I loved this story. It really captured the essence of what it was like in psychiatry during the 1980's. The characters were so real, especially the obnoxious Dr Burlington. Anyone who has worked as a junior doctor during this era will be able to relate to having to dance to the tune of the medical hierarchy. The fearsome power wielded by consultants like him and how they could make or break your career just because they didn't like you can still keep me awake at night...and this book brought many of those memories flooding back I intended to make it my bedtime book but once I got into the drama I could not put it down. I am really hoping there is a sequel

This debut author has something going for him. He shines a light on a neglected subject in novels. Not for him an intrepid investigator anticipating the suicide attempt of the glamorous heroine who has been abused by her vicious paramour, but a nuts and bolts account of life as a junior psychiatrist, with pompous bosses offset by supportive colleagues, and with the manifold variety of patients drawn from personal experience adding to the story. And it is indeed a story that holds your attention, ending with the drama of a disciplinary meeting of the General Medical Council where a serious but unfortunately common allegation against psychiatrists - read the book to find out what it is - is examined in forensic cross-examination. But our junior psychiatrist ends his story after the trial is over. We need to know more of his future, from junior to senior and from senior to the top of his profession. Keep an eye open for a sequel.