by Alex Michaelides
Narrator: Louise Brealey, Jack Hawkins
Length: 8 hours and 43 minutes
Genres: Thriller, Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.3x
Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word.
Alicia’s refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety. The price of her art skyrockets, and she, the silent patient, is hidden away from the tabloids and spotlight at the Grove, a secure forensic unit in North London.
Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations—a search for the truth that threatens to consume him...
I love a good mystery-thriller and find they are perfect listens on audio. Such was the case with, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. Addictive, twisted and suspenseful I found myself completely ensnared.
Theo Faber, a psychotherapist is delighted when he is permitted to begin treating, Alice Berenson, a famed artist who murdered her husband. Alice hasn’t spoken since the incident. As Theo begins treating Alice at the facility where she is confined we learn about the characters and events that transpired for Alice.
Alex Michaelides provided alternating POVs between Theo and Alice. Alice’s are in the form of journal entries. It was addictive, suspenseful, full of twists and held me captive. Theo’s explore his marriage, and work at the hospital where Alice resides. The characters were complex, flawed and intriguing, as were secondary characters from her husband to the other Doctors and patients on staff.
Atmospheric and well paced I found the story compelling. Alice hasn’t spoken a word since the night of the murder. Can Theo reach her? Will she reveal what happened? Why did she brutally murdered her husband? You must listen to find out!
Louise Brealey and Jack Hawkins did a fantastic job narrating bringing this suspenseful mystery thriller to life and enhancing an already brilliant story through tone and inflections. I totally recommend listening.
The Silent Patient is the perfect mystery thriller to add to your fall collection!
Looking for a good #mystery #thriller? Grab your earbuds and listen to The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides #audio #twisted Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Jess C
I started this one and thought the audio was so great and haunting. I’ll have to make a note to get back to it.
Barb
Sounds like an intriguing premise. Nice review. ?
Olivia Roach
As compelling as the story is, I am glad the characters were also so complex and well involved into the storytelling too. I think I would like this one and it sounds perfect for October coming up 😀
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I love complex, complicated and flawed characters! The Silent Patient sounds like a suspenseful nail biting thriller! I love how you described it! Excellent Review Kim 🙂
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
Oh this sounds really interesting! I’ve read books that involve a psychiatrist/criminal before and it’s a dynamic I really enjoy. This sounds really good!
ShootingStarsMag
I didn’t realize the author wrote screenplays – how cool! Anyway, I really want to read this one, so I’m glad you enjoyed it.
-Lauren
Jenea's Book Obsession
Love the sounds of this one! I’m off to check and see if my library carries it.
Mara
I am a fan of the psychological thriller, and it’s been a while since I have listened to it. I did not like or care for the SILENT PATIENT. I found Theo very narcissistic, overbearing, and egotistical. I think his ego would not let him not treat Alice. He wanted to know what she knew and maybe what she didn’t know. It was a bit of a cat and mouse game between Theo and Alice.
Anne
I haven’t heard of this book, author or narrators but see, this is why I read blogs and reviews. I was able to request it at my library I’m #131 on 28 copies. But that’s great since I don’t have time right now anyway. Excellent review! This is right in my zone.
Debbie S Haupt
I saw this on this month’s Macmillan audio reviews and thanks to your fantastic review I’m picking it up 🙂 Sounds fantastic!
kindlemom1
I read this a few weeks ago because Christy was raving about it and I loved it! So freaking good and I didn’t see a few things coming which is always a good thing. I love books like these that can mess with my head.
Ailyn Koay
Oh… is that one of those psycho thrillers with a twist?
Kimberly
Maybe. LOL
Nadene
I am intrigued. I love stories like these. Twisty, thrilling and suspenseful.
Chanzie
Oh wow. I did not see that twist coming and that was just in the synopsis! I do love a good suspense and have been loving audio books on my way to work as I travel the past few months. Great Review Kimberly 🙂