I enjoyed this one, though it took me a little time to fully get into it. The connection to heavy metal through one of the patients was a standout element—well-integrated and really effective. However, I was a bit disappointed that this character seemed to disappear in the last quarter of the book.

The twist was solid and definitely appreciated. Overall, it was an engaging read, and I’d be interested in checking out more from this author.

The Therapist by S.A. Falk is a thriller about a therapist and a serial killer.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Storm Publishing, and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Dr. Stephanie Fletcher just lost her mentor, her best friend, her only true family, so she is struggling to contain her grief.  But since the woman wasn't really family, she must return to work.

Stephanie is a psychiatrist and criminologist for the California Department of Corrections. She is the  lead psychiatrist at Pantano State Hospital, the state-run forensic psychiatric facility.  She sees those that have committed horrendous crimes, but deemed to be insane. 

There is a new patient today.  Trent Davis was a popular (if somewhat controversial) heavy metal musician and star,  before kidnapping, torturing and killing six people.  He is now popularly known as The Vampire of Bakersfield.

When another victim is found, Detective Navarro approaches Stephanie for assistance.  They are sure this is a copy-cat killer, and start working together.  Although Stephanie is getting in over her head, she doesn't stop.

 
My Opinions:
This was quite good.   A rather dark and creepy read.

The characters kept me guessing who the copy-cat killer was, and who they would target next.  I  really liked Navarro, but found Stephanie a little arrogant, a bit of a know-it-all.  I think the plot allowing her to involve Trent in seeing evidence of the investigation was a little too "out-there".  Can't see her boss allowing that either, or make some other decisions.  I know it's fiction, but are you seriously going to allow a psychiatric patient that is accused of cannibalism, to see bloody organs?  Anyway, other than that, I think the plot was really good.

I had guessed  (and dismissed) the identity of the killer,  so that twist still ended up being good.

So, for all my nay-saying, I still enjoyed the story.  A prison, a psychiatrist, a serial killer.  The combination works well.  The writing was good, fairly fast-paced, and kept me interested.  So, as much as I had some "niggles",  I still recommend it.


For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

This is a book that I felt was not for me. It was a bit odd and I didn't really enjoy the strange, gory and weird feel it had. I can't really say too much about it as I really couldn't finish reading it.

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

This was an absolute wild disturbing ride. i loved it!! great psychological thriller with twists and turns i could never have predicted. Is Trent behind all the murders happening at the mental facility or is there a copy cat running around? enjoyed this one from start to finish.

I can't believe I forgot to review The Therapist by S.A.. Falk early on after reading my advanced copy. I loved this book! I think I was so excited about it and couldn't wait to tell others about it, I neglected to review here on NetGalley. This book is such a twisty psychological thriller that while your reading, you'll have to ask yourself what in the heck is going on here.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

I devoured this book in one setting. If you like thrillers that leave you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend.

The Therapist by S. A. Falk is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge from start to finish. The story follows a psychiatrist and criminologist who takes on a new patient with a dark past. It has a suspenseful pacing and it's perfect for fans of psychological suspense. The twists and turns made the reading perfect.

The Therapist by S. A. Falk is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on edge from start to finish. The story follows a psychiatrist and criminologist who, despite her own grief, takes on a new patient, Trent Davis—whose charming exterior hides a dark past. As their sessions unfold, a mysterious package arrives, and the line between professional and personal becomes dangerously blurred. Falk expertly weaves tension, mystery, and emotional depth, leaving readers questioning trust, morality, and the secrets we all keep. With its twists and suspenseful pacing, this is a compelling read for fans of psychological suspense.

This book was a twisty ride...leaving me saying WHAT

Okay this book took some turns I wasn't expecting, and I am left feeling unsure how to even feel about this book. I was not a fan of the "satanic" underlayers but I also thought the book should have went a different way and I was left wanting more.

I thought this one started out a little slow, but it was very engaging once I got into it and I couldn't put it down! I thought I had figured out the copycat but ended up being wrong, so o really enjoyed all the twists and that this wasn't just another predictable thriller book. The ending felt a little rushed so I wished there was more there, but overall still a great read!

Thank you so much @StormBooks_Co for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review (Release Date | 25 April 2024)

SYNOPSIS | Stephanie is a psychotherapist who treats the criminally insane and she is mourning the death of her mentor when she comes across a new inmate (Trent) who has been sentenced at the prison she works in. He is a well known musician and serial killer yet when a copycat starts committing the same kinds of crimes, Stephanie is determined to find out who is imitating him.

WHAT I LIKED:
- short chapters with switched POVs
- relatively fast paced

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
- Stephanie is supposed to be a seasoned therapist yet I found her thought processes, attitude and actions insufferable
- I saw the twist coming from a mile away
- gory for the sake of being gory (trigger for canabilism)
- super abrupt ending

"The Therapist" by S.A. Falk is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the intricate dynamics between a psychiatrist and her enigmatic patient.

Falk's writing is both compelling and evocative, effectively capturing the tension and unpredictability inherent in the therapist-patient relationship. The plot is fast-paced and engaging, certain aspects, especially towards the conclusion, felt rushed or predictable.

"The Therapist" is a dark and immersive read that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers, particularly those who appreciate intricate character studies and moral complexities. The novel offers a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged until the very end.

Thank you so much @stormbooks_co and @netgalley for the copy of this eARC!

Dr. Stephanie Fletcher, a leading psychiatrist at a prison psychiatric facility, is tasked with evaluating Trent Davis, a notorious serial killer and infamous member of a gothic band. Driven by the desire to understand his psyche and the motivations behind his heinous crimes, Dr. Fletcher delves into Trent’s past, his lyrics, and his mind—only to find herself confronted by her own unresolved trauma. As a copycat killer emerges, Dr. Fletcher teams up with the police to uncover the identity of the person behind these horrific murders. The truth is truly shocking.


This book is far from your typical psychopath thriller. It’s a dark, chilling, and gripping story that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down—it’s that captivating. The writing is superb, with plenty of suspenseful moments that will leave you second-guessing everything.


The ending is a jaw-dropping twist that I definitely did not see coming. I must also warn that this book tackles some very heavy and disturbing themes, including abuse, suicide, murder, drugs, religion, and sacrifices. It's a tough read, but one that will stay with you. Add this one to your TBR—it's perfect for a spooky Halloween read, guaranteed to leave you creeped out and questioning everything

A heart-stopping thriller with dark secrets, twisted motives, and unexpected betrayals. The author masterfully builds suspense until the unforgettable final twist. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

S.A. Falk’s The Therapist is a gripping psychological thriller explores Dr. Stephanie Fletcher, a prison psychiatrist tasked with evaluating Trent Davis—a rockstar accused of horrifying crimes. As Trent claims he’s driven by a demonic force, the stakes escalate with the emergence of a copycat killer, leaving Dr. Fletcher caught in a web of chilling uncertainty.

Falk masterfully blends psychological tension with an unsettling atmosphere, crafting a story that keeps readers guessing. Dr. Fletcher’s internal struggles and her interactions with Trent are particularly compelling, exploring themes of trauma, mental illness, and the fragility of the human mind.

While the plot is packed with twists, a few moments pushed the bounds of believability, and I found myself wishing for deeper development in some of the character dynamics. Even so, the story delivers an impactful, thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the final page.

Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers and suspenseful tales with a hint of the supernatural.

Leo and Alice move into a house together in a gated community. Not that long after they move into the home does Alice learn that the prior owner not only died, but was murdered in their new home. Th previous owner was a therapist and the neighbors in the “Circle” seem to be hiding something about her death. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I thought I had it figured out but I was wrong! This was great book by S.A. Falk! Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this book for my opinion!

Really enjoyed this book. Anything that involves psychology, serial killers, and/or murder mystery is always going to immediately call my attention.
The book was well read, paced properly, and kept me guessing.

It was good. I think a bit on the lines of Freida McFadden. It wasn't the most appealing but a good read non the less.

The Therapist by S.A. Falk is a gripping psychological thriller that could easily be adapted into an intense episode of Criminal Minds. From the very first beginning the suspense pulls you in, and I didn't want to stop reading.

The story follows Dr. Fletcher, a forensic psychiatrist who returns to work at a state-run forensic psychiatric hospital after a leave of absence. She is immediately assigned to a new patient, Trent Davis, a man convicted of murdering six women. Trent is cold, calculating, and manipulative, making him both a fascinating and terrifying subject. Dr. Fletcher's attempts to understand his psyche and build a therapeutic relationship with him. She is perplexed by Trent's twisted mind and blurs the lines some.

Just as Dr. Fletcher begins to make progress, a new copycat murder occurs. Is Trent somehow involved from behind bars, or is there a new predator on the loose? As Dr. Fletcher works with the police to unravel the mystery the plot takes unexpected turns that will make you second guess yourself.

Without giving too much away, I have to say that the ending left me absolutely speechless.

It's so hard to review this book because I don't want to give anything away! I will say that it is worth your time. I loved it!