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Don't Look Away: A Dark Psychological Thriller
A shocking find. A search for answers. And a journey to the brink of madness.
When her older brother, Felix, dies in a motorcycle accident, Nora Lambert is left to clear out his London flat, home to his prestigious artwork and life’s work. But among his possessions, she stumbles upon something far more disturbing.
A hidden USB stick. A file marked “Nobody’s Eyes.” Something she was never meant to see.
What she watches is beyond comprehension. A collection of disturbing clips that appear to be real snuff footage. And the most terrifying part? She thinks Felix might be in the film.
Is this a twisted art project or something far more sinister?
Determined to uncover the truth, Nora plunges into a shadowy world of dark web conspiracies, underground collectors, and depraved obsessions. The deeper she digs, the more she realises someone doesn’t want her asking questions.
Because some doors should never be opened, and some secrets are worth killing for.
When her older brother, Felix, dies in a motorcycle accident, Nora Lambert is left to clear out his London flat, home to his prestigious artwork and life’s work. But among his possessions, she stumbles upon something far more disturbing.
A hidden USB stick. A file marked “Nobody’s Eyes.” Something she was never meant to see.
What she watches is beyond comprehension. A collection of disturbing clips that appear to be real snuff footage. And the most terrifying part? She thinks Felix might be in the film.
Is this a twisted art project or something far more sinister?
Determined to uncover the truth, Nora plunges into a shadowy world of dark web conspiracies, underground collectors, and depraved obsessions. The deeper she digs, the more she realises someone doesn’t want her asking questions.
Because some doors should never be opened, and some secrets are worth killing for.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2026
6 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Robert W. Kirby
15 books48 followersI was born in 1979 and live in Kent with my wife and children. I ran a private investigation agency for over fifteen years, dealing in cases that involved breach of contract claims, commercial debt recovery, and process serving. My agency also specialised in people tracing, so much of my work revolved around tracking down debtors, dealing in adoption matters and locating missing persons. At times, I worked on some pretty bizarre cases and dealt with plenty of interesting and sometimes colourful individuals.
I’ve had a huge passion for screenwriting for many years and started writing novels in 2021. My first novel, The Tests, was based on a spec screenplay that I originally wrote back in 2009. The Tests was then republished with Inkubator Books in 2022 under the new title, The Wrong Girl.
If you enjoy dark crime fiction and intense psychological thrillers, don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter so you can find out about new releases, book deals, and giveaways. All subscribers receive a free copy of my novella, Survival Weekend. (eBook or Audio version) https://www.robertkirbybooks.com/subs...
I’ve had a huge passion for screenwriting for many years and started writing novels in 2021. My first novel, The Tests, was based on a spec screenplay that I originally wrote back in 2009. The Tests was then republished with Inkubator Books in 2022 under the new title, The Wrong Girl.
If you enjoy dark crime fiction and intense psychological thrillers, don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter so you can find out about new releases, book deals, and giveaways. All subscribers receive a free copy of my novella, Survival Weekend. (eBook or Audio version) https://www.robertkirbybooks.com/subs...
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Review of advance copy
Got the Arc for review.
I found myself very quickly invested in the story. Dark and disturbing as I expected but a lot more nail biting suspense than I tought it would be. Books about stuff films is automatically disturbing to begin with.
I found myself very quickly invested in the story. Dark and disturbing as I expected but a lot more nail biting suspense than I tought it would be. Books about stuff films is automatically disturbing to begin with.
Review of advance copy
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. What I liked most about this book was the easy reading style and short punchy chapters. I did feel some of the "darkness" was unnecessary but it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the story about Felix, an artist who has died. His sister Nora is packing up his art, most of which is disturbingly gruesome, when she comes across a memory stick marked
"Nobody's Eyes" and what she discovers on there is beyond disturbing. But is it true or art and why does it feature her late brother? 4 stars
"Nobody's Eyes" and what she discovers on there is beyond disturbing. But is it true or art and why does it feature her late brother? 4 stars
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I want to start this review by thanking the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book. That being said: My God, what did I just read? That is a question I’ll be asking myself for a long time. One thing is for certain—this is, without a doubt, the most disturbing book I have ever read in my life, and I am beyond impressed.
Robert has a brutal talent for writing; he knows exactly how to disorganize your mind, making you spiral as you wonder what will happen in every single chapter. This macabre and unsettling story left me completely breathless. I felt genuine chills and a deep urge to cry—an emotional reaction only two authors have ever evoked in me: Jamie Millen and now, Robert W. Kirby.
The plot is twisted and insane. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, you realize you’re wrong. Robert masterfully hides the Plot Twist until the perfect moment. In my opinion, chapters 56 and 57 are the darkest, most terrifying things I have ever read.
Even though this is fiction, we all know that the things described in this story happen in real life—they are latent, hidden, and often unspoken. While the ending brought some relief, it still left me with a bittersweet taste and a craving for more.
Note to Readers:
This story is raw, intense, and believe me when I say it will blow your mind. If you love sinister psychological thrillers, this book is for you.
Final Verdict: 5/5 stars. It couldn’t be any other way. Congratulations to the author for such marvelous talent!
Robert has a brutal talent for writing; he knows exactly how to disorganize your mind, making you spiral as you wonder what will happen in every single chapter. This macabre and unsettling story left me completely breathless. I felt genuine chills and a deep urge to cry—an emotional reaction only two authors have ever evoked in me: Jamie Millen and now, Robert W. Kirby.
The plot is twisted and insane. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, you realize you’re wrong. Robert masterfully hides the Plot Twist until the perfect moment. In my opinion, chapters 56 and 57 are the darkest, most terrifying things I have ever read.
Even though this is fiction, we all know that the things described in this story happen in real life—they are latent, hidden, and often unspoken. While the ending brought some relief, it still left me with a bittersweet taste and a craving for more.
Note to Readers:
This story is raw, intense, and believe me when I say it will blow your mind. If you love sinister psychological thrillers, this book is for you.
Final Verdict: 5/5 stars. It couldn’t be any other way. Congratulations to the author for such marvelous talent!
January 16, 2026
ARE REVIEW
I highly recommend this book. The author's writing is engaging, and the narrative is well-paced. Robert Kirby effectively transports the reader to a very dark realm, where finding light is a struggle. Nora is a well-developed and relatable character. However, please note that the book contains graphic elements and themes that may be distressing for some readers. It's essential to be aware of your triggers before reading this book.
thank you Robert Kirby for the advance copy to review!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
what a wild ride!!!
I read The Visit by Rob but honestly, that book has nothing compared to this one.
It is dark and full of revelations, you aren't sure you want to know. I was absolutely engrossed in this book the entire time and needed to know what happened next.
Then as the mystery is unraveling and you figure out what's happening -- it just hits the psychological part.
This book was so cleverly written and I am so excited for more of his books. Definitely one of the best psychological thrillers I have read.
I read The Visit by Rob but honestly, that book has nothing compared to this one.
It is dark and full of revelations, you aren't sure you want to know. I was absolutely engrossed in this book the entire time and needed to know what happened next.
Then as the mystery is unraveling and you figure out what's happening -- it just hits the psychological part.
This book was so cleverly written and I am so excited for more of his books. Definitely one of the best psychological thrillers I have read.
February 1, 2026
Don’t Look Away
Author: Robert W Kirby
Genre: Dark Psychological Thriller
Release Date: January 30, 2026
Triggers: Violence, Graphic Violence, Profanity, Torture, S3x, D3ath, and Abuse
We meet Nora, who has lost her brother Felix - an artist whose work is morose & grim. She discovers a USB with something that should never be seen. There is so much lore behind snuff films and the FMC journey into the belly of the beast is what made this book hard to put down. The writing is atmospheric giving way to a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster. As a lover of horror and true crime, I automatically trust no one; I told the FMC “don’t do it” so many times. Up until the end I wasn’t 100% sure about what I was reading and that makes for a great read.
This was my first book by the author and he’s gained a fan! I look forward to reading more of his works.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
#bookstagram #reviews #books #ARC #indie
Author: Robert W Kirby
Genre: Dark Psychological Thriller
Release Date: January 30, 2026
Triggers: Violence, Graphic Violence, Profanity, Torture, S3x, D3ath, and Abuse
We meet Nora, who has lost her brother Felix - an artist whose work is morose & grim. She discovers a USB with something that should never be seen. There is so much lore behind snuff films and the FMC journey into the belly of the beast is what made this book hard to put down. The writing is atmospheric giving way to a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster. As a lover of horror and true crime, I automatically trust no one; I told the FMC “don’t do it” so many times. Up until the end I wasn’t 100% sure about what I was reading and that makes for a great read.
This was my first book by the author and he’s gained a fan! I look forward to reading more of his works.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
#bookstagram #reviews #books #ARC #indie
Review of advance copy
Wow, I could not put this book down. A dark and twisted read and I had to see how it would unravel. One of the best psychological thrillers I've read but definitely check out the trigger warnings first.
Thanks to Book Sirens for a chance to receive the ARC book and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Thanks to Book Sirens for a chance to receive the ARC book and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
January 30, 2026
Wow! At first I thought this is gonna be a great story then I got to the parts where it was a little too vivid for me. I went on and once I got about half way through and realized what Nora was actually doing the story really became intriguing. Then as I got to the last 25% I could not stop reading. I ignored my husband and skipped dinner jut to find out what was actually going to happen to Nora. I really felt sorry for her as the story went along but I applaud her strength and tenacity to never give up.
Overall this has shorter chapters, wonderful story building, unhinged characters and a bit of horror mixed in. I had many emotions while reading but ended with relieved. This is my first book by this author and while this one is a little dark for me I would grab another of his.
Overall this has shorter chapters, wonderful story building, unhinged characters and a bit of horror mixed in. I had many emotions while reading but ended with relieved. This is my first book by this author and while this one is a little dark for me I would grab another of his.
February 2, 2026
This book had me in a constant state of anxiety—heart racing, nails bitten, unable to put it down. From the moment Nora discovers the USB, the tension is relentless and deeply unsettling. The idea that her brother may be tied to something so dark is horrifying, and every reveal only makes things worse.
The dark web conspiracy, twisted art, and feeling of being watched create nonstop, edge-of-your-seat suspense. This is a chilling, disturbing thriller that grips you hard and refuses to let go. Not for the faint of heart—and absolutely worth the read.
The dark web conspiracy, twisted art, and feeling of being watched create nonstop, edge-of-your-seat suspense. This is a chilling, disturbing thriller that grips you hard and refuses to let go. Not for the faint of heart—and absolutely worth the read.
Review of advance copy
Arc reader review.
Well that was something alright.
First I have to talk about the writing itself which was perfect and smooth it was a pleasure to read.
Then, of course the content of said book. I am pretty fascinated with the dark web and what is hiding behind all those encrypted websites which made the read ever more interesting. I loved Nora, she is stronger than life itself. The twisted and turns of the book kept me on my toes until the very last page.
I recommend it 20/10.
Well that was something alright.
First I have to talk about the writing itself which was perfect and smooth it was a pleasure to read.
Then, of course the content of said book. I am pretty fascinated with the dark web and what is hiding behind all those encrypted websites which made the read ever more interesting. I loved Nora, she is stronger than life itself. The twisted and turns of the book kept me on my toes until the very last page.
I recommend it 20/10.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
From the get go, I was hooked. The synopsis is intriguing and the book doesn't let you down!
Nora, after losing her brother, finds something in his belonging that leads her into a world she was never prepared to face. I absolutely adored her character, and while she made a variety of horrible decisions, it's totally understandable. While frustrating, it fits her character and honestly, I'd have had to figure things out too.
The world building is beautifully done, and as an American, I found myself intrigued by the descriptions of place in England I'd never been. Even the slang and such was fun, and I could read it in the characters accents. It's a dark yet colorful journey into a world many of us would never venture.
The twists were believable in a way that couldn't have been possible in other context, the hidden world we never see is such a scary and terrifying place. I was on the edge of my seat and yes… I stayed up and read this in one go, since I couldn't stop until I found out what was happening!
The ending… that ending. I'm going to be thinking about this for awhile. I honestly don't think I have any critique on this other than I really want to know more. Yet I think that we don't end up knowing more serves the book better. Definitely a solid five star.
Would highly recommend and will be reading more from this author.
From the get go, I was hooked. The synopsis is intriguing and the book doesn't let you down!
Nora, after losing her brother, finds something in his belonging that leads her into a world she was never prepared to face. I absolutely adored her character, and while she made a variety of horrible decisions, it's totally understandable. While frustrating, it fits her character and honestly, I'd have had to figure things out too.
The world building is beautifully done, and as an American, I found myself intrigued by the descriptions of place in England I'd never been. Even the slang and such was fun, and I could read it in the characters accents. It's a dark yet colorful journey into a world many of us would never venture.
The twists were believable in a way that couldn't have been possible in other context, the hidden world we never see is such a scary and terrifying place. I was on the edge of my seat and yes… I stayed up and read this in one go, since I couldn't stop until I found out what was happening!
The ending… that ending. I'm going to be thinking about this for awhile. I honestly don't think I have any critique on this other than I really want to know more. Yet I think that we don't end up knowing more serves the book better. Definitely a solid five star.
Would highly recommend and will be reading more from this author.
Review of advance copy
Recieved as a review copy from Booksirens, this is an honest review.
Author Robert W. Kirby's Don't Look Away as absolutely a tour De Force of a psychological thriller that's hauntingly wicked and totally unforgettable.
Nora's life is broken with the unexpected death of her nrother, Felix; as she works to put to close her brother's estate, the discovery of a USB memory stick alters everything Nora thought knew of her brother. While she knew of Felix's off the wall, dark, edgy paintings but a snuff film? Soon, Nora is obsessing searching frame by frame how to find out how this harrowing, bizarre film is connected to Felix. The path that Nora and her brother's friend, Julian is discovery it's a if they've been plunged into a starkly dark version of Alice in Wonderland: every corner they turn only ignites more secrets and dangerous threats. When Nora's journey takes her to a crumbling mansion... she finds a haunting truth Nora could have ever imagined. Turning the dark home into in all out for survival for Nora and Julian.
Survival means living with terrifying nightmares.
Highly recommended.
Author Robert W. Kirby's Don't Look Away as absolutely a tour De Force of a psychological thriller that's hauntingly wicked and totally unforgettable.
Nora's life is broken with the unexpected death of her nrother, Felix; as she works to put to close her brother's estate, the discovery of a USB memory stick alters everything Nora thought knew of her brother. While she knew of Felix's off the wall, dark, edgy paintings but a snuff film? Soon, Nora is obsessing searching frame by frame how to find out how this harrowing, bizarre film is connected to Felix. The path that Nora and her brother's friend, Julian is discovery it's a if they've been plunged into a starkly dark version of Alice in Wonderland: every corner they turn only ignites more secrets and dangerous threats. When Nora's journey takes her to a crumbling mansion... she finds a haunting truth Nora could have ever imagined. Turning the dark home into in all out for survival for Nora and Julian.
Survival means living with terrifying nightmares.
Highly recommended.
January 30, 2026
If you enjoy dark crime fiction and intense psychological thrillers this is truly one you will not regret!
Deranged, unhinged, stark raving mad, insane - pick one! This book is a nonstop roller coaster of morbid, sinister characters and plot twists! Grabbing you from the beginning with a swaying dead body and a secret safe containing a single thing that sets an entire shit-storm of ominous events that leads you to quickly devour each page in anticipation! I love that Kirby doesn't take the quick route to an ending, not giving the reader a nice, tidy solution, but a terrific macabre series of circumstances that lead to actual feelings and honest human reactions. WOW! My jaw is still open!
This book was given to me as an ARC by Hidden Gems for my honest review.
Deranged, unhinged, stark raving mad, insane - pick one! This book is a nonstop roller coaster of morbid, sinister characters and plot twists! Grabbing you from the beginning with a swaying dead body and a secret safe containing a single thing that sets an entire shit-storm of ominous events that leads you to quickly devour each page in anticipation! I love that Kirby doesn't take the quick route to an ending, not giving the reader a nice, tidy solution, but a terrific macabre series of circumstances that lead to actual feelings and honest human reactions. WOW! My jaw is still open!
This book was given to me as an ARC by Hidden Gems for my honest review.
February 3, 2026
Thank you to the author and to Book Sirens for an advance copy of this book. This is my own honest review which I give voluntarily.
This was a mixed bag for me. The first half was filled with tension and had great pace; the sense of foreboding was unsettling, and I raced to the end of each chapter.
However, unfortunately, the second half became a bit of a ‘House of Horrors’ gore fest which just felt a bit far fetched. I wish the writer had continued with the creepy, less explicit, psychological tension that filled the first half. That being said, if you love a bit of true horror, this book would definitely be your cup of tea!
All in all, I enjoyed the book. Not my usual type of read, but it’s always great to try something a bit different.
This was a mixed bag for me. The first half was filled with tension and had great pace; the sense of foreboding was unsettling, and I raced to the end of each chapter.
However, unfortunately, the second half became a bit of a ‘House of Horrors’ gore fest which just felt a bit far fetched. I wish the writer had continued with the creepy, less explicit, psychological tension that filled the first half. That being said, if you love a bit of true horror, this book would definitely be your cup of tea!
All in all, I enjoyed the book. Not my usual type of read, but it’s always great to try something a bit different.
January 30, 2026
I enjoyed reading this thriller story. This is a newer author for me in which I enjoyed their writing skills that made the story come to life and kept me turning pages to the end. This is a story about secrets and what could be one twisted up art project. I enjoyed Nora and the other characters in this story. They are are supportive, engaging and strong. I enjoyed the twists and turns that had me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what woud happen next. I also enjoyed the growth of the story that made it fast paced and hard to put down. This is a great story that I enjoyed. I highly recommend this story.
Review of advance copy
Nora’s brother has died, and she must see to his belongings and last wishes. Felix was an artist, and some of the things that Nora finds in his apartment leads to more questions than answers.What was her brother REALLY like, and what was he involved in?
A sister sets out to find out the truth about a dark past she knew nothing about. Is she safe, and who can she turn to for help?
A dark and disturbing tale from the first page-this one is weird and scary-you won’t forget it!
I received a copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
A sister sets out to find out the truth about a dark past she knew nothing about. Is she safe, and who can she turn to for help?
A dark and disturbing tale from the first page-this one is weird and scary-you won’t forget it!
I received a copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 30, 2026
The story is quite intricate, a fast-paced journey that absorbs you so much that you can't stop reading. Suspense is guaranteed; it's really raw and intense, a psychological thriller that won't leave you indifferent. Very well written and narrated, it immerses you in a plot that gradually reveals things you're not prepared to know. Absolutely fascinating and with a totally unexpected ending. I recommend it and I'm sure I'll read more stories by this author.
January 30, 2026
She is going to be pulled into a dark shadow world when her brother dies. She goes to clear out his home and she is about to find a UBS stick. She watches it in horror and she wants to find the truth out but she will be taken to very dark places. Follow her as she tries to find the truth
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a very creepy read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a very creepy read
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews