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The Psychiatrist
TWO FAMILIES. ONE LIE. NO FORGIVENESS.
In the leafy suburbs, status is paramount and reputation is everything...
Recently qualified psychiatrist Dr Geddes is building her career at a prestigious practice when an unexpected encounter with a young male patient threatens to expose her darkest secret.
Lorna Chilcott is delighted to befriend the glamorous Elise, wife of the ex-boyband star she had a crush on as a teenager. But when her daughter goes missing after leaving Elise's house, friendship turns to discord and accusations fly.
A single lie connects these two traumatic events - and its impact will be deadly...
In the leafy suburbs, status is paramount and reputation is everything...
Recently qualified psychiatrist Dr Geddes is building her career at a prestigious practice when an unexpected encounter with a young male patient threatens to expose her darkest secret.
Lorna Chilcott is delighted to befriend the glamorous Elise, wife of the ex-boyband star she had a crush on as a teenager. But when her daughter goes missing after leaving Elise's house, friendship turns to discord and accusations fly.
A single lie connects these two traumatic events - and its impact will be deadly...
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2025
169 people are currently reading
773 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 31, 2025
3.5 rounded up
In a leafy and prestigious West London suburb, status and an exemplary reputation are everything. Psychiatrist Dr Geddes is relatively new to the profession and one of her patients is especially troubling. He’s bipolar, vulnerable yet combative and he asks very unsettling questions that are very close to crossing lines. She’s itching to be rid of him as a patient as she senses danger. Unfortunately, their final session as doctor/patient is not the last she sees of him, her instincts about him prove correct. The encounter threatens not only the security of the new life she’s created for herself but also threatens to expose secrets and lies she has hoped are dead and buried.
Lorna Chicott is thrilled when Elise, wife of former popstar Dexter Coleridge befriends her, especially as a teenager she has a huge crush on Dexter. When Lorna’s daughter Amy goes missing from the Coleridge’s home, carefully constructed worlds start to tumble like a house of cards. How do the secrets and lies of these families connect?
The story is told from several points of view which I do enjoy although I find the psychiatrist/patient storyline is the most tense, suspenseful and is downright intriguing. Within the others there are some lulls as the plot builds and for the life of me I can’t see how they connect. Then there’s a mic drop moment which changes everything and illuminates the seemingly disparate scenarios. It’s clever and even better as I haven’t seen it coming!
The novel is extremely good on how the family’s intertwine and the dynamics within them and the friendships are done equally well, as is the characterisation. I can’t say that any of them are especially likeable but that frequently makes for a much better story.
It’s a slow burner of a psychological thriller and at times the pace is a bit too slow for me, I think the different perspectives probably slows it down although they are absolutely vital in order to build the tale. The ending is a bit convoluted but it does make sense as all the jigsaw pieces start to connect.
I don’t feel this is Emma Curtis‘s best book, but it is still a good twisty and enjoyable read.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to the publishers for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
In a leafy and prestigious West London suburb, status and an exemplary reputation are everything. Psychiatrist Dr Geddes is relatively new to the profession and one of her patients is especially troubling. He’s bipolar, vulnerable yet combative and he asks very unsettling questions that are very close to crossing lines. She’s itching to be rid of him as a patient as she senses danger. Unfortunately, their final session as doctor/patient is not the last she sees of him, her instincts about him prove correct. The encounter threatens not only the security of the new life she’s created for herself but also threatens to expose secrets and lies she has hoped are dead and buried.
Lorna Chicott is thrilled when Elise, wife of former popstar Dexter Coleridge befriends her, especially as a teenager she has a huge crush on Dexter. When Lorna’s daughter Amy goes missing from the Coleridge’s home, carefully constructed worlds start to tumble like a house of cards. How do the secrets and lies of these families connect?
The story is told from several points of view which I do enjoy although I find the psychiatrist/patient storyline is the most tense, suspenseful and is downright intriguing. Within the others there are some lulls as the plot builds and for the life of me I can’t see how they connect. Then there’s a mic drop moment which changes everything and illuminates the seemingly disparate scenarios. It’s clever and even better as I haven’t seen it coming!
The novel is extremely good on how the family’s intertwine and the dynamics within them and the friendships are done equally well, as is the characterisation. I can’t say that any of them are especially likeable but that frequently makes for a much better story.
It’s a slow burner of a psychological thriller and at times the pace is a bit too slow for me, I think the different perspectives probably slows it down although they are absolutely vital in order to build the tale. The ending is a bit convoluted but it does make sense as all the jigsaw pieces start to connect.
I don’t feel this is Emma Curtis‘s best book, but it is still a good twisty and enjoyable read.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to the publishers for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
August 26, 2025
In my last review of an Emma Curtis novel, I said I enjoyed the first 70% and then, after that, the book went completely off the rails. Sadly, I could just copy and paste that review and place it here.
I honestly don't know what it is. She is clearly a gifted writer and I was fully engaged in this book, particularly in trying to work out how two seemingly unrelated stories connected together. Once the twist was revealed, it was a shock but then I felt it just went downhill and I was just skimming to the end.
It's a real shame as I do enjoy her storylines and writing, just not the endings.
I honestly don't know what it is. She is clearly a gifted writer and I was fully engaged in this book, particularly in trying to work out how two seemingly unrelated stories connected together. Once the twist was revealed, it was a shock but then I felt it just went downhill and I was just skimming to the end.
It's a real shame as I do enjoy her storylines and writing, just not the endings.
October 2, 2025
A highly charged, deeply dark psychological tale which had me riveted to the very end.
Lots of very strong feelings of revenge and destruction, so negative that you really feel the drive and desperation of the main characters.
Lots of loyalties, particularly examining, under the microscope, the maternal urge to keep your child safe, no matter what the cost which gives great food for thought and moral dilemmas.
The action is a bit of a rollercoaster, slow st points but then racing off at dizzying exhilarating speeds. There are also plenty of twisty bits which make you question everything you previously believed.
Great storytelling and very addictive, would definitely recommend.
Lots of very strong feelings of revenge and destruction, so negative that you really feel the drive and desperation of the main characters.
Lots of loyalties, particularly examining, under the microscope, the maternal urge to keep your child safe, no matter what the cost which gives great food for thought and moral dilemmas.
The action is a bit of a rollercoaster, slow st points but then racing off at dizzying exhilarating speeds. There are also plenty of twisty bits which make you question everything you previously believed.
Great storytelling and very addictive, would definitely recommend.
November 9, 2025
Another thrilling read from Emma Curtis. Very twisty and really good pace.
When I read her books I'm always wondering how the characters all link together. I have to say I did see some of the twists ahead but I still was caught by surprise sometimes. I really enjoyed it coming together.
I like the dark theming of distrust amongst friends and how some people will do anything for family. It left me questioning how I felt about some of the situations and questioning who I was backing in the story.
When I read her books I'm always wondering how the characters all link together. I have to say I did see some of the twists ahead but I still was caught by surprise sometimes. I really enjoyed it coming together.
I like the dark theming of distrust amongst friends and how some people will do anything for family. It left me questioning how I felt about some of the situations and questioning who I was backing in the story.
October 8, 2025
The Psychiatrist is a cleverly plotted psychological thriller, featuring two timelines that come together with a bang mid book. It features Dr Geddes, a young psychiatrist, who seems to be led astray by a troubled patient, as well as Lorna, mother to teenage Amy. The book explores the extent to which a mother will go to protect her child, as well as how the relationship between two families can disintegrate with horrible consequences. There are plenty of dubious characters, big twists, layer upon layer of lies and exquisitely tense moments. Another great book by one of my favourite authors.
November 27, 2025
First time reading a thriller but I wanted somthing new and I liked this book. I was very confused in the beginning between the dual storylines because I couldn’t seem to connect them. I honestly couldn’t connect with the characters at first and tried really hard to see the story from their perspective but it gets easier after a whole. I didn’t know a lot about the book, like almost nothing, when I started but it was enjoyable. There were some plot twists that i guessed before but others that I didn’t.
The book generally is good written. The chapters are very short, each like 3-4 pages, some longer and some shorter even. The language was easy and the structure was clear. I loved the short chapters because I usually read books with long chapters. The short chapters just made it easier to follow along in my opinion. I liked the way it wasn’t just one sided and we actually like four characters perspectives. I will be looking into Emma’s other books to see if I find anything interesting because her writing is good in my opinion 😝
The book generally is good written. The chapters are very short, each like 3-4 pages, some longer and some shorter even. The language was easy and the structure was clear. I loved the short chapters because I usually read books with long chapters. The short chapters just made it easier to follow along in my opinion. I liked the way it wasn’t just one sided and we actually like four characters perspectives. I will be looking into Emma’s other books to see if I find anything interesting because her writing is good in my opinion 😝
October 28, 2025
This is a twisty turny tale with some proper gasp out loud moments when plot points fall into place! The unnamed psychiatrist has a client who is pushing boundaries; she thinks that he is developing an unhealthy obsession with her and she is glad when his sessions come to an end. But an awful encounter takes place which changes the Psychiatrist's outlook on life.
In a separate storyline, estate agent Lorna is obsessed with new neighbours Elise and Dexter and can't believe that their paths have crossed. Dexter is in a popband that Lorna used to love, Elise is a theatre star so they have brought some glamour to the street. Elise is giving Lorna's daughter singing lessons but something goes awry in one of her lessons which changes her approach.
The storylines start separately but come together in a delightful way that I had not predicted - and I was happily hooked to the page throughout.
In a separate storyline, estate agent Lorna is obsessed with new neighbours Elise and Dexter and can't believe that their paths have crossed. Dexter is in a popband that Lorna used to love, Elise is a theatre star so they have brought some glamour to the street. Elise is giving Lorna's daughter singing lessons but something goes awry in one of her lessons which changes her approach.
The storylines start separately but come together in a delightful way that I had not predicted - and I was happily hooked to the page throughout.
October 4, 2025
Well I certainly didn’t see that coming!
There are two stories running in this book; one about a psychiatrist and one about two families whose lives collide leaving a trail of devastation. I was intrigued as to how they would eventually connect and once they did, the twists just kept on coming!
The characters were well written and mostly unlikeable, making them fascinatingly engaging, wondering how many more lies would be told and how far each one would go to suit their own agenda. Full of jealousy and deceit, this one kept me guessing all the way through and the ending was a shocker!
A great read!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Emma Curtis and Atlantic for an ARC of this book.
There are two stories running in this book; one about a psychiatrist and one about two families whose lives collide leaving a trail of devastation. I was intrigued as to how they would eventually connect and once they did, the twists just kept on coming!
The characters were well written and mostly unlikeable, making them fascinatingly engaging, wondering how many more lies would be told and how far each one would go to suit their own agenda. Full of jealousy and deceit, this one kept me guessing all the way through and the ending was a shocker!
A great read!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Emma Curtis and Atlantic for an ARC of this book.
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August 2, 2025Not really what I expected from an Emma Curtis book, not for me unfortunately. D.N. F.
October 30, 2025
7.5/10
October 30, 2025
I bought The Psychiatrist by Emma Curtis expecting a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller, but I have to admit, it fell short for me. The dual storylines had potential, and I did enjoy the short, easy-to-get-through chapters, but the main characters felt distant and hard to connect with. The plot was at times unrealistic and far-fetched, and throughout the book, key details were left out — leaving me guessing instead of drawing me in with a little extra detail. It just didn’t have that tense, addictive pull I look for in a thriller. By the middle, I found myself skim-reading just to get to the end.
November 19, 2025
Something about this book just really freaked me out so didn’t enjoy it as much as I normally do Emma Curtis books and it took me so much longer s to finish it because of this
September 21, 2025
The Psychiatrist unfolds through three intertwined viewpoints: Dr. Geddes, a psychiatrist in her early thirties with a shadowy past; Lorna, a devoted mother to teenage Amy and little Jack; and Elise, Lorna’s sophisticated friend.
Dr. Geddes lives alone in a flat overlooking the exclusive Gladwell Grove—the very street where she once shared a home with her ex-husband. After a therapy session with a young patient named Ben, his shocking accusation against her sets off a chain of events that threatens to expose long-buried secrets.
Nearby, Lorna resides just outside the coveted Gladwell Grove community, longing for the lifestyle it represents. When her former childhood crush, washed-up pop star Dexter Coleridge, moves into the neighborhood with his elegant wife Elise, Lorna is thrilled to be welcomed into their circle. Her ambition to secure the “perfect” life—especially getting Jack into the best school—quickly raises questions. Is she acting out of love for her children, or is her desire for status clouding her judgment?
I think at its core, this is a story about mothers and the fierce, sometimes dangerous lengths they will go to in order to protect their children. The novel explores moral ambiguity with sharp precision, blurring the lines between right and wrong, selflessness and selfishness. It asks whether choices made in the name of love can ever truly be justified.
Darkly compelling and deliciously unsettling, this book had me hooked from the start, eager to discover how these seemingly separate narratives would collide. The tension builds beautifully, and while I didn’t predict the major revelations,however the final twist was slightly more expected but still delivered a satisfying conclusion.
This was my first read by Emma Curtis, and it certainly won’t be my last. A gripping, thought-provoking thriller that lingers long after the final page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dr. Geddes lives alone in a flat overlooking the exclusive Gladwell Grove—the very street where she once shared a home with her ex-husband. After a therapy session with a young patient named Ben, his shocking accusation against her sets off a chain of events that threatens to expose long-buried secrets.
Nearby, Lorna resides just outside the coveted Gladwell Grove community, longing for the lifestyle it represents. When her former childhood crush, washed-up pop star Dexter Coleridge, moves into the neighborhood with his elegant wife Elise, Lorna is thrilled to be welcomed into their circle. Her ambition to secure the “perfect” life—especially getting Jack into the best school—quickly raises questions. Is she acting out of love for her children, or is her desire for status clouding her judgment?
I think at its core, this is a story about mothers and the fierce, sometimes dangerous lengths they will go to in order to protect their children. The novel explores moral ambiguity with sharp precision, blurring the lines between right and wrong, selflessness and selfishness. It asks whether choices made in the name of love can ever truly be justified.
Darkly compelling and deliciously unsettling, this book had me hooked from the start, eager to discover how these seemingly separate narratives would collide. The tension builds beautifully, and while I didn’t predict the major revelations,however the final twist was slightly more expected but still delivered a satisfying conclusion.
This was my first read by Emma Curtis, and it certainly won’t be my last. A gripping, thought-provoking thriller that lingers long after the final page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2025
I wasn't a fan of this book - I had serious issues with the character of The Psychiatrist who just didn't ring true at all for me, and the professional life she occupied seemed totally unrealistic. I know it's fiction, but I had no belief in her world. The parallel story of estate agent Lorna, her obsession with the rich family she's befriended and the man she once had a brief encounter with, I didn't find that particularly believable either but it was the more engaging narrative. I worked out the links between the two narratives fairly quickly and while there was a bit of a twist I didn't see, mostly it was a predictable story. I guess I prefer my psychological noir to have characters who seem less fictional and caricature as that's scarier.
On the plus side, it's pretty fast paced and there is plenty of drama. 2.5
I received a copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
On the plus side, it's pretty fast paced and there is plenty of drama. 2.5
I received a copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2025
I’ve read a couple of the authors’ previous books, so I was really excited to receive her newest novel. Emma has a magical touch when it comes to creating interwoven plots and family dynamics but the most magic is created by the way she has managed, with every book I’ve read, to weave in these huge thought provoking questions that sit in your brain for days after.
Dr Amy Geddes is a recently qualified psychiatrist, trying to build her career in the field when she takes on a client that threatens to expose her biggest secret.
Alongside Dr. Geddes, local Estate Agent Lorna is over the moon to have befriended the famous Elise, the wife of her childhood crush, an ex pop star. Things soon change when, on leaving Elise’s home, Lorna’s daughter disappears.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading how these two characters and their separate lives were tangled together and how they came together at the end.
This was definitely a slow burn, and I will admit, I wasn’t entirely sure I’d actually stick with it to start with, but I am so glad I followed my gut and stuck with it because the pacing and tension soon picked up.
Whilst the characters were really interesting, I can’t say that I actually connected with any of them of felt they were relatable, but, that’s a personal perspective.
Told in dual timelines with multiple POVs. This is definitely a story you need to commit and focus on. It’s quite easy to lose track of who, what, why, and when!
I really enjoyed this book, but I can’t say it was my favourite. It was quite predictable, and I did pretty much guess the main plot twists very early into the book but in all honesty it didn’t take away the enjoyment of the read or the fact it was a really well written story.
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Atlantic Books, Corvus for the ARC.
Dr Amy Geddes is a recently qualified psychiatrist, trying to build her career in the field when she takes on a client that threatens to expose her biggest secret.
Alongside Dr. Geddes, local Estate Agent Lorna is over the moon to have befriended the famous Elise, the wife of her childhood crush, an ex pop star. Things soon change when, on leaving Elise’s home, Lorna’s daughter disappears.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading how these two characters and their separate lives were tangled together and how they came together at the end.
This was definitely a slow burn, and I will admit, I wasn’t entirely sure I’d actually stick with it to start with, but I am so glad I followed my gut and stuck with it because the pacing and tension soon picked up.
Whilst the characters were really interesting, I can’t say that I actually connected with any of them of felt they were relatable, but, that’s a personal perspective.
Told in dual timelines with multiple POVs. This is definitely a story you need to commit and focus on. It’s quite easy to lose track of who, what, why, and when!
I really enjoyed this book, but I can’t say it was my favourite. It was quite predictable, and I did pretty much guess the main plot twists very early into the book but in all honesty it didn’t take away the enjoyment of the read or the fact it was a really well written story.
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Atlantic Books, Corvus for the ARC.
June 2, 2025
First book by Emma Curtis that I have read and I really enjoyed it. The book is really in two parts. Dr Geddes is a psychiatrist divorced and in her 30s. It is also steps back to Lorna who is married with a young son but are also bringing up Amy who is Lorna’s child with another man. Things are all going really well for the family. They live in a comfortable home in Chadwell Grove which is a very posh area. Dr Geddes herself lives in a flat which she once shared with her ex husband. As the two stories unfold it is obvious they are interlinked and this proves interesting. Lorna and her husband are invited to a neighbour’s house for a party. Once she arrives she realises that the husband is an ex pop star who she had a crush on when she was a teenager and this starts a rapid issue in her life as she never really got over the crush especially when the secrets come out about something that happened to her as a teenager. Lorna befriends his wife, Elise, in a obsessive way and this leads to so much trouble. Fast forward to Amy, Dr Geddes. One of her patients is very difficult and she cannot get to grips with him. She feels he is a little obsessed with her and sometimes makes the wrong comments for her profession. Eventually their sessions end and that is the end of her having to deal with him or is it. As the book progresses between the two main characters and the time difference it is difficult to stop reading as you really what to know how this story will end, happy or sad, traumatic or not. Although the book is technically in two parts and time differences it is easy to keep up with and well worth a read
September 11, 2025
The Psychiatrist Emma Curtis
3 stars
An interesting story about revenge and family
.
I have read three of this author's previous books so was really pleased to request this one but did not enjoy this one as much. The storyline was good and well-writtern with lots of twists but I really did not engage w9ith any of the main characters and felt they made too many wrong decisions.
Dr Geddes is a recently qualified psychiatrist and has been dealing with, Ben, a young man suffering from bipolar. Towards the end of her final session with him she feels uncomfortable with his demeanour and is relieved that she will not need to see him again. However shortly afterwards he turns up at her flat in the middle of the night.
Lorna is the other main character in the book who is trying to move up in society. She befriends, Elise, who is married to Dexter, an ex-boyband singer that Lorna had slept with after one of his gigs and still holds a candle for him. Her daughter, Amy, is taking singing lessons from E|lise but when she fails to return home , Lorna is sure that Dexter is involved in her disappearance.
Eventually we realise how all these lives are intertwined and how the past has influenced the present. However I just could not empathise with any of the main characters, they all seemed to want to deal with their own problems without thinking how their actions might affect others. I also found many of the decisions made to be not only ridiculous at times but also unbelievable.
I do like the style of writing of this author but this particular book just did not grab me like her previous ones had.
Karen Deborah
Reviewer for Net Galley
November 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Psychiatrist by Emma Curtis
Alright, confession time: this book and I did not immediately bond. It wasn’t love at first page. More like… me squinting at my book wondering why my brain kept jumping out the window every time I tried to focus. Could absolutely be my current personal circus-state — so take my confusion with a pinch of “maybe it’s just me again.”
The story felt like two different Netflix series accidentally playing at the same time. Two families in the past, one in the present, and my head going: sorry, who are you again and why are you traumatising me today? I mean, I eventually figured it out… but only when the book basically tapped me on the shoulder and spelled it out. Subtlety? Not this time, folks.
But oh my god, the mind fucks. The secrets. The lies. The emotional wreckage just piling up like an episode of The Jerry Springer Show with better writing. I actually felt for the family that got screwed over — that ache of watching everything crumble when you’re just trying to do right? Ugh. And then the “I’d do anything to protect my child” energy… except in this case it felt more like “I’d do anything to protect my own ass,” which hits different.
It was messy. It was heartbreaking. It confused the hell out of me. And yet… I couldn’t stop reading. Like watching a slow-motion car crash while telling yourself, “I can totally look away,” but nope, still staring.
And that ending? Yeah, not exactly the one I was rooting for. But hey — real life doesn’t always hand you a neat bow either.
So yeah. Three stars. Emotional. Frustrating. Weirdly addictive. And slightly insulting to my remaining brain cells in the best possible way.
⸻
The Psychiatrist by Emma Curtis
Alright, confession time: this book and I did not immediately bond. It wasn’t love at first page. More like… me squinting at my book wondering why my brain kept jumping out the window every time I tried to focus. Could absolutely be my current personal circus-state — so take my confusion with a pinch of “maybe it’s just me again.”
The story felt like two different Netflix series accidentally playing at the same time. Two families in the past, one in the present, and my head going: sorry, who are you again and why are you traumatising me today? I mean, I eventually figured it out… but only when the book basically tapped me on the shoulder and spelled it out. Subtlety? Not this time, folks.
But oh my god, the mind fucks. The secrets. The lies. The emotional wreckage just piling up like an episode of The Jerry Springer Show with better writing. I actually felt for the family that got screwed over — that ache of watching everything crumble when you’re just trying to do right? Ugh. And then the “I’d do anything to protect my child” energy… except in this case it felt more like “I’d do anything to protect my own ass,” which hits different.
It was messy. It was heartbreaking. It confused the hell out of me. And yet… I couldn’t stop reading. Like watching a slow-motion car crash while telling yourself, “I can totally look away,” but nope, still staring.
And that ending? Yeah, not exactly the one I was rooting for. But hey — real life doesn’t always hand you a neat bow either.
So yeah. Three stars. Emotional. Frustrating. Weirdly addictive. And slightly insulting to my remaining brain cells in the best possible way.
⸻
May 21, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of The Psychiatrist in exchange for a review.
I absolutely loved Emma Curtis’s last book, The Commuter, so was thrilled to get a copy of The Psychiatrist! Like The Commuter, this is another dark thriller with a lot of lies and unreliable narrators.
The story is mainly told from two perspectives – Dr Geddes the psychiatrist, a divorcee in her early 30s, with hints at a troubled past; and Lorna, mum of teenage Amy and 4-year-old Jack.
Dr Geddes lives in a flat overlooking the expensive Gladwell Grove, where she used to live with her husband. When she finishes her sessions treating a young man, Ben, he makes an accusation against her that starts unravelling her past dark secrets.
Meanwhile, Lorna also lives near Gladwell Grove, and can only dream of living there. When her childhood crush, ex-pop star Dexter Coleridge, moves into Gladwell Grove with his wife Elise, she is proud to have been let into their inner circle. It seems Lorna would do anything to be part of the Gladwell Grove clique, and to get Jack into the right school.
But how far might she go to achieve the right status? And is she trying to do the best for her kids, or just thinking of herself?
This was a really addictive story – and quite creepy! I loved the first half as everything built up and I tried to work out what connected the two stories. Unfortunately I worked out that first big twist, but it was still a really enjoyable book. And I wasn’t expecting the final twist at the end which tied everything up!
I absolutely loved Emma Curtis’s last book, The Commuter, so was thrilled to get a copy of The Psychiatrist! Like The Commuter, this is another dark thriller with a lot of lies and unreliable narrators.
The story is mainly told from two perspectives – Dr Geddes the psychiatrist, a divorcee in her early 30s, with hints at a troubled past; and Lorna, mum of teenage Amy and 4-year-old Jack.
Dr Geddes lives in a flat overlooking the expensive Gladwell Grove, where she used to live with her husband. When she finishes her sessions treating a young man, Ben, he makes an accusation against her that starts unravelling her past dark secrets.
Meanwhile, Lorna also lives near Gladwell Grove, and can only dream of living there. When her childhood crush, ex-pop star Dexter Coleridge, moves into Gladwell Grove with his wife Elise, she is proud to have been let into their inner circle. It seems Lorna would do anything to be part of the Gladwell Grove clique, and to get Jack into the right school.
But how far might she go to achieve the right status? And is she trying to do the best for her kids, or just thinking of herself?
This was a really addictive story – and quite creepy! I loved the first half as everything built up and I tried to work out what connected the two stories. Unfortunately I worked out that first big twist, but it was still a really enjoyable book. And I wasn’t expecting the final twist at the end which tied everything up!
August 6, 2025
A captivating thriller that had me gripped from start to finish. The story is told from two perspectives and across different timelines. Firstly we have Dr Geddes, the divorced psychiatrist in her early 30s; and then we have Lorna, mum of teenager Amy and a much younger son, Jack.
Dr Geddes encounters significant difficulties with a young male patient, Ben, who makes an allegation against her which leads to her suspension from work and puts her career under threat. Ultimately this then leads to the unravelling of dark secrets from her past.
At the same time the book introduces us to Lorna, an estate agent dealing with wealthy clients buying property in an upmarket part of town, Gladwell Grove. When Dexter Coleridge (a famous ex pop start who Lorna had a crush on as a teenager) and his wife Elise move into Gladwell Grove, Lorna goes to great lengths to befriend Elise and to have contact with Dexter and their circle of wealthy friends. What price will she ultimately pay in order to mix with these people and how will it impact on her family?
It was intriguing trying to work out the connection between the two parts of the on-going stories and even when this became obvious I wasn't quite expecting the final twist at the very end.
An extremely well written book with brilliant flawed characters and enough mystery to maintain a high level of engagement throughout.
I am grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced reader copy of this 5 star read.
Dr Geddes encounters significant difficulties with a young male patient, Ben, who makes an allegation against her which leads to her suspension from work and puts her career under threat. Ultimately this then leads to the unravelling of dark secrets from her past.
At the same time the book introduces us to Lorna, an estate agent dealing with wealthy clients buying property in an upmarket part of town, Gladwell Grove. When Dexter Coleridge (a famous ex pop start who Lorna had a crush on as a teenager) and his wife Elise move into Gladwell Grove, Lorna goes to great lengths to befriend Elise and to have contact with Dexter and their circle of wealthy friends. What price will she ultimately pay in order to mix with these people and how will it impact on her family?
It was intriguing trying to work out the connection between the two parts of the on-going stories and even when this became obvious I wasn't quite expecting the final twist at the very end.
An extremely well written book with brilliant flawed characters and enough mystery to maintain a high level of engagement throughout.
I am grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced reader copy of this 5 star read.
August 20, 2025
I was drawn to the cover of this book and thought it would be right up my street as I love thrillers. I haven’t read anything by this author before. Publishing on 2nd October, thanks to Atlantic Books and NetGalley for my advance copy to review.
Dr Geddes is a recently qualified Psychiatrist, trying to build her career at a well respected practice. She has a challenging patient that makes her feel uncomfortable. She’s relieved when their sessions come to an end, until he turns up at her flat in the middle of the night.
Lorna is an estate agent trying desperately to befriend Elise, a stylish and wealthy woman married to Dexter, a singer turned actor. Lorna was a fan of Dexter in his boyband days and still finds him attractive. Her daughter gets singing lessons from Elise and when Amy disappears after one of her lessons, Lorna suspects Dexter is involved somehow.
These two seemingly separate stories come together about halfway through the book when it becomes clear they’re actually different timelines.
I didn’t really warm to any of the characters and I found the plot quite unbelievable in general. This made me enjoy the story less as I spent too much time thinking that it wouldn’t have happened and rolling my eyes at the questionable decisions the characters made. Quite a big twist I guessed early on and found that really disappointing as it made the story feel like a bit of an anticlimax.
This book is an easy read but wasn’t pacy or gripping enough for me and I prefer not to spot the twist a mile off.
2.5 stars rounded to 3.
Dr Geddes is a recently qualified Psychiatrist, trying to build her career at a well respected practice. She has a challenging patient that makes her feel uncomfortable. She’s relieved when their sessions come to an end, until he turns up at her flat in the middle of the night.
Lorna is an estate agent trying desperately to befriend Elise, a stylish and wealthy woman married to Dexter, a singer turned actor. Lorna was a fan of Dexter in his boyband days and still finds him attractive. Her daughter gets singing lessons from Elise and when Amy disappears after one of her lessons, Lorna suspects Dexter is involved somehow.
These two seemingly separate stories come together about halfway through the book when it becomes clear they’re actually different timelines.
I didn’t really warm to any of the characters and I found the plot quite unbelievable in general. This made me enjoy the story less as I spent too much time thinking that it wouldn’t have happened and rolling my eyes at the questionable decisions the characters made. Quite a big twist I guessed early on and found that really disappointing as it made the story feel like a bit of an anticlimax.
This book is an easy read but wasn’t pacy or gripping enough for me and I prefer not to spot the twist a mile off.
2.5 stars rounded to 3.
September 23, 2025
The Psychiatrist had me hooked from the first chapter.
Dr Geddes is a young divorcee, she is currently living in a flat she once shared with her ex husband, it’s in an affluent area in London. She has just had the last session with a young man when on his way out gives her a compliment which makes her feel uncomfortable. Her next encounter with him is out of the work environment and ends in him putting a complaint in about her.
Lorna Chilcott is a married estate agent with a young son and she also has a teenage daughter living with them from a previous marriage. A new couple have moved into the exclusive Gladwell Grove, this is where Lorna would love to live. Having got friendly with Elise whilst buying the house she is invited to the housewarming party, here she meets Elise’s husband, Lorna used to have a crush on him in her teenage years as he was the lead singer of the band D.I.G.B.Y. Lorna’s daughter goes missing and accusations fly that lead to everything going a different way to what they all expected.
The book is written in a dual timeline which helped with getting to know characters. The book is quite a complex layered story that is dark and full of secrets and deception. The book is also full of twists, I was taken aback by the big one and thought I’d read the book wrong!! Another winner from this author again and can’t wait for the next.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Atlantic Books, Corvus for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
Dr Geddes is a young divorcee, she is currently living in a flat she once shared with her ex husband, it’s in an affluent area in London. She has just had the last session with a young man when on his way out gives her a compliment which makes her feel uncomfortable. Her next encounter with him is out of the work environment and ends in him putting a complaint in about her.
Lorna Chilcott is a married estate agent with a young son and she also has a teenage daughter living with them from a previous marriage. A new couple have moved into the exclusive Gladwell Grove, this is where Lorna would love to live. Having got friendly with Elise whilst buying the house she is invited to the housewarming party, here she meets Elise’s husband, Lorna used to have a crush on him in her teenage years as he was the lead singer of the band D.I.G.B.Y. Lorna’s daughter goes missing and accusations fly that lead to everything going a different way to what they all expected.
The book is written in a dual timeline which helped with getting to know characters. The book is quite a complex layered story that is dark and full of secrets and deception. The book is also full of twists, I was taken aback by the big one and thought I’d read the book wrong!! Another winner from this author again and can’t wait for the next.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Atlantic Books, Corvus for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2025
Recently qualified psychiatrist Dr Geddes is building her career when a patient threatens to expose her darkest secret. Meanwhile estate agent Lorna is thrilled to have befriended the famous Elise, who is the wife of her childhood crush but when Lorna’s daughter goes missing after leaving Elise’s accusations fly.
I was really excited to read this as I love Emma Curtis’ books so this flew straight to the top of the pile. I also felt drawn into the cover. I don’t want to say too much about this one as it’s best to go in not knowing too much, however I found the concept of this intriguing and liked the dual narrative. The author does a good job at exploring family dynamics, creating an interwoven plot and raising thought provoking questions. There was also plenty of creepiness and a sense of mystery running throughout.
The characters were interesting, however I found I didn’t really connect to any of them and found some quite frustrating. I also found the overall storyline quite predictable and guessed the main twists quite early on, meaning that by the end it fell a bit flat for me. Even though this was not a favourite of mine by this author, it was still a quick, well written thriller and Emma Curtis will certainly remain a go to author for me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
I was really excited to read this as I love Emma Curtis’ books so this flew straight to the top of the pile. I also felt drawn into the cover. I don’t want to say too much about this one as it’s best to go in not knowing too much, however I found the concept of this intriguing and liked the dual narrative. The author does a good job at exploring family dynamics, creating an interwoven plot and raising thought provoking questions. There was also plenty of creepiness and a sense of mystery running throughout.
The characters were interesting, however I found I didn’t really connect to any of them and found some quite frustrating. I also found the overall storyline quite predictable and guessed the main twists quite early on, meaning that by the end it fell a bit flat for me. Even though this was not a favourite of mine by this author, it was still a quick, well written thriller and Emma Curtis will certainly remain a go to author for me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
August 18, 2025
TWO FAMILIES. ONE LIE. NO FORGIVENESS.
In the leafy suburbs of West London, status is paramount and reputation is everything...
Recently, qualified psychiatrist Dr Geddes is building her career at a prestigious practice when an unexpected encounter with a young male patient threatens to expose her darkest secret.
Lorna Chilcott is delighted to befriend the glamorous Elise, wife of the ex-boyband star she had a crush on as a teenager. But when her daughter goes missing after leaving Elise's house, friendship turns to discord and accusations fly.
A single lie connects these two traumatic events and their impact will be deadly...
This was a good solid thriller!
It's about two family’s, about revenge and things you do for the ones you love, despite the consequences...
I loved every bit of this original story. Every page gave some good information! Which means that it is fast-paced and has no unnecessary information! I love that, I think it's a gift! Everything happens for a reason and you can feel it, but during the story, you can't really place it until the story unfolds even faster...
My gosh, the twist at the end.... what can I say
I say no more. Just read this one...
Thank you, @netgalley and @atlanticbooks, for my copy of this awesome thriller!
Pub Date 2 October 2025
In the leafy suburbs of West London, status is paramount and reputation is everything...
Recently, qualified psychiatrist Dr Geddes is building her career at a prestigious practice when an unexpected encounter with a young male patient threatens to expose her darkest secret.
Lorna Chilcott is delighted to befriend the glamorous Elise, wife of the ex-boyband star she had a crush on as a teenager. But when her daughter goes missing after leaving Elise's house, friendship turns to discord and accusations fly.
A single lie connects these two traumatic events and their impact will be deadly...
This was a good solid thriller!
It's about two family’s, about revenge and things you do for the ones you love, despite the consequences...
I loved every bit of this original story. Every page gave some good information! Which means that it is fast-paced and has no unnecessary information! I love that, I think it's a gift! Everything happens for a reason and you can feel it, but during the story, you can't really place it until the story unfolds even faster...
My gosh, the twist at the end.... what can I say
I say no more. Just read this one...
Thank you, @netgalley and @atlanticbooks, for my copy of this awesome thriller!
Pub Date 2 October 2025
December 21, 2025
Thrilling thriller
This book is so cleverly written. There were a few points where I thought surely this is over and then Emma Curtis said 'Nope hold my drink' and dropped another twist, reeling me right back in. I spent more time than I care to admit with my jaw hung open.
There are many interconnecting stories and when the significance of it hits oh my word I was so stunned. I almost felt to re-read on the spot to look for the clues I had missed.
The story is written from multiple Povs but mainly follows the psychiatrist as her life goes from bad to worse. Thebcharacter had me screaming in frustration at times, like when someone knowingly walks toward danger in a horror movie. I was rooting for the Psychiatrist but at times I was just like whyyy???
This book quickly became a page turner and had me racing for the end. I found myself questioning everything, trying to work out what was happening. It was definitely a tense and suspenseful read that had me saying just one more chapter late into the night.
I loved the references to my home city, Liverpool, spoken about with such accuracy and clear nostalgia. It's always nice to see places you know well mentioned in books.
I really enjoyed this book and I am definitely looking forward to my next read from this author.
This book is so cleverly written. There were a few points where I thought surely this is over and then Emma Curtis said 'Nope hold my drink' and dropped another twist, reeling me right back in. I spent more time than I care to admit with my jaw hung open.
There are many interconnecting stories and when the significance of it hits oh my word I was so stunned. I almost felt to re-read on the spot to look for the clues I had missed.
The story is written from multiple Povs but mainly follows the psychiatrist as her life goes from bad to worse. Thebcharacter had me screaming in frustration at times, like when someone knowingly walks toward danger in a horror movie. I was rooting for the Psychiatrist but at times I was just like whyyy???
This book quickly became a page turner and had me racing for the end. I found myself questioning everything, trying to work out what was happening. It was definitely a tense and suspenseful read that had me saying just one more chapter late into the night.
I loved the references to my home city, Liverpool, spoken about with such accuracy and clear nostalgia. It's always nice to see places you know well mentioned in books.
I really enjoyed this book and I am definitely looking forward to my next read from this author.
October 5, 2025
Another brilliant psychological thriller from Emma Curtis. Alternating between the story of the psychiatrist and Lorna, an estate agent, this book seems unconnected but both stories hold the interest of the reader and then leaves them wanting more as it switches to the other narrative. Dr Geddes has a client, Ben who is being treated for his bi-polar condition. When she tells him their sessions have concluded and he should continue with the self help she has advised, he leaves by telling her she is beautiful. Confused by this as she did not see it coming and didn’t feel she had encouraged him during their meetings. He then attempts to force a personal relationship, citing they were no longer in a professional one. Dr Geddes feels out of her depth and does her best to distance herself but the consequences are far reaching. Meanwhile, Lorna a married mum of a teenage daughter and toddler son works hard. However, she has becomes friends with a wealthy client who is married to a former rock star who by a bizarre coincidence met Lorna when she was a teenager. Lorna still remembers with some longing of their brief encounter. Without spoilers, this book develops in a shocking and devastating way for all concerned and with twists galore this gripping story delivers on every level.
August 5, 2025
Dr Geddes is a newly qualified psychiatrist whose current patient makes her feel uncomfortable. He is bi polar. She is glad when it's his final session, but what he says to her as he leaves makes her think this isn't the last she has seen of him.
Lorna is friends with Elise, whose husband, Dexter, is an ageing rock star. Lorna had a crush on him when she was at uni.
Lorna's daughter goes missing from Elise's house after a singing lesson. The police are called, and a search begins.
I wondered how this all fitted together and three quarters of the way through we get a piece of the jigsaw that starts to put it all together.
The secrets and lies, friendships tested to their limits.
Most of the characters were unlikeable. Having their own agenda
For the most part, this book is an enjoyable, fast-paced thriller that had me turning the pages as I really needed to know what happened.
But... unfortunately, I felt that the last fifteen percent of the book let it down for me. I felt it was a bit convoluted. A lot of the ending was unnecessary, over the top.
Thanks to Netgalley and Atlantic Books, Corvus for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Lorna is friends with Elise, whose husband, Dexter, is an ageing rock star. Lorna had a crush on him when she was at uni.
Lorna's daughter goes missing from Elise's house after a singing lesson. The police are called, and a search begins.
I wondered how this all fitted together and three quarters of the way through we get a piece of the jigsaw that starts to put it all together.
The secrets and lies, friendships tested to their limits.
Most of the characters were unlikeable. Having their own agenda
For the most part, this book is an enjoyable, fast-paced thriller that had me turning the pages as I really needed to know what happened.
But... unfortunately, I felt that the last fifteen percent of the book let it down for me. I felt it was a bit convoluted. A lot of the ending was unnecessary, over the top.
Thanks to Netgalley and Atlantic Books, Corvus for the ARC in return for an honest review.
September 14, 2025
There were moments in this where I smacked my head, said ah of course, that's how the two storylines are connected, and then within a page or two where my mind has fully caught up, I'm actually saying OMG when I realise something which is that Emma Curtis is once again brilliant.
We have a character known purely as the Psychiatrist and see her having issues with one very specific patient, which leads to all manner of questionable decisions.
Then there is Lorna and Elise's story which seems initially fairly gentle, and about friendship, ramps up when Lorna's daughter disappears and from there the story becomes really compulsive to read.
Everything is interlinked so well, and most of it I definitely didn't predict. I kept reaching for the book to read just another chapter, as I needed to see what would happen next.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it has twists, unexpected moments and characters that I changed my mind about continually. Just delightful.
Thank you to Corvus and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
We have a character known purely as the Psychiatrist and see her having issues with one very specific patient, which leads to all manner of questionable decisions.
Then there is Lorna and Elise's story which seems initially fairly gentle, and about friendship, ramps up when Lorna's daughter disappears and from there the story becomes really compulsive to read.
Everything is interlinked so well, and most of it I definitely didn't predict. I kept reaching for the book to read just another chapter, as I needed to see what would happen next.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it has twists, unexpected moments and characters that I changed my mind about continually. Just delightful.
Thank you to Corvus and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
September 20, 2025
I always enjoy an Emma Curtis thriller. She's a great author, and her stories always intrigue me.
This is another gripping thriller full of mystery. The story is told over two narratives, one following the Chilcott family as they face a tragic dilemma, and the other following a psychiatrist whose world is crumbling after one of her patients seems hellbent on destroying her career.
It's obvious that the stories must come together at some point, but it does take a long while for them to connect. This means that it's a bit of a slow burn at times, but both are very interesting and keep you engaged.
I did predict the connection but only because I have read a similar twist recently, but I think it's one that will surprise most readers and it's the kind of twist I usually find really clever.
Once things finally come together, the pace really vamps up, and there are still some added surprises still to come.
Overall, a very entertaining psychological thriller about revenge, regrets, difficult family dynamics, and naive adolescence. Definitely worth a read!
This is another gripping thriller full of mystery. The story is told over two narratives, one following the Chilcott family as they face a tragic dilemma, and the other following a psychiatrist whose world is crumbling after one of her patients seems hellbent on destroying her career.
It's obvious that the stories must come together at some point, but it does take a long while for them to connect. This means that it's a bit of a slow burn at times, but both are very interesting and keep you engaged.
I did predict the connection but only because I have read a similar twist recently, but I think it's one that will surprise most readers and it's the kind of twist I usually find really clever.
Once things finally come together, the pace really vamps up, and there are still some added surprises still to come.
Overall, a very entertaining psychological thriller about revenge, regrets, difficult family dynamics, and naive adolescence. Definitely worth a read!
June 13, 2025
I love when a book totally catches me off guard, and this one did that so many times! Emma Curtis really nailed it with this one—honestly, I think it’s her best book yet.
The story’s told from multiple points of view, and at first you’re not quite sure how it’s all going to come together. But that’s part of what makes it so good. Each character has their own flaws and story, and it’s fascinating watching it all slowly click into place.
It also really makes you think about the choices we make—how crossing certain lines, no matter how young or old we are, can have big consequences later in life. The paths we choose can stick with us in ways we don’t expect.
The pacing is spot on too—there’s never a dull moment. It’s one of those books you just don’t want to put down. If you’re into twisty, character-driven reads, definitely give this one a go!
⸻
The story’s told from multiple points of view, and at first you’re not quite sure how it’s all going to come together. But that’s part of what makes it so good. Each character has their own flaws and story, and it’s fascinating watching it all slowly click into place.
It also really makes you think about the choices we make—how crossing certain lines, no matter how young or old we are, can have big consequences later in life. The paths we choose can stick with us in ways we don’t expect.
The pacing is spot on too—there’s never a dull moment. It’s one of those books you just don’t want to put down. If you’re into twisty, character-driven reads, definitely give this one a go!
⸻
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