Such a good, thrilling, and well-written story! It kept me guessing all throughout. There are multiple POVs and I was never really sure which character to trust. You'll know more but piece by piece as the story goes on and the secrets start unraveling. The author did a great job with intertwining the stories/lives of the three women in the story.

This review was originally posted on <a href="https://booksofmyheart.net/2022/03/05/%f0%9f%8e%a7-the-patients-secret-by-loreth-anne-white/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
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<i>Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i>

I'm a big fan of this author and so it didn't surprise me that I loved <strong>The Patient's Secret</strong>.  There are several families who are having various issues which add to the layers and make it unclear who the killer is.  Everyone has secrets and motive.

Tom and Lily Bradley have children, Phoebe and Matthew. Lily thinks Tom is having an affair.  She is worried her secret will come out and her children's ages, as well as her daughter's current choices are freaking her out.  Tom finds the body and seems like a prime suspect.   Matthew is a star; I adore his role.

Simon and Hannah are neighbors and friends, also with children. Hannah also thinks her husband is having an affair.

Arwen and her son, Joe came to the neighborhood only a few months ago. Arwen has some issues, including seducing married men.  She is writing a book about her past trauma and has experience with investigative journalism in the past. Joe is very worried about his Mom because of her drinking and drugs.

Phoebe Bradley is 12 and she is spending time and wants to date Joe, who is 16.  Lily feels this is too big of an age gap.  Phoebe and Joe really connect and become close friends.

Rue is the homicide detective. She has been working on a serial killer case which has similarities to this death, so she wants this case.  She is also having problems in her marriage. Her son, Eb,  is completely supportive of her.

This miasma of cheating and insecure to dissolving relationships goes nuclear when Arwen the seductress is found dead in suspicious circumstances.  I won't spoil the twisty path of everyone could be a suspect.  None of the women want their husband to be the killer.

The children are key players in the story. Matthew, Joe and Eb are such great characters.  They end up having to be very adult  for the circumstances they face.

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I am not a fan of the True Crime genre, but I am a fan of Loreth Anne White. The secrets and the investigation were riveting. There are multiple points of view and constant time shifts, so beware if that sort of this annoys you. I do have to say that they were used to great effect, building the mystery and the background stories slowly. The author makes a central point of the fact everyone wears a mask and for sure everyone associated with this crime is definitely wearing one. When they all come off, well, that is best left for you to find out. I do have to say I hate this book, but like an impending train wreck, You. Can't. Look. Away.

Lies, secrets and the past that just won't stay in the past. Whan a female jogger, Arwen Harper, is found at the bottom is a cliff by prominent local professor, Tom Bradley, the mask of a peaceful, quite community is ripped off and the search for the reason behind her death is on.

Lily Bradley is a psychotherapist with an office in her stately home on the cul-de-sac on Oak Tree in Story Cove, Victoria Canada. She sees patients there and on the morning of Monday, June 20th sees her husband slip into the yard. The chain reaction started reverberates through the close-knit community and echos deep into the past. Lily will do anything to protect her well-ordered life and her secrets.

Detective Rue Duval already is investigating a murderer who has killed three lone female joggers and must look at this case with a view to those murders, but there are distinct differences this time. The victim, free-spirited Arwen Harper and her son, haven't been in the are very long, yet she has made quite an impression on the male patrons of the Red Lyon Tavern. Arwen has attracted attention, and just not of the males she comes in contact with. Arwen is here for a purpose, and someone will do what is necessary to be sure that purpose is never carried out.

In The Patient’s Secret the residents living in the upscale, seaside enclave of Story Cove, outside of Victoria, B.C. They feel lucky and maybe a bit smug living in such an idyllic location. The neighbors are all friendly. Usually small group of University professors meet for drinks Friday afternoons with the party moving onto any one of their sailing boats. Some of the women do book club with lots of wine.
One father might help a neighborhood kid with his photography. Another mother might always be ready to drive all the kids to their private school. Get the picture yet?
Across the Strait of Juan de Fuca residents can see Washington State’s Olympic Mountains. Such a stunning location. Sure, there are secrets. Murder? Adultery? Mental illness? Vodka bottles under a tween’s bed? Who knows? But every adult knows when the snake enters paradise.
The snake, Arwen Harper, is at first well disguised as an artist, as a bohemian, as the waitress at The Red Lion. The professors meet for their Friday happy hours at The Red Lion, and the snake works her magic.
Arwen starts shedding her skin when she and her sixteen year old son, Joe, move into a cottage and studio location behind a house on the cul-de-sac where two of the university professors live their idyllic lives.
Just after they move in, Harper and Joe are invited to a neighborhood pool party. The party ends early because of a dangerous thunderstorm and a devastating fight between Lily and Tom Bradley, and Arwen Harper
The next morning Tom Bradley discovers the broken body of a runner at the foot of the rocky cliffs overlooking Grotto Beach, too broken to immediately identify. The victim partially fits the profile as the work of the Jogger Killer (JK). The head of the JK task force, Rue Duval, is called in immediately to investigate.
I have always found Loreth Anne White one of most quotable writers I have read. I want to share just about every sentence she writes, but I will settle on this quote “…and always-hidden beneath the narratives-are the secrets. Deep and dark and primal. Everyone has them.”
White brings up various psychological issues in The Patient’s Secret. A few of the questions concern the rehabilitation of child criminals; questions of race and how an atypical upbringing will impact later life. The most important question of all, how far would you go to protect your family?
I had one big problem with the story, the lead detective, Rue Duval, should have removed herself from the case immediately once the victim was identified. Rue along with family could all be considered viable suspects.
In The Patient’s Secret there are multiple POVs and timelines to follow, while at the same time the reader needs to follow White's clever shell games. Keep an eye on White’s shells. You will never see the pea again, even as she hands you an easy and obvious win to entice you deeper. For White plays a different game, quickly adding other shells, other peas until you just give up, sit back and enjoy one shocking moment after another. I should entitle this review “I Never Saw That One Coming”.
White is an impeccable writer, her settings are always lovely, but with an undertone of darkness, most of her characters are relatable, despite their smugness or shadows. Always though, it is her story, her narrative that will leave you wanting more.
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake and Loreth Anne White for a review ARC.

I had high hopes for this one because I LOVED Under Devil's Bridge, but I was sadly left disappointed. This novel just had so much going on that it was hard to keep track of who was who. And the ending was just lacking the oomph that I like my novels to have. I will read more by this author due to how much I loved Bridge, but unfortunately this one just didn't cut it for me. 2.5 stars, rounded down.

Loreth Anne White is another author whose books ARE ALL SO GOOD. I just see her name and know I have to read whatever she writes.

The Patient’s Secret was excellent- plotted perfectly with a tight storyline.

SYNOPSIS:

When the battered body of a female jogger is found beneath the cliffs of an idyllic coastal community, these perfect neighbors suddenly don’t seem so perfect…

Lily Bradley is a respected psychotherapist married to a distinguished professor. They live in a dream house with their two children in close-knit Story Cove. Lily lives a well-ordered life. Or so it seems. As a therapist, she knows everyone keeps things hidden. Even her.

Then sensual and free-spirited Arwen Harper rolls into town in her hand-painted VW van, her sixteen-year-old son riding shotgun. Overnight, Story Cove’s secrets are no longer safe. Because Arwen might know her new neighbors better than they know themselves.

Now someone is dead, and it looks like murder. Brutal and personal. The death invites the shrewd eye of Detective Rue Duval. Rue’s job is to expose secrets. But she’s also an expert at keeping them.

As the lives of three women become inexorably entwined, one thing is clear: when it comes to survival, ordinary people can do the most terrible things.

Detective Rue Duval has a tangled mess on her hands when a female jogger is found dead, Is she another victim of a serial killer? Her investigation pokes holes into multiple lives in small town Story Cove but none more so that Lily's. Lily is a psychotherapist with a secret, And what about Arwen, new to town and a disruptor? This goes back and forth in time and between perspectives but it does all come together. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Hard to describe without spoilers it's the sort of complex read that has you making wrong guesses.

4.5 stars

A fast-paced psychological thriller that not only will keep you on your toes but will have you shocked by how it all plays out. At least that is how I felt upon finishing.

This story begins with a death, which is detailed from the victim's POV. What we don't know is who is responsible.

Arwen Harper enters the small Canadian town of Story Cove, with clear intentions. She has a story she wants to bring to light, and while her reasons are fair, her methods are far from it.
As the story progresses, it seems nearly everyone in town a motive for her murder, as personal secrets are revealed along the way. But it all begins with Tom Bradley, a local professor, who finds her body. Following his encounter, his actions make him a prime suspect.

The plotline is a bit complex, switching from past to present and multiple POVs. But the author carefully feeds the reader the truths of the three main female characters - Arwen, Lily (Tom's wife) and Detective Rulandi "Rue" Duval - and you begin to understand why things went sideways the night of Arwen's death.

The author did a great job of laying out the plotlines and then methodically threading them together, giving you a clearer picture, but not spoiling the big reveal. I would have never guessed on what really transpired, I dare you to try and figure this one out.

If you love intense thrillers that keep your mind in overdrive, this one is worth checking out!

Full of twists, this book offers an enticing murder mystery. The character interactions weave together into a complex and well developed story arc.

When the broken and battered body of a young woman is discovered at the bottom of a cliff, the police wonder if the Jogger Killer has struck again. However, in the nearby close-knit neighborhood of Story Cove, the picture-perfect homes and manicured lawns hide a wealth of secrets lying just beneath the surface. Loreth Anne White weaves a twisted, riveting plot revealing the true faces of the residents of the posh community. I was fascinated by this exceptional psychological thriller based on a horrific true crime. Prepare to get lost in the spine-chilling glimpse behind closed doors of this affluent suburb!

Full of intrigue, suspense, and complex characters this one will stick with you. I love how the reader gets multiple perspectives of the goings on on this little street. It was one surprise after another right up to the stunning conclusion. This may just be the psychological thriller of the year.

Loved it!! The scariest part of the book is that it's based on a true story. The worst part was who was actually behind the killing of the family. Arwen's death was a mystery that had me guessing until the very end. My list of suspects was long, very long. Pretty much everyone in the book was on my list. I would have wanted to kill her. She was extremely manipulative. Arwen definitely struggled with mental issues, along with drugs, alcohol and her obsession with the Bradleys. She was consumed with revenge and nothing would stop her. She would never have won the mother of the year award. Arwen screamed at her son because he entered her studio and asked if she would eat dinner with him. She didn't even live in the cottage with Joe. She stayed in her studio and only had breakfast with Joe. I'm not sure if Arwen could legally write the book and name people under the Canadian law. Phoebe was quite the little madam. The attitude, the smoking, the drinking, dating a sixteen year old and she was only twelve. TWELVE!!! A twelve year old does not need to date She was so angry and mainly took it out on her mom. Who knew so many people in such a small town could own a rhino necklace. The BBQ was where all the secrets were finally revealed and it was quite the showdown.

Definitely recommend the book. It was a great mystery/thriller. I loved the story, writing style and characters. The murder of the family was gruesome and hard to read at times. It was definitely unexpected when the truth behind Arwen's death was revealed. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Montlake through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Simply outstanding! I was riveted from the prologue and kept me guessing the entire ride. White is renowned for her intricate plots twists and turns and The Patient’s Secret held its own. It was fun trying to figure out The Who, how and why. It’s different when you can’t empathize or even like characters in the book. I enjoyed Rue and Matthew, but most everyone else just had shade. Many thanks to you, Loreth and Netgalley for the ARC! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A classic who dun it mystery crime thriller with a ton of characters and POV's to keep you guessing (and misdirected!) I enjoyed the story and was kept in the dark on the "killer's" identity mostly till the end. Part of the story is taken from a true crime event, and I like that flare/addition although the crime itself is gory and not for the faint at heart.

I guess the only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars is the wide range of POV's sort of buried a question that to me the author would like the reader to think about. The question pops up during a therapy session but the therapist is distracted and guilt-ridden and I didn't see how poignant the question was till the very end. Maybe that was by design, again to keep the reader in the dark, but I don't often ponder books for long after I finish reading as I'm off to the next one. For me, thinking about it while reading is more impactful, especially while hurtling towards a big reveal, and I do think it's an important question to ask. Can people who do terrible things truly be rehabilitated?

Overall, entertaining! Kept me guessing and coming back for more and that just solidifies I will search out the next book the author releases.

Anytime someone new moves into the neighborhood, the first question typically on everyone’s mind is… I wonder how they’ll fit in. (Of course, this includes some good old-fashioned peering through the shades!) And it’s no different when Arwen and her son move into Stoney Brook. The welcoming committee couldn’t be more divided with their opinions. The men are predictably giddy to have Ms. Arwen in their presence.😉 Their wives, of course are not exactly on-board with the young, beautiful single mother just down the street.

A huge fight at the neighborhood barbecue, a possible murder. Now everyone starts eyeing their neighbors quite differently. After all…they are all hiding their own secrets!

A fast-paced domestic thriller (which are my favorite) with plenty of moving parts from multiple POV’s. Easy to follow along so pack your favorite detective’s cap to figure this one out. It surprised me!

My first read by this author and fortunately I have a few of her previous books on my shelf just waiting for me.

Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake

Amazing, brilliant, outstanding and just perfect and if I could I would give this book all the stars in the damn universe it was so so good !!
The book gripped me right from the off it had so much going on and was partly based on a real life crime which made it all the more interesting but what made it so special for me was the fantastic way the twists and turns were written making me find every spare moment to read just another chapter I was so hooked into the story.
As I’m waiting to go into hospital and I am a bit preoccupied I really needed to read a book that would take me to another place and this story did that and more I forgot everything and was so involved with the mystery of who did what in a book full of secrets, lies and deceptions.
The characters were all so well written, the plot was amazingly crafted and I would urge everyone who loves a twisty and clever tale to pick this one up, many thanks to Loreth Anne White for the book I loved everything about it.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Montlake for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Almost 5* perfect, if not for the slightly 'glosses over stuff' ending.

This is an excellent intro to this author, who writes a tale full of secrets and characters whose lives are meshed in ways that aren't immediately apparent, with sort-of red herrings, with excellent 'weaving' of could-bes and with smooth dovetailing of events and people, so that you're left wondering who's good, who's bad and who's shades of grey. It's not strictly what I would class as a police procedural like, say, the Mercy Kilpatrick series by the same publisher, but it had me hooked because of how slick everything was, almost as if I was watching a made-for-TV series.

It's not a tale with likeable characters, as most are selfish and have their own agenda as well as questionable moral stances and with questionable actions (some of which should have come out in the wash), but it is an engrossing one with many individuals who could have been the killer, adults and not. In the end, the killer/s was/were a complete surprise, though believable, sad as it was. And the reveals kept coming. The detective should not have been leading the investigation, so I'm not sure how authentic that part of the tale was, but it's still overall a 4.5* tale for me, despite the ending with the (?) happy families - it just seemed too rushed and glossed over and as if things hadn't been talked through. Still, I'd read more by this author.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Montlake, for my reading pleasure.

This book had more layers than an onion. There was a lot going on, and just when I thought I knew what was going on I soon realised I didn't. No spoilers from me, but well worth a read. Good book

When the battered body of a female jogger is found beneath the cliffs of an idyllic coastal community, these perfect neighbors suddenly don’t seem so perfect…

Lily Bradley is a respected psychotherapist married to a distinguished professor. They live in a dream house with their two children in close-knit Story Cove. Lily lives a well-ordered life. Or so it seems. As a therapist, she knows everyone keeps things hidden. Even her.

Then sensual and free-spirited Arwen Harper rolls into town in her hand-painted VW van, her sixteen-year-old son riding shotgun. Overnight, Story Cove’s secrets are no longer safe. Because Arwen might know her new neighbors better than they know themselves.

Now someone is dead, and it looks like murder. Brutal and personal. The death invites the shrewd eye of Detective Rue Duval. Rue’s job is to expose secrets. But she’s also an expert at keeping them.

As the lives of three women become inexorably entwined, one thing is clear: when it comes to survival, ordinary people can do the most terrible things.

This is a rapid-paced, compelling story with masterful execution. The constant action means there is never a dull moment
Good book!

This book is unlike anything that I have ever read. Some really surprising twists to this story. A very good read.