I was do excited to read this and once I delved in I was immediately hooked-- the writing was superb, characterization excellent, and the plot so intriguing--but unfortunately, the end of each page and the beginning of it didn't line up. It either jumped ahead, past stuff I had not read, or leaped backward to stuff I'd just read. I tried to push through this and continue but it became too confusing and disruptive. Very disappointed.

Dr. Sharon Stevenson, well regarded forensic psychiatrist, is asked by the prosecution to determine whether Kevin Blackford, known as the Blue River Strangler, is competent and culpable to stand trial for the murders of twenty seven women. After her first meeting with Kevin, Sharon is too undecided to make a definitive diagnosis, and requests more time. Unable to believe what she is seeing and hearing, Sharon asks for a second opinion from her long time friend, Dr. Georg Edmund, and their assessments continue.

This is very different, written from an alternative POV, with the serial killer already in custody awaiting trial.

A compelling, page turner of a book, well written, interesting characters and great subject matter. Yes, unbelievable at times, but always an element of maybe! With a twist which I didn’t see coming, always a bonus.

One to recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm.

Dr. Sharon Stevenson is charged with assessing the competence of the notorious serial killer known as the Blue River Strangler. As soon as she begins her work, Dr. Stevenson realizes that something strange is going on and begins a search for the truth that takes her to the point of gambling her credibility.
The first part of the novel takes us through the whole process of uncovering Kevin, his traumas and the killer. The search is intense and at times it all seems to be the result of an obsession given the Doctor's past.
Although it is not a typical thriller, I found it very interesting and it has kept me hooked to its pages with some surprises and characters with whom you empathize and others with whom not so much.
All in all a novel to devour if you like psychological thrillers.

The Patient’s Secret:
Sharon Stevenson, a forensic psychiatrist & mother of a missing daughter, is relentless to discover the truth from the serial killer she thinks has all of the answers. Very captivating read!!

This book kept me up late to see how it would end. There are some good twists in this book. This is a fast paced read sure to engage psychological thriller fans. Thank you to Storm Publishing and S.A. Falk for allowing me to read this ARC.

This talented author has written a page turner. Realistic characters keep the story moving quickly. Secrets and red herrings…mystery and intrigue…a missing child…where is she? A suspicious man…try to discern the ending…thanks Netgalley.