Review & *GIVEAWAY* // The Ninth Session by Deborah Serani

The Ninth Sessions Book Cover The Ninth Sessions
Deborah Serani
Suspense Thriller
TouchPoint Press
September 26, 2019
Audiobook
6 hrs. 52 mins.
Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours

An 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 from crippling anxiety, and as the 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.


The Ninth Session Tour Banner Deborah Serani
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I was a hold-out when it came to crossing into audiobooks. I wasn’t sure how I would take the ‘listening part’ of reading a book. However, when I finally took the dive many years ago, I was surprised at how easily I found myself loving hearing the story unfold. Hearing the action, the mystery, and the voice scared with uncertainty made the stories come to life in a way that I never could make them when I read.

When I was given the opportunity to listen to the audiobook, The Ninth Session, by Deborah Serani via Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours, I jumped at the chance as The Ninth Session is a psychological thriller. I was looking forward to listening to an intense mind melt that would keep me surging forward always needing to know, “What will happen next?”

Dr. Alicia Reese and patient Lucas Ferro take listeners on their rollercoaster ride of a patient releasing their demons and the therapist’s path to understand what demons they will cross. Their story is told from the perspective of therapy sessions which allows listeners to feel they are inside each discussion gaining first-hand knowledge, much like a fly on a wall.

I found this view enlightening as a listener and not a reader as I think it gives us the reality we are right in the thick of the story, not reading it, but being a part of it. If you’re not an audiobook listener or still getting used to this format, I would really suggest The Ninth Session for this reason. I do believe you will gain a new love of audiobooks.

My (first) biggest hurdle with audiobooks is the narrator.

It can be difficult to listen to a story when the voice doesn’t quite match what you were settling in for. The Ninth Session is narrated by the author, Deborah Serani. Serani does a good job in the dual role, as author and narrator. Her voice wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but it certainly gives listeners a voice worth continuing to listen to.

My (second) biggest hurdle with audiobooks is the drama of the listen.

This is one of the great things about listening…hearing the excitement, the passion, the drama! Much like a play, audiobooks need to hit the mark. Although The Ninth Session had some great marks, there were a few points where the excitement wained and I felt it start to lag. Don’t let this be a hindrance. The story is there and Deborah Serani’s writing deserves the finish of every listener.

The Ninth Session definitely is worth expanding your physiological thriller genre with this listen!




Giveaway Section Banner

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Deborah Serani. There will be ONE winner who will receive (1) Audible promo code for The Ninth Session (U.S. addresses only). The giveaway runs from August 9 through August 30, 2021. Void where prohibited.

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About the Author Section Banner

Author Deborah Serani The Ninth Session
Author Deborah Serani

Deborah Serani, Psy.D. is a psychologist in practice for 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.


Click here to view The Ninth Session by Deborah Serani Tour Hosts via Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.