It’s been a while since I’ve read a psychological thriller and The Therapist did not disappoint. Normally I’m great at guessing the “twist” but I was not prepared for the plot twist she laid out at the end. I also could appreciate the mental health aspect so much as someone who works in the field. Definitely a must try read if you like guessing and still being left unsure lol.

WOW!! that’s really all I can say! This book is not the same ole stories you’ve already heard done over and over again! It’s definitely different and that made it interesting and hard to put down. But the twist at the end!! It will blow your mind!! Wow!! Did NOT see that coming! Highly recommend!

So good! What a brilliantly executed twist 🤯🤯🤯
I loved how dark this was. The only thing that kept it from being 5 stars was the satanic stuff, the God curses, and it lost a little steam towards the end. But otherwise, it was very enjoyable. If you love Lucinda Berry's books, check this one out. It has very similar themes, but Falk incorporates more gore. I can't wait to read more by this author!

This book was twisty and thrilling and I thought I knew what was happening, but the twist actually shocked me! The mental health/therapist part of this book really fascinated me and I always enjoy books like this!

While I really did enjoy the characters, I guessed the "twist." I really enjoyed the back story of the prisoner and the scenes with him in it. The book itself was ok. I did not have that jaw dropping moment everyone hopes for.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for a gifted copy in exchange for a honest review.

"The Therapist" is a gripping psychological thriller that dives deep into the macabre and gory elements that fans of the genre often crave. From the start, the atmosphere is charged with suspense, and the author skillfully creates an unsettling tension that lingers throughout the narrative.

One of the standout aspects is the richly developed characters, particularly the protagonist whose journey through a labyrinth of betrayal and deception keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The author does an excellent job of exploring the complexities of the human psyche, making the story not only thrilling but also thought-provoking.

However, I found the pacing to be inconsistent, with the buildup feeling drawn out at times. While I appreciate a slow burn, there were moments when the narrative seemed to drag, which made the eventual twist feel less impactful than it could have been. That said, I never saw the twist coming until the very end, which is always a pleasant surprise in a thriller.

Overall, "The Therapist" offers a unique blend of psychological tension and horror that will appeal to fans of the genre, even if the execution of the twist leaves something to be desired. If you enjoy a deep dive into the darker aspects of the mind, this book is worth the read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, Storm Publishing and the author, SA Falk for this ARC. The book was published on April 25, 2024 and can be purchased at your local bookseller.

This one was dark and twisted. I definitely like these types of psychological thrillers. There were a good amount of twists that kept me reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this copy.

This story had an interesting plot that kept me interested from the get go. I enjoyed the twists and turns and it was well written.

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.