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Sleepwalker
Don't close your eyes...
When Jake Meredith is arrested for the murder of his wife, he's adamant he isn't guilty, even though her blood is all over his hands and his prints are on the murder weapon. He has no memory of attacking her.
His solicitor brother claims Jake is a sleepwalker, and he is sent to a revolutionary new sleep clinic for assessment.
Jake is convinced he didn’t kill his wife, and is intent on finding answers. But locked away in a clinic, he’s impeded at every turn. Is his incarceration accidental, or part of a larger web of lies? And worse still, is he losing his mind or the unwitting victim of something far more sinister?
All he knows is there’s something going on in the room with the red door…
A dark and twisty psychological thriller that'll have you guessing right up until the end, perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, The Silent Patient and Anna O
When Jake Meredith is arrested for the murder of his wife, he's adamant he isn't guilty, even though her blood is all over his hands and his prints are on the murder weapon. He has no memory of attacking her.
His solicitor brother claims Jake is a sleepwalker, and he is sent to a revolutionary new sleep clinic for assessment.
Jake is convinced he didn’t kill his wife, and is intent on finding answers. But locked away in a clinic, he’s impeded at every turn. Is his incarceration accidental, or part of a larger web of lies? And worse still, is he losing his mind or the unwitting victim of something far more sinister?
All he knows is there’s something going on in the room with the red door…
A dark and twisty psychological thriller that'll have you guessing right up until the end, perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, The Silent Patient and Anna O
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
July 12, 2024
Happy publication day!
4⭐
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ July 12, 2024
Est Page Count ~ 298 (44 chapters)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 32 minutes
Narrator ~ Paul Panting
POV ~ single 1st & 3rd
Featuring ~ dual timeline, flashbacks, former military, murder
Jake is accused of killing his wife, Lucy, while his young daughter, Sienna, slept upstairs. He has no recollection of what happened the night she died, but according to his brother, Max, he has a history of sleepwalking, so he’s being evaluated at the Lundy Clinic.
After a bit of a slow start I was fully engaged in the story. You can feel his desperation to find answers. He, also, desperately wants to talk to Sienna, but his sister in law, Geraldine, is making it hard on him. There are some flashbacks to his time serving in Afghanistan, which really put us inside his head. I did have the big twist figured out, but there were some other nice surprises along the way.
Can't say I was thrilled with the final gut punch he faced, or his choice at the end, but all in all I really liked it.
If you like an unreliable and unlikeable narrator with a dose of not knowing who to trust in a locked room clinical environment then give this one a whirl.
I won’t hesitate to pick up another book by this author.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
4⭐
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ July 12, 2024
Est Page Count ~ 298 (44 chapters)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 32 minutes
Narrator ~ Paul Panting
POV ~ single 1st & 3rd
Featuring ~ dual timeline, flashbacks, former military, murder
Jake is accused of killing his wife, Lucy, while his young daughter, Sienna, slept upstairs. He has no recollection of what happened the night she died, but according to his brother, Max, he has a history of sleepwalking, so he’s being evaluated at the Lundy Clinic.
After a bit of a slow start I was fully engaged in the story. You can feel his desperation to find answers. He, also, desperately wants to talk to Sienna, but his sister in law, Geraldine, is making it hard on him. There are some flashbacks to his time serving in Afghanistan, which really put us inside his head. I did have the big twist figured out, but there were some other nice surprises along the way.
Can't say I was thrilled with the final gut punch he faced, or his choice at the end, but all in all I really liked it.
If you like an unreliable and unlikeable narrator with a dose of not knowing who to trust in a locked room clinical environment then give this one a whirl.
I won’t hesitate to pick up another book by this author.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
May 23, 2024
Jake Meredith is accused of murdering his wife Lucy, but he has no memory of it. Indeed, he repeatedly states that he loves her, insisting he’s not guilty. His lawyer brother Max claims that Jake is a sleep walker and that will be his defence at the trial, but still, there are aspects of the case that make no sense. Currently Jake, Max and Detective Fahey are making their way across choppy water to Lundy Island to the Lundy Clinic for the study of sleep disorders. Jake’s heart sinks when the island comes into view, it looks sinister and he’s convinced that no good will come of it. The longer he’s there, the more he becomes suspicious of why he’s there, he knows that something very strange is going on. Particularly troubling him is a red door, what lies behind it? The story is told on Lundy Island and back tracks to 4 weeks before the murder which works extremely well, heightening the tension and the intensity of the plot.
My opinion of the book is a little uncertain at the start as it seems a bit slow but thankfully that doesn’t last long and before I know it, it’s grabbed my attention and keeps me invested from this point on. My keenness to know, did he, didn’t he, increases and increases as the plot develops. Does he sleepwalk or not? What’s afoot on Lundy? What kind of place is it? Will he ever be able to leave? Why are Jake’s family members acting so strangely?
The pace gets quicker and quicker as I try to work out what’s going on, I don’t and that’s all to the good. The suspicion grows and it becomes quite scary in places as I try to work out what’s real and what’s not , which is heighten by the constant questioning of Jake himself. How reliable is he? Has he walked into a conspiracy of some kind? Is he deluded? Is he the villain as others are trying to paint him or is he a victim? What’s even more interesting is the personality of Jake himself, he isn’t especially likeable despite the fact he earns some sympathy because he’s so isolated and yet my opinion of him rockets at the end. As the novel reaches its unexpected climax, the twists get twistier and they keep on coming.
My only reservation lies in the very abrupt end, although perhaps it’s best to let the rest of it dwell in our imaginations.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Boldwood Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
My opinion of the book is a little uncertain at the start as it seems a bit slow but thankfully that doesn’t last long and before I know it, it’s grabbed my attention and keeps me invested from this point on. My keenness to know, did he, didn’t he, increases and increases as the plot develops. Does he sleepwalk or not? What’s afoot on Lundy? What kind of place is it? Will he ever be able to leave? Why are Jake’s family members acting so strangely?
The pace gets quicker and quicker as I try to work out what’s going on, I don’t and that’s all to the good. The suspicion grows and it becomes quite scary in places as I try to work out what’s real and what’s not , which is heighten by the constant questioning of Jake himself. How reliable is he? Has he walked into a conspiracy of some kind? Is he deluded? Is he the villain as others are trying to paint him or is he a victim? What’s even more interesting is the personality of Jake himself, he isn’t especially likeable despite the fact he earns some sympathy because he’s so isolated and yet my opinion of him rockets at the end. As the novel reaches its unexpected climax, the twists get twistier and they keep on coming.
My only reservation lies in the very abrupt end, although perhaps it’s best to let the rest of it dwell in our imaginations.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Boldwood Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
June 10, 2024
When this story starts, a man named Jake has been in Afghanistan, serving with the British Army. After receiving a Victoria Cross over actions he can’t forgive himself for, he has resigned and is ready for civilian life. He comes home, excited to see his wife, Lucy, and their five-year-old daughter, Sienna - but his wife is acting strangely. She doesn’t want to be intimate with him, and she spends most of her time in her office, claiming she’s working harder to make up for Jake quitting his job. Tension is in the air, but he is enjoying spending his time with Sienna. He is walking her to school one morning when suddenly, everything changes. (Literally.)
The next thing he knows, he’s on a ferry heading for Lundy Island with his brother, Max, and a detective. They’re telling him that his wife was murdered, his prints were found on the knife that was used, and he was found covered in her blood. Max is a lawyer, and claims that Jake has somnambulism…if Jake did this, he must have been sleepwalking. To prove it and keep his brother out of prison, Max is taking him to the Lundy Clinic for the Study of Sleep Disorders for a week of observation. If they can find that he does, indeed, sleepwalk, then he may be able to get some leniency with his murder charge.
Once there, a Dr. Carpenter meets him and explains how they’ll be evaluating him. Jake still can’t process that his wife is dead, and he remembers absolutely nothing. The sleep clinic is not up for debate, though. His brother won’t help him without finding out if he was awake or not. While at the clinic, Jake starts realizing he’s losing pieces of time, but he did sustain a head injury the night his wife was murdered, so he doesn’t worry too much about it. He knows he would have never killed Lucy, not even in his sleep…but he also wants to know the truth.
This book is very “Shutter Island” - it’s not the same plot, but the clinic’s tiny island and the strange things Jake is feeling and thinking give the same vibe. Then the ending shocked me almost as much as Shutter Island’s did! I never would have guessed the ending, and I had at least a half dozen ideas in mind. You’ll need to slightly suspend reality in places, but if you can do that and you love psychological thrillers, you’re going to want to read this book! 4.5 stars.
(Thank you to Boldwood Books, M.A. Hunter and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on July 12, 2024.)
The next thing he knows, he’s on a ferry heading for Lundy Island with his brother, Max, and a detective. They’re telling him that his wife was murdered, his prints were found on the knife that was used, and he was found covered in her blood. Max is a lawyer, and claims that Jake has somnambulism…if Jake did this, he must have been sleepwalking. To prove it and keep his brother out of prison, Max is taking him to the Lundy Clinic for the Study of Sleep Disorders for a week of observation. If they can find that he does, indeed, sleepwalk, then he may be able to get some leniency with his murder charge.
Once there, a Dr. Carpenter meets him and explains how they’ll be evaluating him. Jake still can’t process that his wife is dead, and he remembers absolutely nothing. The sleep clinic is not up for debate, though. His brother won’t help him without finding out if he was awake or not. While at the clinic, Jake starts realizing he’s losing pieces of time, but he did sustain a head injury the night his wife was murdered, so he doesn’t worry too much about it. He knows he would have never killed Lucy, not even in his sleep…but he also wants to know the truth.
This book is very “Shutter Island” - it’s not the same plot, but the clinic’s tiny island and the strange things Jake is feeling and thinking give the same vibe. Then the ending shocked me almost as much as Shutter Island’s did! I never would have guessed the ending, and I had at least a half dozen ideas in mind. You’ll need to slightly suspend reality in places, but if you can do that and you love psychological thrillers, you’re going to want to read this book! 4.5 stars.
(Thank you to Boldwood Books, M.A. Hunter and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on July 12, 2024.)
June 10, 2024
This is another of Hunter's books that made me gasp, "What the hell did I just read?" and I'm still going over it in my brain! As it opens, Jake is in a clinic for his sleepwalking as he has no memory of the night wife, Lucy was murdered, even though the bloodied knife was there and he was covered in blood as well. Daughter, Sienna was very young and he's desperate to talk to her but is unable to. Having served in Afghanistan, he also has foggy memories of something horrific he did there too, so he is rabid about recovering those lost moments. Vacillating in time, the. novel details his experiences in the clinic as well as his marriage difficulties, but always there is abounding love for Sienna. Like others I've read by Hunter, this one is crazy-good!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
July 7, 2024
Exciting thriller with an original plot that will keep you guessing! Jake is a British soldier who has recently returned home after a traumatic tour of duty in Afghanistan. Jake is happy to be reunited with his lawyer wife Lucy and his young daughter Sienna but life is not the same as before he left. After he decides to leave the Army, Lucy is angry that he is not providing for the family and the couple seem to be worlds apart. One day Jake wakes up in an ambulance being treated for a head injury. He is told his wife Lucy has been found stabbed to death with his fingerprints on the knife and blood on his clothes. He remembers nothing but is sure that he would never hurt his wife. The next thing he knows he is on ship heading for a sleep clinic on a remote island. His brother who is also his lawyer says that Jake has suffered from sleepwalking since he was a child and he believes Jake committed the crime while sleepwalking. Max, the brother believes the clinic can find out if Jake has a sleepwalking problem and this can be used as an excuse in his upcoming trial.
The sleep clinic seems strange and Jake begins losing time almost as soon as he arrives. he keeps waking up in different rooms and at times he is sedated and restrained. Another patient tells him the people there are doing experiments on the patients and he shouldn't believe anything he hears. The author does a great job of creating a tense, creepy atmosphere and we don't know what is real and what is in Jake''s head. The ending provided quite a twist and while that doesn't answer all of the questions I had, I found this is quick, exciting read and different from the standard thriller fare.
The sleep clinic seems strange and Jake begins losing time almost as soon as he arrives. he keeps waking up in different rooms and at times he is sedated and restrained. Another patient tells him the people there are doing experiments on the patients and he shouldn't believe anything he hears. The author does a great job of creating a tense, creepy atmosphere and we don't know what is real and what is in Jake''s head. The ending provided quite a twist and while that doesn't answer all of the questions I had, I found this is quick, exciting read and different from the standard thriller fare.
July 23, 2024
POSITIVES:
* I stayed awake for "Sleepwalker"!
* Ultra-compelling premise:
Deeply flawed sleepwalking protagonist allegedly suffering from PTSD is accused of killing his wife in his home while his young daughter is sleeping. Did he do it????
* Twisty with strong characterizations
NOT SO POSITIVE:
* Very, very slow start and muddled middle.
* I easily guessed the ending's final twist.
I listened to the audiobook read by Paul Panting. who did a fine job with the narration.
3.5 stars
August 25, 2024
Upgraded my 2⭐️ rating to a 3⭐️ because I enjoyed the writing.
Jake suffers from PTSD, from being a British soldier who has recently returned home after a traumatic tour of duty in Afghanistan. After he decides to leave the Army, Lucy, his wife, is angry that he is not providing for the family and the couple seem to be worlds apart. One day Jake wakes up in an ambulance being treated for a head injury. He is told his wife Lucy has been found stabbed to death with his fingerprints on the knife and blood on his clothes. He remembers nothing but is sure that he would never hurt, let alone kill his wife. He is then arrested under suspicion of murdering his wife. Max, his brother (and solicitor) tells the police that Jake used to sleepwalk as a kid (although Jake has no recollection of this). If it can be proved that Jake killed his wife while sleepwalking, he could be found not guilty of her murder or declared legally insane. Almost immediately after being admitted, Jake begins to experience lapses in time, finding himself in places with no recollection of how he came to be there. He begins to question if he possibly did commit the murder? Is this evidence that he is sleepwalking, or does this point to something more sinister happening at the clinic. Are his fellow residents friends or are they working with the government trying to prove he killed his wife? He doesn’t know who he can trust or what is real.
I found the beginning to be slow, picking up in the middle, and the truth about Lucy’s murder revealed in the final chapters. There just wasn’t a lot that held my interest. The flashbacks to war, and what Jake went through were graphic, and not something I had expected to be reading about (so that was a turnoff for me).
Jake suffers from PTSD, from being a British soldier who has recently returned home after a traumatic tour of duty in Afghanistan. After he decides to leave the Army, Lucy, his wife, is angry that he is not providing for the family and the couple seem to be worlds apart. One day Jake wakes up in an ambulance being treated for a head injury. He is told his wife Lucy has been found stabbed to death with his fingerprints on the knife and blood on his clothes. He remembers nothing but is sure that he would never hurt, let alone kill his wife. He is then arrested under suspicion of murdering his wife. Max, his brother (and solicitor) tells the police that Jake used to sleepwalk as a kid (although Jake has no recollection of this). If it can be proved that Jake killed his wife while sleepwalking, he could be found not guilty of her murder or declared legally insane. Almost immediately after being admitted, Jake begins to experience lapses in time, finding himself in places with no recollection of how he came to be there. He begins to question if he possibly did commit the murder? Is this evidence that he is sleepwalking, or does this point to something more sinister happening at the clinic. Are his fellow residents friends or are they working with the government trying to prove he killed his wife? He doesn’t know who he can trust or what is real.
I found the beginning to be slow, picking up in the middle, and the truth about Lucy’s murder revealed in the final chapters. There just wasn’t a lot that held my interest. The flashbacks to war, and what Jake went through were graphic, and not something I had expected to be reading about (so that was a turnoff for me).
July 14, 2024
M.A. Hunter is a must-read for me anyway, but Sleepwalker has taken him to a whole new level. I was so glued to this book from page one!
A psychological thriller that has a refreshingly different plot. Jake has been accused of murdering his wife, but Jake has no memory of it. His brother, Max, is also his defence solicitor hets him in a specialist clinic where he will be assessed for sleep disorders. Jake does not care. He just wants to prove he wouldn't touch his wife.
During his stay.Jake comes to realise that not everything is as it seems... but is this true? Or is it paranoia, PTSD from his past career? Or even the conditions he is actually in the clinic for?
M.A. Hunter knows how to write a book that can raise blood pressure just from the tension! I found it a riveting read that brings twists, which made my jaw almost drop to the floor. There is nothing better than unreliable characters to add to the mind games.
The more I read, the more I needed to know! That's the type of psychological thriller this is. As the pages flew by, the twists didn't stop, and the further I got, the more unique they became. THEN, came the final twist that just topped this story off for me!
Another belter to add to this authors' already impressive array of books. I would recommend M.A. Hunter to any psychological thriller readers.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the gifted ebook to write my honest review.
A psychological thriller that has a refreshingly different plot. Jake has been accused of murdering his wife, but Jake has no memory of it. His brother, Max, is also his defence solicitor hets him in a specialist clinic where he will be assessed for sleep disorders. Jake does not care. He just wants to prove he wouldn't touch his wife.
During his stay.Jake comes to realise that not everything is as it seems... but is this true? Or is it paranoia, PTSD from his past career? Or even the conditions he is actually in the clinic for?
M.A. Hunter knows how to write a book that can raise blood pressure just from the tension! I found it a riveting read that brings twists, which made my jaw almost drop to the floor. There is nothing better than unreliable characters to add to the mind games.
The more I read, the more I needed to know! That's the type of psychological thriller this is. As the pages flew by, the twists didn't stop, and the further I got, the more unique they became. THEN, came the final twist that just topped this story off for me!
Another belter to add to this authors' already impressive array of books. I would recommend M.A. Hunter to any psychological thriller readers.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the gifted ebook to write my honest review.
May 14, 2024
Under suspicion of killing his wife, Jake is experiencing memory lapses and cannot remember what happened that night. He truly believes he’s innocent. Was he sleepwalking? If so, he can be found not guilty due to area laws. Admitted to a sleep clinic, Jake hopes to find answers and help his defense, but the main question remains…. Did he really kill his wife?
This fast-paced, page turner of a psychological thriller keeps you constantly guessing what you think you know. The flashbacks added to the intensity and suspense of the story, keeping you on the edge of your seat. I didn’t see the twist at the end coming!
What a unique and interesting premise. So many thrillers out there are regurgitating similar storylines, but this was truly fresh & new!
Thank you to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
This fast-paced, page turner of a psychological thriller keeps you constantly guessing what you think you know. The flashbacks added to the intensity and suspense of the story, keeping you on the edge of your seat. I didn’t see the twist at the end coming!
What a unique and interesting premise. So many thrillers out there are regurgitating similar storylines, but this was truly fresh & new!
Thank you to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 19, 2024
Jake is accused of killing his wife. He is sent to a clinic to determine if he is a sleepwalker and if he could have done it without remembering.
Sleepwalker is a very interesting book. There were parts in the beginning which were repetitive but once I was pulled in I was very invested in seeing how it all played out. It is one of those books that has you questioning everything and everyone.
I guessed one of the twists but I was wrong about several other things and I definitely had a jaw drop type of reaction towards the end.
There are a few elements that were not resolved for me and as a psychologist I had to suspend some of what I know towards the end. Before that last page the book was a solid 4 stars for me. After it was over I'd probably say 3.5 is my truer rating.
Overall, Sleepwalker is a very engaing psychological thriller that had me guessing until the very end.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Sleepwalker is a very interesting book. There were parts in the beginning which were repetitive but once I was pulled in I was very invested in seeing how it all played out. It is one of those books that has you questioning everything and everyone.
I guessed one of the twists but I was wrong about several other things and I definitely had a jaw drop type of reaction towards the end.
There are a few elements that were not resolved for me and as a psychologist I had to suspend some of what I know towards the end. Before that last page the book was a solid 4 stars for me. After it was over I'd probably say 3.5 is my truer rating.
Overall, Sleepwalker is a very engaing psychological thriller that had me guessing until the very end.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 20, 2025
Absolutly loved this book, fast paced and an ending that really took me by surprise and that in no way did I see coming.
Although the occasional bit made me think it was a bit far off the mark, generally it had me wondering who to trust and who not to, as the many twists and turns unfolded. I liked that the book was told throughout in 2 time perspectives, pre and post murder as it gave greater understanding to the characters backgrounds and how events unfolded....without spoiling the ending.
Highly recommend this book, and can't wait to read more by this author.
Although the occasional bit made me think it was a bit far off the mark, generally it had me wondering who to trust and who not to, as the many twists and turns unfolded. I liked that the book was told throughout in 2 time perspectives, pre and post murder as it gave greater understanding to the characters backgrounds and how events unfolded....without spoiling the ending.
Highly recommend this book, and can't wait to read more by this author.
July 21, 2024
This book definitely keeps you guessing as you try and work out if Jake is guilty or not. Told from the POV of Jake, the author does a brilliant of job of keeping the reader wondering if everything is as it seems. One of those books that you can’t put down and need to finish in one sitting. The ending - although abrupt - is very good and you won’t see the twist coming. A different take on the usual psychological thriller and a very solid enjoyable read 4.5⭐️
October 30, 2024
This took a while to get going, and was less of a thriller and more of a mystery. A lot of it was repetitive for a while, since a lot of it was the MC suddenly going from one place to another without having much memory of it. It was a 3 star read for a while, but the last few chapters kicked it up a notch with those last twists.
February 11, 2025
This psychological thriller with all its twists, turns something dark into a fully emotional turmoil.
The edgy feeling of could that be true moments were a plenty.
No multi tasking when listening to this one .
It’s a decent mind bending thriller that’ll keep you guessing.
The edgy feeling of could that be true moments were a plenty.
No multi tasking when listening to this one .
It’s a decent mind bending thriller that’ll keep you guessing.
November 23, 2024
Not for me, it seemed to lack any pace and I lost
interest
interest
July 6, 2024
M.A. Hunter has another twist filled and shocking book to his name!
Jake Meredith has been arrested for the murder of his wife and he is adamant that he didn't do it. There is no way that he would kill his wife. He can't explain why her blood is on his hands. He is certain that there is a reasonable explanation for his prints on the murder weapon. His brother, Max, has convinced him to admit himself to a revolutionary sleep clinic. Max states that Jake is a sleepwalker, and hoping for answers, Jake agrees to go to the clinic.
I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this book. I was uncertain about so many of the characters. Who was telling the truth? Was Jake really a sleepwalker? Did Jake kill his wife? Did someone else kill his wife? What happened the night in question? Will Jake learn the truth??? So many questions swirled through my mind as I realized that Jake had many of the same questions going through his mind.
I wasn't instantly gripped by this book. It took me a little bit of time to find my footing with it. Once my interest was piqued, it was full steam ahead. Throughout the book, both Jake and I were both certain that something wasn't quite right. Jake has no memory of that night and we both wanted to know the truth.
This book was full of twists, tension, secrets, lies, unreliability, and dread. I enjoyed the sense of unease and had so many questions. As the book came to an end, I was shocked by the reveals and enjoyed the twists which I never saw coming.
Well written, well thought out, and twist filled!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Jake Meredith has been arrested for the murder of his wife and he is adamant that he didn't do it. There is no way that he would kill his wife. He can't explain why her blood is on his hands. He is certain that there is a reasonable explanation for his prints on the murder weapon. His brother, Max, has convinced him to admit himself to a revolutionary sleep clinic. Max states that Jake is a sleepwalker, and hoping for answers, Jake agrees to go to the clinic.
I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this book. I was uncertain about so many of the characters. Who was telling the truth? Was Jake really a sleepwalker? Did Jake kill his wife? Did someone else kill his wife? What happened the night in question? Will Jake learn the truth??? So many questions swirled through my mind as I realized that Jake had many of the same questions going through his mind.
I wasn't instantly gripped by this book. It took me a little bit of time to find my footing with it. Once my interest was piqued, it was full steam ahead. Throughout the book, both Jake and I were both certain that something wasn't quite right. Jake has no memory of that night and we both wanted to know the truth.
This book was full of twists, tension, secrets, lies, unreliability, and dread. I enjoyed the sense of unease and had so many questions. As the book came to an end, I was shocked by the reveals and enjoyed the twists which I never saw coming.
Well written, well thought out, and twist filled!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
September 19, 2025
✨ What I Loved:
• The concept behind this story is really interesting, and it hooked me enough to want to see how it all played out. I enjoy thrillers that can keep me guessing, and this one definitely did that. Every time I felt certain I had the mystery solved, the narrative threw in another curveball. The ending, especially, surprised me—I didn’t see it coming, and I appreciate when a book can still catch me off guard after I’ve been piecing together clues the whole way through. The final twists were the strongest part of the story for me and added a satisfying payoff.
🧠 What Made Me Think:
• The structure, with its shifting perspectives between first and third person and the jumps between past and present, really made me consider how memory and perception shape a story. At times, this choice left me a little confused, especially without clear chapter labels when returning to the present. But it also emphasized how disorienting it can feel to untangle truth from memory. It reminded me that in thrillers, unreliable narration can be both a strength and a challenge for the reader. I found myself reflecting on how easily we assume we know the full picture, when in reality, the details can shift depending on how they’re framed.
📌 Final Thoughts:
• Overall, Sleep Walker was a good book—easy to get through, with an intriguing story idea that kept me invested despite some pacing issues. There were moments where it felt a little slow and drawn out, and the perspective shifts occasionally pulled me out of the flow, but the ending more than made up for it with its unexpected turns. I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers that play with perspective and reward patience with a strong finish. While it wasn’t a perfect read for me, it still delivered a suspenseful experience that reminded me why I love twist-driven thrillers.
• The concept behind this story is really interesting, and it hooked me enough to want to see how it all played out. I enjoy thrillers that can keep me guessing, and this one definitely did that. Every time I felt certain I had the mystery solved, the narrative threw in another curveball. The ending, especially, surprised me—I didn’t see it coming, and I appreciate when a book can still catch me off guard after I’ve been piecing together clues the whole way through. The final twists were the strongest part of the story for me and added a satisfying payoff.
🧠 What Made Me Think:
• The structure, with its shifting perspectives between first and third person and the jumps between past and present, really made me consider how memory and perception shape a story. At times, this choice left me a little confused, especially without clear chapter labels when returning to the present. But it also emphasized how disorienting it can feel to untangle truth from memory. It reminded me that in thrillers, unreliable narration can be both a strength and a challenge for the reader. I found myself reflecting on how easily we assume we know the full picture, when in reality, the details can shift depending on how they’re framed.
📌 Final Thoughts:
• Overall, Sleep Walker was a good book—easy to get through, with an intriguing story idea that kept me invested despite some pacing issues. There were moments where it felt a little slow and drawn out, and the perspective shifts occasionally pulled me out of the flow, but the ending more than made up for it with its unexpected turns. I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers that play with perspective and reward patience with a strong finish. While it wasn’t a perfect read for me, it still delivered a suspenseful experience that reminded me why I love twist-driven thrillers.
October 1, 2025
✨ What I Loved:
• The concept behind this story is really interesting, and it hooked me enough to want to see how it all played out. I enjoy thrillers that can keep me guessing, and this one definitely did that. Every time I felt certain I had the mystery solved, the narrative threw in another curveball. The ending, especially, surprised me—I didn’t see it coming, and I appreciate when a book can still catch me off guard after I’ve been piecing together clues the whole way through. The final twists were the strongest part of the story for me and added a satisfying payoff.
🧠 What Made Me Think:
• The structure, with its shifting perspectives between first and third person and the jumps between past and present, really made me consider how memory and perception shape a story. At times, this choice left me a little confused, especially without clear chapter labels when returning to the present. But it also emphasized how disorienting it can feel to untangle truth from memory. It reminded me that in thrillers, unreliable narration can be both a strength and a challenge for the reader. I found myself reflecting on how easily we assume we know the full picture, when in reality, the details can shift depending on how they’re framed.
📌 Final Thoughts:
• Overall, Sleep Walker was a good book—easy to get through, with an intriguing story idea that kept me invested despite some pacing issues. There were moments where it felt a little slow and drawn out, and the perspective shifts occasionally pulled me out of the flow, but the ending more than made up for it with its unexpected turns. I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers that play with perspective and reward patience with a strong finish. While it wasn’t a perfect read for me, it still delivered a suspenseful experience that reminded me why I love twist-driven thrillers.
• The concept behind this story is really interesting, and it hooked me enough to want to see how it all played out. I enjoy thrillers that can keep me guessing, and this one definitely did that. Every time I felt certain I had the mystery solved, the narrative threw in another curveball. The ending, especially, surprised me—I didn’t see it coming, and I appreciate when a book can still catch me off guard after I’ve been piecing together clues the whole way through. The final twists were the strongest part of the story for me and added a satisfying payoff.
🧠 What Made Me Think:
• The structure, with its shifting perspectives between first and third person and the jumps between past and present, really made me consider how memory and perception shape a story. At times, this choice left me a little confused, especially without clear chapter labels when returning to the present. But it also emphasized how disorienting it can feel to untangle truth from memory. It reminded me that in thrillers, unreliable narration can be both a strength and a challenge for the reader. I found myself reflecting on how easily we assume we know the full picture, when in reality, the details can shift depending on how they’re framed.
📌 Final Thoughts:
• Overall, Sleep Walker was a good book—easy to get through, with an intriguing story idea that kept me invested despite some pacing issues. There were moments where it felt a little slow and drawn out, and the perspective shifts occasionally pulled me out of the flow, but the ending more than made up for it with its unexpected turns. I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers that play with perspective and reward patience with a strong finish. While it wasn’t a perfect read for me, it still delivered a suspenseful experience that reminded me why I love twist-driven thrillers.
July 1, 2024
When Jake Meredith is arrested for the murder of his wife, he's adamant he isn't guilty, even though her blood is all over his hands, and his prints are on the murder weapon. He has no memory of attacking her. His solicitor brother claims Jake is a sleepwalker, and he is sent to a revolutionary new sleep clinic for assessment. Jake is convinced he didn't kill his wife and is intent on finding answers. But locked away in a clinic, he's impeded at every turn. Is his incarceration accidental, or part of a larger web of lies? And worse still, is he losing his mind or the unwitting victim of something more sinister?
With no memory and no idea who had murdered his wife, Jake Meredith is sent to a revolutionary new sleep clinic for assessment. His brother claims he is a sleepwalker. Jake had served in Afghanistan, where something dreadful had happened. You're kept wondering throughout who had stabbed Jake's wife while their daughter, Sienna, was upstairs in bed. I thought I knew who was responsible, and the more I read, the more I convinced myself I was right. How wrong was I, couldn't have been further from the truth. I was completely blown away when the truth was revealed. There are parts where you have to suspend your beliefs. The pace is fast, the characters are well-developed. My only criticism is that the story ended quite abruptly.
Published 12th July 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MAHunter for my ARC of #Sleepwalker in exchange for an honest review.
With no memory and no idea who had murdered his wife, Jake Meredith is sent to a revolutionary new sleep clinic for assessment. His brother claims he is a sleepwalker. Jake had served in Afghanistan, where something dreadful had happened. You're kept wondering throughout who had stabbed Jake's wife while their daughter, Sienna, was upstairs in bed. I thought I knew who was responsible, and the more I read, the more I convinced myself I was right. How wrong was I, couldn't have been further from the truth. I was completely blown away when the truth was revealed. There are parts where you have to suspend your beliefs. The pace is fast, the characters are well-developed. My only criticism is that the story ended quite abruptly.
Published 12th July 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MAHunter for my ARC of #Sleepwalker in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2024
M A Hunter’s Sleepwalker is a creepy, twisted and unpredictable thriller that will keep readers up all night.
Jake Meredith is adamant that he did not kill his wife – even if his spouse’s blood is all over his hands and his prints all over the murder weapon. Yet, Jake claims that he is not guilty and that he hasn’t murdered his wife. He has no memory of attacking her and not the slightest hint that he had touched a single hair on his wife’s head. Is Jake being set up? And who is behind this sinister campaign of terror that could end up costing Jake everything?
His solicitor brother claims that Jake’s a sleepwalker and is sent to a revolutionary sleep clinic for assessment. He is convinced of his innocence and vows to find the answers that would exonerate him. But trapped in this clinic where his every move is watched, untangling this perplexing mystery will prove to be easier said than done – especially as he’s stopped at every turn.
Can Jake clear his name? Is he losing his mind? Is he being framed? Or is he about to realise that that answers he seeks might have been hiding in plain sight all along?
Thriller fans will find themselves racing through M A Hunter’s latest unsettling chiller. Sleepwalker is a heart-stopping thriller packed with tension, suspense and twists and turns that will leave readers reeling as once they pick up M A Hunter’s new novel they will be completely consumed and immersed in this clever, exciting and nail-biting page-turner.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Jake Meredith is adamant that he did not kill his wife – even if his spouse’s blood is all over his hands and his prints all over the murder weapon. Yet, Jake claims that he is not guilty and that he hasn’t murdered his wife. He has no memory of attacking her and not the slightest hint that he had touched a single hair on his wife’s head. Is Jake being set up? And who is behind this sinister campaign of terror that could end up costing Jake everything?
His solicitor brother claims that Jake’s a sleepwalker and is sent to a revolutionary sleep clinic for assessment. He is convinced of his innocence and vows to find the answers that would exonerate him. But trapped in this clinic where his every move is watched, untangling this perplexing mystery will prove to be easier said than done – especially as he’s stopped at every turn.
Can Jake clear his name? Is he losing his mind? Is he being framed? Or is he about to realise that that answers he seeks might have been hiding in plain sight all along?
Thriller fans will find themselves racing through M A Hunter’s latest unsettling chiller. Sleepwalker is a heart-stopping thriller packed with tension, suspense and twists and turns that will leave readers reeling as once they pick up M A Hunter’s new novel they will be completely consumed and immersed in this clever, exciting and nail-biting page-turner.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 8, 2024
Sleepwalker by M.A. Hunter is darkly atmospheric, filled with suspicion and paranoia, ending with a shocking twist that left me rethinking the entire book.
Jake has recently returned from another stint overseas with the army. Plagued with guilt over an act in combat, he’s struggling to readjust to life with his wife Lucy and young daughter Sienna.
Having a challenging time finding employment, Jake’s marriage becomes strained as Lucy is working harder than ever to keep them afloat financially. Becoming more and more suspicious of her late work hours, Jake accuses his wife of having an affair and wanting to take his daughter away from him.
Flash forward to current day and Jake is on a boat with his older brother, who is serving as his lawyer, heading to a clinic that studies sleep disorders. While he doesn’t have many memories of it, Jake apparently struggles with sleepwalking. And his brother Max is using that as a reason why Jake murdered his wife.
Adamant of his innocence, Jake believes the clinic is not all that it seems. He believes the doctors and staff are in on a conspiracy against him. Not knowing who to trust, Jake begins to wonder if he can even trust himself.
This hooked me immediately and proved to be a case of “just one more chapter” - the best kind of books, in my opinion! This book is scheduled to be released July 11th so make sure to pre-order it or check it out!
Jake has recently returned from another stint overseas with the army. Plagued with guilt over an act in combat, he’s struggling to readjust to life with his wife Lucy and young daughter Sienna.
Having a challenging time finding employment, Jake’s marriage becomes strained as Lucy is working harder than ever to keep them afloat financially. Becoming more and more suspicious of her late work hours, Jake accuses his wife of having an affair and wanting to take his daughter away from him.
Flash forward to current day and Jake is on a boat with his older brother, who is serving as his lawyer, heading to a clinic that studies sleep disorders. While he doesn’t have many memories of it, Jake apparently struggles with sleepwalking. And his brother Max is using that as a reason why Jake murdered his wife.
Adamant of his innocence, Jake believes the clinic is not all that it seems. He believes the doctors and staff are in on a conspiracy against him. Not knowing who to trust, Jake begins to wonder if he can even trust himself.
This hooked me immediately and proved to be a case of “just one more chapter” - the best kind of books, in my opinion! This book is scheduled to be released July 11th so make sure to pre-order it or check it out!
July 28, 2024
Sleepwalker by M A Hunter was a brilliant psychological thriller it was full of twists and turns throughout and was a brilliant read. This was a book that just hooked me from the beginning till the end and I loved it.
Jake Meredith was in Afghanistan, and was serving with the British Army. He has just received a Victoria Cross over actions he can never forgive himself for, and resigned, he is ready for civilian life. He is all excited to come home to see his lovely wife Lucy and their five-year-old daughter, Sienna - but his wife is acting strangely and he does not know why!
She does not want to be intimate with him, and then she spends most of her time in her office, telling him she is working to make extra money after Jake quitted his job. So much tension is in the air between them, but he is enjoying spending his time with Sienna, having father and daughter time.
Then Jake is accused of murdering his wife Lucy, but he has no memory of it. He tells all his family and friends that he Loves Lucy so much and would never hurt her!
But there is evidence her blood is all over his hands and his prints are on the murder weapon.
His solicitor brother claims Jake is a sleepwalker, and he is sent to a revolutionary new sleep clinic for assessment.
So, who killed Lucy?
Was it Jake or someone else?
This book was full of great twists and turns that just had you turning the pages of you kindle quickly to find out what happens next
Brilliant!!
Jake Meredith was in Afghanistan, and was serving with the British Army. He has just received a Victoria Cross over actions he can never forgive himself for, and resigned, he is ready for civilian life. He is all excited to come home to see his lovely wife Lucy and their five-year-old daughter, Sienna - but his wife is acting strangely and he does not know why!
She does not want to be intimate with him, and then she spends most of her time in her office, telling him she is working to make extra money after Jake quitted his job. So much tension is in the air between them, but he is enjoying spending his time with Sienna, having father and daughter time.
Then Jake is accused of murdering his wife Lucy, but he has no memory of it. He tells all his family and friends that he Loves Lucy so much and would never hurt her!
But there is evidence her blood is all over his hands and his prints are on the murder weapon.
His solicitor brother claims Jake is a sleepwalker, and he is sent to a revolutionary new sleep clinic for assessment.
So, who killed Lucy?
Was it Jake or someone else?
This book was full of great twists and turns that just had you turning the pages of you kindle quickly to find out what happens next
Brilliant!!
July 12, 2024
M.A. Hunter's Sleepwalker is a suspenseful read that evokes distrust and dread. It ends with a startling revelation that made me reevaluate the entire book. Jake just got back from another tour of duty abroad with the army. He is finding it difficult to reintegrate into life with his wife Lucy and little daughter Sienna, since he is tormented by remorse over an incident during combat. Jake's marriage deteriorates as he struggles to find job and Lucy puts in more effort than before to support them financially. Jake, growing increasingly suspicious of his wife's late work hours, accuses her of having an affair and attempting to kidnap their daughter. In the present, Jake is aboard a boat with his elder brother, who is acting his lawyer. Jake claims to have trouble with sleepwalking, even though he doesn't remember much of it. Jake killed his wife, and his brother Max is blaming Jake for it. Recalling his youth, Jake thinks the clinic is not what it first appears to be. It seems to him that there is a plot against him by the staff and doctors. Jake finds himself questioning his own ability to trust people as he doesn't know who to believe. I found that this book captivated me right away and was definitely one of those books that left me wanting more! Be sure to check it out or place a preorder for this book, which is set for release on July 11th!
AI
AI
June 16, 2024
Fast-paced Sleepwalker by M A Hunter had me on tenterhooks every single page. Jake is told he is a sleepwalker. After he is arrested for the murder of his wife, he is taken to a sleep clinic for analysis. Surely he would remember something so horrifying. Yes, her blood was on him and his fingerprints on the murder weapon. His attorney brother isn't convinced of his innocence, either. But the clinic, almost a character itself, holds secrets in its stark white halls. Other inmates...er patients...are there for various sleep disorders and the staff members are a wee bit off. Jake begins to have doubts as reality becomes blurred.
Each word is packed with suspense and tension and I was practically desperate to reach the end. Talk about worth the wait! The novel gave me uncomfortable, itchy anxiety in the very best way. The writing flows seamlessly, so easy to read, and the characters are intriguing. This is the complete package, unpredictable yet strong all the way through.
Looking for a psychological thriller that grabs you by the throat and knocks you senseless? This is it.
My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this riveting novel.
Each word is packed with suspense and tension and I was practically desperate to reach the end. Talk about worth the wait! The novel gave me uncomfortable, itchy anxiety in the very best way. The writing flows seamlessly, so easy to read, and the characters are intriguing. This is the complete package, unpredictable yet strong all the way through.
Looking for a psychological thriller that grabs you by the throat and knocks you senseless? This is it.
My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this riveting novel.
July 8, 2024
This was an interesting take on the treatment of PTSD. Jake is arrested for the murder of his wife, but his brother, an attorney is convinced he might have been sleepwalking when the murder occurred. Jake has less than a week to be evaluated at an island facility to prove his sleepwalking, He has his cell phone taken away, but is allowed phone calls. But every time he tries to reach out to his daughter his sister-in-law tells him she's not available. As Jake becomes more and more confused about his treatment, believing he does not suffer from sleepwalking, he begins to distrust his fellow patients. Are they plants? Have they been sent there to gain his trust, to get him to confess to what he did when he was in the service? A crime he is still haunted by?
While the ending was intense and tied together a lot of what happened, I feel like there are some unanswered questions. Who was Sully? Who was Kate? I felt the first half of the book was in a loop of Jake declaring his innocence and denying his sleepwalking all the while fearing his wartime activity will come out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for introducing me to this author through an advanced reader's copy.
While the ending was intense and tied together a lot of what happened, I feel like there are some unanswered questions. Who was Sully? Who was Kate? I felt the first half of the book was in a loop of Jake declaring his innocence and denying his sleepwalking all the while fearing his wartime activity will come out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for introducing me to this author through an advanced reader's copy.
July 12, 2024
Black outs and memory loss are horrible, even when you know the cause – in my case it’s either alcohol in my twenties or a medical anaesthetic in my forties. But for Jake, he doesn’t know the cause. It’s possibly sleepwalking but he doesn’t sleep walk does he?? But the big question is – did he stab his wife??!
I really felt sorry for Jake. He doesn’t remember what happened the night of Lucy’s murder. He only remembers that morning, walking his daughter to school. But the more I read, I began to question what Jake told me in the present. Was it real or was it his mind during his sleepwalking episodes? Jake became the perfect unreliable narrator very quickly!
The way Hunter switched the perspective of the present being in the first person to the past being third person was unnerving. Was someone else telling me the story of the past? This change in narration just added to the unnerving feel to this book!
Hunter led me on a proper merry dance with Sleepwalker. I didn’t know what events to believe or which characters to trust. It’s an addictive read that made me question everything! I’ll admit – I spent the last few chapters with my hand over my mouth with my chest tightening as I read! Cracking psych thriller 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I really felt sorry for Jake. He doesn’t remember what happened the night of Lucy’s murder. He only remembers that morning, walking his daughter to school. But the more I read, I began to question what Jake told me in the present. Was it real or was it his mind during his sleepwalking episodes? Jake became the perfect unreliable narrator very quickly!
The way Hunter switched the perspective of the present being in the first person to the past being third person was unnerving. Was someone else telling me the story of the past? This change in narration just added to the unnerving feel to this book!
Hunter led me on a proper merry dance with Sleepwalker. I didn’t know what events to believe or which characters to trust. It’s an addictive read that made me question everything! I’ll admit – I spent the last few chapters with my hand over my mouth with my chest tightening as I read! Cracking psych thriller 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
July 15, 2024
Jake is accused of murdering his wife but has no memory of the events of that evening, so he’s carted off by his brother to a sleep clinic on a remote island for tests to see if he sleepwalks.
Almost immediately Jake begins to experience lapses in time, finding himself in places with no recollection of how he came to be there. Is this evidence that he IS sleepwalking? Or something more sinister? Are his fellow residents friend or foe?
No spoilers from me - you’ll have to read the book to find out 😋
A bit of a slow starter for me, the first half of the book felt quite samey and repetitive and took some time to really get moving. The second half though was much faster-paced with a lot of unpredictable twists, particularly in the final few chapters as the truth about the night Lucy died was revealed.
I can’t say I really liked Jake - there was nothing particularly endearing about him. But I do think the manner in which the book was written complemented Jake’s character and added to the general feeling of instability.
All in all, a decent enough psychological thriller with an interesting subject matter at the heart of it. Thank you @rachelsrandomresources and @theboldbookclub for my copy of Sleepwalker 🙏🏻
⭐️⭐️💫 (rounding up to 3)
Almost immediately Jake begins to experience lapses in time, finding himself in places with no recollection of how he came to be there. Is this evidence that he IS sleepwalking? Or something more sinister? Are his fellow residents friend or foe?
No spoilers from me - you’ll have to read the book to find out 😋
A bit of a slow starter for me, the first half of the book felt quite samey and repetitive and took some time to really get moving. The second half though was much faster-paced with a lot of unpredictable twists, particularly in the final few chapters as the truth about the night Lucy died was revealed.
I can’t say I really liked Jake - there was nothing particularly endearing about him. But I do think the manner in which the book was written complemented Jake’s character and added to the general feeling of instability.
All in all, a decent enough psychological thriller with an interesting subject matter at the heart of it. Thank you @rachelsrandomresources and @theboldbookclub for my copy of Sleepwalker 🙏🏻
⭐️⭐️💫 (rounding up to 3)
July 17, 2024
The book starts with the protagonist, Jake, being taken to a health facility on a remote island and, straight away, I thought of the movie Shutter Island. It was creepy and excited me to read further. I felt the chills while reading it, imagining myself in Jake’s shoes. The narrative is fast-paced and doesn’t slack even for a second.
There is enough background description of Jake and his circumstances that is let out at regular intervals. Hence, it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Also, the author reveals bits of truth bombs here and there allowing the reader to piece it all together, stimulating them in the process. Sleepwalker has a good storyline and is gripping till the very end.
The climax is what I love about the book. I love stories where there is enough build-up and where the end is shocking. This book doesn’t disappoint at all on that front.
This captivating thriller could easily be a Netflix adaptation. To all thriller/mystery fans out there — don’t miss out on this brilliant work; it is worth your time and will stay with you for days!
To conclude, Sleepwalker is a gripping, fast-paced thriller with a shocking climax, perfect for fans of Shutter Island and a must-read for psychological thriller enthusiasts.
There is enough background description of Jake and his circumstances that is let out at regular intervals. Hence, it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Also, the author reveals bits of truth bombs here and there allowing the reader to piece it all together, stimulating them in the process. Sleepwalker has a good storyline and is gripping till the very end.
The climax is what I love about the book. I love stories where there is enough build-up and where the end is shocking. This book doesn’t disappoint at all on that front.
This captivating thriller could easily be a Netflix adaptation. To all thriller/mystery fans out there — don’t miss out on this brilliant work; it is worth your time and will stay with you for days!
To conclude, Sleepwalker is a gripping, fast-paced thriller with a shocking climax, perfect for fans of Shutter Island and a must-read for psychological thriller enthusiasts.
December 2, 2025
This was the perfect book at the perfect time and a solid 3 🌟 read. I am genuinely grateful that Sleepwalker pulled me out of a significant reading slump—it's fast-paced, engaging, and remarkably easy to turn the pages on. It did exactly what I needed it to do.
That said, a few key elements consistently broke the spell and kept this from being a higher-rated read:
* The most persistent issue was the jarring misalignment between the setting and the dialogue. Despite the world's supposed setting in England, the text was saturated with modern, American turns-of-phrase, terminology, and slang. It made the world feel inauthentic and often pulled me out of the fantasy.
* There were noticeable inconsistencies with established character traits and how certain pivotal scenes unfolded.
* The conclusion felt incomplete for the main character (MC). While the plot resolved, the MC's personal arc was unsatisfyingly underdeveloped, leaving me wanting a stronger moment of growth or realization that felt earned.
Final Takeaway:
Sleepwalker is a solid, entertaining 3-star read and a highly effective cure for the reading blues. If you're looking for a quick, engrossing story to reset your reading habit, consider this one.
That said, a few key elements consistently broke the spell and kept this from being a higher-rated read:
* The most persistent issue was the jarring misalignment between the setting and the dialogue. Despite the world's supposed setting in England, the text was saturated with modern, American turns-of-phrase, terminology, and slang. It made the world feel inauthentic and often pulled me out of the fantasy.
* There were noticeable inconsistencies with established character traits and how certain pivotal scenes unfolded.
* The conclusion felt incomplete for the main character (MC). While the plot resolved, the MC's personal arc was unsatisfyingly underdeveloped, leaving me wanting a stronger moment of growth or realization that felt earned.
Final Takeaway:
Sleepwalker is a solid, entertaining 3-star read and a highly effective cure for the reading blues. If you're looking for a quick, engrossing story to reset your reading habit, consider this one.
July 16, 2024
4 Stars from me
Ahhh the psychological thriller equivalent of the 'locked room crime' - Jake's wife is dead and he has literal blood on his hands, and his prints are all over the murder weapon. But he didn't kill her, did he?
It seems that even Jake doesn't know. Oldest get out in the book isn't it, sleepwalking? Surely it can't be true? I loved following Jake's account and continually asking myself if he was a reliable narrator. His memory loss was convenient but also awful if he truly didn't even know himself whether or not he had killed his wife.
The changing narration was another wonderful touch that perfectly upped the anti on the already sky high pile of doubt over what was reliable and who could be trusted. This was such an enjoyable read as the the author kept so many plates spinning that it was hard to know which ones to try and catch! A wonderful dip into a blurred reality that had me second guessing everyone and everything.
I found myself reading faster and faster in my quest to unearth the truth. My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and the author M A Hunter for letting me be a part of the psychological roller coaster that was this book!
Ahhh the psychological thriller equivalent of the 'locked room crime' - Jake's wife is dead and he has literal blood on his hands, and his prints are all over the murder weapon. But he didn't kill her, did he?
It seems that even Jake doesn't know. Oldest get out in the book isn't it, sleepwalking? Surely it can't be true? I loved following Jake's account and continually asking myself if he was a reliable narrator. His memory loss was convenient but also awful if he truly didn't even know himself whether or not he had killed his wife.
The changing narration was another wonderful touch that perfectly upped the anti on the already sky high pile of doubt over what was reliable and who could be trusted. This was such an enjoyable read as the the author kept so many plates spinning that it was hard to know which ones to try and catch! A wonderful dip into a blurred reality that had me second guessing everyone and everything.
I found myself reading faster and faster in my quest to unearth the truth. My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and the author M A Hunter for letting me be a part of the psychological roller coaster that was this book!
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