Fantastic writing that made me feel like I knew the characters personally and perfectly explored mental Illness and the mind of criminals. The story felt like it flowed perfectly and built up anticipation until the end.

🔴Dissociative identity disorder or multiple personality disorder, it’s something where people can have several personas. They’re like identities. As if there are several different people in one body. In legitimate cases of dissociative identity disorder, the identities are aware of each other.

🔴Serial killers really are a fascinating breed of criminal. They’re not typically motivated by extrinsic factors like money or security. They’re motivated by something that is buried deep within their being. Something that has taken years, possibly decades, to be sown and nurtured.

🔴Borderline personality disorder manifests itself through impulsivity and extreme shifts in temperament. Anger and depression mostly. Intense anger, in fact. borderline personality disorder, and the majority of them experience these bouts of spontaneous violence. Toward others and toward themselves. borderline personality disorder typically had a fragmented and unstable sense of self. They didn’t necessarily give these fragments names, but working with people who are borderline often feels like you’re working with completely different people depending on the day.

🔴 “We used to call it multiple personality disorder not that long ago, but the general idea is similar. Basically, a person presents at least two distinct personalities as a means of coping. Usually with a childhood trauma of some kind. So it isn’t really that they have separate personalities per se; it’s that they create personas as a way to dissociate from whatever has caused them pain in the past.”

S.A. Falk's The Patient's Secret is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling. This psychological thriller delves into the complex world of forensic psychiatry, where the lines between sanity and madness blur.

The novel follows Sharon Stevenson, a forensic psychiatrist grappling with the disappearance of her daughter while simultaneously evaluating the mental state of a serial killer. This dual narrative creates a compelling tension, as Sharon's personal tragedy intersects with her professional life in a heart-wrenching manner.

Falk's writing is both sharp and empathetic, allowing readers to experience the emotional turmoil of her characters. The exploration of mental illness and the criminal mind is handled with sensitivity and depth, adding layers of complexity to the story. The pacing is masterful, building suspense gradually before culminating in a shocking climax.

While the novel's exploration of grief and loss is undoubtedly poignant, some readers might find the subject matter emotionally challenging. However, the rewards of immersing oneself in this gripping narrative are substantial.

Overall, The Patient's Secret is a standout psychological thriller that will leave readers captivated and disturbed. Falk's talent for creating complex characters and weaving intricate plots is evident on every page.

A very interesting, thrilling and intriguing book. The twists and turns in this book kept me on the edge of my seat which I enjoyed. It was a story that is real yet unreal and it was a book that I enjoyed reading.

Love the writing and the characters, Dr. Sharon Stevenson brought so much to this story in what she was doing and the suspense just kept me reading. Quite enjoyed it and would recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

NetGalley Review — my rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

"The Patient's Secret" is my first S.A. Falk novel & I can tell you right now, it won't be my last.

Dr. Sharon Stevenson is a forensic psychologist asked to do an evaluation on Kevin Blackford, a defendant accused of murdering 28 women in Wyoming where the state is seeking the death penalty. The problem? Dr. Stevenson believes Kevin has multiple personalities and only one of them knows what's going on....

This book was pretty amazing. My only complaint is that the twist twisted a little outta left field but maybe it's because I wasn't paying attention to the little things? I'm not sure. It was a little long towards the end but I found it really easy to get sucked in. I have never read a book quite like this one before.

Falk's "The Patient's Secret" was released at the beginning of February so go grab it now!

Big thanks to Storm Publishing for the ARC!

#netgalley #safalk #arc #thepatientssecret

This was a very good book, I felt that the characters were engaging in the story was easy to follow. I look forward to reading more of your work.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. I loved this book! The way the story is told through the psychiatrist makes it so compelling. This was a great way to change up the usual serial killer trope.

I loved this book, it is full of twists, turns and secrecy. I enjoyed the psychology aspect and trying to understand the mindset of the characters. This is told through the eyes of the psychiatrist and it made for refreshing reading to read a thriller in this way. It also meant we got different ideas about the mindset of the suspects plus there was the added doubt of who the psychiatrist was talking about, it made for intense reading.
This is extremely dark in places but also exhilarating and very exciting. I loved my time reading this.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advance copy.

An intense exploration into the human mind, 'In the Patient's Secrets' builds suspense as Sharon, a prominent psychiatrist, conducts interviews with Kevin, a serial killer linked to 28 deaths.

The novel delves into the complexities of their interactions, leaving readers questioning Kevin's true nature. With a continuous stream of new revelations, the story keeps readers captivated, particularly as Kevin's character unfolds. Just when you think you have it figured out, the unexpected twists keep you guessing. Additionally, the mention of dissociative identity disorder and the rarity of serial killers add depth to the narrative, prompting further reflection on the complexities of mental health and criminal behavior.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance reading copy."

this book gripped me from the very first chapter and oh boy, what an emotional roller-coaster
I will definitely be looking for more from this author.

Oh this was a fun ride! I am always down for anything medical and thriller. I enjoyed this read. It was fast and had all the thriller vibes I enjoy

This was such a great book!! I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. I thought I had it all figured out and of course I didn't!! I would definitely recommend this book to all my family and friends.

This was a gripping story from start to finish. Quite a different read to what I’m used to so I couldn’t put it down as I just wanted to know what would happen! I was really invested in the characters wellbeing’s and that clicked with me as I’m an emotional reader. Definitely check this author out!

28 women has been killed by a monster, 28 daughters, sisters, nieces, Kevin Blackford did it and Dr Stevenson is the psychiatrist that should prove it, she needs to stablish that he is not crazy and doesn´t belong to a mental asylum.

The problem is that after meeting him she is not so sure now, is he really guilty or does he has in fact a mental problem? He says he doesn´t remember anything, but is it really that way or she is just victim of his manipulative self? will she become crazy and lose everything trying to prove hi is another victim? after 28 dead bodies kevin is very close to the death penalty and in everybody´s eyes he is already guilty even if the trial hasn´t started. will anyone believe her?

I had a very good time with this one, the first chapter is from the Killer´s POV and I was hooked from the start, I liked the end as well, very clever and I didn´t see it coming

My only BUT is that in the middle I almost lost interest, it was very slow and didn´t have enough moments where I really wanted to continue. I had to force myself a little bit and I´m glad I did.

Get ready to dive into the mind-bending world of "The Patient's Secret" by SA Falk, a book that's part psychological thriller, part heart-wrenching drama, and 100% unputdownable. This isn’t just a story; it’s a psychological rollercoaster that will have you questioning everything!

Meet Sharon Stevenson, a forensic psychiatrist with a knack for unraveling the minds of her patients. Her job? To figure out if someone's mentally fit to stand trial, not play detective about their guilt or innocence. But here's the catch: Sharon is not just any psychiatrist; she's a mother haunted by the disappearance of her daughter, Maddie.

Now, imagine Sharon's world turning upside down when a man charged with multiple murders might hold the key to Maddie's fate. Falk masterfully intertwines Sharon's professional acumen with her personal agony, creating a character that's as relatable as she is intriguing. The tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife, or in this case, a therapist's pen!

What makes "The Patient's Secret" a standout is Falk's ability to weave a complex narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The book is like a puzzle where each piece is a revelation, leading you through a maze of emotions and theories. You'll find yourself playing detective alongside Sharon, sifting through clues and second-guessing every character's motive.

I won't spoil it, suffice to say this book is worth 5 stars!

I think I found my new favourite author. This book grips you from the very first page, I found it very hard to put down once I had started it.

Wow! Absolutely blown away. What a thrilling ride with forensic psychiatrist Sharon Stevenson and Blue River Strangler Kevin Blackford. What a shocking twist! A must-read!

Thank you so much Storm Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Excellent read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish, It kept me wanting *just one more chapter*

This is a really well done thriller! The suspense is built up well and the story has some chilling moments. I really enjoyed this and would recommend it! Special Thank You to S.A. Falk, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

This author sure knows how to give punches in the plot. I loved the character building but especially the suspense and raw emotion with the characters. It leaves you guessing right till the end on how did all the murders. There are not many books out there on DID so it was great to see that this was a primary focus. Highly recommend.