An edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller that brings a unique mix of psychotherapy and Sign Language and Coda Culture. Just when you think you have it figured out, think again! Dr. Alicia Reese takes on a new patient. Lucas Ferro suffers with crippling anxiety, and as sessions progress, he begins to share the reasons why he’s struggling. As Ferro’s narrative becomes more menacing, Reese finds … more menacing, Reese finds herself wedged between the cold hard frame of professional ethics and the integrity of personal truth. And, finally, when Ferro reveals his secrets, Reese learns how far she’s willing to go, willing to risk and willing to lose to do the right thing.
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Exciting! Unique! Addictive! Twisted! Suspenseful! Everything you could want in an unputdownable psychological thriller! I’m now a confirmed Serani fan!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Wow, a psychological thriller is a perfect description of The Ninth Session. Serani does not disappoint on the thrills or suspense right up to the end. The Ninth Session is an easy and fast read. I could not put it down after the first chapter, a definite page-turner.
Dr. Alicia Reese takes on a new patient, Lucas Ferro who suffers from severe anxiety. The more he shares with Alicia the more dangerous her world becomes. If you love a riveting psychological thriller as I do you will not want to pass this one up. Best psychological thriller I have read this year for sure.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
THE NINTH SESSION by Deborah Serani is an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller written and read in a unique style. The plot is revealed in a series of psychological therapy sessions, patient notes and self-reflection. I listened to the Audible audiobook version performed by the author herself and was captivated.
Psychologist Alicia Reese is scheduled to meet a new patient and finds him having an anxiety/panic attack in her office restroom. Lucas Ferro tells Alicia he has tried therapy before, but it never seems to work. With each new session, Lucas’s revelations become more menacing, and Alicia will have to choose between carrying on with his sessions, her professional ethics and/or doing the “right” thing.
I loved the way this story progressed and the unique way it was presented. Alicia is an interesting protagonist. Ms. Serani integrates Alicia’s history of having grown up in a CODA (Children of Deaf Adults) family, her still present grief at the death of her husband and her professional life all together in a memorable character. The plot follows Alicia’s sessions with Lucas and uncovering his history and secrets. As each surprise or twist is revealed, the threat and tension levels increase the pace to a realistic climax. This is a short standalone that I did not want to stop listening to.
I enjoyed Ms. Serani’s narration. It was clear with a steady pace. I was never confused with which character was speaking during her narration. I also enjoyed that during the “Note” sections of the story, the narration had a scratching noise in the background as if Alicia was truly writing while you are listening.
I highly recommend this psychological thriller!
The Ninth Session will give you some incredible insight into the therapy world while also unfolding an enticing story. I loved that this was written by a practiced psychologist because it felt so raw and natural. The story line itself was incredibly interesting and the focus of the emotions of the therapist instead of the patient was really enlightening. It was a pretty original read because of this element and I think that’s what made it incredibly enjoyable. I flew through the pages of this shorter novel not only in pure interest in what was coming next, but also because of the style and narration of it all. I felt so in tune with the emotions of it and it came off so incredibly realistic, it feels like you’re reading a genuine patient case. It was dark, it was clinical but it was also extremely insightful and passionate.
The Ninth Session was spine-tingling and haunting.
Deborah Serani describes the relationship with Luke and his therapist in a creepy and mind-blowing way that draws you right in.
Just when I thought I knew what was going on, another unexpected twist would pop up.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for fair and honest review.
The Ninth Session was a fast moving Psychological Thriller by Deborah Serani. I was hooked on this book from the start, wondering what Luke would reveal next to Dr. Reese. Some twists and turns with an open ended ending. I am truly hoping that we get sequel to this one!
Thank you to BookSirens for the free digital copy in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
Doctor Alicia Reese suffered the devastating loss of her husband and was in a delicate place when Lucas walked into her office with paralyzing panic attacks.
I was reading along, then went back to the blurb, wondering if this book was going to be about love, loss and recovery and just a ho hum read, WHEN it took a sharp turn.
I had a general idea of where Deborah Serani was going to take me, but after the phone call…that revved it up for me.
I was very curious how it would all play out because it’s only 188 pages and I felt like time was running out. My suspense level rose, the tension increased, pace got faster and I felt I had to know.
Yeah, the cover drew my interest, but the title and blurb set me up for an even better story than I anticipated. I do like book surprises, don’t you? And this was one wild ride in the inner thoughts of Lucas and Alicia.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Ninth Session by Deboarh Serani.
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Dr. Alicia Reese allows the reader to sit in on her sessions with a patient, Lucas Ferro. Usually what happens between a therapist and her patient are kept confidential. But it seems as if she wants us to know what is going on so that we may make our own conclusions about Mr. Ferro. And we get her impression and interpretation to help us.
I enjoyed how the author set up her “chapters” or should I say sessions. But besides the sessions, we get a peek into her life once she meets her latest client. If you like a book where you can immerse yourself into what is going on than you might enjoy this book. I’m a reader that’s all about the romance but every once in a while I like to stretch my comfort zone. And boy am I glad I did.
It’s hard to believe that I almost didn’t read this book. When the request to review came into my inbox I almost hit the delete button. But once I read the blurb I decided to take a chance. Once I got the book, the physical copy, I read the back of the book and read the little blurb next to the author’s picture. Found it interesting that she had something to do with one of my favorite franchises. I could see this book being a part of the series.
Would I read this book again? Yes I would. One thing I might do differently now that I’ve read it once is wait for the month of June and start again. Then instead of reading chapter after chapter, I will follow the dates that coincide with the sessions. I might have to write myself a note because once I read the first session I will automatically want to continue instead of waiting for the next session date. But then I realized that there will come a time where a stretch of time will pass until I can read again and that’s when I decide this might be a bad idea. Especially when I get to the ending that feels like this story isn’t over yet.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I could not put this book down. Fast-paced, fascinating, and suspenseful psychological thriller told from the perspective of one who’s been there, done it. The story draws the readers into an asynchronous world where flawed characters pull the plot forward on both conscious and subconscious levels–twist after twist after twist. A bold glimpse behind the psychologist’s privacy curtain allows the reader to see her treatment notes and experience the transference and countertransference as she lives it; and to feel her intense emotional stress when faced with a moral conundrum. The immersion into the world of CODA (Children of Deaf Adults) adds another dimension to this gripping story.
I really enjoyed this audiobook! I did follow along with the book on my Kindle as well. I think the narrator did a great job. Her speaking was clear and she portrayed Alicia very well, I feel. I loved the parts where she took notes. You could hear the scribbling. It really made me feel like I was right there. Visualizing was very easy. I would have liked her to change her voice for different characters. There was the baker that had a foreign accent and I did enjoy that. It just would have made it a little difficult if I wasn’t reading along. But, I really did love it!