Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: July 7 2020
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Synopsis:
Parker, a young, overconfident psychiatrist new to his job at a mental asylum, miscalculates catastrophically when he undertakes curing a mysterious and profoundly dangerous patient.
In a series of online posts, Parker H., a young psychiatrist, chronicles the harrowing account of his time working at a dreary mental hospital in New England. Through this internet message board, Parker hopes to communicate with the world his effort to cure one bewildering patient.
We learn, as Parker did on his first day at the hospital, of the facility’s most difficult, profoundly dangerous case—a forty-year-old man who was originally admitted to the hospital at age six. This patient has no known diagnosis. His symptoms seem to evolve over time. Every person who has attempted to treat him has been driven to madness or suicide.
Desperate and fearful, the hospital’s directors keep him strictly confined and allow minimal contact with staff for their own safety, convinced that releasing him would unleash catastrophe on the outside world. Parker, brilliant and overconfident, takes it upon himself to discover what ails this mystery patient and finally cure him. But from his first encounter with the mystery patient, things spiral out of control, and, facing a possibility beyond his wildest imaginings, Parker is forced to question everything he thought he knew.
Sarah's Review:
What a whirlwind. That is the only way to describe this book. A total whirlwind.
The format of this book was really unique. It is told through reddit posts, and some medical files. I think this added to the suspense, and enhanced the story. The writing was gripping, and I couldn't read fast enough. Books like this are the reason the term "page-turner" exists. This book is really dark compared to other thrillers I have read. I would definitely categorize it as horror.
Dr. Parker is an extremely likable character. He's determined, smart, and sympathetic. He has all the qualities to make him a great doctor. I found myself rooting for him, and being concerned for him. I think Joe's character was done perfectly, but I won't say more to prevent spoilers. The side characters added to the suspense and mystery, and DeWitt did a great job at forming doubt in the reader.
Unfortunately, I predicted part of the ending very early on. This did not take away from the reading experience very much, and overall I highly recommend this book! DeWitt is one of the best up and coming horror writers that I have had the pleasure of reading!
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