The Good Doctor by Jessica Payne has everything a person could want in a psych thriller.
Compelling characters? Check.
Realistic plot? Check.
Twists and turns? Definitely check.
Jaw-dropping surprise(s)? Check, check, CHECK.
I think one of the reasons I liked this book had to do with the setting. So many psych thrillers are domestic or center around family. This one is largely set with doctors in a hospital (the title is a clue).
Chloe and her fiancé, Elton, are starting a new life in Portland. She’s got a new job, they have a great house, and everything is supposed to be great.
Until she realizes that her ex-husband, Jameson, is her new co-worker. And boy, do they have a history.
What follows is a solid story where the reader gets the background between Chloe and Jameson, as well as how they deal with their current situation.
The psych thriller aspect centers around the very sensitive subject of “right-to-die” and doctor assistance. So, be forewarned that there are parts that are a little difficult to read.
I really liked how twisty this book was. Jameson and Chloe have their own issues, but they try to find a balance, even though they also find that maybe their split was in error.
I’m not going to give anything else away. But the last third of the book? Hold on to your seats because the author pulls out all the stops. And when you think you have it figured out, you don’t.
The Good Doctor reminded me a little of the TV show Scrubs – if that show had been a psych thriller with some literal killer twists. Jessica Payne has written an excellent story, and I can’t wait for the next one.
