Family Doctor, released on January 2, 2025, is a relentless psychological thriller from bestselling author J.M. Dalgliesh (Goodreads, Bookouture). Set on the remote Scottish Isle of Jura, it asks: how far would you go to protect your child?
Plot Synopsis & Setting
Dr. Kelly Howlett, a widowed single mother, has left her troubled past behind in Edinburgh and carved out a quiet life with her teenage daughter Lauren on Jura. Kelly, the island’s sole doctor, enjoys helping everyone from birth to death—until her world is turned upside down in a terrifying moment (Fictionophile, Tropical Girl Reads, Goodreads).
She receives a chilling live video of her kidnapped daughter and cryptic instructions from the kidnapper:
- Three rules. Three days.
- Murder one of her patients.
- Tell no one.
- Don’t get caught.
If she fails, Lauren dies (Goodreads, Bookouture).
The tension ratchets up fast as Kelly navigates this impossible moral dilemma. Flashbacks deepen the emotional stakes and reveal crucial backstory—particularly a previous tragedy involving one of her patients (NetGalley, Tropical Girl Reads).
What Works
1. Unrelenting Suspense & Pacing
Readers and reviewers frequently describe the novel as “utterly addictive” and “pulse-pounding”—many admit reading it in a single sitting (Bookouture, Barnes & Noble, NetGalley).
“Absolutely gripping, I finished it within a couple of hours. I was hooked from the start until the end…”
“Edge-of-your-seat reading right from the beginning. I was hooked from the first page.” (Bookouture)
2. High Stakes That Cut Deep
The premise itself—an ethical code eroded at gunpoint—is as morally dark as it is compelling. Kelly’s dilemma questions the essence of her identity: healer or killer?
3. Rich, Atmospheric Setting
The isolation of Jura amplifies the psychological tension. Reviewers praise how the remote island heightens both claustrophobia and suspense (NetGalley, Fictionophile).
4. Surprising Twists
While one twist may be guessed early, others take even the savviest readers by surprise (Fictionophile, NetGalley).
Critiques & Caveats
- Slow Build for Some
A few readers found the opening sluggish—while necessary for emotional grounding, the pace picks up decidedly after the first half (NetGalley). - Character Connection
A handful of reviews noted difficulty relating to Kelly, whose logic or emotional responses felt inconsistent or opaque (NetGalley). - Predictability in Parts
Even so, many pointed out that while the story is suspenseful, some developments feel telegraphed (NetGalley).
Why It Stands Out
- A fast-paced, high-tension thriller that delivers on emotional stakes.
- A morally charged dilemma that forces readers to question: what would you do?
- A vivid and claustrophobic setting that both isolates and intensifies.
- Compelling enough to be devoured in one sitting—just what thriller fans love.
Audience Recommendation
If you enjoy psychological thrillers like Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train, or works by Freida McFadden and crave a tightly wound, morally complex narrative with a strong female protagonist and shocking twists—Family Doctor is a gripping pick (Bookouture, Barnes & Noble).
It’s especially great for:
- Fans of high-stakes ethical dilemmas,
- Readers who appreciate atmospheric isolation as a narrative tool,
- Anyone who loves cliffhangers and page-turners that don’t let up.