Don't Look Away: A Dark Psychological Thriller

by Robert W. Kirby

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.

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2026

About the author

I 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.
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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.
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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...

Reviews

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Triin K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely gripping from start to finish. It was fast-paced, thrilling, and genuinely terrifying—I had goosebumps the entire time. The suspense was so intense that I simply couldn’t put it down.

I’ve read many great thrillers before, but this is the first one that felt truly horrifying and deeply disturbing. The story got under my skin in a way no other book has. Even after finishing it, the images and emotions have stayed with me—it still haunts me and probably will for a long time.

I loved every moment of it and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a truly chilling read.

I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

[Pheadra · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Christian Domenicci · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Stephanie Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Milt Theo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This felt a bit like two different books in one: the first half is a rather typical, slow burn, detective mystery thriller, where the detective is a relative of the victim searching for answers; and the second half is a typical story of the same character stumbling upon the answers she was searching for and finding serious reason to regret it - it's fast-paced, extremely dark (practically a tale of extreme horror), and in fact nightmarish. Both parts demand a huge suspension of disbelief, but they're quite entertaining. Although neither groundbreaking nor especially original, the story is well-crafted, the characterization minimal but always to the point, and the dialogue sounds authentic enough.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandy Goguen-Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a little minute since my last read by this author - however, this is my ninth read ...so far.....and I am obsessed.

I was lucky enough to win a giveaway for this audio version of Kirby's latest release and I was so, so excited because I knew that I'd love it and was already drawn in by the front cover image.
This looked like it was going to be a dark one - and that's just how I like it!

Being on audio I was able to listen to this whilst doing some housework - but honestly, there's no way I couldn't have just devoured this in one sitting, whichever version I was reading - this kicked off with such a pace and atmosphere - and my heart was racing from start to finish!

We meet Nora as she's clearing out her brother's apartment - he had just lost his life in a fatal crash - but hidden amongst his belongings, she finds a USB stick with disturbing content and as Nora starts to look into this and the other strange events happening around her, things escalate and she finds herself getting deeper in trouble.

There was so much going on here and at each turn, we uncover more of the dark world that Felix was involved in - and the more Nora finds out, the more she realises that she never really knew her brother.

This contains some really disturbing scenes and does get quite dark at times - but this is what makes it so gripping - I honestly couldn't put this down and am sure there were moments I didn't even breathe!

This was la ked with twists that left me guessing right to the end and even then, the twists kept coming!

I love this author's writing style and can't get enough of his gritty, dark crime novels.
This one was brilliant and I cannot wait to see what's coming our way next.

[Stormy Shadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review — From BookSirens
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: Jan 30th, 2026
Genre: Psychological Thriller/Horror
Format: Digital

This caught my attention from the start for sure. This is about a guy Felix who died and he was an artist. His sister Nora comes across a flash drive with a horrifying snuff film on it and she’s horrified. People come after her and threaten her for her brothers doing and she tries to investigate what happened. She meets a guy Julian who helps her with all this and she really gets to see her brothers art and she is horrified by every piece it’s gory and creepy. All I’m gonna say without spoiling anything is that this was pretty interesting because it’s about art and the dark web and such. Also, the ending bit was so creepy and also it has a past and present timeline and the setting is in the UK.

[Kellee Sundstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 / 5 Stars
Don’t Look Away is an absolute pressure cooker of a thriller. Robert Kirby delivers a masterclass in tension, blending a relentless plot with deep, haunting character work. It’s gritty, provocative, and nearly impossible to put down—easily one of the most gripping reads of the year.

Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.

[Ann Onimaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows Nora as she becomes determined to uncover the truth after discovering a disturbing snuff video among her dead brother’s belongings. Her search for answers pulls her into a shadowy world of dark web conspiracies, underground collectors, and deeply depraved obsessions. The premise is undeniably intriguing, and the novel does a good job establishing a tense and unsettling atmosphere. The pacing through much of the book feels steady, and Kirby’s descriptive writing effectively builds a dark, suspenseful tone that suits the subject matter. The story is told through dual perspectives, primarily Nora and Felix, both their backgrounds add some depth to the narrative beyond the immediate suspense, and Julian also serves as a notable supporting character whose presence connects important elements of the story.
Where the book struggled for me was in the characters’ decision-making, particularly Nora’s. As she investigates Felix’s connection to the video she discovers, many of her choices feel less like natural character decisions and more like plot devices meant to keep the story moving. While her stubborn personality and lack of situational awareness are clearly intended character traits, they are sometimes pushed so far that they begin to strain credibility. At times, Nora feels less like a fully grounded character and more like a mechanism for advancing the narrative. The novel contains several unsettling moments, but much of the story is devoted to investigation and sleuthing rather than sustained tension. The third act is where the various threads finally converge, though the reveal and resolution take longer to unfold than necessary. What seems intended as a climactic buildup of suspense ends up feeling somewhat drawn out, which dulls the impact of the revelations. There are a few twists along the way, but by the time they arrive, they lack the excitement the story appears to be building toward. While the ending does bring closure to the central mystery, the emotional aftermath feels somewhat glossed over. Considering the trauma the characters endure, the “happy” ending feels a bit too tidy and doesn’t fully do justice to the weight of what the survivors have experienced.
Overall, Don’t Look Away offers an intriguing premise and an effectively dark atmosphere, but uneven character decisions and a slower-than-necessary final act keep the story from reaching the full impact its premise promises.

[TheCasualCrypt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a yes for me.

A woman finds a hidden USB drive tucked beneath the floorboards of her late brother’s apartment, discovers disturbing footage on it, and naturally that opens the door to answers she probably should’ve left locked. What follows is a dark web–adjacent spiral full of suspicion, danger, and increasingly bad situations that had me fully locked in.

No spice here. This is straight psychological thriller territory with gore, dark subject matter, and that steady build where you know something ugly is coming, you just don’t know from which direction. It gave me the same kind of energy as movies like “ the hunt” “Ready or Not” —slow tension, little reveals, everyone suspicious, then suddenly chaos.

What I liked most is that it felt very cinematic. It read like a movie in my head, and I love a story that makes me feel like I’m mentally trying to solve something while everything is unfolding. I guessed a lot of the connections early, but that’s mostly because I enjoy puzzle-heavy plots and immediately start side-eyeing everyone. That’s not to say I wasn’t surprised at times either.

That said, the main character definitely had moments where I was internally yelling, girl… absolutely not. She makes a few choices that feel a little too trusting for the situation, but also, if thriller protagonists made excellent decisions, there’d be no book or movies.

There was also a little repetition in phrasing here and there, which always catches my attention because repeated wording tends to pull me out of the moment more than it probably should. This is a personal irk and did not deter me from enjoying this story.

Still, the pacing kept me engaged, especially toward the end when everything started tightening up and shit started to pop off. I read faster because I needed to know how it was going to end.

There’s gore, but it never felt like it was trying too hard to be shocking. Even with the snuff-film angle, it leans far more into suspense and unraveling the mystery than torture porn.

If you like psychological thrillers that feel cinematic, tense, and easy to sink into, I’d definitely recommend this one. I’d also read this author again.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Teressa Oliverio · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Tessa Kinsela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really had me page turning! It was one event after another and a brilliant thriller to keep me asking 'what next?'. I also thought the ending was well done, a really good conclusion to such a wild ride. The first 10 or so chapters felt lengthy, and there was a fair bit of dialogue in the beginning I felt was unnecessary to the story, but once it got going, it really got going! I will be looking for more from this author.

[Makayla Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve rated this book based on the CAWPILE method. This book averaged 5 stars.

CHARACTERS-10/10

All characters were easily recognized and unique. They all made decisions that felt natural and you could really understand character motivations and growth.

ATMOSPHERE/SETTING- 10/10

Tense and unsettling throughout the whole novel. Doesn’t help that I read this in one day, and that it’s storming like crazy in my town. The different locations were well described enough that the whole book played out like a movie.

WRITING STYLE- 9.5/10

My only notes on writing style is some of the chapter breaks. A good portion of them could be in the same chapter, just separated so the reader knows some time has passed. But that’s not a huge thing for me, more of a pet peeve. Love the writing style. This is the third book I’ve read by him and it’s definitely my favorite!

PLOT- 10/10

Loved the plot! It seems like this could happen in real life and that makes it even creepier. It’s really well done.

INTRIGUE- 10/10

Again, I read this in one day, so I’d say I was pretty intrigued. The story had a way of pulling you in and keeping you tied down, so to speak.

LOGIC/RELATIONSHIPS- 9.5/10

The ways the characters interact with each other is just about perfect. There was one or two spots that I thought seemed slightly disingenuous, but not enough to make much of a difference to me.

ENJOYMENT- 10/10

I really enjoyed this book! The suspense was right on target, and the atmosphere was steady throughout and most of all, it was believable. I would recommend this for anyone that likes dark horror/thriller books. I almost passed on this one, but I’m so glad I didn’t, and neither should you!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a very dark thriller that shifts pacing abruptly enough that it almost feels like a second book, moving from a slower suspenseful mystery into something far more intense and unsettling toward the end. I couldn’t stop reading even when I wanted to.

From page 1, it’s clear there’s something deeply wrong, so the tension for me didn’t come from a big twist. It comes from the unraveling of how far things actually go. That escalation is what makes the book hard to put down. Nora is frustrating at times, but not in a way that made her unrelatable. Her decisions feel driven by grief and loyalty, and I had that horror-movie frustration where you're yelling at the character not to go down into the basement or not to split up…

After such a disturbing build, the final stretch felt surprisingly tidier than the journey getting there. Even though the ending didn't hit as hard as the buildup for me, it didn't take away from the overall experience.

This was my first book by this author but definitely won't be my last.

[Alyssa Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book is really well written and I enjoyed the story. I didn’t see the ending coming. Definitely a twist but in a good way!

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Look Away is a suspenseful, nail bitting, disturbing psychological thriller that will keep you hooked!

Felix is an artist and he is dead. His sister Nora has to clear out his flat that contains all of his life's work. His art is unsettling as it is and when she finds a USB that contains disturbing footage, she will dive into a dark world which will grip her from within.

Wow! Though the subject matter is dark, disturbed and intense, I couldn't stop looking. The twists are unbelievable and the story just keeps getting darker. I actually believe that stuff like this happens somewhere around the world which makes this thriller scarier and even more terrifying. I cannot stop thinking about this book. Make sure to check out trigger warnings.

Thank you BookSirens and the author for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Jackthedad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSirens and Flock Publishing LLC for an advance reader copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.

This book is not for the faint-hearted. It's clever, well-crafted and easy to read with short chapters. There are twists, of course, and I often wondered how the main character was going to get out of this situation. Robert W Kirby is one to watch.

[Geena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the eARC! What a read, I really enjoyed this story. The saying that kept replaying in my head throughout this book was "Curiosity killed the cat." Nora really got herself caught up in quite a complicated, dark situation.

[Jodie Pochon · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Aura · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Iain Batten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quickly found myself deeply engaged in the narrative. As dark and disturbing as I anticipated, the story delivered far more nail-biting suspense than I had expected. This book was utterly captivating from beginning to end, characterized by a fast pace, thrilling moments, and genuine terror—I experienced goosebumps throughout. The intensity of the suspense was such that I simply could not put it down.

What I appreciated most about this book was its accessible writing style and the concise, punchy chapters. Although I felt that some elements of the "darkness" were somewhat excessive, it did not diminish my overall enjoyment of the story, which centers around Felix, an artist who has passed away. His sister, Nora, is sorting through his artwork, much of which is disturbingly grotesque, when she discovers a memory stick labeled "Nobody's Eyes." The revelations contained within are profoundly unsettling. Just when you believe you have unraveled the mystery, you realize you are mistaken. Robert skillfully conceals the plot twist until the most opportune moment. In my view, chapters 56 and 57 are the darkest and most terrifying segments of the book. I highly recommend this compelling read.

I’ve read many great thrillers before, but this is the first one that felt truly horrifying and deeply disturbing. The story got under my skin in a way no other book has.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Robert W Kirby for the opportunity to read "Don't Look Away" as part of the ARC process. As always, my reviews and opinions are entirely my own, and I have not received any compensation, current or future, from the author or publisher for providing this fair and honest review.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Athena, the goddess of books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks BookSirens for the opportunity to read this author and discover this great story. When I was younger, I saw a movie about a porn star who was broke and ended up making snuff films in order to get paid, so when I stumbled upon this book, I knew I wanted to read it. I am so glad that I did because the story is great and keeps you or your toes till the very end.

The story follows Nora, who, after the death of her brother Felix, is left to clear his things and finds a green USB stick labeled “Nobody’s Eyes.” When she watches the file, she is horrified by a silent, ritualistic film and decides to look for answers. Her search leads her to an underground “art” collective that films real-life atrocities. From there, the step to real-life–changing events is a short one. In the end, Nora doesn’t just get answers, but also a newfound family.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Nightshade · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just finished reading this ARC. It took me a bit to read it. The book started out good and I thought it was a good premise for what's to come but sadly no.
The start was ramping up then basically after the first few chapters it just turned into a puzzle of fitting pieces that just turned into Nora following this lead then the next.
This was advertised as a horror but sadly it strayed and went to a mystery. It wasn't till the last hour of the book where Nora entered the manor that we got a glimpse of what this book could've been. I was looking forward to reading it as the blurb on the back sounded good but found myself trying very hard to get through it. If you're into mysteries with a somewhat good conclusion this might be for you.