband—and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive.

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AuthorAlex Michaelides
GenrePsychological Thriller / Mystery
PublisherCeladon Books
Publication Year2019

Why people are buying it

Alicia Berenson appears to have a perfect life until she shoots her husband five times in the face and then never speaks another word. Criminal psychotherapist Theo Faber becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth and determining why she stayed silent. The narrative unfolds through Theo's diary entries and Alicia's hidden journal, building tension in a secure forensic unit. It is a gripping exploration of obsession, trauma, and the complexity of the human mind.

What it does well

  • Incredibly gripping and fast-paced narrative
  • Clever plot twist that surprises most readers
  • Well-structured with short, engaging chapters
  • Strong character development for the protagonist
  • Atmospheric setting in the psychiatric facility

What to weigh

  • Some psychological elements may lack realism
  • The middle section can feel slightly slow before the climax
  • Requires suspension of disbelief for the twist
  • Dark themes may be disturbing for some readers

Should you buy it?

A must-read for thriller enthusiasts who enjoy a mind-bending mystery with a high-impact conclusion. It is worth it for the sheer entertainment value and the shock factor, though readers seeking strictly realistic psychological procedures might find it dramatized.

Fans of psychological thrillers and mysteriesReaders who enjoy unreliable narrators and plot twistsFans of 'Gone Girl' or 'The Girl on the Train'

Specifications

General
Dimensions5.5 x 0.9 x 8.2 inches
Weight11.2 ounces
Print Length336 pages
Performance
Narrator (Audiobook)Louise Brealey & Jack Hawkins
Listening LengthApprox 9 hours
Screen ReaderSupported
Enhanced TypesettingEnabled
Other
Text-to-SpeechEnabled
Word WiseEnabled
Sticky NotesOn Kindle Scribe

From published manufacturer information. Check the store listing for the exact variant.

How it compares

ProductGenreAuthorPage CountNarrative StyleTwist Factor
The Silent PatientPsychological ThrillerAlex Michaelides336Diary/Journal MixHigh
The Girl on the TrainPsychological ThrillerPaula Hawkins336First Person POVHigh
Gone GirlPsychological ThrillerGillian Flynn432He Said/She SaidVery High

Worth a look instead

Questions buyers ask

Is 'The Silent Patient' based on a true story?

No, it is entirely a work of fiction.

Is there a movie adaptation of the book?

Yes, a film adaptation is currently in development by Plan B Entertainment.

Is this book suitable for young adults?

It is intended for an adult audience due to mature themes, violence, and sexual content.

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