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minimicropup's review against another edition
For me the writing style here was too shallow and simplistic. Kind of as engaging as reading a list instead of a story. It was both too objective (just telling us things that happened, basic locations/layouts of settings, telling us how characters feel) and too melodramatic (the repetitive “can I trust Cal” internal monologue and the dialogues between her and Cal, Cal trying to get interviews).
Plot-wise, I was waiting for suspense from the patients being stalked, threats, puzzle solving together with Cal and Laina, red herrings for who might be attacking her practice. We get SO little of that. Instead it was largely about Laina working through her feelings on relationships and getting to know Cal. Lots of telling, not showing too. I think this is more of a contemporary romance (can-I-trust-them, enemies-to-lovers) with a bit of darkness.
On a personal note, I hate descriptions of cancer and cancer treatments and we had lots of that here. It makes me so anxious, almost paranoid. It’s sprinkled throughout and it was hard for me to predict or skim through it because of that. The synopsis indicates we can expect a focus on patients working through mental health issues, not medical oncology ones.
I skimmed through to the end and although the twist is there and okay, I was glad I decided to move past the middle parts to get there.
Plot-wise, I was waiting for suspense from the patients being stalked, threats, puzzle solving together with Cal and Laina, red herrings for who might be attacking her practice. We get SO little of that. Instead it was largely about Laina working through her feelings on relationships and getting to know Cal. Lots of telling, not showing too. I think this is more of a contemporary romance (can-I-trust-them, enemies-to-lovers) with a bit of darkness.
On a personal note, I hate descriptions of cancer and cancer treatments and we had lots of that here. It makes me so anxious, almost paranoid. It’s sprinkled throughout and it was hard for me to predict or skim through it because of that. The synopsis indicates we can expect a focus on patients working through mental health issues, not medical oncology ones.
I skimmed through to the end and although the twist is there and okay, I was glad I decided to move past the middle parts to get there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Stalking, Cancer, Gun violence, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Medical content
blkwwwaffle's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
isabelleg26's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
bookswithbrielle's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you Random House - Ballantine & NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I started this book during a serious book hangover. Mostly because it was a little over 200 pages and thought it would be a good quick, psychological thriller to read. I also saw it made the New York Post list for must reads this summer.
I really loved the synopsis of this book. I've always loved books where therapy is incorporated because I'm fascinated by mental health and those that are helping remove the stigma of therapy. The book definitely starts out with a bang, the whole "Watching You" concept drew me in... but that's kind of where my interest faded.
Because the book was short-- I think things were rushed. I thought the relationship between Dr. Lana Landers & Cal Murray was a bit forced and odd. I never felt like it was truly real from the beginning. I enjoyed Cal's character but I wasn't really the biggest fan of the MC. It also could get confusing at times with the different patients and their story lines. Again, probably with the book so short, the characters never really go to develop.
I had an idea of where the book was heading and pretty much guessed the twist at the end, but I thought it was a decent ending-- just needed more fleshing out.
I started this book during a serious book hangover. Mostly because it was a little over 200 pages and thought it would be a good quick, psychological thriller to read. I also saw it made the New York Post list for must reads this summer.
I really loved the synopsis of this book. I've always loved books where therapy is incorporated because I'm fascinated by mental health and those that are helping remove the stigma of therapy. The book definitely starts out with a bang, the whole "Watching You" concept drew me in... but that's kind of where my interest faded.
Because the book was short-- I think things were rushed. I thought the relationship between Dr. Lana Landers & Cal Murray was a bit forced and odd. I never felt like it was truly real from the beginning. I enjoyed Cal's character but I wasn't really the biggest fan of the MC. It also could get confusing at times with the different patients and their story lines. Again, probably with the book so short, the characters never really go to develop.
I had an idea of where the book was heading and pretty much guessed the twist at the end, but I thought it was a decent ending-- just needed more fleshing out.
claudiaslibrarycard's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A dark suspense novel with messy, unlikeable characters- in Privacy it seems like someone is out to get a therapist. Terrible things are happening all around her, to clients and those in her circle. Interspersed with chapters titled “Watching,” someone has eyes all around- but who?
Fun, dark, a bit predictable- this was a fun ride but not one that will stand out in my memory.
Fun, dark, a bit predictable- this was a fun ride but not one that will stand out in my memory.
jilliant364's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jbrooks124's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Creepy with a constant, low-lying sense of unease. I was surprised by the twist at the end, which I appreciated.
haileyhughes's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
courtksreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75