Jasper Dewitt’s debut novel, The Patient, is a gripping and unnerving horror story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Set in a secluded mental institution in the middle of the woods, the story follows a young psychiatrist named Parker who is assigned to treat a mysterious patient known only as Joe. As Parker spends more time with Joe, he begins to uncover a dark and terrifying secret that threatens to consume him.
The Setting
The setting of The Patient is one of the strongest aspects of the book. Dewitt does an excellent job of creating an atmosphere of isolation and dread, making the mental institution feel like a character in its own right. The descriptions of the dark, labyrinthine hallways and the eerie silence of the surrounding woods are sure to send shivers down your spine.
The Characters
The characters in The Patient are well-drawn and complex. Parker is a sympathetic protagonist who is struggling with his own personal demons, while Joe is an enigmatic and unsettling figure who keeps the reader guessing throughout the book. The interactions between the two characters are intense and often uncomfortable, as Parker tries to uncover the truth about Joe’s past and Joe fights to keep his secrets hidden.
The Plot
The plot of The Patient is expertly crafted, with plenty of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. As Parker delves deeper into Joe’s past, he begins to uncover a series of disturbing events that took place at the mental institution years ago. The tension builds steadily throughout the book, until it reaches a terrifying climax that will leave you breathless.
The Writing
Dewitt’s writing style is crisp and clear, with a strong sense of pacing that keeps the story moving forward. He has a talent for creating vivid and unsettling imagery, and his descriptions of the mental institution and its inhabitants are sure to stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.
The Verdict
The Patient is a chilling and haunting tale that is sure to appeal to fans of horror and psychological thrillers. Dewitt’s skillful use of setting, character, plot, and writing combine to create a truly unforgettable reading experience. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you up at night, look no further than The Patient.
The book’s setting is one of its greatest strengths. The remote and isolated island creates a sense of dread and unease from the very beginning. The hospital itself is eerie and unsettling, with its creaky floorboards, flickering lights, and never-ending corridors. The oppressive atmosphere of the island and the hospital are expertly crafted, and you can’t help but feel trapped alongside the characters.
Speaking of the characters, they are all expertly drawn and well-rounded. From the aloof and mysterious Doctor Gomez to the anxious and paranoid Parker, each character is unique and intriguing. The protagonist, Parker, is a sympathetic and relatable character, and his descent into madness is both terrifying and heartbreaking. Dewitt expertly explores themes of mental illness and trauma through Parker’s character, and the result is a truly poignant and affecting story.
The plot is expertly crafted, with just the right amount of twists and turns to keep the reader on edge. The slow build-up of tension and suspense is masterful, and Dewitt’s use of foreshadowing and ambiguity adds an extra layer of unease to the narrative. The book’s final act is a tour-de-force of horror, with a climax that will leave you breathless and reeling.
Finally, Dewitt’s writing is beautiful and evocative. His prose is haunting and lyrical, and he has a real talent for painting vivid and atmospheric scenes. The book’s descriptions of the island and the hospital are so vivid that you can practically feel the cold, damp air and hear the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.
Overall, The Patient is an expertly crafted and truly chilling horror novel that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. Dewitt’s use of setting, character, plot, and writing are all masterful, and he has created a truly unforgettable reading experience. If you’re a fan of horror or psychological thrillers, then this book is an absolute must-read. Just be warned, once you start reading, you won’t be able to put it down.
