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Audio Book Review: The Ninth Session

Audio book The Ninth Session by Deborah Serani.

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The Ninth Session: The Audio Book

Audio BookAn edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller that brings a unique mix of psychotherapy and sign language and Coda culture. Just when you think you have it figured out, think again!

Dr. Alicia Reese takes on a new patient. Lucas Ferro suffers with crippling anxiety, and as sessions progress, he begins to share the reasons why he’s struggling.

As Ferro’s narrative becomes more menacing, Reese finds herself wedged between the cold hard frame of professional ethics and the integrity of personal truth. And, finally, when Ferro reveals his secrets, Reese learns how far she’s willing to go, willing to risk and willing to lose to do the right thing.

To purchase The Ninth Session, click the links here:  Amazon | Audible | Goodreads

The Ninth Session Audiobook Details:

Genre: Suspense Thriller
Published by: TouchPoint Press
Publication Date: September 26th 2019
Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins

Visit Audible to listen to a sample!


The Ninth Session — Audio Book Review —My Thoughts

Dr. Alicia Reese cares about her patients. That’s clear from her thoughtful analysis of their struggles and the kindness in her voice. When she meets a new patient, Lucas Ferro, he triggers something in her . . . an emotion she identifies as anxiety. It’s the perfect set up for a psychological thriller. A doctor bound by confidentiality, a patient asked to describe his innermost thoughts and share his darkest secrets.

A psychologist herself, Serani invests her protagonist with the background and insight of a character well-versed in the discipline. Even if some of Dr. Reese’s professional choices are questionable, her analytical skills ring true. Serani also uses the device of having Alicia write clinical notes in her journals after each session. It allows for reflection by the character in how she understands both Lucas Ferro’s issues and her own emotional reactions.

One of my favorite aspects of the audiobook version was the choice to include the sound of a pen scratching on paper, which runs underneath the narration of her notes. I found that simple sound effect highly effective to help me imagine the character alone in her office as she records her thoughts and observations.

A recent widow, Alicia discovers more and more about her patient, ratcheting up the tension and showing us the background of the characters. Slow to start, but picking up speed as the events unfold, the novella — it runs just seven hours — ends with a bang.

This novel will appeal to anyone interested in psychological analysis, as Serani invests her protagonist with the jargon of her role. Though an enjoyable listen, Serani does her own narration, and her tone didn’t always match the tension. While her voice works well in the role of the psychologist, calm, thoughtful, and safe, it falls short of building the rising stakes that exist in the material.

Still, The Ninth Session will engage readers and listeners alike. A fun, enjoyable read.


Deborah Serani

Audio BookDeborah Serani, Psy.D. is psychologist in practice 30 years. She is also a senior professor at Adelphi University and has been published in academic journals on the subjects of depression and trauma.

Dr. Serani is a go-to expert for psychological issues. Her interviews can be found at ABC News, CNN, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, Forbes, Reader’s Digest, The Washington Post and USA Today, and affiliate radio station programs at CBS and NPR, just to name a few.

She is also a TEDx speaker and has lectured nationally and internationally. Dr. Serani has worked as a technical advisor for the NBC television show, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit – where a recurring character, Judge D. Serani, was named for her.

Dr. Serani is an award-winning author, writing about psychological topics in many genres.

To learn more about Deborah, click on her name, photo, or any of the following links: Goodreads, BookBub, Twitter – @DeborahSerani, Facebook – @Dr. Deborah Serani & Find out what’s new on Instagram – #deborahserani


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Elena Taylor is the author of All We Buried, available now in print, e-book, and audio book format at all your favorite on-line retailers. And don’t forget many independent bookstores can order books for you and have them shipped to your home or for curbside pickup.

For more information on All We Buriedclick on the link here to visit the home page.

Foreword INDIE  and Silver Falchion Award Finalist, Best Mystery 2020

Elena Hartwell

Author and developmental editor.

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  1. Wendy B

    Thanks so much for your thoughts on this audio book! I listened to this one as well and to be honest – I can’t wait to listen to the next one! Yes, there will be a sequel!

  2. Elena Taylor

    I’m thrilled there will be a sequel! I’d love to hear that one too!

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