Author: Beverley Harvey Book: Close My Eyes
Publication Day: 23/03/21
Description:
It starts with a chance sighting: a face from her past, someone Beth hasn’t thought about for years. Suddenly she feels a terrifying wave of panic – the flash of a memory, of crushing weight and pain, and the flicker of firelight and smoke. Something in Beth’s past has been disturbed… And nothing will ever be the same again. You've started to remember… Beth never had any reason to doubt her peaceful, happy upbringing. Then she suddenly starts getting awful flashes of an event from her past – a vicious attack from an unknown person. And she thinks it could be more than just a nightmare. But how could she forget something this big? Someone wants you to forget… With no husband or boyfriend to turn to, she asks her trusted family and old friends for reassurance, only to hear that it must all be in her head. Meanwhile, the flashes get stronger, more frightening, and more details start to come back to her – details she knows she couldn’t have invented. But these are people who have known her all her life and have her best interests at heart. Who should she believe? What will you risk to discover the truth? Beth is determined to understand the meaning of these memories even if it means going it alone. But is she prepared for what she will find? Because the truth will ruin someone’s life – and they will stop at nothing to keep the past forgotten. A heart-stopping psychological suspense novel that asks: who would you trust the most? Your friends? Your family? Or your own mind? Fans of T.M. Logan, Claire McGowan and Lisa Jewell will be gripped by Close My Eyes.
Book Tour Review
Publication date 23rd March 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis. The synopsis stated that fans of Lisa Jewell and others will be gripped . I am a fan of Lisa's books so am interested to see if it will live up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 60 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium to long in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture.
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Beth and Gemma. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on.
This book is very well written with great descriptions. The synopsis was a true depiction of the storyline. I believe the author has done her research on PTSD and domestic violence or even had past experience of either or both as she does an excellent job of portraying both throughout the storyline.
The storyline starts off quite slow and then picks up its pace throughout. I would describe it as a roller-coaster where the first 30% is the build up going up the roller-coaster and then your on the ride being twisted, turned and filled with the suspense of what's around the corner. I was captivated by this nail biting and heart pounding psychological thriller and became hooked turning the pages until late into the night. The plot is dark and realistic and I loved how we seen from both Gemma and Beth's POV. I did work out what had happened at about 60% and wasn't surprised when the reveal came. However it was still a good solid read. I enjoyed going back in time with Beth and seeing how her past led to what was going on in the present.
I love the fact that we have 2 strong woman, one who was 'broken' to start and the other whose life starts tumbling down at about 25% but yet are both strong and determined and fight together to get the perfect ending. Beverley has created richly, layered characters who reach into the depths to rely on inner strength when facing the demons of their darkest days. It wasn't only Beth and Gemma who were well written but several minor characters who recognised the signs of DV and abuse and supported them both.
I just wanted to say a huge congratulations to Beverley on the subtle manner that she used to covey the issues of abuse, domestic violence, trauma and the less known form of abuse that is gas lighting. I believe that this will help any readers that are suffering but not realising what is going on to recognise the signs and get help. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
Overall a gripping and addictive dark psychological thriller.
Genres covered in this novel include Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Mystery and Psychological Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Lisa Jewell and anyone looking for a gritty and dark psychological thriller.
335 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4 /5 (I loved it but due to working out what was happening so quick it sadly loses a star from me ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
@BeverleyHarvey @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
Author Bio:
Throughout Beverley’s many years spent working in advertising and PR, she had always wanted to write fiction. In 2015 a creative writing course inspired her debut novel, Seeking Eden, which was published in 2017. The sequel, Eden Interrupted, soon followed. Beverley’s third novel – her first with Bookouture – fulfils a long-time goal to publish a psychological thriller.
Born in Yorkshire, and raised in Kent, Beverley currently lives in West Sussex with her partner and their adorable terrier. When not writing, you’ll find her reading, walking the dog or listening to rock music.
Find out more at www.beverleyharvey.co.uk
or follow Beverley on Twitter @BevHarvey_
Author Social Media Links
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/BevHarvey_
Buy LINK
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08V1X18VSSocial
Apple: http://ow.ly/Co7c50Djors
Kobo: http://ow.ly/eZ3u50Djoon
Google: http://ow.ly/Skso50Djovs
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