Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
With all the hype around this book, I went in expecting a twisty psychological thriller that would knock me sideways. The concept is undeniably intriguing, a famous painter shoots her husband and never speaks again, and a psychotherapist becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth. It’s the kind of premise that practically begs to be binge-read.

✅ What I Liked:
The initial setup is genuinely compelling. Alicia Berenson is a fascinating figure, and her silence creates a palpable tension throughout. The snippets from her diary add an extra layer of mystery, and Michaelides does a great job of keeping you turning the pages. The final twist is unexpected and clever, definitely a jaw-dropper for many readers.

I also appreciated the sleek, cinematic quality of the writing. It feels very much like reading a screenplay, which makes sense given the author’s background.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
While the twist is good, the rest of the book didn’t quite live up to it. The characters felt flat, especially Theo, whose narration lacked depth and emotional resonance. Much of the middle dragged, with repetitive therapy scenes that didn’t seem to move the plot forward.

Additionally, the twist, while clever, relied heavily on a reveal that felt a little forced and dependent on withholding too much from the reader. It made me question how reliable the structure had been all along, in a way that felt more like a trick than a payoff.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you’re a fan of fast-paced thrillers with an unreliable narrator and a big twist, The Silent Patient will scratch that itch. It’s a quick, entertaining read that’s easy to devour in one or two sittings, especially if you’re in the mood for something cinematic and dramatic.

💭 Final Thoughts:
The Silent Patient is a decent thriller with a killer hook and a memorable twist, but it doesn’t quite live up to its full potential. While I see why it has such broad appeal, I found myself wanting more complexity and psychological depth from both the characters and the plot.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE

Final Rating ★★★ – A gripping premise that doesn’t quite deliver on its promise