A review by bbrewer14
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A psychological thriller with an unexpected twist, I never saw the path coming that the author veered down. Theo Faber is a psychoanalyst working at a secure mental hospital for violent offenders. His focus is on Alicia Berenson, a famous artist turned murderer who is locked in the secure ward. She has not spoken a word since the day she killed her husband. Theo’s goal is admirable and insane. He wants to get Alicia to talk despite her years of silence. He wants to know the truth of what happened the night Alicia killed her husband. This book is one that I didn’t want to put down. Some of the language and side stories supporting the behavior and reasoning of the main characters were graphic, but they are easily skimmed over to avoid the gratuitous language and pictures the author builds in your head. Ultimately I forgave the author on these little indiscretions when the plot twisted so completely that my jaw dropped. An excellent read and a great introduction to this author. I will be looking for more of his books. Highly recommend if you like mysteries, plot twists, and psychological thrillers. Great novel. 
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