The Clinic by Cate Quinn is absolutely intriguing from the beginning. Meg works at a casino undercover playing poker and catching bad guys. When she hears that her sister Haley, a famous actress, has committed suicide at a remote, luxury rehab facility, Meg refuses to believe it. With no luck gathering any answers, Meg decides to check herself into rehab to find the truth in what happened to her sister.

Meg attempts to adapt to the rehab facility's expectations while keeping a low profile but she quickly realizes it won't be as easy as she thought. Meg battles her own addiction, childhood trauma, and complex relationships all while trying to answer one question - What happened to Haley?

Now, this read definitely gave me the chills at times and the short chapters keep the story moving (team short chapters!). The book is full of unstable characters that you can't decide if you like or hate them which keeps you guessing from page to page. Unfortunately for me, I was not a fan of the ending. It was a little too far stretched for me to believe. I think a stronger ending would have really made this good read, great!

This book was AMAZING. First off, if you're someone who loves quick chapters, this one's tailor-made for you!

The narrative is filled with intriguing facets: from the vivid portrayal of rehab, Meg's poker strategy 🃏, to the intricacies of the facility. As for the twists and turns, they're abundant and while I did anticipate a few, the plot consistently kept me on my toes. My sole critique would be that the conclusion felt slightly prolonged, but that's a trivial concern in the grand scheme.

It felt as if I was watching a movie in my head while reading it. It's a rollercoaster! I'm usually not keen on unpredictable characters, but trust me, this one deserves your time! I highly recommend it!

I really liked the premise of this book, especially the fact that rather than taking place in a rehab clinic, the plot was based on that. I also appreciated the realistic way mental health and addiction were portrayed. But unfortunately it dragged on, was a little too wordy. The main reason for my low score however is because the characters are lackluster and unlikeable.

Not the worst thing I’ve ever read but not amazing either. But beautiful cover and LOVE the short chapters!



Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Thank you to the publisher for this opportunity.

While struggling with pain and addiction after a traumatic incident thanks to the perils of her work, Meg finds out her stranded sister, a popstar admitted to a luxurious rehab, has died. But she's sure it can't be how they say it happened. Something is wrong. So she decides to go inside as a client, without revealing who she really is, and investigate it herself. She didn't think she'd also have to face her own traumas.

3+

I'm... not sure. I know it's common to say a book had ups and downs, but this was the one I most thought of this way. Sometimes I wasn't sure if the author really knew where she was going or if she had this new idea and decided to change the resolution of the plot to accommodate it. I'm still not sure. The conclusion fit. But the suspicion that wasn't exactly her plan from the start remained and obliterated that moment I, as a reader, went OH! It was supposed to be a great plot twist. Not that I didn't suspect it, but I didn't think it would happen that way. Still, the ups and downs of the book made me wonder about it. I've said it before but for a twist to be really effective, you can't lie to the reader. And even if I can't show you—look, this part wasn't the character misinterpreting, but the author who either lied or changed her mind later and forgot to update it—, the feeling persisted throughout the book.

In any case, Meg is unbearable. This book is narrated from the points of view of Meg and the manager of the rehabilitation clinic, who doesn't seem to know if anything bad is going on but is eager to help the police despite how bothered her boss is by the disruption. And yes, I liked the manager. I probably wouldn't if her parts weren't short, but since they were, I welcomed the distraction from Meg's voice. I'm not so sure the book's journey accomplished to change Meg, actually. I suspect that she'd do everything all over again if triggered.

Nevertheless, this is a quick book to read. I love short chapters I can say I'll just read another one before going to bed and end up reading ten more. There was always something happening and keeping me interested too. I think I read over half of the book on my last day. So you won't have to be worried about the rhythm because of what I pointed out above. It won't drag. It will make you frown and wonder, but you'll still want to read it.

Moreover, I liked the discussions on how clinics work, on treatments. Meg having to deal with her past trauma, her memories coming back to her, that part was so interesting and curious, even if the answer was lackluster. I liked the "what is going on inside". I'm no therapist, nor do I study psychology to judge, but as a layman, I also liked the parts they talked about how traumas happens, how they can mold your emotions. I'm not so sure about the discussion on psychopathy and sociopathy, maybe I needed more of it earlier on the book to buy it, but it was still good to read about.

Perhaps the execution was messy at parts, but it's still a good book. Also, it's on a theme not many have been seriously exploring. Most books taking place in rehabs choose the scenery for the closed-room mystery rather than using it in the plot itself, which isn't the case here. I'd recommend the read to anyone who enjoys thrillers.


Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

Unmasking Secrets, Challenging Stereotypes …

Book Information

“The Clinic” by Cate Quinn is a 320-page mystery/thriller with a planned publication date of January 23, 2024. Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book for review.

Summary

Meg's job in a Los Angeles casino revolves around catching cheaters and relying on a copious amount of pain medication for solace, a path distinctly different from her famous actress sister, Haley. When shocking reports emerge of Haley's death at a secluded rehab center, supposedly by her own hand, Meg's disbelief drives her to a daring decision. She opts to infiltrate the same rehab facility, where she must grapple with her own addiction demons while unearthing the truth.

My Thoughts

Cate Quinn's "The Clinic" is a well-written and highly entertaining book. The narrative is very character-driven, offering a diverse cast with histories and depths that are both compelling and unique. It also features short chapters (LOVE short chapters) which keep the story engaging and constantly moving.

The story unfolds primarily through the perspectives of two different characters, which adds a layer of intrigue. What makes "The Clinic" even more realistic is that the author draws from her own experiences in rehab, giving the story a genuine and authentic feel. In addition, the level of research that went into this book is evident, as the author spent time consulting experts and seeking experiences like those endured by the characters. This dedication to accuracy pays off, making the narrative all the more immersive.

One of the standout aspects of the book is the variety of characters and their distinct personalities. Each character is unique and quirky, and even if you initially find them unlikeable, as I did with Meg and her snarky attitude, they grow on you as the story unfolds.

Cate Quinn expertly layers reality throughout the book. Readers struggle along with the characters as they grapple with what's real and attempt to make sense of their surroundings. The uncertainty adds depth to the psychological thriller aspect of the story.

"The Clinic" boasts several significant twists that keep readers engaged. The main twist, in particular, is well-executed and took me by surprise. While some twists might stretch the bounds of belief, they add a thrilling element to the story.

One thing that sets this book apart is how it responsibly addresses addiction and portrays neurodiversity in a positive light. Unlike the clichéd portrayal of addiction, mental illness, or neurodiversity as inherently bad or villainous, "The Clinic" paints a more accurate picture that these traits do not equate to moral character.

Recommendation

"The Clinic" is an excellent psychological thriller that combines well-crafted characters, a gripping storyline, and a responsible exploration of complex themes. Cate Quinn's storytelling prowess shines through in this gripping and thought-provoking novel. Recommended.

Rating

4 Rehabbed Stars

This was a fun read, and I enjoyed the premise that was more unique than most. I would recommend it to most!

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.25 out of 5 stars

When Meg's sister, Haley, shows up on the news, allegedly having committed suicide, Meg decides to check in to her sister's last known location: a rehab clinic in the Pacific Northwest where only the elite can afford a new and exciting treatment. Certain a killer is in the rehab with her, and hooked on oxy, Meg does a fine job pushing everyone away. But as her ex-boyfriend, Harry keeps telling her, in order to solve her sister's murder, she has to solve herself first.

In the eARC, the prologue scene is never touched back on, and it does not fit the rest of the book. That being said, this was a very intense book, with characters that were unfortunately mostly out-of-touch with reality, but that is to be expected somewhat considering the rehab patients were elite: rock stars, old western actors, singers, supermodels, etc.

It was a whirlwind, shifting from one suspect to another. I rather enjoyed the fog and the remote location as a kind of "island in a storm" trope but on the mainland. I feel the weather was meant to have a bigger role in the story, but instead were interspersed throughout. I felt that the characters, despite being a little removed from the common man, really were well-written. I saw some reviews that felt they were less-than, and I have to disagree, but I do feel as though some of them were just copies of each other.

All in all, well worth the read, and I enjoyed it enough I will likely be picking up Black Widows.

The Clinic by Cate Quinn tells the story of Meg who has a famous rock star sister who dies during rehab. Meg who catches bad guys at casinos and pops pills goes into rehab to find out what happened to her sister. There’s also a POV from Cara who is the manager of the clinic. A very interesting and intriguing story line. Interesting and quirky characters. A good build up to the ending which didn’t suddenly end but had some follow up. I recommend this book. Thank you NetGallery and Sources Landmark for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is full of unreliable and unlikeable characters. I enjoyed it but it was a slow burn. The story hooked me from the start so I had to see where it went. I was not disappointed with the crazy twist but it was a bit far fetched when finally revealed and that brought the rating down a bit for me.

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I find addiction so fascinating and so a murder or suicide in a remote very secluded rehab—you got all my attention.

Haley’s sister Meg decided to enter this off the maps rehab after Haley committed suicide in the rehab. Meg finds it suspicious because she knows her sister wouldn’t commit suicide and then the concerning voicemail on Megs phone from Haley really confirms it.

Meg is a professional poker player and so everyone in rehab she reads like a hand or a poker game which was a fascinating way to write a mystery thriller.

This is not a sitting on the edge of your seat thriller. But it keeps you entertained and wanting to find out more. I was shocked by some of the twists. It did end with everything coming together and all loose ends tied up

The authors note was really vulnerable and I appreciated the story more.

Like with most high-intensity thrillers, you have to suspend disbelief a bit (especially with the twists at the end). That being said, it was quite an atmospheric and tense read, filled with compassion and familial tensions.

The Clinic by Cate Quinn
Release date: January 23, 2024

This thriller is set in a remote, state of the art rehab clinic in the Pacific Northwest. It follows Meg, a prescription drug addict and alcoholic, who is working undercover in casinos to nab loan sharks. She hears on the news her famous sister Haley has died in rehab. Although they have had their struggles, she knows Haley would never take her own life and so she admits herself into this mysterious and exclusive rehab clinic to find answers. In order to succeed, she must battle her own demons and form relationships with the other patients. Through dual points of view of Meg and the manager of the clinic Cara, this mystery plays out with chilling twists.

I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery and thought it was written very well. It kept my attention throughout and I was surprised at the twists at the satisfying conclusion. I would definitely recommend this book for an atmospheric and entertaining thriller!

Thank you @sourcebooks and @netgalley for the opportunity to review this.

I thought this was a really fun mystery even if it seemed to go a little far off the rails for me at the end. I really liked the characters and the switching points of view made the story move along well.

All in all I thought it was a good murder mystery that had lots of plot twists, red herrings, and interesting side themes of rehab, mental health, and friendship.

There were parts that at times felt a little unrealistic, and Meg was more than a little high strung and reckless but that was the point of her character so it felt like it fit for me.

I liked how the sense of people needing each other and needing community was highlighted. It’s easy in thrillers and murder mysteries for them to be a sort of every man for himself and this didn’t do that.

It sort of had an escape room type of feel many times, and I thought it was a good, diverse set of characters. The scenes were well described and the addiction and withdrawal process was done in a realistic way that let me relate to what was going on, not making it too simple, but not overdone either.

Overall I enjoyed it and thought it was well written and thought out.

This was my first book by Cate Quinn and while I'm not giving up on her, I was not impressed. You could tell by her writing style she was a fairly new author. Sentences that were just poorly written, making it hard to read. I loved the story line idea and felt like it had strong potential. Unfortunately, it was extremely predictable. There were very few shocking moments. The one thing I did enjoy was the unreliable narrator and implausible characters.

Thank you NetGalley, Cate Quinn, and Sourcebooks Landmark for this advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

Great book! I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what was happening next. The twist at the end was very unexpected.

"The Clinic" by Cate Quinn is an absolute triumph in the realm of psychological suspense, a novel that seamlessly navigates the intricate web of addiction, family, and the enigmatic truths that bind them together.

Cate Quinn's storytelling prowess is nothing short of remarkable. From the very first page, readers are ensnared by the world she paints, where Meg, a casino employee with her own share of struggles, is thrust into a whirlwind of mystery when her famous actress sister, Haley, dies under suspicious circumstances at a remote rehab facility. The narrative crackles with tension and intrigue, and the sense of urgency is palpable as Meg embarks on a mission to uncover the truth, delving into the very heart of the rehab center that claimed her sister's life.

"The Clinic" is a masterclass in character development, offering a deeply layered portrayal of Meg as she confronts her own demons while seeking answers about her sister's demise. It's a testament to Quinn's ability to craft multifaceted, relatable characters who grapple with their own flaws and vulnerabilities.

The novel's power lies in its relentless exploration of addiction and the human condition, beautifully rendered amidst the confines of the rehab center. It explores the depth of human resilience and the complexities of familial bonds with a level of depth and authenticity that is nothing short of breathtaking.

Quinn's narrative is a thrilling rollercoaster ride that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, delivering twists and revelations that are as shocking as they are thought-provoking. "The Clinic" is an unforgettable journey that leaves an indelible mark, a testament to Cate Quinn's storytelling brilliance and her gift for crafting a gripping and emotionally charged tale. This is a must-read for anyone who craves a riveting, intricately woven narrative with characters that linger in the mind long after the final page is turned.

I enjoyed the ending of the book, but everything leading up to it was hard to get through. Although the experiences did seem genuine and the characters were lovable the book lacked the engrossment factor that I normally receive from reading books of this genre. I connected to Meg at some level (which is interesting since she’s a sociopath) but couldn’t for the life of me
Connect to Cara. The book lacked substance but was in general a good idea and had promise.

A genre that never fails to captivate me is one featuring an unreliable narrator surrounded by characters of questionable reliability. The magnetic pull of the narrative gripped me right from the opening page. In this tale, Meg's sister meets a tragic end in rehab, officially labeled as suicide. However, Meg harbors doubts and opts for an unconventional approach – checking herself into the rehab facility to untangle the mysteries surrounding her sister's demise.

The narrative skillfully oscillates between Meg's perspective and that of Cara, a member of the rehab staff. The author adeptly weaves two distinct plots, maintaining a seamless flow between them. What I found commendable was the absence of redundancy between the two points of view, a quality I highly value. The author fearlessly delves into the complexities of addiction and rehab, crafting a brilliant thriller laden with suspense and unforeseen twists.

The story confronts challenging issues head-on, providing a nuanced exploration of addiction and the rehabilitation process. Amidst these thematic layers, a masterfully constructed thriller unfolds, replete with suspense and unpredictable turns. The plot twists, in particular, kept me on my toes, defying my expectations and contributing to the overall unpredictability of the narrative.

The Clinic is a captivating thriller that will keep you guessing until the end. I just kept thinking, “what in the world is going on here”. This story encompasses so many real-life subjects, such as addiction, mental disorders and unsavory business practices, yet it’s written in an eerily haunting prose.

When Meg finds out her estranged sister, Haley, dies at The Clinic, an elite rehab facility for the rich and famous, she makes the decision to investigate herself. Strings are pulled to get her into the The Clinic, and she must hide her identity, but the one thing she refuses to do is give up her own addiction to drugs. She manages to get a supply of oxycodone onto the premises so she’s never quite sure if what she’s seeing and believing is real. In order to find her sister’s killer, she needs to change her ways. She’ll need to befriend other patients and see if she can read people as well as she thinks she can.

This book is mind bogglingly brilliant! Honestly, I pride myself on solving mysteries before they’re revealed, but I didn’t even come close with this one. My rating is 5 stars for the excellent storyline, the well written characters and the thrill ride. Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the advanced copy. This hits the shelves on January 23, 2024.