Alex Michaelides
2019
4/5 stars
Six years ago, Alicia Berenson was found guilty of the murder of her husband, and placed in a secure forensic psychiatric ward in the Grove. From the time the police found her by the body, she has never spoken.
Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has come to work at the Grove specifically in the hopes of being able to work with Alicia. He feels strongly that he can help her find her voice again. As Theo begins working toward that end, he finds himself making unconventional decisions in an attempt to uncover her past and reveal the reason behind the murder. He becomes too focused on Alicia; seduced by her silence and verging on obsessed, Theo's motives become blurred, leading him into dangerous territory.
This is a well-written novel, engrossing from the beginning, which stays absorbing throughout. The gradual reveal of personalities, motives, and history is well done. The characters are realistic, the suspense builds nicely, and the overall plot is convincing. I figured out the twist in advance, but that did not lessen the enjoyment. I would certainly recommend this slow burning mystery-thriller.
