Tags
Adult Fiction, Agoraphobia, Alcohol Abuse, Child Abuse, Dysfunctional Families, LGBT, Mystery, Suspense
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: July 4th, 2017
336 Pages
Synopsis: Twin sisters Robin and Sarah haven’t spoken in years.
Robin can’t leave her house. A complete shut-in, she spends her days spying on her neighbors, subtly meddling in their lives. But she can’t keep her demons out forever. Someone from her past has returned, and is desperate to get inside.
Sarah can’t go home. Her husband has kicked her out, forcibly denying her access to their toddler. Sarah will do anything to get their daughter back, but she’s unraveling under the mounting pressure of concealing the secrets of her past. And her lies are catching up to her.
The novel takes readers back in time to witness the complex family dynamics that formed Robin and Sarah into the emotionally damaged young women they’ve become. As the gripping and intricate layers of their shared past are slowly peeled away, the shocks and twists will keep readers breathless long after the final page.
Don’t Close Your Eyes is a slow burning suspense story, which takes a look at two dysfunctional families who start out as friends, but are torn apart by secrets and lies. It’s told in the alternating POVs of Robin and Sarah, and also flashes back and forth from the 1990s and the present day. Just as she did in her debut novel Try Not To Breathe, Holly Seddon is not afraid to tackle the more sinister aspects of family life. The beginning of the story is seemingly innocuous, but it’s not long before the first cracks appear, which ultimately send each character on their own self-destructive journey. Seddon is brutally honest regarding her flawed characters and they come off as being very realistic, if not completely likable. The pacing of the book stays steady until the last quarter, when everything I thought I understood was turned on its head, literally leaving me gasping in disbelief. The shocking ending tied everything up wonderfully which left me completely satisfied. I highly recommend Don’t Close Your Eyes to readers who enjoy a dark story exploring complex family relationships.
shalini said:
Thank you so much. Fab review. Wanted to read this book since long. Ur review made me want to buy it thanks
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
That’s great! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
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shalini said:
Will buy it when it releases
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay!😊
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shalini said:
Cute reaction..
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beetleypete said:
Looks good all round.
Nice cover. Check.
Twins. Check.
Thriller. Check.
Twist ending. Check.
Another 4-star cracker, Kim.
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You’ve gotten them all Pete!😊
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vinnieh said:
Slow burning suspense, I’m there.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
She’s a great author Vinnie.😊
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vinnieh said:
She sounds extremely talented from what you’ve wrote.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This is only her second book, and she’s already on my list of authors to look out for.
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vinnieh said:
Well in that case, she must be a good writer!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😊
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Carrie said:
Sounds like another good one. I’ve seen a lot of good reviews for Holly’s book though and just haven’t gotten around to reading any yet myself.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This is only her second book Carrie, so you can easily catch up.😊
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Carrie said:
Catch up?? I do not know those words when it comes to my never ending I want to read it list… LOL
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I know how you feel!😁
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Diana said:
sounds great. I like thrillers around family drama and I am already intrigued by the ending that you mentioned. Definitely one for my TBR.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I think you would like this one Diana!😊
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
This sounds really brilliant- fantastic review!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you!😊
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
You’re welcome 😊
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rreadsaid said:
I’m always in the mood for a thriller! Thanks for putting this on my radar!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy it.😊
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KrystiYAandWine said:
This one sounds really interesting. I love the slow-burning suspense tone when it comes to this type of novel. Also that cover seems to fit the story perfectly. Great review, Kim!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Krysti! This is her second book and I’ve enjoyed both.😊
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Books, Vertigo and Tea said:
Oh this sounds so good! I love that the ending threw you for a loop 🙂 That cover too!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Right?! I think you’d love this Danielle!😊
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Books, Vertigo and Tea said:
Noted ❤
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😀
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
This sounds fantastic. It seems to have done everything right, especially regarding the themes.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
She’s a solidly good author Lashaan!😊
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Jen said:
That cover is so gorgeous! My Aunt has been wanting to get back into suspense books, so I’ll let her know about your rec! Thanks!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It Is Lovely. If your Aunt is looking for suspense I’d definitely recommend this as well as Seddon’s previous book, Try Not To Breathe.😊
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Jen said:
Perfect, thank you!!
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