This thriller revolves around Dr. Ben Prince, a sleep expert working at The Abbey Clinic in Harley Street, known for consulting in criminal cases. His latest challenge is treating Anna Ogilvy, a young woman who has been suffering from Resignation Syndrome, causing her to remain in a sleep-like state for four years. Anna’s condition is linked to the brutal murder of her best friends and colleagues, Indira and Doug, at the magazine Elementary, which occurred during an exclusive retreat at The Farm.
The Ministry of Justice has transferred Anna to The Abbey Clinic in a race against time, as Amnesty International is appealing to the European Court of Human Rights to release her due to inhumane treatment. To prevent this, Anna needs to be put on trial for the murder. Ben is determined to use his expertise to wake Anna and bring her back to consciousness.
However, Ben’s obsession with the case begins to take its toll on him. His relationship with his ex-wife, Clara Fennel, is strained as they battle for joint custody of their daughter, Kitty. Clara had suffered from severe postnatal depression, which led to their separation, and her involvement with a doctor referred to as “Hospital” in her contacts.
As Ben delves deeper into the case, his mentor, Virginia Bloom, is murdered, and she had urgently asked him to retrieve a file before her death. The file relates to PatientX, the biological child of Sally Turner, also known as “The Stockwell Monster.” PatientX was irreversibly damaged by witnessing the night her step-brothers were killed.
The story also includes extracts from Anna’s notebook, where she uncovers the deception of her friends Indira and Douglas, who were planning a takeover of the magazine behind her back. Anna becomes fueled with anger as she discovers her father’s involvement with Indira, further intensifying her need for revenge.
Anna’s investigations lead her to PatientX on Twitter, whom she suspects might be someone she calls “Marathon.” As Ben makes progress with Anna’s treatment, a sinister turn of events occurs. Ben and Nurse Harriet Roberts are arrested on suspicion of collusion, but they are later released without charge. However, Harriet takes her own life in custody, confessing to guilt in a message.
The revelation about PatientX’s true identity leads to a shocking twist. Ben died a year earlier from alcoholism, and it is revealed that Clara Fennel is the real PatientX, Sally Turner’s daughter. Clara’s motive for her crimes was to seek revenge on Emily Ogilvy, who had signed the order to torture Sally, resulting in Clara’s mother’s suffering. Clara had drugged Anna and plotted the murder of Indira, Doug, and Virginia Bloom, all in pursuit of revenge.
The story is a rollercoaster of suspense and intrigue, filled with red herrings and plot twists that keep the reader guessing until the shocking conclusion. It’s a thrilling and engaging tale that captivates from start to finish.