An okay read but unfortunately didn't really grip me. The premise is good but it all felt a bit flat and slow for my liking.

An ok read, the plot was a little weak and predictable and it was easy to guess the culprit but an enjoyable read all the same.

This medical thriller will captivate fans. The authentic setting and well-written characters kept me engaged, despite a slow start. With various morally grey characters, I enjoyed trying to guess the culprit. I admired Alison's determination and selflessness. The mystery and suspense kept me hooked, with multiple suspects, until the end. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.

This was a good medical thriller with a strong female character. Kept me enthralled. Really enjoyed it

“The Doctor” by Annie Payne is a gripping medical thriller that delves into the complexities of hospital politics, the weight of past secrets, and the chilling reality that sometimes danger lurks where we least expect it. The novel follows Dr. Alison Wilson who takes up a new role at the struggling Saint Margaret’s Hospital. Fleeing from a past she wishes to forget, Dr. Wilson is eager to make positive changes but quickly discovers that the hospital’s problems run deeper than poor record-keeping and low staff morale.

As the new Medical Officer, Dr. Wilson is tasked with revitalizing the failing hospital, but she faces resistance at every turn. From the resentful Dr. Carrick, who oversees the stroke ward, to the local community members who preferred her predecessor, Dr. Wilson’s journey is fraught with obstacles. Yet, with the help of administrative assistant Mary and Chief Nurse Eliza, she begins to navigate the hospital’s bureaucratic maze. The plot thickens when Dr. Wilson uncovers a series of lies that hint at a much darker truth: there is a cold-blooded killer within the hospital, hiding in plain sight.

The narrative is rich with authentic descriptions of the hospital setting, which speaks to the author’s medical background. Readers can almost hear the buzz of the emergency room and feel the tension of the operating theater. The character of Dr. Alison Wilson is particularly well-crafted; she is a strong, spunky protagonist whose determination to improve the hospital is laudable.

In conclusion, “The Doctor” by Annie Payne is a fast-paced medical thriller that offers a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of a hospital. It combines the thrill of unraveling a mystery with the adrenaline of medical emergencies, all while presenting a protagonist whose personal journey is as engaging as the central plot.

Thank you Avon Books and NetGalley for this ARC
I devoured this book in 2 days.
I was hooked from the very first page and couldn't put it down.
So many twists and turns and very well written.
Highly recommend

Medical professionals on a killing spree are a haunting and frightening thought, so this thriller gives me all the chills. When we are ill and at our most vulnerable, you have trust in those responsible for your care. When Dr Alison Wilson takes up a new hospital position, it isn't long before she notices strange inconsistencies with faulty equipment, secure drugs, and patient deaths. The power over life and death has been taken to the extreme by one person working in close proximity. The pov is mostly Alison's, but the disturbing and menacing voice of the killer breaks through too, adding to the evil undercurrent in the hospital. #thedoctor #anniepayne #avonbooks #netgalley

Really enjoyed this and found it gripping. I was wrong a couple of times about the killer and it kept me guessing. Looking forward to reading more from the author.

I loved this book. It was a great concept and such an enjoyable, quick read. I loved the writing and I loved how it was all brought together. Thanks so much for the ARC! Will definitely be looking out for more by this author.

This was a decent read. I’d say more mystery than thriller as it didn’t resemble your usual catching a killer thriller. I was expecting a bit more thrill for this reason.

Loved this book
Was hooked from the first page to the last
Plenty of twists and turns which will definitely keep you turning the pages
Thanks NetGalley

A well done medical thriller! Dr. Alison Wilson thinks she can turn things around when she takes on the job of Medical Officer at the struggling St. Margarets but she doesn't know how bad things are- or will get. It's got some good twists and some slippery characters. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A very good read.

Fast paced, with plenty of plat twists. Great hospital thriller. This is a really cleverly plotted story, that will have you on the edge of your seat, wondering whether Dr Alison Wilson has really lost control of the situation or if perhaps really her suspicions are founded.

Really enjoyed reading this, it was a great plot and easy read.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

An easy to read medical based crime escapade. Told from the view point of Alison who is a new medical director, things are not all that they seem. I found that the characters could have been more complex and the ending a bit more surprising. However a solid read.

Fascinating and extremely interesting I enjoyed this one on many levels and I learnt alot about the medical profession. A good read. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review,

This was okay but not a new favourite by any means. I love thrillers in a medical setting as it really makes you think about moral dilemmas and the people we trust the most. This just felt a bit unoriginal to me.

Alison wanted an escape from city life and a sea change seemed the perfect fit. Successful in obtaining a position as medical director in the local hospital she leaves London and her job as stroke consultant. A hospital needing a revamp and its rating improved seems the perfect challenge and provide time to recover from a broken marriage.
A high patient death rate, inferior equipment and stolen drugs are just a few of the issues she has to deal with. A limited budget makes it even harder to do her job. Matters come to a head when she is stood down pending an investigation into events at the hospital.
I couldn’t help trying to guess who was behind it all. Even when I narrowed it down I still wasn’t sure. It occurred to me a patient in hospital is at their most vulnerable and would assume staff are there to help them not end their life. Even though this was a novel it still gave me the chills thinking about the situation.
Alison seemed to turn to alcohol too quickly when things weren’t going well. I guess it happens in novels just like real life but it stopped me warming to her character.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free digital copy of the book in return for an honest review.

An interesting murder mystery set in a hospital. A good plot and interesting characters, and a reasonably good understanding of hospital politics and dynamics.

With thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an review an advance copy.

The Doctor is a gripping mystery drama set in a hospital. The main character, Alison, has been appointed as Medical Director and is looking forward to the challenge. Before too long, she finds that things start to go wrong for her and it appears that someone is out to sabotage her plans for improvement.

The plot is skilfully developed and introduces several red herrings. Although this is an enjoyable read, I feel it could have had a bit more tension.

My thanks to the author, the publishers and Netgalley for the chance to read and review.