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Look Behind You
Chloe Benson wakes up kidnapped and bound in an underground tomb with no memory of how she got there.
She escapes through deserted woods with her life, but no one believes her story.
And when she suspects her husband is lying to her, Chloe is forced to retrace her past, following in her own footsteps to find the truth and stay alive.
But who is following Chloe?
Look Behind You. You never know who’s out there.
She escapes through deserted woods with her life, but no one believes her story.
And when she suspects her husband is lying to her, Chloe is forced to retrace her past, following in her own footsteps to find the truth and stay alive.
But who is following Chloe?
Look Behind You. You never know who’s out there.
230 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
1442 people are currently reading
10363 people want to read
About the author
Sibel Hodge
53 books925 followersSibel Hodge is the author of the #1 Bestsellers Look Behind You, Untouchable, and Duplicity. Her books have sold over one million copies and are international bestsellers in the UK, USA, Australia, France, Canada and Germany. She writes in an eclectic mix of genres, and is a passionate human and animal rights advocate.
Her work has been nominated and shortlisted for numerous prizes, including the Harry Bowling Prize, the Yeovil Literary Prize, the Chapter One Promotions Novel Competition, The Romance Reviews’ prize for Best Novel with Romantic Elements and Indie Book Bargains’ Best Indie Book of 2012 in two categories. She was the winner of Best Children’s Book in the 2013 eFestival of Words; nominated for the 2015 BigAl’s Books and Pals Young Adult Readers’ Choice Award; winner of the Crime, Thrillers & Mystery Book from a Series Award in the SpaSpa Book Awards 2013; winner of the Readers’ Favorite Young Adult (Coming of Age) Honorable award in 2015; a New Adult finalist in the Oklahoma Romance Writers of America’s International Digital Awards 2015, and 2017 International Thriller Writers Award finalist for Best E-book Original Novel. Her novella Trafficked: The Diary of a Sex Slave has been listed as one of the top forty books about human rights by Accredited Online Colleges.
For Sibel’s latest book releases, giveaways and gossip, sign up to her newsletter at www.sibelhodge.com/contact-followme.php.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 876 reviews
August 31, 2020
Sinister is the word for ‘Look Behind You’! Nasty and compulsive, it cannot be ignored.
Chloe Benson, a 27 year old teacher, wakes to find that her wrists and feet are restrained - she has a pounding headache, a massive lump on her head, and she has no idea where she is or how she got there. What she does know is that it’s completely dark, no light whatsoever, either natural or artificial. On realising that she’s trapped in some kind of basement or tomb, abject terror overtakes her, but as the panic slowly subsides, she’s determined to find a way out of this confinement - she’s not ready to die yet.
She miraculously manages to escape, running as if the devil were after her, struggling, panic stricken through a wooded area in the dead of night, before she finally reaches a road and is found by a motorist, who takes her to hospital, but this is only the start of her fear and confusion, because she has no idea who did this or why - and everyone becomes a suspect.
At the hospital, it’s discovered that Chloe has no memory whatsoever of the last 7 weeks, apart from the dungeon from which she’s escaped. Her last memory prior to that, was her husband Liam’s 40th birthday party. No one believes Chloe’s story, the doctors’ and police are all in agreement that she’s hallucinating, after a bad reaction to antidepressants, something that’s happened to her before. Chloe thinks differently, and she’s determined to prove it, but she’s in for some scary times ahead before she discovers the truth.
With an opening chapter that instills terror in the reader, where it’s all too easy to experience the claustrophobic confines of captivity for themselves, the author manages to keep you on your toes wondering where it’s going next, and apart from a slight dip midway through, it was really gripping with a final chapter just as terrifying as the first.
Chloe Benson, a 27 year old teacher, wakes to find that her wrists and feet are restrained - she has a pounding headache, a massive lump on her head, and she has no idea where she is or how she got there. What she does know is that it’s completely dark, no light whatsoever, either natural or artificial. On realising that she’s trapped in some kind of basement or tomb, abject terror overtakes her, but as the panic slowly subsides, she’s determined to find a way out of this confinement - she’s not ready to die yet.
She miraculously manages to escape, running as if the devil were after her, struggling, panic stricken through a wooded area in the dead of night, before she finally reaches a road and is found by a motorist, who takes her to hospital, but this is only the start of her fear and confusion, because she has no idea who did this or why - and everyone becomes a suspect.
At the hospital, it’s discovered that Chloe has no memory whatsoever of the last 7 weeks, apart from the dungeon from which she’s escaped. Her last memory prior to that, was her husband Liam’s 40th birthday party. No one believes Chloe’s story, the doctors’ and police are all in agreement that she’s hallucinating, after a bad reaction to antidepressants, something that’s happened to her before. Chloe thinks differently, and she’s determined to prove it, but she’s in for some scary times ahead before she discovers the truth.
With an opening chapter that instills terror in the reader, where it’s all too easy to experience the claustrophobic confines of captivity for themselves, the author manages to keep you on your toes wondering where it’s going next, and apart from a slight dip midway through, it was really gripping with a final chapter just as terrifying as the first.
May 28, 2014
I'll start by saying that Look Behind You does first person present tense in the right way. The writing was smooth and the story was fast paced, which is perfect for this particular style.
Look Behind You, other than that it never really comes together. The story could have been an interesting one, except the readers are hit over the head about what is happening right from the get go. Once Chloe, the main character, leaves her prison and talks to someone other than herself, you already know what is going to happen. I'm not even exaggerating.
As I continued on with the story, I kept asking myself, “It can’t be this obvious, is it? Maybe it’s going to pull a Gone Girl?” Unfortunately, it was that obvious and thus it was that predictable. This left me frustrated and incredibly disappointed, because the writing is good.
The author does try to bring in more suspects, but they never produce as much weight as the first one. This wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing. I’ve read stories before where the ‘bad guy’ is in plain sight and the story ended up being great. The problem with how it’s handled here, is that the ‘bad guy’ is so over the top, so in your face, so unredeemable, that it took me out of the story.
I know that we're meant to question whether or not Chloe is going crazy and if all of this is in her imagination, but that too isn't done well. I might have felt like she was going insane, due to her not taking her pills, if the 'bad guy' wasn't present as the bad guy. I do like unreliable narrators, but the first suspect is clearly the villain so you can't ever really question Chloe's sanity. She's sane and he's the bad guy. It is what it is.
Overall: If I had to describe this novel, I'd say that it's a mixture or the movie Gone, with Amanda Seyfried, and the novel How to be a Good Wife, only the execution isn't that good and there's no real mystery surrounding who did it. The writing is good and Hodge kept me reading, but the execution and the characters just fell flat. A novel billed as a mystery-thriller needs to have those things in order for it to be good and unfortunately, this didn’t.
Look Behind You, other than that it never really comes together. The story could have been an interesting one, except the readers are hit over the head about what is happening right from the get go. Once Chloe, the main character, leaves her prison and talks to someone other than herself, you already know what is going to happen. I'm not even exaggerating.
As I continued on with the story, I kept asking myself, “It can’t be this obvious, is it? Maybe it’s going to pull a Gone Girl?” Unfortunately, it was that obvious and thus it was that predictable. This left me frustrated and incredibly disappointed, because the writing is good.
The author does try to bring in more suspects, but they never produce as much weight as the first one. This wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing. I’ve read stories before where the ‘bad guy’ is in plain sight and the story ended up being great. The problem with how it’s handled here, is that the ‘bad guy’ is so over the top, so in your face, so unredeemable, that it took me out of the story.
I know that we're meant to question whether or not Chloe is going crazy and if all of this is in her imagination, but that too isn't done well. I might have felt like she was going insane, due to her not taking her pills, if the 'bad guy' wasn't present as the bad guy. I do like unreliable narrators, but the first suspect is clearly the villain so you can't ever really question Chloe's sanity. She's sane and he's the bad guy. It is what it is.
Overall: If I had to describe this novel, I'd say that it's a mixture or the movie Gone, with Amanda Seyfried, and the novel How to be a Good Wife, only the execution isn't that good and there's no real mystery surrounding who did it. The writing is good and Hodge kept me reading, but the execution and the characters just fell flat. A novel billed as a mystery-thriller needs to have those things in order for it to be good and unfortunately, this didn’t.
May 18, 2014
I received a free download of "Look Behind You" directly from the author, Sibel Hodge, in exchange for a honest review. All I can say is WOW! This is a stunning psychological thriller that keeps you turning the pages till the very end. There is a psycho on the loose!
Chloe Benson, the twenty seven year heroine, is a teacher who at the start of the novel is trapped, bound and gagged in a dark chamber. She wakes up and doesn't know where she is, pain surging through her body, restrained, and a lump on the side of her head, being unconscious for a period of time. All she can hear is the constant sound of dripping. Had she been kidnapped? But Why? Who?
Chloe manages to escape, is found by a passer-by and is taken to hospital where no one believes her story, blaming it on hallucinations from a bad reaction to a drug prescribed. She has lost seven weeks of memory, so cannot explain how she got there, or who imprisoned her. All she is sure of is that it was real.
With all her strength, Chloe decides to fight back, and discover who is following her. She has no alternative but to solve this mystery, to allow her to move on with her life.
This novel is written in the first POV, so we get to be privy to the on-going thought processes of the protagonist. I found myself, like Chloe, questioning everyone about her, and desperately seeking the truth.
I wish to thank Sibel Hodge for allowing me to read her exceptional novel, and I recommend this novel to all fans that enjoy reading psychological thrillers. Don't miss out on this one!
Chloe Benson, the twenty seven year heroine, is a teacher who at the start of the novel is trapped, bound and gagged in a dark chamber. She wakes up and doesn't know where she is, pain surging through her body, restrained, and a lump on the side of her head, being unconscious for a period of time. All she can hear is the constant sound of dripping. Had she been kidnapped? But Why? Who?
Chloe manages to escape, is found by a passer-by and is taken to hospital where no one believes her story, blaming it on hallucinations from a bad reaction to a drug prescribed. She has lost seven weeks of memory, so cannot explain how she got there, or who imprisoned her. All she is sure of is that it was real.
With all her strength, Chloe decides to fight back, and discover who is following her. She has no alternative but to solve this mystery, to allow her to move on with her life.
This novel is written in the first POV, so we get to be privy to the on-going thought processes of the protagonist. I found myself, like Chloe, questioning everyone about her, and desperately seeking the truth.
I wish to thank Sibel Hodge for allowing me to read her exceptional novel, and I recommend this novel to all fans that enjoy reading psychological thrillers. Don't miss out on this one!
March 8, 2017
به عنوان یه رمان جنایی، کتاب خوبی نیست چون همه چیز از اول قابل پیش بینی هست. ولی به عنوان یک رمان که به مشکلات زنان میپردازه قابل توجهه و ارزش خوندن رو داره، حداقل یک مشکلی از مشکلات زنان رو بازگو میکنه که قابل تامله و این حقیقت بازگو شده به شکل یه رمان باعث میشه از حوصله خارج نباشد و در عین حال ذهن ادم رو درگیر موضوع کنه!
June 11, 2020
Read in two sittings. really couldn't put it down. Gripping storyline that has you questioning everything. Ties up nicely at the end. Enjoyed this a lot.
June 4, 2018
I absolutely LOVED this!
Look Behind You is great in audiobook format, as there are so few characters, making it really easy to follow the story. I started this yesterday and got through almost 70% but had to stop. I found it so hard to switch it off last night, and was dying to find out how it finished today.
I really enjoyed the mystery of what actually happened to Chloe, after she woke up kidnapped and tried to piece together what had happened to her over the last couple of months, while also suffering from amnesia. I loved the tense feeling of not knowing who to trust too.
When I went back to reading the psychological thriller I'm currently reading on my Kindle last night, I found it really hard not to confuse the two stories. There were a few similarities, and my memory isn't the best, so I had to keep reminding myself which story was which. Ooh, I do love a story that gets inside you and won't let go.
Look Behind You is one of my favourite experiences of listening to an audiobook. This is the second book I've listened to by this author, but it certainly won't be the last.
I borrowed this in audiobook format through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
Look Behind You is great in audiobook format, as there are so few characters, making it really easy to follow the story. I started this yesterday and got through almost 70% but had to stop. I found it so hard to switch it off last night, and was dying to find out how it finished today.
I really enjoyed the mystery of what actually happened to Chloe, after she woke up kidnapped and tried to piece together what had happened to her over the last couple of months, while also suffering from amnesia. I loved the tense feeling of not knowing who to trust too.
When I went back to reading the psychological thriller I'm currently reading on my Kindle last night, I found it really hard not to confuse the two stories. There were a few similarities, and my memory isn't the best, so I had to keep reminding myself which story was which. Ooh, I do love a story that gets inside you and won't let go.
Look Behind You is one of my favourite experiences of listening to an audiobook. This is the second book I've listened to by this author, but it certainly won't be the last.
I borrowed this in audiobook format through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
April 4, 2017
Chloe wakes up underground, bound in a room that she has no memory of being taken to. After she manages to escape, a stranger finds her on the side of the road and brings her to a nearby hospital. Chloe surmises that she was kidnapped, but has no memory of the last 6 weeks.
After her husband brings her home from the hospital, she is told that she's previously been institutionalized for mental illness when she had a negative reaction to antidepressants that she was on. Her husband tells her that she started screaming and digging in the garden, claiming someone was following her, but that it was all hallucinations from the medications. Unsure whether or not she can trust her own memory, she decides to investigate on her own since the police won't take her seriously. It's during her investigations that she realizes her husband has been lying to her...who can she trust and is she still in danger?
I really enjoyed Look Behind You! I really liked Chloe as a character, and I felt so bad for her. The situation she was in with her husband was awful, and she took so much of the blame for it. I loved seeing her get stronger as a person and become more independent when she realizes she wants happiness in her life. I also loved how determined she was. I can't imagine how frustrating it would be to not know who you can trust, especially when the doctors, police, and even your own husband don't believe that you were kidnapped.
The entire book I was suspicious of everyone! I didn't know who could be trusted, including Claire! I had my suspicions, but they definitely changed throughout the book as the story progressed and more details were revealed. I loved the ending and was so happy to finally have all of the pieces of the puzzle put together. I flew through this book and finished it in one sitting - I had to know how it would end!
The only thing I was sort of missing was a big twist. There really wasn't one, so I found myself thinking that the end of the book was sort of obvious. I kept waiting for something else to happen, but the shocking twist I expected never came. It's not always necessary to have that in a book. but it can help throw the reader off, and I always enjoy that. Regardless, this was still a 4 star read for me that I'd recommend to all fans of the psychological thriller genre!
After her husband brings her home from the hospital, she is told that she's previously been institutionalized for mental illness when she had a negative reaction to antidepressants that she was on. Her husband tells her that she started screaming and digging in the garden, claiming someone was following her, but that it was all hallucinations from the medications. Unsure whether or not she can trust her own memory, she decides to investigate on her own since the police won't take her seriously. It's during her investigations that she realizes her husband has been lying to her...who can she trust and is she still in danger?
I really enjoyed Look Behind You! I really liked Chloe as a character, and I felt so bad for her. The situation she was in with her husband was awful, and she took so much of the blame for it. I loved seeing her get stronger as a person and become more independent when she realizes she wants happiness in her life. I also loved how determined she was. I can't imagine how frustrating it would be to not know who you can trust, especially when the doctors, police, and even your own husband don't believe that you were kidnapped.
The entire book I was suspicious of everyone! I didn't know who could be trusted, including Claire! I had my suspicions, but they definitely changed throughout the book as the story progressed and more details were revealed. I loved the ending and was so happy to finally have all of the pieces of the puzzle put together. I flew through this book and finished it in one sitting - I had to know how it would end!
The only thing I was sort of missing was a big twist. There really wasn't one, so I found myself thinking that the end of the book was sort of obvious. I kept waiting for something else to happen, but the shocking twist I expected never came. It's not always necessary to have that in a book. but it can help throw the reader off, and I always enjoy that. Regardless, this was still a 4 star read for me that I'd recommend to all fans of the psychological thriller genre!
February 14, 2016
Chloe Benson is 27 a teacher & wakes up in a chamber with her hands tied & feet bound she gets out & is in a psychiatric hospital but she cannot remember what happened to her Her Neurologist Dr Traynor told her she was hallucinating & was told she took sleeping tablets. She tells the doctor she was kidnapped But no body believes her.
DI Summers & DS Flynn help her discover what happened to her what they unravel is a chain of events that sends her mad especially as she last remembered being at Liam's 40th birthday party & that is when everything falls apart.
What happens then is that both Detectives piece together everything that Chloe starts remembering what they find is a chilling chain of events from bank accounts being closed email accounts closed etc.
I cannot say anymore as their will be spoilers but let me just say their was twists & turns at every stage in this.
I found the read chilling to say the least as to think one person could do this to another but saying that it is Fiction.
High praise for Sibel Hodge 4 1/2 stars
DI Summers & DS Flynn help her discover what happened to her what they unravel is a chain of events that sends her mad especially as she last remembered being at Liam's 40th birthday party & that is when everything falls apart.
What happens then is that both Detectives piece together everything that Chloe starts remembering what they find is a chilling chain of events from bank accounts being closed email accounts closed etc.
I cannot say anymore as their will be spoilers but let me just say their was twists & turns at every stage in this.
I found the read chilling to say the least as to think one person could do this to another but saying that it is Fiction.
High praise for Sibel Hodge 4 1/2 stars
July 31, 2017
Another fantastic book by Sibel Hodge. I have also read Duplicity which I equally enjoyed and which was also unputadownable so definitely check that one out too.
I literally read this book within a 24 hour period. I just could not put it down. I love the author's style of writing in that it is so easy to follow, flows well and you just get immersed into the story so much so I constantly had my Kindle in my hand reading it.
This is a mystery, suspense, thriller with a dash of romance.
It focuses on a woman, Chloe Benson, who finds herself trapped in some kind of underground tomb which she manages to escape only to be told by everyone round her that she basically imagined the whole thing. I liked the way the author looks at how someone can easily be discredited by both the people around her and the authorities. I loved the determination of the character and I was really routing for her to find the answers she so desperately needed.
Again, another great one and will most definitely be reading more by this author.
I literally read this book within a 24 hour period. I just could not put it down. I love the author's style of writing in that it is so easy to follow, flows well and you just get immersed into the story so much so I constantly had my Kindle in my hand reading it.
This is a mystery, suspense, thriller with a dash of romance.
It focuses on a woman, Chloe Benson, who finds herself trapped in some kind of underground tomb which she manages to escape only to be told by everyone round her that she basically imagined the whole thing. I liked the way the author looks at how someone can easily be discredited by both the people around her and the authorities. I loved the determination of the character and I was really routing for her to find the answers she so desperately needed.
Again, another great one and will most definitely be reading more by this author.
August 2, 2020
Chloe Benson is 27, a married woman living in Welwyn, Hertfordshire. She wakes up in darkness, her ankles and wrists tied together. She can’t remember what has happened and has no idea where she is.
Is this a dream? Chloe is unsure. Can she escape her binds and recover from this nightmare? Follow Chloe through this British psychological thriller as her fears mount with each page.
I have not read a Sibel Hodge novel before but was encouraged to buy a copy after reading 3 different 5 star reviews from my friends on Goodreads. Having read this book, I am IMPRESSED.
I think Look Behind You is an OUTSTANDING read. I found it very engaging and entertaining. It is a thrilling read and all the warning flags are there. Sibel really builds up the terror in her novel. Her high quality writing really shines through the horror of this story. I love how this is a first person narrative and I felt as though I was in Chloe’s very wobbly shoes. Don’t view this story as Women’s Literature because anyone can enjoy this psychological thriller for what it is. Forget how old you are because everyone can relate to this story which is the stuff of nightmares, which we would all wish to escape from. Oh, and if you are married, gay or straight, this novel will make you shudder.
I got a real buzz from reading this book. It is articulate and thought provoking. It explored the concept of False Memory Syndrome and challenged the reader with Occam’s Razor. It gave me everything I want from a novel and was simply a pleasure to read. I enjoyed it so much that I will give it the top score of 5 stars and am starting on her next novel called Where the Memories Lie.
Is this a dream? Chloe is unsure. Can she escape her binds and recover from this nightmare? Follow Chloe through this British psychological thriller as her fears mount with each page.
I have not read a Sibel Hodge novel before but was encouraged to buy a copy after reading 3 different 5 star reviews from my friends on Goodreads. Having read this book, I am IMPRESSED.
I think Look Behind You is an OUTSTANDING read. I found it very engaging and entertaining. It is a thrilling read and all the warning flags are there. Sibel really builds up the terror in her novel. Her high quality writing really shines through the horror of this story. I love how this is a first person narrative and I felt as though I was in Chloe’s very wobbly shoes. Don’t view this story as Women’s Literature because anyone can enjoy this psychological thriller for what it is. Forget how old you are because everyone can relate to this story which is the stuff of nightmares, which we would all wish to escape from. Oh, and if you are married, gay or straight, this novel will make you shudder.
I got a real buzz from reading this book. It is articulate and thought provoking. It explored the concept of False Memory Syndrome and challenged the reader with Occam’s Razor. It gave me everything I want from a novel and was simply a pleasure to read. I enjoyed it so much that I will give it the top score of 5 stars and am starting on her next novel called Where the Memories Lie.
December 22, 2016
یک کتاب خوب درباره خشونت خانگی و یک کتاب جنایی بد.
پشت سرت را نگاه کن داستانی قابل پیش بینی دارد، بدون هیچ اتفاق غیر منتظره ای پیش می رود و به پایان میرسد. حتی به عنوان یک رمان روانشناسانه هم نقص هایی جدی دارد اما چیزی که در مورد این کتاب توجه ام را جلب کرد، تعریف دوباره خشونت خانگی بود.
«وقتی کلمات می تونن مثل چاقوی جراحی درون انسان رو بشکافن چه نیازی به مشت زدن هست؟»
نویسنده از زبان شخصیت کلو بنسون نوعی از خشونت خانگی را به تصویر می کشد که معمولا به آن توجه نمی شود یا به عنوان مشکلات معمولی زوج ها توجیه می شود. همان طور که خود کلو در می گوید «به هر حال همه زوج ها مشکل دارن»
کلو شخصیتی آشنا برای من بود. و همین موضوع باعث شد احساس نزدیکی با کتاب داشته باشم.
داستان ریتم تند و ترجمه خیلی خوبی داشت و با وجود قابل پیش بینی بودن خسته کننده نبود و سریع تمام شد. در مجموع کتابیست که خانم ها مخصوصا علاقه مندان به موضوعات زنان می پسندند.
پشت سرت را نگاه کن داستانی قابل پیش بینی دارد، بدون هیچ اتفاق غیر منتظره ای پیش می رود و به پایان میرسد. حتی به عنوان یک رمان روانشناسانه هم نقص هایی جدی دارد اما چیزی که در مورد این کتاب توجه ام را جلب کرد، تعریف دوباره خشونت خانگی بود.
«وقتی کلمات می تونن مثل چاقوی جراحی درون انسان رو بشکافن چه نیازی به مشت زدن هست؟»
نویسنده از زبان شخصیت کلو بنسون نوعی از خشونت خانگی را به تصویر می کشد که معمولا به آن توجه نمی شود یا به عنوان مشکلات معمولی زوج ها توجیه می شود. همان طور که خود کلو در می گوید «به هر حال همه زوج ها مشکل دارن»
کلو شخصیتی آشنا برای من بود. و همین موضوع باعث شد احساس نزدیکی با کتاب داشته باشم.
داستان ریتم تند و ترجمه خیلی خوبی داشت و با وجود قابل پیش بینی بودن خسته کننده نبود و سریع تمام شد. در مجموع کتابیست که خانم ها مخصوصا علاقه مندان به موضوعات زنان می پسندند.
May 21, 2014
I thought this book was excellent! The plot had a series of creepy psychological twists and turns and was very well written indeed. Once I began, the first part of the book gripped me. I was hooked!I could almost feel the terror that Chloe was going through myself; it was written so realistically. It was dark, horrifying and very atmospheric. I couldn't leave the reading of the whole book it until it was finished. I don't want to leave spoilers, just a heartfelt plea to read this book. You will not regret it.
May 24, 2014
This psychological mystery-thriller has a super creepy and terrifying beginning that immediately grabs your attention and keeps it throughout. (It kind of reminded me of the movies Sleeping with the Enemy, Enough, and Kiss the Girls all rolled into one). Even with a couple of twists here and there, I still felt it was kind of obvious as to who was trying to drive Chloe off the deep end, BUT, still a worthwhile read at a great bargain price!
May 14, 2014
Publication Date: Available now.
Thank you to all concerned for the netgalley review copy.
Chloe Benson wakes up kidnapped and bound in an underground tomb with no memory of how she got there.
She escapes through deserted woods with her life, but no one believes her story.
And when she suspects her husband is lying to her, Chloe is forced to retrace her past, following in her own footsteps to find the truth and stay alive.
But who is following Chloe?
Gosh I rattled my way through this one, such a great flow and such an intense storyline – Chloe tells the story as she wakes up, bound and alone and in complete darkness. A lot of panic and a lot of sheer determination later, she escapes her dungeon and collapses on the road…When she wakes up in the hospital she discovers she has lost 7 weeks of memory. When she insists she was abducted no-one will believe her. As she retraces her steps, determined to discover what it is she is blocking from her mind, it is truly addictive reading.
Now anyone that follows my reviews knows how much I love a good twisty psychological thriller and this one was fantabulous – for a minute there I thought perhaps this would be another one that would get me – but I did eventually work it out before all was revealed, yet it was late in the game. The author does a marvellous job of misdirection but the subtle clues are all there if you know where to look – and if you can stop sympathising with Chloe and metaphorically glaring at all those around her who are happy to believe she is losing her mind.
Cleverly done by blurring the lines between truth and lies, between what people see and what actually occurred – and by creating characters that you want to root for, or indeed want to throw shoes at (hey its my thing when people annoy me) – Sibel Hodge has managed to give us a terrific all round read that will keep you on your toes and playing the guessing game. Superbly done and with an extremely readable style I recommend this highly for fans of psychological thrillers.
Happy Reading Folks!
Thank you to all concerned for the netgalley review copy.
Chloe Benson wakes up kidnapped and bound in an underground tomb with no memory of how she got there.
She escapes through deserted woods with her life, but no one believes her story.
And when she suspects her husband is lying to her, Chloe is forced to retrace her past, following in her own footsteps to find the truth and stay alive.
But who is following Chloe?
Gosh I rattled my way through this one, such a great flow and such an intense storyline – Chloe tells the story as she wakes up, bound and alone and in complete darkness. A lot of panic and a lot of sheer determination later, she escapes her dungeon and collapses on the road…When she wakes up in the hospital she discovers she has lost 7 weeks of memory. When she insists she was abducted no-one will believe her. As she retraces her steps, determined to discover what it is she is blocking from her mind, it is truly addictive reading.
Now anyone that follows my reviews knows how much I love a good twisty psychological thriller and this one was fantabulous – for a minute there I thought perhaps this would be another one that would get me – but I did eventually work it out before all was revealed, yet it was late in the game. The author does a marvellous job of misdirection but the subtle clues are all there if you know where to look – and if you can stop sympathising with Chloe and metaphorically glaring at all those around her who are happy to believe she is losing her mind.
Cleverly done by blurring the lines between truth and lies, between what people see and what actually occurred – and by creating characters that you want to root for, or indeed want to throw shoes at (hey its my thing when people annoy me) – Sibel Hodge has managed to give us a terrific all round read that will keep you on your toes and playing the guessing game. Superbly done and with an extremely readable style I recommend this highly for fans of psychological thrillers.
Happy Reading Folks!
February 14, 2017
3.0 to 3.5 mysterious stars!
Great cover! Creeps me out a bit...the red hair, the red dress, and she's not looking at us. Maybe someone is behind her! Plus, it looks like someone I know!
Ok, let's get to the plot...Chloe Benson wakes up in an underground tomb and escapes or did she?
No one believes her so she is forced to do a lot of her own dective work to find out what really happened.
Ooops, forget to mention that she has amnesia so finding out what really happened is not an easy task.
The author did a good job of making me suspect everyone including Chloe. Reads like a detective novel so if this is your type of genre....read the book!
Great cover! Creeps me out a bit...the red hair, the red dress, and she's not looking at us. Maybe someone is behind her! Plus, it looks like someone I know!
Ok, let's get to the plot...Chloe Benson wakes up in an underground tomb and escapes or did she?
No one believes her so she is forced to do a lot of her own dective work to find out what really happened.
Ooops, forget to mention that she has amnesia so finding out what really happened is not an easy task.
The author did a good job of making me suspect everyone including Chloe. Reads like a detective novel so if this is your type of genre....read the book!
September 8, 2014
Just where do I start with this book.
I was granted this to read as an advanced copy from Sibel Hodge via Net Galley.
Just look at that cover, how could you not look at it and wonder what this story is about!
Read the blurb, don't you think it draws you right it?
Well, let me tell you this, once you open that first page you better have done everything you need to have done, because this book just keeps on giving out more and more as you turn the pages. Without realizing, the hours had gone by and I am going through this even with the main the character Chloe.
When its frighteningly intense, I found my breathing getting rapid, I kid you not.
I sighed a breath of relief when she was relatively safe.
I just knew the ending, but I didn't know how, why and if they would succeed.
Then I had doubts poured on at times thinking and wondering if I was right in assuming it could be the one that I thought it was. I am trying so hard to not give anything away!
So I am gonna shut up now and leave it to just say, you REALLY need this book in your life.
I am a fan!!!
This is the only book I have read by this author. .... so far...
I was granted this to read as an advanced copy from Sibel Hodge via Net Galley.
Just look at that cover, how could you not look at it and wonder what this story is about!
Read the blurb, don't you think it draws you right it?
Well, let me tell you this, once you open that first page you better have done everything you need to have done, because this book just keeps on giving out more and more as you turn the pages. Without realizing, the hours had gone by and I am going through this even with the main the character Chloe.
When its frighteningly intense, I found my breathing getting rapid, I kid you not.
I sighed a breath of relief when she was relatively safe.
I just knew the ending, but I didn't know how, why and if they would succeed.
Then I had doubts poured on at times thinking and wondering if I was right in assuming it could be the one that I thought it was. I am trying so hard to not give anything away!
So I am gonna shut up now and leave it to just say, you REALLY need this book in your life.
I am a fan!!!
This is the only book I have read by this author. .... so far...
December 30, 2021
یکی از بهترین کتاب های جنایی بود و اینقدر کشش داره که در نصف روز تمامش کردم.نویسنده به خوبی هر دفعه حدس های شما را انکار میکند و باز به آن جان میبخشد.بشدت پیشنهادی!
May 24, 2023
کتاب #پشت_سرت_را_نگاه_کن داستان زنی به نام کلو بنسون هست که از خواب بیدار میشه و متوجه میشه که توی دخمه ای زندانی شده و ربوده شده. کلو برای پیدا کردن حقیقت دست به کار میشه و به اطرافیانش از جمله شوهرش مشکوک میشه.
داستان تقریبا از همون اول قابل پیش بینی هست و در سیر داستان هم اتفاق غیر منتظره ای نمیفته و در پایان هم وقتی همه چیز مشخص میشه خیلی زود همه چیز جمع و جور میشه طوری که اصلا انگار اتفاقی نیفتاده و به قول خودمون فرمالیته میشه.
داستان تقریبا از همون اول قابل پیش بینی هست و در سیر داستان هم اتفاق غیر منتظره ای نمیفته و در پایان هم وقتی همه چیز مشخص میشه خیلی زود همه چیز جمع و جور میشه طوری که اصلا انگار اتفاقی نیفتاده و به قول خودمون فرمالیته میشه.
July 11, 2020
First and foremost, that book cover is one of the best that I have seen in recent times. It's so mesmerizing. And what a book it turned to be. Extremely well written that belongs to the 'hard-to-put down even for a sec' category. I have read another book by Sibel Hodge and loved her writing style and Look Behind You is no different. The story captures you from the very first page. Chole Bensen escapes from an underground prison and believes herself to be kidnapped but there's no one who believes her and the amnesia adds to the ordeal. The suspicions begin soon after and it was easy to see the twists in the story and decipher things but the whole start to finish was a thrilling high ride.
March 16, 2025
شاید توی سی سالگی یکمی کتابا برات کش پیدا کنن وبرن روی مخت!شایدم همون ای دی اچ دی که یازده سال پیش شناختیش،اثر داره اما همون کش اومدن برای تو،یک صدم درد ��رنج زن هایی رو داره منعکس میکنن که گیر ادمای شکاک ومریض الروان وکنترل گر وجانی افتاده اند!
کلو دختری که توی پرورشگاه بزرگ شده ودر حالی که با دوجا کاری ووام ها میخواسته درس بخونه ودانشگاه رو تموم کرده بوده،توجه یه پسر رو به خودش حس میکنه ومیتونین درک کنین که چه حس شیرینی رو تجربه کرده؟
ذهن ادم میتونه در مواقع اسیب،خاطراتی رو خلق کنه...
زبون بعضی از افراد حقیقتا از تیغ جراحی تیز تره!
اینکه ادم تلاش کنه به پلیس بفهمونه که باید باورش کنه ولی نگاه عاقل اندر سفیه بش کنن گویا در تمام کشورها رواله...
کلو دختری که توی پرورشگاه بزرگ شده ودر حالی که با دوجا کاری ووام ها میخواسته درس بخونه ودانشگاه رو تموم کرده بوده،توجه یه پسر رو به خودش حس میکنه ومیتونین درک کنین که چه حس شیرینی رو تجربه کرده؟
ذهن ادم میتونه در مواقع اسیب،خاطراتی رو خلق کنه...
زبون بعضی از افراد حقیقتا از تیغ جراحی تیز تره!
اینکه ادم تلاش کنه به پلیس بفهمونه که باید باورش کنه ولی نگاه عاقل اندر سفیه بش کنن گویا در تمام کشورها رواله...
May 17, 2014
Someone wants Chloe Benson out of the picture, she's sure, but who? and why? Or is she being paranoid and just imagining everything? This is a psychological journey into her mind as she tries to put together all the pieces that will give her the answers she needs.
The story starts with some very claustrophobic scenes. Chloe wakes up and finds herself bound and in complete darkness. She has pains all over her body. She doesn't know where she is and doesn't remember how she finished there. After a lot of struggle, despair and much determination she makes it out of the underground trap in which she was and runs for her life through the woods.
She then finds herself in hospital being treated for dehydration and shock. She knows that someone kidnapped her. After being questioned by doctors and the police, she realises that she has lost her memory. She knows who she is but she can't remember anything that happened in the last few weeks.
Having previously suffered from depression and hallucinations, no one believes her story. They are convinced that Chloe has imagined everything. That this is another story lived only in her mind, maybe triggered by some reaction to the medicine she was taking. But Chloe knows that she didn't imagine her ordeal; she knows she's not mad, does she?
With her memory loss, having no support from anyone and suspicious of everyone, including her husband Liam, Chloe is on her own but determined to dig deep in her quest to find the truth. But will she make it on time before whoever kidnapped her last time returns to complete the deed? Or is everything only in her mind?
This is a terrific story, full of twists and turns as the author skilfully unwraps the mystery little by little. I really enjoyed reading this Sibel Hodge thriller and am looking forward to read more from this talented author.
The story starts with some very claustrophobic scenes. Chloe wakes up and finds herself bound and in complete darkness. She has pains all over her body. She doesn't know where she is and doesn't remember how she finished there. After a lot of struggle, despair and much determination she makes it out of the underground trap in which she was and runs for her life through the woods.
She then finds herself in hospital being treated for dehydration and shock. She knows that someone kidnapped her. After being questioned by doctors and the police, she realises that she has lost her memory. She knows who she is but she can't remember anything that happened in the last few weeks.
Having previously suffered from depression and hallucinations, no one believes her story. They are convinced that Chloe has imagined everything. That this is another story lived only in her mind, maybe triggered by some reaction to the medicine she was taking. But Chloe knows that she didn't imagine her ordeal; she knows she's not mad, does she?
With her memory loss, having no support from anyone and suspicious of everyone, including her husband Liam, Chloe is on her own but determined to dig deep in her quest to find the truth. But will she make it on time before whoever kidnapped her last time returns to complete the deed? Or is everything only in her mind?
This is a terrific story, full of twists and turns as the author skilfully unwraps the mystery little by little. I really enjoyed reading this Sibel Hodge thriller and am looking forward to read more from this talented author.
March 23, 2019
Put your seat belt on go for a ride with chloe benson as she wakes up kidnapped with no memory of how she got that way this book is a real mind screw that will keep you guessing till the very end love it.
October 19, 2019
پشت سرت را نگاه کن یاد آوری دوباره دو نکته برای من بود. اول یاد آوری خشونتی که مردان این سرزمین یا هر سرزمین دیگری علیه زنانش روا می دارند نه صرفا از نوع فیزیکی، هرچند که متاسفانه هنوز در جامعه به وضوح شاهد آن نیز هستیم، بلکه آن خشونت زجر آور کلامی است که در قشر تحصیل کرده و فرهیخته نیز به وفور با آن برخورد کرده ایم.
شاید دیده ایم که" همان کسی که میخواهیم از دستش خلاص شویم کسی است که بیش از همه به او متکی هستیم"
و یادآوری دوم اینکه میتوان طور دیگری عمل کرد و به قدرت درون اتکا کرد و برای شاد بودن زندگی کرد...
شاید دیده ایم که" همان کسی که میخواهیم از دستش خلاص شویم کسی است که بیش از همه به او متکی هستیم"
و یادآوری دوم اینکه میتوان طور دیگری عمل کرد و به قدرت درون اتکا کرد و برای شاد بودن زندگی کرد...
May 27, 2014
Glad I only paid 77c for it on Kindle - writing ok but story very predictable and repetitive. I'm reasonably intelligent and hate being told the same things over and over. It's an easy quick read though, might while away a plane journey. Didn't live up to the blurb and publisher hype - as per. I did say I was reasonably intelligent didn't I? H'mm might have to rethink that comment!
June 15, 2017
This was an interesting take on the psychological thriller and mystery genre; when Chloe wakes up bound and gagged in an underground hideaway, she is determined to survive and begins plotting her escape. Miraculously she is able to escape, but then the real nightmare begins - no one, not even her husband or the police, believe she was kidnapped in the first place. Slowly, Chloe begins to question her sanity. So what did really happen?
I thought the writing was good, it kept me hooked without being too taxing, as many of this genre can be. Mid way, the book seems to dip a little and the plot goes round and round in circles for a while. However, it picks up again toward the end as the mysterious turn of events surrounding Chloe's disappearance become apparent. Think along the lines of Sleeping With The Enemy (which is oddly enough referenced in the book!) and you will get an idea of the kind of story this is.
I will likely read something else by this author. This book didn't change my life but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
I thought the writing was good, it kept me hooked without being too taxing, as many of this genre can be. Mid way, the book seems to dip a little and the plot goes round and round in circles for a while. However, it picks up again toward the end as the mysterious turn of events surrounding Chloe's disappearance become apparent. Think along the lines of Sleeping With The Enemy (which is oddly enough referenced in the book!) and you will get an idea of the kind of story this is.
I will likely read something else by this author. This book didn't change my life but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
November 24, 2020
This is a 3.5 star read.
An entertaining, if predictable, read.
An entertaining, if predictable, read.
June 25, 2014
2.5 stars for poor little Chloe
I liked the book for being a fast paced drama with Chloe as the narrator and protagonist. She is well drawn as a vulnerable young woman with no family support and no one to love her.
I can totally see why she fell for Liam even though we can all see he is a complete arse.
BUT there is no mystery here and we are basically just waiting for Chloe's memory to come back and for the inevitable to happen.
The character of Liam, for me, is the weakest link (apart from the really lame attempts to pretend it wasn't Liam who did it all along).
He is a joke of a man who I suspect couldn't punch his way out of a paper bag.
There was no background for him and though he was clever in some ways he was also incredibly stupid. It was difficult to accept when he was just portrayed as 'evil' and there was no development for him. Why didn't he just kill her in the first place?...mistake number one!
The policeman was also a bit Inspector Gadget...say no more!
To sum up post rant - it was okay and I enjoyed parts of it but not the best for me.
I liked the book for being a fast paced drama with Chloe as the narrator and protagonist. She is well drawn as a vulnerable young woman with no family support and no one to love her.
I can totally see why she fell for Liam even though we can all see he is a complete arse.
BUT there is no mystery here and we are basically just waiting for Chloe's memory to come back and for the inevitable to happen.
The character of Liam, for me, is the weakest link (apart from the really lame attempts to pretend it wasn't Liam who did it all along).
He is a joke of a man who I suspect couldn't punch his way out of a paper bag.
There was no background for him and though he was clever in some ways he was also incredibly stupid. It was difficult to accept when he was just portrayed as 'evil' and there was no development for him. Why didn't he just kill her in the first place?...mistake number one!
The policeman was also a bit Inspector Gadget...say no more!
To sum up post rant - it was okay and I enjoyed parts of it but not the best for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2015
REVIEW: LOOK BEHIND YOU by Sibel Hodge
Is it pharmaceutically-induced psychosis--
Or is it a gaslighting husband?
Chloe Benson is a happily-married Englishwoman, a university instructor, married to an older man who is manager of a pharmaceutical firm. Recently he has been irritable and difficult, and Chloe has been... well, what and where depends on who you believe.
Hubby Liam says: psychotic episodes, allergic reaction to medication, grief and depression.
Chloe thinks: kidnapping, underground imprisonment, loss of seven weeks' memory.
Who is accurate? Who is truthful?
Is it pharmaceutically-induced psychosis--
Or is it a gaslighting husband?
Chloe Benson is a happily-married Englishwoman, a university instructor, married to an older man who is manager of a pharmaceutical firm. Recently he has been irritable and difficult, and Chloe has been... well, what and where depends on who you believe.
Hubby Liam says: psychotic episodes, allergic reaction to medication, grief and depression.
Chloe thinks: kidnapping, underground imprisonment, loss of seven weeks' memory.
Who is accurate? Who is truthful?
December 6, 2016
I am going through a bad book spell apparently. I was hoping this book would break the "bad streak" but no such luck. For a thriller this book was easily predictable from the very beginning. Very cliché and overly predictable. Not one I would recommend. The only thing I liked about it was the book cover :(
April 1, 2018
4.5 stars. That was really, really good. I've read a few of these 'young wife wakes up after some trauma with amnesia and ends up being suspicious of the version of reality she is told by her nearest and dearest' books and I think this is one of the better ones.
This happens to Chloe Benson. She escapes from being tied up in an underground bunker and, on finally reaching a road, she flags down a car and gets taken to hospital. The problem is she can't remember the last seven weeks. She suffered depression just recently following a miscarriage and had a breakdown when her antidepressants caused bad side effects. The other problem is that everyone now thinks she's just having a bad reaction to sleeping tablets and is having hallucinations. She only has her husband Liam's version of certain events. Now normally these books veer off into paroxysms of uncertainty and self doubt where the victim doesn't know who or what to believe and we have reams of circular and boring internal dialogue. But Chloe is made of sterner stuff and determined to work out for herself what actually happened.
What she finds is quite confronting. Chloe was a good strong character who kept her shit together admirably. It was a very enjoyable read.
This happens to Chloe Benson. She escapes from being tied up in an underground bunker and, on finally reaching a road, she flags down a car and gets taken to hospital. The problem is she can't remember the last seven weeks. She suffered depression just recently following a miscarriage and had a breakdown when her antidepressants caused bad side effects. The other problem is that everyone now thinks she's just having a bad reaction to sleeping tablets and is having hallucinations. She only has her husband Liam's version of certain events. Now normally these books veer off into paroxysms of uncertainty and self doubt where the victim doesn't know who or what to believe and we have reams of circular and boring internal dialogue. But Chloe is made of sterner stuff and determined to work out for herself what actually happened.
What she finds is quite confronting. Chloe was a good strong character who kept her shit together admirably. It was a very enjoyable read.
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