Thanks to the author M.Q. Webb and the publisher -TBR for providing ARC in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley

3.5/5 stars

Before I begin to talk about my views on this book, let me bring this to your notice that I hardly read mystery and thrillers. I don’t have any dislike in particular for books from this genre. However, as I’d decided to come out of my shell and, give chance to other types of books this year. This is done solely to intensify my outlook in terms of reading, not to mention the positive impact it would bring in diversifying my reading approach. That being said, I’m still dropping my foot into the mystery & thriller pool, finding what works for me and what doesn’t. Books like How to Spot a Psychopath By M.Q. Webb, are my cup of tea.

How to Spot a Psychopath is the first book in Oscar de la Nuit's psychological thriller series, it’s also M.Q. Webb's debut work. The story starts with Jessica Green, a reporter, aka Jess, who has been accused of killing Mia Edwards, a four-year-old girl who went missing from Jess’ house while playing hide and seek with Zoe, Jess’ daughter. Mia and Zoe happen to go to the same kindergarten. After Clay leaves out the statement that Jess tried to kill him by hitting him with a meat tenderizer, everyone is believing that Jess is a psycho who has killed the little child. But they have no proof to support that. Oscar, on the other hand, a forensic psychiatrist at Whitner Psychiatric Hospital has been assigned with Jessica’s case. Can he help in finding out the truth behind this mystery? Read it, to find out yourself.

The character development was beautifully done in the story. The side characters were also great. I, happen to like Oscar’s character the most. He is kind and endearing. In the story, Oscar is seen sympathizing with Jess, he found her situation relatable and is adamant about helping Jess even though she doesn’t want it. I want to say more. Alas, if I do so I’d be giving out spoilers(I’m sure, you don’t want that). People like these are the ones who are selfless and would go to any extent when it comes to helping a person in need of help. So pure at heart! Would you do something for someone who makes no difference to your personal life and, not caring about all the harsh consequences which may befall you on doing so? Would you risk your career to help a person who isn’t even allowing you to do so? As we move along with the story, we get to understand some beautiful aspects of life that the author brings to its readers. I made a note of some of those in my diary. For instance, have a look at this one,

‘The past was a good indicator of the future. People focused on tragedy once it happened, but sometimes the weeks and months before explained why it happened. If you were lucky, that’s where the answers were.’

The story is told in a third-person narrative. And, I like the way the story kept turning in between THEN and NOW timeframes, even though keeping the narratives crystal clear in front. As a reader, I adore the author for doing so because, most authors quite mess up while doing so and, the readers are left confused as to what is happening within the story. That, unfortunately, sometimes leads them to DNFing it.

The characterizations were clear and profound, quite well written. I, as a reader, found the writing style to be simple and easy. The story was not descriptive but, was written in dialogues, which made it an entertaining read. To be honest, I do not like reading stories that are flooded with descriptive writing. No offense but, it kind of makes it a boring read for me. The author was successfully able to deliver an engaging reading experience. For me, there wasn’t a single page where I was in the mood of dozing off, even though I kept reading it while I was on my bed after a tiring day. It was un put downable. It was full of tension. Every turned page brought with it so many questions, compelling me to read on and on. However, the only complaint I’ve with the story is its ending. The ending of the story was a little bit disappointing for me because almost, the entirety of the book was focused on the – Jess killed Mia? Where is Mia? and Who killed Mia? part.

Overall, though, despite a few minor issues I’d a good time reading the story which serves well as far as psychological thrillers are concerned. After reading the prologue to its book two, I’ve no idea where the story will be headed from here. But, I’m excited to find out eventually. I hope I don’t have to wait longer for the next book. It is an incredibly exciting debut for all the mystery & psychological thriller lovers out there. Seeing the way character establishment has been in this book, I forsee the series will only improve from here.

The quote mentioned in this review was taken from an ARC which is subject to change upon publication

Release Date : 20 Apr 2022

Review Posted : 07 Jan 2022

I really liked this book. It is well-written and has interesting characters. The title and cover definitely draw you in.

I felt like I missed something when I read this though. I expected to find out that someone very surprising was a psychopath, but nope. The theme ends up being more of a "what would you do to protect a loved one?". The ending was a bit of a disappointment and logistically didn't make much sense to me. Again, I feel like I missed something. How was what happened organized so quickly?

Overall, an interesting and fast-paced read and worth picking up.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

I was really excited to read this book- just because of the title. I love true crime/mystery, especially when it’s based on the psychology aspects of it. So of course I clicked “read now” and got right into it. It did take some time for me to really get into the book- it picked up in the middle. I couldn’t wait to get off work and sit down and read it.

The plot twists kept me guessing- every time I thought I had it figured out, I was wrong. I kept trying to put the pieces together and solve the mystery of what happened to Mia Edwards. There were a few times I was confused on who was speaking but I went back and figured it out.

I’m excited for the next book and to see what Oscar has in store!

This was a fast-paced read. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop turning the pages, I had to find out what happened!
This book has two main perspectives, Jess who is in a facility after Mia goes missing on a play date at her house, and Oscar, her psychiatrist.
From the beginning, you’re guessing what happened to Mia, and who’s responsible.
Jess thinks Mia’s mother Holly might be a psychopath, but pretty soon Jess starts questioning herself. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear why Jess won’t talk about Mia’s disappearance, and whether she’s responsible for it or not.
I did not expect the ending, and I can usually guess them so it was a nice surprise.
I'd recommend this for fans of psychological thrillers with a psychological drama element.

First things first, any book with 'psychopath' in the title or description has me hooked immediately.

How to Spot a Psychopath was an average read. There were some things that worked for me: the overall plot and the writing. I was flying through the pages at first but as
the novel progressed, I felt myself skimming through paragraphs and even because of the sheer repetitive nature of the characters. The ending also went in a direction I did not expect which isn't necessarily a good
thing is this case.

How to Spot a Psychopath. I read the title, saw the cover and was intrigued. By the end of the first page I was emotionally invested.

Reading this felt like a script for a modern psychological thriller or drama TV series. I had to remind myself to actually take breaks, a couple more pages kept turning into a few more chapters. Everyone felt real with a beautifully messy backstory. The dialog between Holly, Nikki, and Jess felt so natural, each fighting their insecurities with backhanded compliments galore. The tension between Oscar and Jess had me wondering if I could spot one.
 
How to Spot a Psychopath follows a dual timeline of before Mia's disappearance (then) and the fallout after (now). The before scenes remind me of Big Little Lies, digging beneath the normal to the tensions that break us. The now is set in Whitner Psychiatric Hospital with Psychiatrist Oscar hiding from his past and seeking redemption through Jess. The before made me really think, how easily the life we know can fall apart, and what we would do to get it back. Now, really ratchets up the psychological thriller side. I found the timelines flowed easily into each other with characters' actions feeling natural. I think I switched my prediction nearly every chapter until the end and was still pleasantly surprised.

Definitely recommend for anyone interested in psychological thrillers or excellent character driven dramas. So many twists, such deep sadness, and moments of pure joy, really cathartic. Well done.

Jessica Green is accused of knowing what happened to four year Mia Edwards, but she’s refusing to talk. Mia disappeared while on a play-date with Zoe, Jessica’s daughter at her house. Why isn’t she talking?

Dr. Oscar de la Nuit begins treating Jessica. He identifies with her and is confident that he can help her. He is navigating through his own issues as he tries to put the pieces together of what happened to Mia.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked the premise and the way it was written but I feel like it dragged on for so long. The storyline with Holly was strange and it was literally 70 something chapters of “Did you kill Mia?”, “What happened to Mia?” and Jessica saying “I can’t tell you”. By the end of the book it almost doesn’t matter what happened to Mia. As you turn the page and Mia’s fate is revealed it is simply disappointing.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc.

Let's be honest first attracted to this book because of the title and couldn't wait to read it. It had me hooked right away.

Jessica Green is a suburban journalist who suffers from anxiety over her daughter Zoe going to school. On the first day of school she meets Holly who instantly overshares about her life moving here to get away from abusive husband who she feared would hurt her daughter Mia. This instantly makes Jessica uncomfortable. Holly manages to worm her way in to going to morning coffee with Nicki(Jess's sister) Meg and Jess. Nicki instantly likes Holly and welcomes her to group.

Holly keeps telling each person a different story and Jessica wonders what is the truth and what is a lie. She can't talk to her sister about it because all she does is sing Holly's praises and they keep hanging out more and more.

Holly shows up one day to school with black eye and fat lip saying that Ray attacked her but she refuses to go to the police or make a report. Then one day Jessica spots Holly talking to Ray and hides to witness an envelope being exchanged. She comes out and then asks if he is Ray? They go to coffee and she listens to Ray's side of the story about how he didn't know he had a daughter. He hasn't been allowed to see her and how he longs to see her and is worried Holly will hurt her. Ray says Holly is a psychopath. Jess is beginning to believe Holly is a psychopath too.

Jessica is worried that Holly knows that she is talking to Ray and is worried about what she will do. Carl-Jess's husband get attacked in their home and ends up in the hospital. He tells police Jess did it but then later changes his mind but the seed has already been planted. Next day at school everyone is talking about Jess.

Later a play date with the kids is going on at Jess's house but Mia disappears during a game of hide and seek. Jess is arrested. Did Jess kill Mia? No one can find the body and Jess is refusing to talk. Jess wonders if this was all part of Holly's plan to frame her? Oscar becomes Jess's psychiatrist and believes he can help her. Will he or will he loose his job in the process? Did she kill Mia or know where she is?

The ending wasn't what I was expecting but great read.

Thank you NetGalley for my ARC of this book.