The Nurse Paperback – July 21, 2023

This one is a study in, and a perfect example of, how two opposing things can be true at the same time.As well as a reminder - as sharp and jarring as a surprise slap to the face - that people with self serving intent, people who seek to do harm to others, as well as the clinically diagnosable psychopathic (and possibly evil) walk freely among us. Truly wolves in sheep’s clothing.My first point above mainly pertains to the main character, Lizzie. Do I like her? Sure, enough to read her entire story. Dislike her? Without a doubt. Overall, however, she’s not anyone I’d ever want to come into contact with out here in the real world.Her life is a struggle, mainly due to her upbringing within her family of origin (environment/nurture) as well as the brain she was born with (genes/biology/nature).There’s a constant, palatable push-pull which occurs throughout this story. Lizzie over does it in certain areas of her life, authenticity overachieving trying to accomplish what she deems is the right thing to do. (Society would generally agree these pursuits are indeed noble.) As well as her actions which harm others - choices and behaviors which come more naturally to Lizzie; the means to terrible ends making perfect sense to her. (Society in general would never agree.)Lizzie lacks the capacity for empathy. She also cannot feel the entire spectrum of healthy, “normal,” human emotions. She’s able to appear sane by having observed others during her younger years, learning to mimic situationally appropriate body language as well as correct word choice. If the moment calls for “sad,” for example, Lizzie will pull out her, “exaggerated sad clown face.” Consciously and with effort manipulating her features to appear to be feeling something she biologically and psychologically cannot.It’s definitely an interesting, if equally unsettling, trip getting a front row seat within Lizzie’s psyche.The supporting cast of characters is chock full of the second group I outlined above, those wolves on the prowl who blend in among every crowd. Some more blatantly so than others. All much like Lizzie but each differ in severity of their psychopathy, neurotic attributes, as well as their paths in life.Thus, The Nurse by author Valerie Keogh is not your typical psychological thriller. It goes deeper; it’s darker. And for sure, there is no, “happy ending,” to be found for anyone.All that said, the fantastically satisfying twists and turns can be found throughout this well written story. In addition to plenty of mystery woven into the fabric of the plot.I definitely recommend this book. Just be aware The Nurse is not a light read. It’s not humorous, nor is it in any way a “feel good” read. Nonetheless, this new story by Valerie Keogh is absolutely fascinating and addictive!

The story starts out with Lissa being bullied at ten, Her parents didn't show her any affection or seem to care about her. They didn't abuse her, they more or less just let her grow up, she often called herself invisible. When her father passed, she found out that he was living life very differently. His death changed her mother, into a catatonic shell. But Lissa came into herself serviving woman all on her on her own. Well written great characters, and an interesting story. Kept me hooked to the end.

This book was ok to me. It lacked excitement and the thrill I normally enjoy. I also went into it with the wrong expectations.

You just get sucked into the absurdity of it all until it makes sense.Its an experiencing reading this novel. Enjoyable!

I read this in 2 sittings! Enjoyed the pace and the fact that it kept me guessing. I hope there’s a sequel!

It really didn’t even hold my attention. I actually skipped pages that had no conversation. It started out so good when Lissa was 10 years old and went downhill from there. Disappointing.

From the opening sentence, I knew I was in for a thriller unlike anything I'd read before by this author. The theme of the The Bad Seed has always fascinated me. But The Nurse takes the girl beyond childhood into her adult life as a serial killer. Valerie Keogh's writing flows so smoothly, I love her style. Throughout the book, I paused at sentences that were so original and descriptive I had to read them again. Here are but two examples: "But death didn't advertise itself with flags and banners." and, "...a small hall table with a drawer my fingers itched to open." Also, it was interesting for me to look up the meaning of British words I'd never heard. Then, just when I thought I could be happy for the evil protagonist, Keogh added a final twist that changed my mind. This startling book will keep you riveted until the final sentence!

It was a good book. Twists and turns. The ending was...well.. It wasn't what I was expecting but it was good.

A complex and broken protagonist that you root for even though you shouldnt. A fast enjoyable read that still managed to achieve some depth. I would love to read more adventures of the flawed Lissa.

Narrated by Lissa McColl, get a good idea of what she is like when aged 10, she confronts the school bully, and has no qualms about disposing her at a tender age, although the eyes of her victim haunt her.Lissa comes across another problem later on, but it is clear she loves her mother, who is very ill. The young woman takes up nursing and lives in a tiny flatWhen she meets a woman the thinks she knows, the truth is far from what she is expecting.This is a really good novel, full of twisty events so it is impossible to guess the final outcome. However, it is hugely enjoyable.

Good story, but the end was a rushup I felt...it could have ended in a different way...overall a good read

A really great thriller with a lot of twist and turns. I really loved it. Hooked on the first chapter.

Somewhat layered, quite a sad story although a bit unbelievable in parts