The thriller novel The Silent Patient by Alex Michealides begins with an abrupt and startling introduction to Alicia Berenson, the main protagonist of the story. She is introduced as an emotionally driven artist, married to a talented photographer whom she is deeply in love with. One night, while home with her husband, she gruesomely and without warning murders him in cold blood, the motive unknown. She is immediately put on trial and sentenced to rehabilitation in a psychiatric ward. Throughout her sentencing and questioning, she doesn’t utter a single word.

Years later, psychotherapist Theo Faber, a man stunned and intrigued by Alicia’s case and behavior, is offered a job at her mental facility where he would be able to closely observe Alicia throughout his day. From the night of her husband's murder to the day Theo first begins his job, Alicia remains silent despite many attempts at getting her to speak by trained professionals. Theo introduces himself to the patients during a session of group therapy, immediately noticing Alicia slouched over and lost in a medically induced haze from her prescriptions. This prompts Theo to acquire the head doctor’s permission to become Alicia’s full-time therapist, as he believes he will be able to get her to speak.

Leading Theo through a path of uncertainty and danger, he works tirelessly to make breakthroughs with Alicia. For months, she has been silent despite his efforts. This lasts until he finally gets Alicia to speak after providing her with a canvas and paintbrushes, leading to the true beginning of the novel. The Silent Patient is a remarkably quick read, as each page fills the reader with suspense and intrigue. The story is disturbing, frightening, and completely engrossing, ending with an exciting plot twist that leaves readers stunned.

Review by: Nicole de Beauchamp

Nicole is a 16-year-old Junior at Santa Monica High School and volunteers at the West LA Regional Library.

—Carrie Davies, Young Adult Librarian, West Los Angeles Branch Library