The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband―and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive. Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word. Alicia’s refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety. The price of her art skyrockets, and she, the silent patient, is hidden away from the tabloids and spotlight at the Grove, a secure forensic unit in North London. Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations―a search for the truth that threatens to consume him...

Alex Michaelides, Author 

Crafting Intricacies in Words and Thrillers

Biography: Alex Michaelides, a bestselling British Cypriot author and screenwriter, was born in Cyprus in 1977 to a Cypriot father and an English mother. His literary journey is marked by academic excellence, with an M.A. in English Literature from Trinity College, Cambridge University, and an M.A. in Screenwriting from the American Film Institute in Los Angeles.

Literary Ventures: Michaelides delved into psychotherapy for three years and worked for an additional two years at a secure unit for young adults. This hands-on experience not only enriched his understanding of the human psyche but also served as a wellspring of inspiration for his debut novel, "The Silent Patient."

His foray into screenwriting resulted in films like "The Devil You Know," featuring Lena Olin, Rosamund Pike, and Jennifer Lawrence, and co-writing "The Con Is On," starring Uma Thurman, Tim Roth, Parker Posey, and Sofia Vergara. Despite his achievements in film, a pivotal moment at a party led him to pivot to novel writing.

Literary Triumph - The Silent Patient: "The Silent Patient" catapulted Michaelides into literary stardom. This psychological thriller not only debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list but also achieved remarkable global success, selling over 6.5 million copies worldwide. The rights to the novel were acquired in an astounding 51 countries, and it was optioned for film by Plan B, Brad Pitt's production company.

The Silent Patient received widespread acclaim, earning the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Mystery & Thriller of 2019. It was shortlisted for a Barry for the best debut and Barnes and Noble's Book of the Year.

Continued Success - The Maidens: Following the resounding success of his debut, Michaelides continued his literary journey with "The Maidens." Published by Orion Publishing in the UK and Celadon Books in the US, this psychological detective story explores a series of murders at a Cambridge college. The Maidens debuted at number two on The New York Times fiction best-seller list, solidifying Michaelides' position as a master of the psychological thriller genre.

Legacy and Beyond: Alex Michaelides' unique blend of academic prowess, psychological insight, and storytelling acumen has positioned him as a formidable force in contemporary literature. His ability to craft intricate narratives that delve into the complexities of the human mind has resonated with readers globally, making him a literary luminary whose work continues to captivate and intrigue. As he seamlessly transitions between the worlds of literature and film, Michaelides remains an author whose creations transcend borders and leave an indelible mark on the literary landscape.

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