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The Patient: A Novel Paperback – October 15, 2019

3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 1,639 ratings

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A therapist must face her own worst fear―one of her patients is a serial killer.

Danielle Rycroft suspects someone close to her has a dark secret. In the confidential setting of therapy, her patients share their anxieties and fears. Now, with a string of murders in town putting her on edge, Danielle’s own worries come close to eclipsing her patients’. In each case, the pattern is the same: parents killed while their children sleep blissfully unaware in their beds. Her best friend, Detective Tami Sloan, is the only person she has confided in.

Danielle believes that there’s still a secret one patient has yet to share. But which one? Behind a familiar face is a stranger who’ll do anything to hide their worst compulsions. The anxiety brings Danielle to her own therapist’s office, seeking counsel and comfort. But what is she willing to risk, and how much closer must she get, to stop them?


"All the Little Raindrops: A Novel" by Mia Sheridan for $10.39
The chilling story of the abduction of two teenagers, their escape, and the dark secrets that, years later, bring them back to the scene of the crime. | Learn more

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Editorial Reviews

Review

The Patient pulls you in by the heartstrings, plays them like a symphony, then careens toward the surprise finale like a skydiver without a chute.” ―August Norman, author of Come and Get Me

“Steena Holmes has returned with another compelling page-turner. [A]n all-encompassing journey through the dark side of the human psyche,
The Patient is a mind-bending psychological thriller that will leave readers on edge and gasping for breath right up to the final shocking twist. Brilliant!” ―Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author of The Weight of Silence and Not a Sound

“A therapist with a serial-killer patient is at the heart of Steena Holmes’ latest,
The Patient. Holmes starts with a bang, then builds the action steadily, a gradual unfolding of secrets and truths that will have you constantly rethinking who is the killer. A brilliant psychological thriller that will mess with your mind.” ―Kimberly Belle, USA Today bestselling author of Dear Wife

“Gorgeously disturbing and endlessly surprising―an intense, thought-provoking, and riveting psychological puzzle of mind games.
The Patient proves Steena Holmes’s infinite ability to create a taut, smart, and darkly captivating story. A psychiatrist with a serial killer as a patient―but which one? Terrific―and irresistible.” ―Hank Phillippi Ryan, nationally bestselling author of The Murder List

“Steena Holmes has created something eerily new and tantalizing using her characteristically captivating style and sharply honed craft.
The Patient is a macabre fairy tale where fantasy is distorted by the unforgiving looking glass of reality. This thriller invites readers into a world of mystery, murder and love that will hook them until the very last page.” ―Amber Cowie, bestselling author of Rapid Falls

“Steena Holmes dazzles in
The Patient, an emotional thriller that takes readers on one hell of a roller coaster ride as a therapist desperately searches for a serial killer among her patients. An exhilarating read, with an ending that will leave you gasping for breath.” ―Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke, bestselling authors of The Two Lila Bennetts

About the Author

Steena Holmes is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of titles including Saving Abby, Stillwater Rising, and The Memory Child. The Word Game was named to the “20 Best Books by Women in 2015” list by Good Housekeeping and Redbook, and won the USA Book News Award, and Steena won the National Indie Excellence Award in 2012 for Finding Emma. Steena lives in Calgary, Alberta, and is a self-proclaimed “travelholic” who can’t resist a good cup of coffee. To find out more about her books and her love of traveling, you can visit her website at www.steenaholmes.com or follow her journeys on Instagram @authorsteenaholmes.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lake Union Publishing (October 15, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 319 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1542040388
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1542040389
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 1,639 ratings

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Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
1,639 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the story suspenseful, intriguing, and guessing until the last chapter. They describe the book as a brilliant, enjoyable read. However, some readers find the entire book boring, unsatisfying, and pretentious. Opinions are mixed on the storyline, with some finding it awesome and intense, while others say it's predictable and weak. Readers also disagree on the writing style, with others finding it well-written and easy to read, while still others say the writing is superficial and baby language.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

37 customers mention "Suspenseful story"37 positive0 negative

Customers find the plot entranced, interesting, and diverting. They say the twists and turns keep them reading and wanting to figure out the mystery. Readers also mention the characters are believable.

"...Not only a gripping read but also a learning experience! It was like the Tea Cup ride at StoryLand, a dizzying ride!..." Read more

"...With each revelation, the narrative twists and turns, keeping me guessing until the very end...." Read more

"...I loved the way this one worked out. It had a lot of elements of psychological suspense that kept the pace moving and my mind engaged as I tried to..." Read more

"...I loved every minute of this story. It is fast-paced and so intriguing...." Read more

26 customers mention "Readability"26 positive0 negative

Customers find the book interesting, enjoyable, and brilliant. They say the author does a good job of leading the reader on as things become more curious. Readers also mention the writing is clear and well-done.

"...Not only a gripping read but also a learning experience! It was like the Tea Cup ride at StoryLand, a dizzying ride!..." Read more

"...a note that one of her patients is behind the murders… This book was really fascinating!..." Read more

"...The author does do a good job of leading the reader on as things become "curiouser and curioser" (to borrow a term from Alice In Wonderland") -..." Read more

"...Patients could do no wrong.All in all it was a good read." Read more

7 customers mention "Character development"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters believable.

"...The characters are bizarre and will keep you guessing. I enjoyed reading this book and couldn't wait to get back to it every night." Read more

"...I enjoyed the characters and the story line." Read more

"...Would recommend even though. Complexity of characters is interesting." Read more

"...The writing is clear and very well done. The characters are amazing and the plot keeps you entranced...." Read more

20 customers mention "Storyline"9 positive11 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the storyline. Some mention it's awesome, intense, and engrossing. Others say it'll be predictable, weak, and lacks enough backstory.

"...But from the beginning, there was something off about the storyline...." Read more

"...Being a retired counselor myself, I can say that the ending was a total surprise!..." Read more

"...Storyline was confusing at times and just plain boring. What usually takes me about three days to read took me three weeks...." Read more

"This was a twisted, engrossing story that knocked me for a loop...." Read more

14 customers mention "Writing style"7 positive7 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing style of the book. Some mention it's well-written and easy to read, while others say it'd be superficial and written in baby language.

"...The writing is beautifully done, with more twists and turns than I saw coming!..." Read more

"...There are a few grammatical errors that will bother readers who like to read well-edited material, but although I wish those grammar points had been..." Read more

"...I was greatly surprised by the ending. This book was very well written...." Read more

"...The writing style is frustrating … conversations fragmented...." Read more

7 customers mention "Boredom"0 positive7 negative

Customers find the book boring, unsatisfying, and a waste of time. They also say it has a poor theme of Alice in Wonderland and is pretentious.

"...Storyline was confusing at times and just plain boring. What usually takes me about three days to read took me three weeks...." Read more

"I found this book to be a bit pretentious with an over abundance of exaggerated similes...." Read more

"I found the conclusion not only disappointing but unbelievable...." Read more

"...to keep reading, to keep my eyes open, it means that the entire book was boring and a waste of time." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2019
I have an antique copy of Alice In Wonderland that was given to me by my paternal grandmother in the summer of 1948. I was only seven years old, but her giving me her own beloved copy of that book sparked my love for reading and learning! "The Patient" is the story of a wonderland for modern times! Not only a gripping read but also a learning experience! It was like the Tea Cup ride at StoryLand, a dizzying ride! My suspicions were finally confirmed and the pieces of the puzzle were put together, it was solved, finally! What happened next? A sequel???
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Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2024
Steena Holmes’ gripping psychological thriller, "The Patient," both intrigues and chills to the bone. Set against the backdrop of the quaint town of Chesire, reminiscent of the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland, Holmes masterfully crafts a tale where the idyllic facade hides sinister secrets lurking beneath the surface.

At the heart of the story is Danielle Rycroft, a therapist whose own fears and anxieties begin to overshadow those of her patients when a series of murders grips the town. As Danielle grapples with her suspicions and seeks solace in her best friend, Detective Tami Sloan, the line between therapist and patient blurs, leading Danielle on a harrowing journey to uncover the truth.

Holmes skillfully builds tension from the outset, hooking me with a compelling premise and then gradually unveiling layers of deception and intrigue. With each revelation, the narrative twists and turns, keeping me guessing until the very end. The intricate web of relationships and motivations adds depth to the story, ensuring that no character is quite what they seem.

"The Patient" kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish and is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2019
Danielle Rycroft is a trained therapist. She thinks that one of her patients is a serial killer. She just doesn't know which one.

Danielle is a hard-core "Alice in Wonderland" addict. Wonderland is the world she wandered into whenever her parents fought, when she got anxious or scared. She collects hardbound editions, even a few rare editions. She had a lonely childhood & had an imaginary friend until she discovered books.

There's someone in their community who is a murderer. While a child sleeps blissfully unaware, the mother & father are killed in their beds. There have been 6 cases, 12 murders in total, same methods, different towns, over the course of 3 years. What is the connection between the killer & victims? Why are these families targeted? Why had the children been spared?

Dr Rycroft consults with Dr. Brown to help her understand the mindset of a killer. Also, to seek help for her sleepwalking, nightmares & chronic migraines. She has no recollection of what she's doing while she's asleep. She has no memory of the hours lost or how she handled basic needs.

The final reveal might not sit well with everyone. But, the build up was intense.
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2019
I'm not sure I will be able to express myself adequately regarding my enjoyment and wonder wrapped up in this book! Being a retired counselor myself, I can say that the ending was a total surprise! I read far too late a couple of nights, because I needed to know what in the world was happening, and at one point, felt that everyone was guilty in one way or another! To avoid any spoilers whatsoever, let just say that there were several parts that made my heart pound! This is a 3-d puzzle, not just an ordinary thriller, as I anticipated! The writing is beautifully done, with more twists and turns than I saw coming! I LOVED your book, Steena Holmes, and my congratulations to you on having created such an all time winner ❤️💗💗!
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2019
A town plagued by brutal murders… Parents found bludgeoned to death with their young children at home left untouched. A therapist who gets a note that one of her patients is behind the murders… This book was really fascinating! A lot of clues sprinkled through the book and I had about a dozen theories of who was behind the murders. The list of suspects is a long one and I loved the way the book came together!

The setting for this book is a town that is full of references to Alice in Wonderland. Fitting, because Alice in Wonderland is Danielle’s favorite book since she was a child. I loved the town setting—coffee shops based on the Cheshire Cat and town green spaces based on the queen’s gardens. I did a study of Alice in Wonderland during one of my literature courses in undergraduate and I thought the parallels in the book were a lot of fun!

Daniellle—Dani—lives a solitary life and it suits her. She has two close friends who don’t get along with each other. She has a small practice that allows her to really dig into things with her three patients. But as the murders in the town continue, Dani becomes aware that one of her three patients may be behind the murders. But which one? They all have a link to the murders in their own way, and they all have something to hide from her.

As things heat up with the case, Dani’s life feels like it is unraveling. She is having trouble sleeping, and she feels the burden of the murders on her as she tries to uncover which of her patients may be behind it. I’m a big fan of this genre and I felt that there was something off about her patients from the beginning. Not to mention several other characters in the town!

I had one theory in particular that I felt stronger about as the book went on, but I was completely wrong! I loved the way this one worked out. It had a lot of elements of psychological suspense that kept the pace moving and my mind engaged as I tried to put the clues together.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for my copy. Opinions are my own.
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Top reviews from other countries

Avril Girvan
5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting from start to finish
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 2, 2019
This book deserves TEN stars. I stayed up all night to read this book, I just had to know how it ended. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everybody. This is a book that will leave a lasting impression on you once you have read it. Now I really must go and order another book by Sheena Holmes . Hopefully another sleepless night ahead. Sheena you rock!
Judy M
4.0 out of 5 stars Not Steena’s Best
Reviewed in Canada on January 13, 2020
I figured out very early on what was happening and whodunnit but continued to read it with my beliefs foremost in my mind, I guess I did enjoy it, in the end, my early thoughts of the whole thing were proven to be correct. I think I truly believed there would be a twist to prove me wrong, but, it never came, and for that reason, I was disappointed.
Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 15, 2020
I really enjoyed this book while I did realise the plot early on it did not stop me enjoying it. I loved how it wove between Danielle and her various patients. While she tried to work out if one of them could be the killer. You will not be disappointed if you read this book. I had it read in a couple of days.
Eugene
3.0 out of 5 stars Don't assume real counsellors are like the one in the book.
Reviewed in Canada on April 25, 2020
Fictional psychologist in book is a nutcase. Psychologists are compassionate people. The one in the book is rude to a teenage patient and fails to disclose murder information to the police.
LGriff50
3.0 out of 5 stars Flows well and keeps the reader interested.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 26, 2019
Unfortunately for me I guessed the twist in the tale very early on, however this didn't stop me reading it. I was a little disappointed with the end, I felt it fizzled out a little.
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