The Steadfast Beacon: Reflections on J.M. Dalgliesh, The Family Doctor J.M. Dalgliesh, the family doctor. The very words evoke a sense of familiarity, trust, and unwavering support. More than just a purveyor of medical diagnoses and prescriptions, the family doctor, like Dalgliesh, represents a cornerstone of community health and well-being. They are the first port of call in times of illness, a confidante in moments of vulnerability, and a constant presence throughout the ever-changing tapestry of family life. Dalgliesh, in embodying the role, likely understood the deep connection between physical health and emotional well-being. The family doctor isn't just treating symptoms; they're treating people. They witness the progression of lives, from the joyous arrival of newborns to the inevitable challenges of aging. This intimate knowledge allows them to offer personalized care that goes beyond the textbook definitions of disease. They understand the anxieties that contribute to physical ailments, the stresses that exacerbate existing conditions, and the unique needs of each individual within the context of their family and community. The impact of a dedicated family doctor like Dalgliesh resonates far beyond the confines of the consulting room. They are preventative caregivers, educating families on healthy lifestyle choices and promoting early detection of potential problems. They are advocates for their patients, navigating the often complex and impersonal healthcare system. They are a calming presence during times of crisis, offering reassurance and guidance when families are feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. In a world increasingly dominated by specialized medicine and impersonal technology, the enduring value of the family doctor remains undeniable. J.M. Dalgliesh, like all those who dedicate themselves to this vital role, serves as a steadfast beacon, guiding families through the sometimes turbulent waters of health and illness, and reminding us that genuine care and compassionate understanding are the cornerstones of true healing. Their contribution to the health and well-being of the community is immeasurable and a testament to the profound impact of a dedicated, caring, family doctor.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC

Another twisty thriller from J M Dalgliesh. I really fell for the isolated Scottish setting. It felt dark and gloomy, perfect for a thriller. All the characters, including our MC, were unreliable and dodgy which made it so much more suspenseful. It was full of the twists and turns which caught me off guard

I really loved this book. It completely kept me gripped and I was so invested in the doctor, their family and ultimately her daughter's safety. I was so keen to find out how she dealt with the situation and I loved learning about the doctor's moral compass. I felt like I really got a passport into her mindset. Although something like this is hopefully very unlikely to happen as it's quite farfetched and unrealistic, somehow it felt very real and that is testament to Dalgliesh's talent as a writer.

This book asks important questions about family, work ethic, morality and whether it is ever OK to kill someone. How far do you have to be pushed before you'll break?

An outstanding and memorable read.

It was an easy enough read, but i struggled at times with it being a bit slow and somewhat predictable.

This book started off great, and I love the premise, but it became slow moving to me. It got good in the end and I didn’t guess the reveal.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The author did an excellent job with both the characters and the story line. This was a fast paced thriller that kept me on the edge of my set. I was hooked early one, and I couldn't put it down. It was filled with twist and turns that I never saw coming. I really can't wait to read more from this author. I highly recommend this novel to other thriller readers.

Thank you Net Galley, Bookouture, and JM Dalgliesh

Well this was unexpected. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this one but it was a pleasant surprise and truly edge of your seat thriller!

A remote Scottish island where Kelly is the only doctor. Faced with kill a pairent within a certain time or I'll kill your daughter.. A binge fest of tention and action. I loved the way Kelly's history and reading for being there was dripped throughout the story. Full of red herrings as Kelly desperately tries to find out who has her daughter. Realistic but graphical action perfect for a film. The final reveal perfect and a possible sequel I hope.. everything made sense and this could have been reality. Thanks so much netgallery, publisher and author for this highly recommended 5 star binge feast.

“Family Doctor” by J.M. Dalgliesh is a gripping psychological thriller set on the remote Scottish island of Jura. Dr. Kelly Howlett faces an unthinkable ultimatum: kill a patient within three days or lose her daughter. The novel is packed with suspense, unexpected twists, and a haunting atmosphere. Fast-paced and emotionally charged, it keeps readers on edge until the shocking conclusion. A must-read for thriller fans.

Full review to come on Goodreads and Amazon. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a review copy.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this compelling eARC.

J.M. Dalgliesh's "Family Doctor*" is a riveting and intense psychological thriller.

This novel introduces us to Dr. Kelly, a respected family doctor on a Scottish island who accepts a "too good to be true" job opportunity .

Her life begins to unravel when she receives a mysterious offer that threatens her professional and her family's very existence.

From the very first page, Dalgliesh hooks readers with a chilling and suspenseful narrative that is hard to put down. The plot is expertly crafted, with each chapter revealing new layers of deceit, paranoia, and danger. As Dr. Kelly navigates a web of lies and secrets, she finds herself questioning the motives and trustworthiness of those closest to her.

Dr. Kelly is a flawed protagonist whose struggles and vulnerabilities make her relatable and compelling. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, adding depth and dimension to the story as the tension builds.

Dalgliesh's writing is crisp and evocative, capturing the creeping dread and mounting suspense that permeates this novel. The pacing is relentless, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The novel's exploration of themes such as trust, betrayal, and the fragility of the human psyche adds a thought-provoking layer to the gripping plot.

"Family Doctor" is a breathtaking psychological thriller that will leave readers eager for more!

J.M. Dalgliesh's talent for storytelling and his ability to craft a compelling and suspenseful narrative make this novel a must-read for fans of the genre.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with intricate plots, well-developed characters, and a relentless sense of suspense. "Family Doctor" is a gripping and unforgettable read that will keep you captivated from start to finish.

This was my first book from J M Dalgliesh and I can't wait to read more! This was such a twisty book that it was hard to put down!

This was a fast-paced read, but I found it to be predictable and I didn't really relate to the main character. The story centers on a small-town doctor named Kelly, who gets a call that someone has kidnapped her daughter Lauren and that she must kill a patient in order for to save her life. Some chapters are flashbacks to another unfortunate incident while most chapters focus on the current timeline.

It was a great start but Kelly started doing things that didn't make a whole lot of sense to me, which made it hard for me to warm to her. She certainly didn't ask the questions I would have asked in her situation to try to find out more about what was expected of her. I felt like the story was pretty predictable, almost like the characters were just telling the reader what was happening rather than allowing the reader to figure out things on their own. When the villain was revealed, there were still some unanswered questions for me around both the timing of of some of the incidents and their overall motivation.

Overall, I think this was a decent read but it didn't totally do it for me. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A big thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The storyline was ok, a standard psychologic thriller, a bit predictable, and a quick read. I've not read anything by JM Dalgliesh and was offered the chance to read it by the publisher, which i was excited to do.

The Doctor in a remote Scottish island's daughter goes missing and the Doctor is told she has to murder one of her patients in order to get her daughter back is the gist of the book.

Would I read more by this author? Yes I think I'd try another review copy

2.5 stars rounded up to 3

The premise for this book was promising and while the first half was a bit long winded for my liking the second half picked up the pace and the ending was awesome. I really don’t relate to or enjoy the main character which made this a bit harder to immerse myself in. It was still a pretty solid read. The story line flowed even with the past and present.

This one sounded right up my street but I found it a slow burn that really only got going for the last 1/4 of the listen. The storyline was a little out there for the setting. I didn’t really find it believable when it came to the main characters actions. I found the main character and the narrator irritating and both together didn’t really change my mind. This one just wasn’t my cup of tea.

2.5/5 🌟🌟/🌟

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to read and review #FamilyDoctor

Huge thank you to Bookouture for the ARC!

I thought this one was easy enough to read/ listen to, but I was as captivated as I was by J's previous work, HOMEWRECKER!

I still think it was fun and a lot of people will enjoy it!

I can't wait for whatever J M Dalgiesh puts out next!

It's out now!

After splitting from her husband & an unfortunate event when living in Edinburgh, Kelly & daughter Lauren move to the Island of Jura in the Inner Hebrides. Being the only doctor on the island means that Kelly gets to know her patients well & although Kelly dreads Lauren moving to Uni, she is happy for her too. One morning Lauren went off on the early ferry to drive to St Andrews university. When Kelly sees Lauren's name on the phone she expects an update on the journey. Instead she hears a voice tell her she has three days, she has three rules, she is not allowed to tell anyone she must kill one of her patients and she must not get caught or Lauren dies. Kelly swore to do no harm. She helps not kills- but this is Lauren.. As the story unfurls it transpires that this is for revenge. The kidnapper believes Kelly let someone die, now it is her turn.

I enjoyed the setting of this book. I didn't really warm to Kelly so this made it a bit of a tricky read since I wasn't rooting for her as much as I might have, especially as I hadn't really got to know Lauren. I did guess who was behind it- a real plus for me since I'm usually wrong! This one was worth the read. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

First time reading this author. Bit of a slow start but got going a third of the way through. Faced with a dilemma, Kelly has to decide how far she will go to get her daughter back- but someone else is dictating her next move. The past has come back for revenge but who is manipulating the future. Good solid story, will look for more by this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ebook ARC

This book had me hooked from the very beginning! So much suspense to keep me interested. First time book with this author and won’t be my last!