Thanks Flatiron Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: January 31st, 2017
320 Pages
Synopsis: Why is everyone talking about the ending of Sarah Pinborough’s Behind Her Eyes?
Louise is a single mom, a secretary, stuck in a modern-day rut. On a rare night out, she meets a man in a bar and sparks fly. Though he leaves after they kiss, she’s thrilled she finally connected with someone.
When Louise arrives at work on Monday, she meets her new boss, David. The man from the bar. The very married man from the bar…who says the kiss was a terrible mistake, but still can’t keep his eyes off Louise.
And then Louise bumps into Adele, who’s new to town and in need of a friend, but she also happens to be married to David. David and Adele look like the picture-perfect husband and wife, but then why is David so controlling, and why is Adele so scared of him?
As Louise is drawn into David and Adele’s orbit, she uncovers more puzzling questions than answers. The only thing that is crystal clear is that something in this marriage is very, very wrong, but Louise can’t guess how wrong– and how far a person might go to protect their marriage’s secrets.
After finishing Behind Her Eyes, there were two words that immediately sprang to mind: “Holy Guacamole!” I started this at about 7:00 pm last Monday, finished it around midnight, and then was left wide awake for the next couple of hours because of that flippin’ ending!
I think this is the first book that I’ve read where I didn’t particularly care for any of the characters, but couldn’t stop reading it anyway. To call it suspenseful doesn’t quite do it justice. With this story, Pinborough takes the stereotypical love triangle(s) and completely turns it on its head. The multiple storylines are told from different perspectives as well as jumping between the past and present, and it’s cleverly and masterfully done. The tension keeps building throughout the entire book which is why I simply couldn’t put it down. And finally, just when I thought I couldn’t take it anymore, the author brings all the pieces of this maddening puzzle together at the ending, which I hated yet at the same time thought it was absolutely brilliant! I was already a fan of the author’s after reading The Language of Dying and The Death House but now after Behind Her Eyes, which more than lives up to the hype, I think I can say I will read anything that Sarah Pinborough writes in the future. I highly recommend this to fans of suspense and psychological thrillers.
YAandWine said:
First of all, I’m crazy impress by how fast you read! Second, this book sounds kind of cool and bonus points for the awesome Supernatural gifs!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Aww! Thanks Krysti! I think I’ve been reading even more than usual because I’m so stressed by what’s happening that I need an escape. Books have always been my go to safe haven. This really was a great book, especially in light that I didn’t even like the MCs. And did I mention that ending? Sheesh! I’m glad you liked the Supernatural gif. It definitely expressed exactly how I felt!
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YAandWine said:
Thank goodness for books, but it’s sad that escapism is so necessary right now. And, YES, Supernatural gif was On. Point. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
🤗🤗
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Lashaan and Trang (Bookidote) said:
I second that. She reads books like it’s nobody’s business!
– Lashaan
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Aww. Thank you!😌
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YAandWine said:
I wish I could read that fast!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Y’all are making me blush!😌😊
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Lashaan and Trang (Bookidote) said:
This sounds really awesome. Especially the whole “everything fits together like a giant puzzle”. Sounds like it has every plot twist and element to keep you hooked to the end.
– Lashaan
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I definitely does Lashaan!😊
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cantstopwontstopbooks said:
You sold me on this one. It’s 2 AM and I want to read it right this second.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay! It’s definitely an addictive page turner Macy!💁🏻
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sudershana said:
Interesting read✌👍
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Indeed it was!😊
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LizScanlon said:
I have read a Pinborough book- The Language of Dying, and even though the books sound different to each other, Pinborough can really write a book! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed this one, I might just have to check this one out as well 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Liz. She’s fast becoming a favorite author of mine!😊
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thesarahdoughty said:
Ooooh
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Perfectly put Sarah!😊
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JJAzar said:
Your comment about loving the book despite not particularly caring for the characters is fascinating to me. It must have been a real thrill! Glad you enjoyed.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I swear J.J. I think this is the first time I had this happen! It’s left me quite nonplussed!
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Megan @ bookslayerReads said:
Awesome review! I really think I would enjoy this one! I love thrillers 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Megan! I think you’d enjoy this also. And did I mention that ending?!😱
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Books, Vertigo and Tea said:
I keep saying that I had no idea this author wrote this genre. I read Poison ( a retelling) by here several years ago and loved her writing. So I am excited about this so much!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You have to let me know what you think Danielle after you read it!💁🏻
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Books, Vertigo and Tea said:
I will definitely try. I need to start keeping notes ofnwhich books I need to share with who haha. I am so scatter brained at times ❤
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m the same way Danielle.
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Jay said:
All right, you have me convinced.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay! I don’t think you’ll be sorry Jay!💁🏻
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Carrie said:
I still need to read this one, haven’t been able to pick it up because I have a physical copy and have been dealing with itchy watery eyes, darn winter colds. 😦
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I can’t wait to hear what you think. Carrie. Feel better!💁🏻
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Carrie said:
Thanks, hopefully soon. 🙂
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vinnieh said:
That ending sure sounds memorable if it kept you awake.
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Jen said:
Holy Guacamole!- best saying ever LOL! I’m so glad you loved another one of her books And YES to books that make it impossible to shut off your brain, because they’re that powerful! Fabulous review, Kim! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay! I’m not sure even where I originally heard that. I’ve been saying it for years though when I’m trying to refrain from using, um…something stronger. I’m still thinking about that ending even now!💁🏻
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Jen said:
LOL, I love it! That’s so exciting you’re still thinking about the ending. I’m struggling finishing the last 100 pages of Wintersong, I just want to DNF because I’m so bored, but I won’t. So I can’t wait for a book that will possess my thoughts!😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m sorry Jen. I found the pace slowed considerably in the latter part of the book. I hope your next book is spectacular! xoxo
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Jen said:
Yes it has, unfortunately. Thanks, me too!😆
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deesradreadsandreviews said:
Awesome review! I’m really looking forward to reading this one.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Dee! I still can’t believe how much I liked this given the fact that I really couldn’t stand any of the characters. That’s usually a complete deal breaker for me. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!😊
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The Shameful Narcissist said:
I got your recommendation about this a few days ago, read the blurb, but decided against adding it just because, well, 500 books on the TBR list and growing lol. However, now that I’ve read your review, I changed my mind. If a book can give a librarian such a reaction, I HAVE to know what’s going on. The love triangle has been done to death, so I want to see what new thing the author has done 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one.💁🏻
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