The Silent Patient

by Alex Michaelides

[Leigha]

Psychotherapist Theo Butler takes on an infamous patient in this surprisingly good mystery thriller.

I come across tons of books working at a library. Many end up traveling home with me, although I never do more than scan them. However, The Silent Patient hooked me from the beginning. It’s a quick page turner focused on one man’s obsession with unlocking the secrets of a patient accused of murder.

Theo and Alicia, the two man characters of the book, have a fascinating relationship. Alicia does not speak more than several words to him during the entire story, and yet their interactions were memorable. There is a tension between the two, a connection that does not come completely into light until the very end. The methodical pacing of Alicia’s diary and Theo’s personal life slowly builds into a haunting and surreal read. It’s probably not the best mystery thriller on the market, but it’s certainly entertaining.

tl;dr A quick, entertaining read with fascinating characters and a surprising turn at the end.