What do you think?
Rate this book
Woman with Eyes Closed
Named to Kirkus Reviews’ 100 Best Books of 2025
On a full moon night in Rotterdam, three Dutch thieves break into the Kunsthal museum and steal four paintings—including two Monets, a Picasso, and Woman with Eyes Closed. Inspired by the real 2012 art heist, this literary thriller follows British MI-6 agent Kit Hobbs, who is unexpectedly assigned to the case. A tip leads him to Sagaponack, New York, where the Monets may be hidden in the bunker of a Russian mobster with a beach house—and a taste for stolen masterpieces.
Just down the beach, Perrin Clayton—daughter of a once-famous abstract expressionist painter—is newly married to art-world superstar Jack Triplett. Their glamorous Hamptons life dazzles from the outside, but something vital is missing. When Kit, whose connection is Jack’s gallerist, meets Perrin at a party in the Russian’s home, he notices the mobster’s fascination with her—and devises a risky plan to draw her into his investigation.
Meanwhile, the thieves are on the run, their alliance unraveling. As Kit and Perrin are pulled deeper into each other’s lives, and a hurricane barrels toward the coast, the fate of Woman with Eyes Closed hangs in the balance—along with their own uncertain futures.
Praise for Woman with Eyes
“By slow and steady degrees, Matthiessen takes all the familiar elements of the standard heist thriller and transforms them into something more.... A riveting and richly nuanced art-crime novel.” ~Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"A beautifully crafted suspense thriller of a read from cover to cover..." ~Midwest Book Review
“…Woman with Eyes Closed will longingly resonate, recalling a time before luxe building and big money art acquisitions came to dominate a once vital artist’s community. And the novel has—no spoiler alert—a lovely ending.” ~Joan Baum, Sag Harbor Express
“Matthiessen’s depictions of Sagaponack, where she grew up, are wonderfully true to life. This high stakes art thriller delivers an entertaining cast of Hamptons characters, from Russian oligarchs to art-world brats. The mob is involved and, oh, a hurricane is barreling in. The author’s delivery of suspense, with a sophisticated insider’s view of the social milieu, makes it a top-notch read.” ~East Magazine (The East Hampton Star)
“A compelling suspense novel, Woman with Eyes Closed explores the contrasting lives of the wealthy living in opulence and the desperate actions of the underprivileged longing for a way out.... [Woman with Eyes Closed] delves into themes of relationships, romance, trust, money, and crime, making it an intriguing read for fans of suspenseful mysteries." ~Angelique Papayannopoulos, Readers’ Favorite
On a full moon night in Rotterdam, three Dutch thieves break into the Kunsthal museum and steal four paintings—including two Monets, a Picasso, and Woman with Eyes Closed. Inspired by the real 2012 art heist, this literary thriller follows British MI-6 agent Kit Hobbs, who is unexpectedly assigned to the case. A tip leads him to Sagaponack, New York, where the Monets may be hidden in the bunker of a Russian mobster with a beach house—and a taste for stolen masterpieces.
Just down the beach, Perrin Clayton—daughter of a once-famous abstract expressionist painter—is newly married to art-world superstar Jack Triplett. Their glamorous Hamptons life dazzles from the outside, but something vital is missing. When Kit, whose connection is Jack’s gallerist, meets Perrin at a party in the Russian’s home, he notices the mobster’s fascination with her—and devises a risky plan to draw her into his investigation.
Meanwhile, the thieves are on the run, their alliance unraveling. As Kit and Perrin are pulled deeper into each other’s lives, and a hurricane barrels toward the coast, the fate of Woman with Eyes Closed hangs in the balance—along with their own uncertain futures.
Praise for Woman with Eyes
“By slow and steady degrees, Matthiessen takes all the familiar elements of the standard heist thriller and transforms them into something more.... A riveting and richly nuanced art-crime novel.” ~Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"A beautifully crafted suspense thriller of a read from cover to cover..." ~Midwest Book Review
“…Woman with Eyes Closed will longingly resonate, recalling a time before luxe building and big money art acquisitions came to dominate a once vital artist’s community. And the novel has—no spoiler alert—a lovely ending.” ~Joan Baum, Sag Harbor Express
“Matthiessen’s depictions of Sagaponack, where she grew up, are wonderfully true to life. This high stakes art thriller delivers an entertaining cast of Hamptons characters, from Russian oligarchs to art-world brats. The mob is involved and, oh, a hurricane is barreling in. The author’s delivery of suspense, with a sophisticated insider’s view of the social milieu, makes it a top-notch read.” ~East Magazine (The East Hampton Star)
“A compelling suspense novel, Woman with Eyes Closed explores the contrasting lives of the wealthy living in opulence and the desperate actions of the underprivileged longing for a way out.... [Woman with Eyes Closed] delves into themes of relationships, romance, trust, money, and crime, making it an intriguing read for fans of suspenseful mysteries." ~Angelique Papayannopoulos, Readers’ Favorite
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2025
About the author
Rue Matthiessen
4 books12 followersRue Matthiessen is based on the East End of Long Island. Her art-theft novel, Woman with Eyes Closed, was named to Kirkus Reviews' 100 BEST list of 2025. Her memoir, Castles & Ruins, about growing up in Sagaponack, NY, with parents of keen literary ambition, was published in February 2024. Recently, Rue was featured in the Bridgehampton Museum's Distinguished Lecturer Series, as well as many other podcasts, features, interviews and events. See more at ruematthiessen.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 22, 2026
Woman with Eyes Closed by Rue Matthiessen
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉This book is one of those rare literary thrillers that manages to feel both intellectually sharp and emotionally intimate at the same time. The novel begins with the famous museum robbery in Rotterdam, immediately creating a sense of urgency and intrigue, but what impressed me most was how the story refuses to rely only on suspense. Instead, it carefully explores the emotional lives of its characters, particularly the loneliness and dissatisfaction hidden beneath luxury, success, and beauty. The writing feels elegant and restrained, yet there is an undercurrent of tension running through every chapter that kept me fully invested.
👉Perrin Clayton was undoubtedly the emotional center of the novel for me. She is introduced as someone who appears to have achieved the perfect life: a glamorous marriage, access to the elite art world, and a beautiful Hamptons existence. Yet beneath that polished image is a woman struggling with emotional emptiness and a quiet longing for something more meaningful. Her character felt incredibly realistic because her pain is subtle rather than dramatic. Watching her slowly become entangled in Kit Hobbs’s investigation felt natural and deeply compelling, especially because the story gives her emotional depth instead of reducing her to a typical thriller character.
👉Kit Hobbs also stood out as an excellent protagonist because he brings intelligence and calm intensity to the story rather than exaggerated heroics. His role as an MI-6 agent investigating stolen masterpieces could have easily become formulaic, but the novel handles him with nuance and restraint. The connection between Kit and Perrin develops gradually, built on observation, vulnerability, and emotional tension rather than cliché romance. Their interactions are some of the strongest moments in the book because they feel mature and believable. The suspense works so well precisely because the emotional stakes become just as important as the mystery surrounding the stolen paintings.
Happy reading 😊
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉This book is one of those rare literary thrillers that manages to feel both intellectually sharp and emotionally intimate at the same time. The novel begins with the famous museum robbery in Rotterdam, immediately creating a sense of urgency and intrigue, but what impressed me most was how the story refuses to rely only on suspense. Instead, it carefully explores the emotional lives of its characters, particularly the loneliness and dissatisfaction hidden beneath luxury, success, and beauty. The writing feels elegant and restrained, yet there is an undercurrent of tension running through every chapter that kept me fully invested.
👉Perrin Clayton was undoubtedly the emotional center of the novel for me. She is introduced as someone who appears to have achieved the perfect life: a glamorous marriage, access to the elite art world, and a beautiful Hamptons existence. Yet beneath that polished image is a woman struggling with emotional emptiness and a quiet longing for something more meaningful. Her character felt incredibly realistic because her pain is subtle rather than dramatic. Watching her slowly become entangled in Kit Hobbs’s investigation felt natural and deeply compelling, especially because the story gives her emotional depth instead of reducing her to a typical thriller character.
👉Kit Hobbs also stood out as an excellent protagonist because he brings intelligence and calm intensity to the story rather than exaggerated heroics. His role as an MI-6 agent investigating stolen masterpieces could have easily become formulaic, but the novel handles him with nuance and restraint. The connection between Kit and Perrin develops gradually, built on observation, vulnerability, and emotional tension rather than cliché romance. Their interactions are some of the strongest moments in the book because they feel mature and believable. The suspense works so well precisely because the emotional stakes become just as important as the mystery surrounding the stolen paintings.
Happy reading 😊
April 28, 2026
📖 Review: Woman with Eyes Closed 📕
📚 Author: Rue Matthiessen ✍🏻📖
I picked this up thinking it would be a straightforward art heist story-but "Woman with Eyes Closed" ended up being much more layered than I expected.
The opening break-in at the Kunsthal museum immediately pulled me in. It’s tense without being over-the-top, and knowing it’s inspired by a real heist made it feel even sharper. From there, the story shifts between the thieves on the run and MI-6 agent Kit Hobbs trying to piece everything together. I liked that Kit isn’t written as some flawless spy-he feels observant, a bit conflicted, and very human.
What really surprised me, though, was how much of the story leans into the art world and relationships rather than just the crime itself. Perrin’s life in the Hamptons, her marriage to Jack, and the quiet dissatisfaction underneath all that glamour added a whole different emotional layer. The party scenes at the Russian mobster’s beach house were especially memorable-there’s this underlying tension that never really lets you relax.
I also appreciated how the pacing builds. It’s not a nonstop action thriller, but more of a slow-burn that tightens as it goes-especially once the hurricane starts approaching. That looming storm worked really well as a backdrop and added to the sense that everything could unravel at any moment.
If I’m being honest, it took me a few chapters to fully get into it because of the shifting perspectives, but once I settled in, I didn’t want to put it down. It reminded me a bit of those quiet, character-driven suspense novels where the stakes feel personal, not just plot-driven.
Overall, I’d recommend by to readers who enjoy thoughtful thrillers with strong atmosphere, art-world intrigue, and a mix of suspense and emotion. It’s not just about the heist-it’s about the people caught in it.
#ThrillerReads #MysteryBooks #ArtHeist #BookReview #SuspenseNovel
📚 Author: Rue Matthiessen ✍🏻📖
I picked this up thinking it would be a straightforward art heist story-but "Woman with Eyes Closed" ended up being much more layered than I expected.
The opening break-in at the Kunsthal museum immediately pulled me in. It’s tense without being over-the-top, and knowing it’s inspired by a real heist made it feel even sharper. From there, the story shifts between the thieves on the run and MI-6 agent Kit Hobbs trying to piece everything together. I liked that Kit isn’t written as some flawless spy-he feels observant, a bit conflicted, and very human.
What really surprised me, though, was how much of the story leans into the art world and relationships rather than just the crime itself. Perrin’s life in the Hamptons, her marriage to Jack, and the quiet dissatisfaction underneath all that glamour added a whole different emotional layer. The party scenes at the Russian mobster’s beach house were especially memorable-there’s this underlying tension that never really lets you relax.
I also appreciated how the pacing builds. It’s not a nonstop action thriller, but more of a slow-burn that tightens as it goes-especially once the hurricane starts approaching. That looming storm worked really well as a backdrop and added to the sense that everything could unravel at any moment.
If I’m being honest, it took me a few chapters to fully get into it because of the shifting perspectives, but once I settled in, I didn’t want to put it down. It reminded me a bit of those quiet, character-driven suspense novels where the stakes feel personal, not just plot-driven.
Overall, I’d recommend by to readers who enjoy thoughtful thrillers with strong atmosphere, art-world intrigue, and a mix of suspense and emotion. It’s not just about the heist-it’s about the people caught in it.
#ThrillerReads #MysteryBooks #ArtHeist #BookReview #SuspenseNovel
May 27, 2026
Woman with Eyes Closed by Rue Matthiessen is a beautifully atmospheric literary thriller that blends art, crime, and emotional complexity into a story that feels both elegant and deeply unsettling. Inspired by the real 2012 Rotterdam art heist, the novel goes far beyond the mystery of stolen paintings and explores the fragile desires hidden beneath wealth, status, and carefully crafted appearances.
What impressed me most was the novel’s rich atmosphere. From the glamorous Hamptons parties to the tension-filled investigations and looming hurricane, every scene feels vivid and cinematic. The pacing is subtle yet gripping, allowing the suspense to grow naturally rather than relying on constant twists.
The characters are layered and emotionally compelling. Kit Hobbs carries the quiet intensity of someone torn between professional duty and personal connection, while Perrin Clayton’s loneliness and search for meaning add tenderness and depth to the story. Their interactions feel authentic and emotionally charged.
The writing itself is polished, intelligent, and immersive, capturing both the beauty of the art world and the darkness hidden beneath it. This is not simply a fast-paced crime novel; it is a thoughtful exploration of obsession, identity, privilege, and longing.
Woman with Eyes Closed is a haunting and sophisticated read that lingers long after the final page.
What impressed me most was the novel’s rich atmosphere. From the glamorous Hamptons parties to the tension-filled investigations and looming hurricane, every scene feels vivid and cinematic. The pacing is subtle yet gripping, allowing the suspense to grow naturally rather than relying on constant twists.
The characters are layered and emotionally compelling. Kit Hobbs carries the quiet intensity of someone torn between professional duty and personal connection, while Perrin Clayton’s loneliness and search for meaning add tenderness and depth to the story. Their interactions feel authentic and emotionally charged.
The writing itself is polished, intelligent, and immersive, capturing both the beauty of the art world and the darkness hidden beneath it. This is not simply a fast-paced crime novel; it is a thoughtful exploration of obsession, identity, privilege, and longing.
Woman with Eyes Closed is a haunting and sophisticated read that lingers long after the final page.
May 15, 2026
The book is a stunning blend of literary elegance, emotional tension, and pulse-racing suspense. Inspired by the real-life 2012 Rotterdam art heist, this novel transforms stolen paintings into symbols of obsession, desire, loneliness, and hidden truths. From the shadowy halls of the Kunsthal museum to the glittering yet fragile luxury of the Hamptons, every page feels cinematic, atmospheric, and impossible to look away from.
What makes this story truly unforgettable is the emotional complexity beneath the thriller elements. Kit Hobbs is not just chasing stolen masterpieces—he’s navigating dangerous loyalties, human vulnerability, and the blurred line between duty and desire. Perrin Clayton’s character adds extraordinary depth, bringing heartbreak, longing, and quiet strength into a world driven by greed and appearances.
The writing is sophisticated, immersive, and beautifully layered, balancing art, crime, romance, and psychological tension with incredible skill. Huge credit to Rue Matthiessen and the co-authors for crafting such a mesmerizing and intelligent novel that feels both timeless and intensely modern. This is the kind of book that pulls readers into its storm and refuses to let go.
What makes this story truly unforgettable is the emotional complexity beneath the thriller elements. Kit Hobbs is not just chasing stolen masterpieces—he’s navigating dangerous loyalties, human vulnerability, and the blurred line between duty and desire. Perrin Clayton’s character adds extraordinary depth, bringing heartbreak, longing, and quiet strength into a world driven by greed and appearances.
The writing is sophisticated, immersive, and beautifully layered, balancing art, crime, romance, and psychological tension with incredible skill. Huge credit to Rue Matthiessen and the co-authors for crafting such a mesmerizing and intelligent novel that feels both timeless and intensely modern. This is the kind of book that pulls readers into its storm and refuses to let go.
May 15, 2026
Woman with Eyes Closed is a literary thriller inspired by a real-life art heist, weaving together crime, high society, and personal longing. The story moves between stolen masterpieces, an MI6 investigation, and the glittering yet hollow lives of the art elite, all set against the backdrop of the Hamptons and an approaching storm.
I found this book quietly captivating rather than loudly thrilling. The suspense builds gradually, but what really held my attention was the atmosphere and the characters. There’s a certain elegance in the way the story unfolds, nothing feels rushed, yet there’s always an underlying tension.
Perrin’s character, in particular, stood out to me. Her life looks perfect on the surface, but there’s a subtle emptiness that adds emotional depth to the narrative. The blend of art, crime, and human relationships felt layered and thoughtful.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy sophisticated thrillers with a literary touch. It’s not just about the heist, but about people, choices, and the spaces between appearances and reality. A slow-burning yet rewarding read that stays with you for its mood as much as its story.
I found this book quietly captivating rather than loudly thrilling. The suspense builds gradually, but what really held my attention was the atmosphere and the characters. There’s a certain elegance in the way the story unfolds, nothing feels rushed, yet there’s always an underlying tension.
Perrin’s character, in particular, stood out to me. Her life looks perfect on the surface, but there’s a subtle emptiness that adds emotional depth to the narrative. The blend of art, crime, and human relationships felt layered and thoughtful.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy sophisticated thrillers with a literary touch. It’s not just about the heist, but about people, choices, and the spaces between appearances and reality. A slow-burning yet rewarding read that stays with you for its mood as much as its story.
March 2, 2026
I really enjoyed this book — it’s fast-paced, clever, and full of twists. The story feels cinematic, from the high-stakes museum heist in Rotterdam to the tense chase across New York’s Hamptons. I liked how the author made the art world feel glamorous but also dangerous, with layered characters on every side of the law.
Kit Hobbs is a strong protagonist — smart, resourceful, and grounded — and his interactions with Perrin Clayton add tension and depth without slowing down the story. Perrin’s perspective made the stakes feel personal, and I was invested in both the investigation and their relationship.
The plot moves quickly, but the author balances suspense with character moments and vivid settings. The combination of the art heist, the Russian mob, and an approaching hurricane kept me turning pages, wondering how it would all resolve.
Overall, this is a thrilling, well-crafted literary thriller. It’s a smart, entertaining read for anyone who enjoys suspense, art, and characters who feel real amidst the chaos.
Kit Hobbs is a strong protagonist — smart, resourceful, and grounded — and his interactions with Perrin Clayton add tension and depth without slowing down the story. Perrin’s perspective made the stakes feel personal, and I was invested in both the investigation and their relationship.
The plot moves quickly, but the author balances suspense with character moments and vivid settings. The combination of the art heist, the Russian mob, and an approaching hurricane kept me turning pages, wondering how it would all resolve.
Overall, this is a thrilling, well-crafted literary thriller. It’s a smart, entertaining read for anyone who enjoys suspense, art, and characters who feel real amidst the chaos.
July 18, 2026
Woman with Eyes Closed by Rue Matthiessen is a sophisticated literary thriller that blends art, crime, mystery, and suspense into a captivating story. This book weaves together secrets, international intrigue, and richly developed characters.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews