The Doctor

The Doctor's Wife #5

by Daniel Hurst

Is he the perfect man or the perfect liar?

From the moment I first see Doctor Drew Devlin, I want him to be mine. Drew is the perfect man – he’s charming, handsome and wealthy. And I need the security that comes from being with someone like him. I’m at my lowest point and I have nothing to lose; this is my chance to escape my troubled past. So I’m going to stop at nothing to ensure that Drew marries me…

Whatever it takes, I will become the doctor’s wife.

Except when I get closer to Drew, I realise the doctor isn’t who he says he is. He’s hiding a dangerous secret.

But so am I…

From the number one bestselling author of The Doctor’s Wife, this is a totally gripping and page-turning psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the final jaw-dropping twist. Perfect for fans of John Marrs, T.M Logan and Freida McFadden.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2026

About the author

Daniel Hurst is an Amazon #1 bestselling author of fast paced psychological thrillers. His most popular titles include Til Death Do Us Part, The Passenger and The Doctor's Wife, the latter title reaching #1 on the Amazon UK Kindle store in February 2023. A regular KDP Select All Star since he became a full-time author in 2021, Daniel prides himself on writing fast, releasing stories often and engaging with his readers.

You can visit him at www.danielhurstbooks.com, where you can also download a copy of his FREE thriller 'Just One Second.'

Reviews

[Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I've loved The Doctor's Wife series, I couldn't wait to read a prequel 'where it all began' for our protagonist Fern.
Because I have had all the other books on audio, I could literally hear Tamsin Kennard's voice as Fern! How mad is that?! She IS Fern.
This was another quick read, and I didn't even know I needed a prequel, but I loved being back with these amazing characters! Hurst gives a great insight on how things began.

[Andrea Pole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Judy Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

In THE DOCTOR, a wicked, delicious prequel thriller by Daniel Hurst, readers are invited to journey into the intricate backstory of Fern and her eventual marriage to the enigmatic Doctor Drew Devlin.

This fifth installment in "The Doctor's Wife" series artfully unravels the deep-seated secrets and profound motivations that shape both characters, providing a vivid exploration of their lives before the pivotal events of the first book unfold. The narrative promises to enrich our understanding of their relationship, illuminating the connections and challenges that brought them together in a dangerous, obsessive love partnership and game of cat-and-mouse.

About...

Fern's Pursuit Fern, at a low point in her life, is determined to marry the charming, handsome, and wealthy Dr. Drew Devlin as a way to escape her troubled past. She will stop at nothing to make him hers.

Drew's Deception:
Drew presents himself as the "perfect man" and a respectable figure, but he is hiding a dangerous secret.

Uncovering Secrets:
As Fern gets closer to Drew, she realizes he is not who he claims to be.

Alternating Perspectives:
The story unfolds with alternating chapter perspectives from Fern and Drew, allowing readers a glimpse into their inner thoughts, motivations, and the pathological narcissism characteristic of Hurst's novels.

The Catalyst:
The book details Fern's initial actions and discoveries that lead to the events in the subsequent books of the series, where her desire for revenge takes center stage. 

My thoughts...

I had the pleasure of reading all the books in the Doctor series and enjoyed this delivish prequel that sets the stage for the addictive and twisty series that follows, where the seemingly perfect life of the Devlins is unraveled by dark secrets, betrayal, and a quest for revenge.

The prequel explores the origin story of Doctor Drew Devlin and the events leading to his fateful meeting with Fern, the manipulations, and the dangerous secrets.

In Fern's initial pursuit of Drew, she was driven by a desire for security and escape from her own troubled past as she meticulously plans to ensure Drew marries her—at any cost. She then realizes there are cracks in his facade.

The Doctor serves as an origin story for the couple’s toxic dynamic, exploring the beginning of their relationship, showing how Fern first targeted Drew as the perfect escape from her own dark past, and Drew's dangerous secrets.

The prequel establishes the foundation of their "wickedly twisted game of cat-and-mouse," and power dynamics, showing that neither was ever truly the innocent party they pretended to be in the first book. These revelations establish that Fern was a "femme fatale" from the very beginning, setting the stage for the diabolical revenge she eventually takes in The Doctor's Wife.

The prequel highlights that Fern does not merely stumble upon these secrets; she recognizes them and chooses to use them to her advantage to "snare" him into marriage.

True to Hurst's signature style, the narrative features alternating perspectives between Drew and Fern, highlighting the pathological narcissism and early betrayals that define their toxic relationship with fun, diabolical twists fans adore.

Series...
While this book is the fifth release in the series, it is chronologically the first. It precedes: 
The Doctor’s Wife (Book 1)
The Doctor’s Widow (Book 2)
The Doctor’s Mistress (Book 3)
The Doctor’s Child (Book 4) 

The message of Daniel Hurst’s The Doctor’s Wife series, reinforced by the prequel The Doctor, is a cynical warning about the danger of underestimating others and the toxicity of perfection. 

The prequel highlights that Fern does not merely stumble upon these secrets; she recognizes them and chooses to use them to her advantage to "snare" him into marriage.

Recs...

Fans of the author and the series will enjoy this one, and if you like the fast-paced, manipulative, and domestic psychological thrillers characteristic of Daniel Hurst, these authors and books are recommended.

~Dear Debbie Freida McFadden
~The Intruder Freida McFadden
~My Husband's Wife Alice Feeney
~Rock Paper Scissors Alice Feeney
~Jill Is Not Happy Kaira Rouda
~Jane Doe Victoria Helen Stone
~None of This Is True Lisa Jewell
~The Good Samaritan John Marrs

Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating; 4 Stars
Pub Date: Jan 23, 2026
January Newsletter

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is he the perfect man… or the perfect liar?”
This twisty psychological thriller had me hooked from the very first line. When our narrator lays eyes on Doctor Drew Devlin, she’s certain he’s the answer to every problem in her life—charming, successful, wealthy, and exactly the kind of man who could offer the stability she’s desperate for. But as she sets her sights on becoming the doctor’s wife, it becomes clear that both of them are carrying secrets big enough to shatter their carefully constructed lies.
What unfolds is a dark, addictive game of manipulation, desire, and survival. The tension builds beautifully as the layers peel back, revealing two people who are far more dangerous—and far more obsessed—than they first appear. I devoured this in a single sitting, constantly second-guessing who was really in control.
If you love domestic suspense with morally messy characters, shocking reveals, and that delicious feeling of “just one more chapter,” this one will absolutely grip you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Utterly compulsive. A wild, twist-filled ride.
#BookReview #PsychologicalThriller #DomesticSuspense #Bookstagram #ThrillerBooks #PlotTwist #MustRead #TheDoctorsWife #BookishAddict #ThrillerTuesday #DarkReads

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #5 in the Doctor Wives series and we now know how Fern and Drew met. Another twisty thriller that I could not put down. I’m tempted to read all the others in this series again. This is book #49 that I have read of Daniel’s. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.

[Lori Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Doctor is book 5 in The Doctor's Wife series by Daniel Hurst. I have really enjoyed the books in this series and was excited to see a new one. The Doctor takes you back to the beginning before Drew and Fern were married. It tells the story of how they met, what they felt, and the things they did before they got married and after. It's told from both points of view, Fern's and Drew's and gives the reader insight into their relationship. If you haven't read The Doctor's Wife series, I would highly recommend that you read them first. However, since this book takes you back to the beginning you could enjoy this as a standalone, too. This book had quite a few surprises that I didn't know and I've read every book in the series. I read The Doctor way too fast and enjoyed every minute! I rate The Doctor 4 stars with a high recommendation. I loved reading about Fern and Drew's early life and what they got into back then. The Doctor is available on January 23 and should be devoured then. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of The Doctor in exchange for a fair review. #TheDoctor

[Lauren Elkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t think of a single book by this author that I didn’t enjoy. Each and every one of them is fantastic, but the series about the doctor and his wife is an absolute gem. I was therefore thrilled when the author decided to write a prequel and take us back to where it all began.

This time, we get a front-row seat to discover how the doctor and his wife met and how their relationship started.

Readers who have already read the series know who Fern is and what she is capable of, and we thought we understood why she became the way she is—but is that really the full story?
This is definitely a book you need to read if you want to be taken back in time. And if you haven’t read the rest of the series yet, this is the perfect place to start.

Is one the victim of the other, or did one become who they are because of the other’s actions? I think they are more than evenly matched—except that one of them is just a little more calculating and therefore always one step ahead.

Both the doctor and the doctor’s wife are fantastic creations born from the author’s creative mind, and together they make these books an absolutely phenomenal whole.

All I can say is: read it!

I’m giving this one 5 stars.

Thank you

[Cynthia Sauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC of The Doctor.

I will preface my review by saying I have not read this entire series. When I requested the ARC, I was familiar with the author but didn’t realize this was part of a series. I had “The Doctor’s Wife” on my shelf already so went ahead and read that one first.

“The Doctor” was a quick and enjoyable read. I suppose there are probably Easter eggs in here that I missed since I haven’t read the entire series. Fern is a truly deplorable character but yet still I somewhat empathized with her. She’s just trying to save her marriage, after all! At some point I will probably pick up the other books in the series just to see it through.

[Renko Dekker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book of 2025, and I flew through it (finished it in 2,5 hours). I've read all the books in the Doctor's Wife series, so I obviously had to read this one as well. I received it from Bookouture via Netgalley.

This book is the start, the beginning of it all. And that was an absolute blast to read about. Now, you understand it all (although you should just start with the first book of course). The characters are great, with all their imperfections and craziness. The story is just interesting and it reads easily as it is exciting to find everything out.

Great thriller!

5/5 ⭐️

[Cin (cinsnextchapter) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Doctor is the fifth installment in The Doctor’s Wife series, and it wraps everything up beautifully by taking readers back to where the story first began between Drew and Fern. Although it’s technically the fifth book, it works as a prequel and could easily be read first if you’re new to the series. I flew through the pages in a single afternoon, desperate to get all the details behind Drew and Fern’s backstory. Daniel Hurst never disappoints, and this twisty thriller is the perfect addition to the series!

[Kelli Daugherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a prequel I didn’t realize we needed but I’m glad for it! It was wonderful to get Dr. Drew’s point of view and how Drew and Fern got to to the events of The Doctors Wife series. And if there was ever a question that Fern was a villain, that is a question no longer!

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Bookouture for the advance reader copy.. this is my honest review. Publication date Jan 23, 2026.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A prequel to the doctors wife series.. there is a reason Daniel Hurst is my favorite author. His books are just so gripping and easy to read..I love his style and this book is no different!!! It takes you into the mind of Fern and Drew and into their past and how they met. Totally hooked form the first page and finished in record time!!! 


Daniel you are such an awesome writer, keep it up!!

[Rachiebo · Rating 4 out of 5]

It never fails. A Daniel hurst book can pull you out of a reading slump and keep you guessing u til the end! I’m an instant buy when it comes to this author! Just when you think you know what will happen! Bam the author throws in a hard left and I’m sitting here looking both ways as to what hit me! Whew! Love this book

[Katlin Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book! Daniel Hurst never fails me! This one was super twisty and I probably yelled wtf about ten times. Now I have to read the whole series. Lol.

[Kim Melbourne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a large number of Daniels books and all in this series about the doctor.
Another great read, good pace and very easy to read with it's usual mix of twists....as a book I cannot fault it. However, for me, reading this as 5th in the series seemed a bit backwards and didn't really add value to the previous books and storyline in the series.
would still recommend this as a good book though.

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit it, I couldn’t resist returning for one more installment of the lives of Drew and Fern Devlin, the doctor and his wife. This is the fifth in the series but is actually a prequel that delves into the backstory of how Fern became The Doctor’s Wife.

As is typical in a Hurst novel, there are diabolical twists and pathological narcissism. As with the prior stories, it’s an engrossing, fast paced read that I couldn’t put down. I like the continued author’s style of alternating chapter perspectives from the two main characters, allowing a glimpse into their inner thoughts and motivations.

You may dislike some (or all!) of the characters and think some things a bit over the top,  but you will enjoy this psychological thriller.  It is an entertaining, escapist read; what I like to call a “popcorn thriller.”


Thanks to @Netgalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.

[Caitlin Bunting · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book to finish this series off, personally I think it went on a little too long and unfortunately because of this in my opinion a lower rating seems necessary.

[Lyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book & found it interesting how Fern & Drew initially met. I read this quickly & was gripped throughout intrigued to hear both Drew & Fern's points of view. There were a couple of points I found a little unbelievable & not sure would actually happen but this added to the story. Fern's character definitely developed the story & she wasn't frightened to act on how she felt!!

This could be read as a stand alone story despite being no 5 in the doctor series by this author. Overall a very good read & woud recommend.

[Andria Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last year, the public library in my town asked me to read and give opinions on some new books including two Daniel Hurst books. Up to that point I had never heard of Mr. Hurst. I took those books home and devoured and loved them. That earned Mr. Hurst a spot on my TBR list and since then have read several more of his books. My opinion on this current book is its a solid 4 1/2 star read. These are my thoughts on the book. The Doctor is an entertaining read. Its face-paced and kept me reading and enjoying it. I like how Mr. Hurst makes you think the characters are good people but then throws in clues/events here or there that make you realize that they are not good/stable people. For instance, Fern seems to just be a woman down on her luck in the relationship area and looking for a good man and who keeps getting taken advantage of, you begin to feel sorry for her because you know how it feels to want a good relationship and to have a good life, and then you find out she will do anything to get and keep the man of her dreams, that has money and can provide her the richer things of life, even very bad things. Drew also has flaws and has done unethical things. I liked how I could follow the story, it wasn't so complicated that I got lost, I have read books before that were too complicated or not well enough put together that I would have to go back and forth trying to figure out some part of the story. I liked that the story was never slow nor boring. So to make this shorter, I could follow the story, it had some twist and turns, some unexpected parts, it was easy to read, it was entertaining and I certainly would want to read more. It also ends with me wanting to know more of the manipulations and adventures of Fern and Drew. I had already read one of the other books in the series and I can tell that they will all be great! The bonus for me in Mr. Hurst's books are, that they are shorter, with shorter chapters, most are 250-300 pages and can be read in one sitting. Just to wrap it up, generally my 5 star reads are those that make me cry, this one didn't make me cry but it sure was entertaining!

[Samadhee Ismail · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Doctor is the fifth book of the Doctor's Wife series. I haven't read any of the previous books but then I am guessing The Doctor is the prequel to the Doctor's Wife.

Drew Devlin is a wealthy doctor but while in college, he cheated on one of his exams. Someone, Jimmy knows about it and threated Drew by blackmailing him. Meanwhile, Fern is determined to find a doctor so she could live the life she wants. She meets Drew Devlin and is determined to become his wife...even if it involves killing people who are on the way to Drew's heart.

The story is told in the POVs of Drew and Fern. I haven't read the first four books so my first impression of Drew was calm and reasonable person, who doesn't seem to approve of his colleague who is married illicit affairs. And he seemed to be obeying the law. Fern meanwhile is dealing with a breakup when a random woman tells Fern that she should marry a doctor so she could become wealthy. The story kind of started as if the lives of both Fern and Drew are different until it got connected with the murder of Drew's fiancee Rose. Drew and Fern then meet each other, ended up marrying each other, where actually the real story begins.

The book was fast paced, well written and drawing the reader to the attention of what is happening with the book. Both have secrets that may destroy their lives in general. The whole story sounded like you are watching a really good thriller movie. Fern is dealing with insecurities in her life which really made her to pursue after the doctors so she could deal with a comfortable life. Not only that--the spouses controlling each other--Fern being obsessive about Drew is another interesting point in the book.

Overall, this was greatly--it could be read as a standalone, even if you haven't read the first four books of the series yet. This book actually made me want to read the entire series so as to see what is going to happen to Fern next (the small cliffhanger)

The book is worth 4.5 stars.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

[Miranda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley which I am so thankful for.
To preface this review, I have only read the doctor’s wife and I read recaps of the others in the series before reading this one. I was disappointed in the doctor’s wife and I’m just as disappointed (if not more so) in this one. It’s repetitive, none of the characters are likable, and I’m struggling with understanding the purpose (besides the confession from Fern about more murders). I think I would’ve liked this more if it had only been in Fern’s pov and she had a You situation where we see her stalking the doctor and he finds out at some point. The dual pov didn’t feel necessary to me. The plot had so much potential, it just wasn’t executed well (in my opinion). There were also plot holes for me because there just didn’t seem to be any complexity in the characters and everything was spelled out. It took him years to decide to marry Rose but marries Fern within one year? With no explanation or even story on how they actually fell in love? Which would make more sense if we got to see Drew grieving more and seeing how Fern makes him feel better or is there for him besides them both just “being lonely.” Her night with Phil. Drew not understanding Phil’s affair then completing changing his moral compass because he’s bored with his life. We don’t actually see the moral conflict that happens as he starts his affair with Alice. I also don’t need to be told about every thought the characters are having especially when it’s something I can see for myself through the character’s actions. For example: when Drew talks about being anxious because of Jimmy and reiterates it quite a few times when it already said he was distracted and anxious. It was just lackluster to me overall. It was an easy read though. I just wanted more from it to score it higher.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Drew Devlin works in partnership with another doctor in a practice that promises patients that they will be seen the day they come to the office. Thus, he has a long day with many patients. Drew is engaged to Rose who wants to get their wedding going soon. However, with a blackmail threat that he is dealing with, Drew is wondering if he may need to pay off the blackmailer or simply confront him.

Fern is a woman who is reeling from the death of a good friend and the fact that her boyfriend has just broken off with her. Add to all that the dead end job she is in and she is a very unhappy woman. When a woman sees her crying, she tells her that she must marry a doctor and then she won’t have to work and she will have everything she could ever want. So, she makes a doctor’s appointment. When that appointment ends in a bust, she decides to zero in on the other doctor in the practice - Drew.

I have read and reviewed numerous books by this author. Many has been terrific but some haven’t quite met with the hype. I’m afraid that this book falls in the latter category. Drew at first comes across as a lovely, dedicated doctor. In fact, I was skeptical about the “mistake” he made in college. If he just got a peek at something and didn’t copy anything, he shouldn’t be held liable. It’s lame. Fern seems to be a weak person until she meets up with the doctor’s wife who gives her advice which, quite frankly, is also lame, as in good luck with that. I’m sorry but the whole story tried but just didn’t make it for me.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Mary Carbajosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great story by one of my favourite authors. It’s probably worth mentioning at the outset that this is the prequel to “The Doctor” series of books. This particular story follows the journey of Fern, whose life hasn’t been going well recently. One of her friends passed away, her boyfriend has just dumped her and she’s stuck in a job she hates, so taking the advice given to her by a stranger- “If you want a better life, become a doctor’s wife,” she sets out to do just that. Will she find the perfect doctor? Or will he turn out to be the perfect liar?

This is a thoroughly entertaining read and well crafted page turner, if you don’t mind a few cliches and a formula-driven plot, and I sped through it happily, and even though I didn’t fully connect with some of the characters on an emotional level, the storyline itself was strong enough to keep me fully invested. The dual POV ‘s between Fern and Drew added depth, offering two distinct yet equally gripping perspectives and that kept the tension building.

I would say this book falls into the domestic noir category, as well as being a psychological thriller and it highlights the question how big a role fate plays in people’s lives. My only gripe is that I would have preferred a more definitive ending, while the conclusion was intriguing, as a prequel, it left the door open for the next book in this series, rather than tie everything up nicely. I now need to go and read the rest of “The Doctor” books !!
This novel is a short, quick read that’s difficult to put down.

Thank you to Net Galley and Bookouture for the advanced copy.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel Hurst has taken readers back to the beginning with The Doctor! Readers will finally get to see how Fern and Drew met. This is another thrilling, entertaining, dramatic, and page turning book by Daniel Hurst. He always delivers thrills, chills, and shocking moments! I know that I can always count on him to bring me pure reading bliss.

Fern met a woman on the street who gave her a wee bit of advice - to marry a doctor. Fern is not one to let things go, and she sets out to meet, dazzle, a marry a doctor. Enter Dr. Drew Devlin stage left! Fern comes into their relationship with a few secrets, but she is not the only one. Drew has a MASSIVE secret as well. Perhaps they were, in fact, made for each other!

The Doctor’s Wife is a prequel to Daniel Hurst's 'The Doctor's Wife' series. So, it works perfectly as a stand-alone. But beware, this might make you want to read the rest of the books in this gripping, intense, and shocking series!!!

Wonderfully written, well thought out, gripping, and hard to put down!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teary-eyed and devastated after a breakup, Fern receives life-changing advice from a kindly stranger: becoming a doctor’s wife is the key to happiness. Before she knows it, Fern finds herself swept into the orbit of the charming and handsome Dr. Drew Devlin. Fern’s her life begins to shift in ways she never expected.

The Doctor is the fifth book in Daniel Hurst’s The Doctor Wife series, but it works beautifully as a starting point. As a prequel, it introduces both Fern and Drew and reveals how their relationship began. Having not read the earlier books, I loved starting at the beginning of their story. It immediately made me want to pick up the rest of the series.

Fern begins this novel deeply disenchanted with life, but as it turns out, Drew is carrying his own heavy burdens. Early in his medical career, he made a decision that now leaves him vulnerable to blackmail. As he and Fern plan their wedding, Drew becomes increasingly desperate, torn between paying off the blackmailer and giving Fern the wedding she’s so excited about. The tension builds steadily as his secrets threaten to unravel everything they’re building together.

Readers familiar with the series may already know that at least one of these characters eventually ends up behind prison bars. As a newcomer, that knowledge only heightened the suspense for me. This was a fast-paced, addictive read that I genuinely couldn’t put down—and I’m thrilled that I can dive straight into the rest of the series thanks to Kindle Unlimited.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Doctor is one of those psychological thrillers that hooks you from the very first encounter and refuses to loosen its grip. It opens with a classic temptation: a charming, wealthy, impossibly polished man who seems to offer safety, stability, and a clean break from a messy past. Doctor Drew Devlin is the kind of character you want to trust… and instantly suspect.

The narrator’s voice is compelling in its vulnerability—she’s desperate, determined, and painfully self‑aware. Her fixation on Drew feels both understandable and unsettling, and the author leans into that tension beautifully. You can feel the stakes tightening as she edges closer to the life she thinks she deserves, even as the cracks in Drew’s perfect façade begin to show.

What makes the story so addictive is the duality running beneath every interaction. Drew is hiding something dangerous, but the narrator is hardly innocent herself. Their secrets orbit each other like two dark stars, and watching them collide is half the thrill. The pacing is sharp, the atmosphere claustrophobic in the best way, and the sense of dread builds with delicious precision.

Fans of John Marrs, T.M. Logan, and Freida McFadden will feel right at home here—this is a twisty, compulsive read that thrives on shifting power dynamics and morally murky characters. And that final twist? It lands with the kind of satisfying snap that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew. A slick, unsettling, and utterly bingeable thriller.

With thanks to Daniel Hurst, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[BookSloth · Rating 3 out of 5]

BookSloth received an advance review copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The blurb promises a “totally gripping and page-turning psychological thriller” packed with secrets, obsession, and a jaw-dropping twist. BookSloth was excited to dive in. The setup hints at deception on both sides, but the tension rarely sharpens into anything genuinely gripping, and the psychological depth implied never fully materialises.

The characters are the main stumbling block. In a thriller, they don’t need to be likable, but they do need to feel compelling and psychologically convincing. Here, the characters feel thinly drawn, and their motivations don’t ring true enough to support the stakes the story asks the reader to invest in. As a result, the emotional pull is weak.

Pacing is another issue. A thriller relies on momentum—unease, pressure, the sense that something is about to snap. The Doctor feels oddly muted. The tension never escalates into anything genuinely suspenseful, leaving BookSloth disappointed.

As a prequel to a five-book series, the restraint may make more sense to readers already familiar with the wider story. As a standalone experience, however, it lacks depth, urgency, and payoff. Rather than prompting an immediate dive into the rest of the series, it left BookSloth with a sense of underwhelm.

Daniel Hurst clearly has an audience, particularly among readers who enjoy lighter, quick-read psychological dramas. But readers looking for layered characters and escalating tension may find this one falls short.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read quite a few books by this author already, but somehow, I've not read any of The Doctor's Wife series until now.

 

I thought this was going to cause issues, but actually, this book is written as a prequel to the series and introduces us to the characters right from the start.

Now, I think this worked well as a first read and I really enjoyed seeing how Fern and Drew met and started their relationship.

But, I also feel like this would have been brilliant to read in the order the books were written - as intended! - and therefore knowing everything that follows for the couple.

 

So, I'm in two minds really, but let's just say, I really enjoy this author's writing style and plotlines anyway and this has just tempted me to grab the series as a whole for future reading.

I'll probably leave it a bit so I can start it fresh and then re-read this at the end and see if the impact hits different that time round.

 

For now though, I loved seeing this relationship develop gradually and getting to know both the doctor and his wife in such detail that had me invested in their story.

 

I have no idea how things will develop but I'd be interested to see just which of them continues with the upper hand (I think I have made some assumptions by the next few titles though!?)

 

This had me hooked right from the start and I raced through the pages.

I'm looking forward to catching up with the rest of the series soon(ish) - but would definitely already recommend this author's books to any thriller reader.

 



 

[Saptaparna Das · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up The Doctor expecting a short psychological thriller, and it turned out to be a surprisingly gripping read. Even though this is a prequel, it works well on its own and gives an interesting insight into the character of the doctor before everything else unfolds.

What really kept me hooked was the tension around who this man truly is. On the surface, he appears calm, charming, and respectable—but very quickly, cracks begin to show. I constantly found myself questioning his motives and wondering how much of what I was seeing could actually be trusted. That sense of unease runs throughout the book and makes it hard to put down.

The pacing is fast, which I appreciated. The chapters are short, the writing is straightforward, and the story moves quickly without unnecessary detours. The twists may not be extremely shocking, but they’re effective enough to keep you engaged and curious about what’s coming next.

That said, I do think readers who are already familiar with the series will enjoy this more. Knowing what lies ahead adds an extra layer of tension and makes certain moments hit harder.

Overall, The Doctor is a quick, engaging psychological thriller that focuses more on character and manipulation than outright action. It’s an easy, addictive read—especially if you enjoy morally grey characters and unsettling mind games.