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While You Sleep
Not yet published
Expected 8 Jun 26Have you ever wanted to be a better version of yourself?
Eve Dawson would do anything to be a better mother. So when a pill promises to replace sleep with hours of extra productivity every day, she takes it. Within days, Eve is renovating the house at dawn, doing yoga before breakfast, and cooking from scratch. She is finally becoming the mother her daughter deserves.
Within weeks, she is losing her mind.
Eve doesn’t remember writing the notes left in Jada’s room overnight. Things go missing, or seem to have moved in the house. She just can’t explain it. And when Jada collapses at school, Eve realises with cold dread: something is very wrong.
Is someone else in Eve’s home at night? She and her daughter might be in real danger, and Eve can no longer trust the one person she needs most: herself.
This propulsive and deeply moving psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Gillian McAllister, Audrey Audain and A.J. Finn, will have you reading late into the night – and then sleeping with the lights on.
Eve Dawson would do anything to be a better mother. So when a pill promises to replace sleep with hours of extra productivity every day, she takes it. Within days, Eve is renovating the house at dawn, doing yoga before breakfast, and cooking from scratch. She is finally becoming the mother her daughter deserves.
Within weeks, she is losing her mind.
Eve doesn’t remember writing the notes left in Jada’s room overnight. Things go missing, or seem to have moved in the house. She just can’t explain it. And when Jada collapses at school, Eve realises with cold dread: something is very wrong.
Is someone else in Eve’s home at night? She and her daughter might be in real danger, and Eve can no longer trust the one person she needs most: herself.
This propulsive and deeply moving psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Gillian McAllister, Audrey Audain and A.J. Finn, will have you reading late into the night – and then sleeping with the lights on.
- GenresPsychological Thriller
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 8, 2026
About the author
S.J. King
3 books32 followersAlways grateful to readers, and for your reviews.🙏🤗
Writer of dark psychological thrillers, and fun-lover!
As a wife, mother, and daughter, my novels aim to be shocking and twisty, to unpack complex and frightening domestic realities, and modern and troubling dilemmas.
I have two teens, a husband from Northern Ireland, and an Indian street-cat on Prozac. In my free time (um….is there any of that?) I read avidly, write obsessively, post silly content, and am trying to learn to garden…
My work has taken me from documentary making in China in the nineties, into digital innovation and communication for more than thirty years. I’m now global head of Public Affairs focusing on people and planet, including climate, human rights, geopolitics, and responsible AI. Originally from London, I’ve lived in six countries, including China and India for over a decade.
Thanks for reading!
Look forward to hearing from you.
Writer of dark psychological thrillers, and fun-lover!
As a wife, mother, and daughter, my novels aim to be shocking and twisty, to unpack complex and frightening domestic realities, and modern and troubling dilemmas.
I have two teens, a husband from Northern Ireland, and an Indian street-cat on Prozac. In my free time (um….is there any of that?) I read avidly, write obsessively, post silly content, and am trying to learn to garden…
My work has taken me from documentary making in China in the nineties, into digital innovation and communication for more than thirty years. I’m now global head of Public Affairs focusing on people and planet, including climate, human rights, geopolitics, and responsible AI. Originally from London, I’ve lived in six countries, including China and India for over a decade.
Thanks for reading!
Look forward to hearing from you.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
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May 5, 20264 ⭐
Time is the one commodity in life that we can’t get more of … but what if we took a little pill that cut back on our need for sleep? Would we have enough time to do the things we want and need to do?
S.J. King explores this idea in her upcoming psychological thriller.
“Hope comes in many forms, and one of them might just be shaped like a pill.”
Eve Dawson discovers a supplement that takes away the need for sleep and soon discovers that it isn’t the ‘be-all, end-all’ that she imagined.
I loved this examination of hope and guilt and was caught up in a great, pacey first-person read about those who exploited the darker side of a shorter sleep cycle. The teenage character was perfectly crafted, and the ex-husband and new job added to the eerie vibes!
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Time is the one commodity in life that we can’t get more of … but what if we took a little pill that cut back on our need for sleep? Would we have enough time to do the things we want and need to do?
S.J. King explores this idea in her upcoming psychological thriller.
“Hope comes in many forms, and one of them might just be shaped like a pill.”
Eve Dawson discovers a supplement that takes away the need for sleep and soon discovers that it isn’t the ‘be-all, end-all’ that she imagined.
I loved this examination of hope and guilt and was caught up in a great, pacey first-person read about those who exploited the darker side of a shorter sleep cycle. The teenage character was perfectly crafted, and the ex-husband and new job added to the eerie vibes!
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
May 11, 2026
ARC review:
There’s no doubt this book was gripping; I found myself reaching for it a lot. With true psychological elements throughout, I took everything with a pinch of salt which made it even more interesting. It had Limitless vibes with the REST-LESS pill which was fun!
I found myself questioning Eve’s sanity as much as she was, but you can tell something bigger is brewing heading towards the end. On that note, the ending didn’t hit home as much as I’d hoped. I was expecting something more dramatic to happen.
Nonetheless I enjoyed this pacy thriller.
There’s no doubt this book was gripping; I found myself reaching for it a lot. With true psychological elements throughout, I took everything with a pinch of salt which made it even more interesting. It had Limitless vibes with the REST-LESS pill which was fun!
I found myself questioning Eve’s sanity as much as she was, but you can tell something bigger is brewing heading towards the end. On that note, the ending didn’t hit home as much as I’d hoped. I was expecting something more dramatic to happen.
Nonetheless I enjoyed this pacy thriller.
May 10, 2026
SJ King’s third psychological thriller offering after Where You Belong and Lauren is Missing brings her ability to cause us to question the reality and security of our surroundings closer to home - in fact right into our homes with a fast-paced, nerve-fraying story where I couldn’t sleep until I had reached the breathless climax.
While You Sleep asks the question to which we would all answer ‘yes’ - if a pill could allow you to be a better version of yourself would you take it?
With so many self-improvement offerings in today’s reality, the concept of being able to replace sleep to allow extra time to create the perfect life for ourselves and our loved ones, and to ‘get ahead’ of the pack doesn’t seem so far-fetched. With celebrity endorsement and a slick exclusive image, Eve, the overworked, disengaged and underperforming protagonist mother of our story must get her hands on REST-LESS, the miracle supplement that offers ‘A Fresh Start Every Day’
But after taking REST-LESS Eve and her daughter Jada’s lives seem to be in danger. Is it just the drug or is it reality - that is what Eve is desperately trying to find out - and it is this quest she takes on on through this page turner that does the opposite of allowing you to be rested!
SJ King’s writing and characters are so relatable it was easy to put myself into Eve’s predicament and also enjoy the journey as Eve improved her life dramatically: on paper she’s living the dream, with a leap in career and a revitalised singing gig, but not in reality. Was she slowly losing her mind as things move and go missing around her home? Are the drug manufacturers after her? Is her daughter secretly plotting against her? Is her ex-husband lurking in the shadows?
SJ King effortlessly leads us through Eve’s exciting and often terrifying story of psychological uncertainty and throws us a jaw-dropping but utterly believable twist in a breathtaking conclusion.
Thank You SJ King and please hurry with book four!
While You Sleep asks the question to which we would all answer ‘yes’ - if a pill could allow you to be a better version of yourself would you take it?
With so many self-improvement offerings in today’s reality, the concept of being able to replace sleep to allow extra time to create the perfect life for ourselves and our loved ones, and to ‘get ahead’ of the pack doesn’t seem so far-fetched. With celebrity endorsement and a slick exclusive image, Eve, the overworked, disengaged and underperforming protagonist mother of our story must get her hands on REST-LESS, the miracle supplement that offers ‘A Fresh Start Every Day’
But after taking REST-LESS Eve and her daughter Jada’s lives seem to be in danger. Is it just the drug or is it reality - that is what Eve is desperately trying to find out - and it is this quest she takes on on through this page turner that does the opposite of allowing you to be rested!
SJ King’s writing and characters are so relatable it was easy to put myself into Eve’s predicament and also enjoy the journey as Eve improved her life dramatically: on paper she’s living the dream, with a leap in career and a revitalised singing gig, but not in reality. Was she slowly losing her mind as things move and go missing around her home? Are the drug manufacturers after her? Is her daughter secretly plotting against her? Is her ex-husband lurking in the shadows?
SJ King effortlessly leads us through Eve’s exciting and often terrifying story of psychological uncertainty and throws us a jaw-dropping but utterly believable twist in a breathtaking conclusion.
Thank You SJ King and please hurry with book four!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I absolutely devoured While You Sleep!
From the very first page, the tension and eerie atmosphere pulled me in and never let go. The story is fast paced, gripping, and packed with suspense, making it impossible to put down.
S.J. King has a way of creating characters you genuinely root for, while slowly unraveling a dark and unsettling mystery that keeps you desperate to know what happens next. This was my third book by her, and once again, I was completely hooked by her writing style and the way she perfectly crafts every twist and moment of suspense.
A chilling, addictive read that you need to add to your endless TBR.
Thank you so much to S.J. King, and Storm Publishing for this eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
From the very first page, the tension and eerie atmosphere pulled me in and never let go. The story is fast paced, gripping, and packed with suspense, making it impossible to put down.
S.J. King has a way of creating characters you genuinely root for, while slowly unraveling a dark and unsettling mystery that keeps you desperate to know what happens next. This was my third book by her, and once again, I was completely hooked by her writing style and the way she perfectly crafts every twist and moment of suspense.
A chilling, addictive read that you need to add to your endless TBR.
Thank you so much to S.J. King, and Storm Publishing for this eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
May 15, 2026
ARC Review: This book has an intriguing premise that pulled me in and helped me stay invested in the storyline. I liked many of the characters but struggled to connect with the main character, Eve, which made the story a little harder to enjoy, since the entire book is about her and her experiences. The concept of the book is strong, and I like that the tension builds throughout the story, but I did finish it wanting a little more from the ending. 3.5/5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Eve is feeling the stressful effects of a disastrous marriage, a forced move to a house needing a lot of work, a dead-end job that doesn't pay enough, and a teenaged daughter, Jada, that she feels she may be losing. When Eve answers an ad for a pill that promises more energy on less sleep, it seems like her problems are over. She's awake before dawn and working energetically on her house and garden. She even lands a new job that helps her source the pills. However, within weeks, Jada finds strange notes in her room that Eve does not remember writing. Things seem to be moved around the house with no explanation, and Eve is even frightened that someone has been in her house. When Jada collapses at school, Eve must confront the effect the pills are having on her as she wonders if she can trust anyone, including herself.
This book had me reading into the wee hours, hoping that Eve would come to her senses and realize that not all is well with the pills she's been taking. However, it took Eve a very long time to get there, making the story seem repetitive in places and many more pages than it needed to be. Additionally, the introduction of a new central character toward the end of the book seemed a bit too convenient without sufficient groundwork laid in advance. Despite these shortcomings, it was still an enjoyable, suspenseful novel that I highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
This book had me reading into the wee hours, hoping that Eve would come to her senses and realize that not all is well with the pills she's been taking. However, it took Eve a very long time to get there, making the story seem repetitive in places and many more pages than it needed to be. Additionally, the introduction of a new central character toward the end of the book seemed a bit too convenient without sufficient groundwork laid in advance. Despite these shortcomings, it was still an enjoyable, suspenseful novel that I highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
While You Sleep takes a fascinating premise and turns it into a psychological thriller that explores how a single choice can ripple through a person’s life and mental state. It poses the unsettling question of what can happen when you make a decision that seems harmless at the time, only to discover the consequences are far more damaging than you ever imagined.
I found this to be a solid and enjoyable read overall. The concept was intriguing, and I appreciated the way the story examined the emotional and psychological toll of the characters’ actions. The pacing was a bit slower than I typically prefer, so it took some time for the story to fully pull me in. The climax also didn’t hit with the intensity I was hoping for, leaving me wanting a little more impact at the end.
I also struggled to connect with Eve, and since so much of the story revolves around her, that affected my overall enjoyment. Even so, the premise was compelling enough to keep me turning the pages, and I was invested in seeing how everything would unfold.
While this one didn’t completely wow me, it was still a worthwhile thriller with an interesting psychological angle. Fans of slower-burning suspense and morally complex stories may find a lot to enjoy here.
Thank you to S.J. King, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC.
I found this to be a solid and enjoyable read overall. The concept was intriguing, and I appreciated the way the story examined the emotional and psychological toll of the characters’ actions. The pacing was a bit slower than I typically prefer, so it took some time for the story to fully pull me in. The climax also didn’t hit with the intensity I was hoping for, leaving me wanting a little more impact at the end.
I also struggled to connect with Eve, and since so much of the story revolves around her, that affected my overall enjoyment. Even so, the premise was compelling enough to keep me turning the pages, and I was invested in seeing how everything would unfold.
While this one didn’t completely wow me, it was still a worthwhile thriller with an interesting psychological angle. Fans of slower-burning suspense and morally complex stories may find a lot to enjoy here.
Thank you to S.J. King, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Received as an ARC through Netgalley to read and review, this is an honest review.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the pre-approval to read this book.
After her tremulous marriage fell apart, Eve Dawson is burning daylight to give her teenage daughter Jada what she deserves after such shake up... but all Eve sees is failure to provide and failure to be any kind of mother as their relationship grows apart. Desperate beyond imaginable, online adds for the wonder drug Rest-less, feel to Eve there's nothing else to lose; and begins to indulge in the drug. And at first... it changes everything for Eve and she finally feels she can turn their dingy house and property into something much more inhabitable... even their bond as mother and daughter are blossoming together. Getting the opportunity to work where this life-saving came about... Eve sees much more than what the company wants the public to know. Now Eve is battling personal morals and ethics and if making the kinds of sacrifices are worth it all for feeling a potent drug can deliver.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the pre-approval to read this book.
After her tremulous marriage fell apart, Eve Dawson is burning daylight to give her teenage daughter Jada what she deserves after such shake up... but all Eve sees is failure to provide and failure to be any kind of mother as their relationship grows apart. Desperate beyond imaginable, online adds for the wonder drug Rest-less, feel to Eve there's nothing else to lose; and begins to indulge in the drug. And at first... it changes everything for Eve and she finally feels she can turn their dingy house and property into something much more inhabitable... even their bond as mother and daughter are blossoming together. Getting the opportunity to work where this life-saving came about... Eve sees much more than what the company wants the public to know. Now Eve is battling personal morals and ethics and if making the kinds of sacrifices are worth it all for feeling a potent drug can deliver.
Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Most psychological thrillers focus on the shock factor, but While You Sleep actually broke my heart while it was messing with my head.
The tension is so suffocating that I found myself double-checking the locks on my front door and jumping at every little noise in my house. It’s rare to find a book that’s this creepy but also makes you care so much about the characters. When that final twist hit? I actually had to put the book down my jaw was on the floor.
If you’re looking for a "one more chapter" kind of read that will leave you with a massive book hangover, this is it. Just don’t expect to feel relaxed afterward. S.J. King has officially moved to my "buy without even reading the blurb" list. Absolute 5-star chaos. 👏🏻🍷
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, S.J. King and Storm Publishing📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
The tension is so suffocating that I found myself double-checking the locks on my front door and jumping at every little noise in my house. It’s rare to find a book that’s this creepy but also makes you care so much about the characters. When that final twist hit? I actually had to put the book down my jaw was on the floor.
If you’re looking for a "one more chapter" kind of read that will leave you with a massive book hangover, this is it. Just don’t expect to feel relaxed afterward. S.J. King has officially moved to my "buy without even reading the blurb" list. Absolute 5-star chaos. 👏🏻🍷
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, S.J. King and Storm Publishing📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Eve is a mother who is at the end of her rope. Her teenage daughter Jada Is secretive and won't engage with Eve. Eve needs a fresh start after an abusive marriage. She can't sleep and one night sees an ad online for a supplement that promises to help energize and limit how much sleep a person needs. She eventually works for the company who makes the drug and things go south from there. The company is really shady and ends up testing a teen version of the drug on Jada.
This was fast-paced and a thriller, but I wasn't a huge fan of Eve. She was all over the place.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.
This was fast-paced and a thriller, but I wasn't a huge fan of Eve. She was all over the place.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Eve is. now a single mother to daughter, Jada who is 16 and angry that her mom and dad are now divorced. When Eve sees a commercial touting a new drug, Rest-less (that allows one to sleep less and accomplish more) she applies for a job and gets it! But odd things begin happening and she's not sure what her workplace should look like as there are many closed doors, relinquished cell phones, and her own sleep patterns are out-of-whack and are making her forgetful. it's a wild and crazy ride!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First, I want to thank Netgalley and also Storm Publishing for this ARC!
I am not sure if I have read something by S.J King, but the cover of this one looked interesting, and I liked the blurb.
All in all, I really flew through the book. After the last chapter, I have to admit, there are a few questions I would still love to get an answer for - I will post nothing here because spoilers - and the final twist and reveal felt a little rushed somewhat. But it was still a great read, I was feeling for Eve and enjoyed my time with the book. I am giving this one 4,5 stars!
I am not sure if I have read something by S.J King, but the cover of this one looked interesting, and I liked the blurb.
All in all, I really flew through the book. After the last chapter, I have to admit, there are a few questions I would still love to get an answer for - I will post nothing here because spoilers - and the final twist and reveal felt a little rushed somewhat. But it was still a great read, I was feeling for Eve and enjoyed my time with the book. I am giving this one 4,5 stars!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love when a book nips at me while I'm away from it with questions like...why did the character do that, that doesn't make sense, or does it, what's going to happen next? A story I can completely devour. Gobble. Gobble. I ate this one up!!
S. J. King crafted a tale laced with paranoia that constantly keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. A compelling story that takes mind games to another level and is one of my top reads of the year. Absolutely addictive!!!
S. J. King crafted a tale laced with paranoia that constantly keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. A compelling story that takes mind games to another level and is one of my top reads of the year. Absolutely addictive!!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
WHILE YOU SLEEP BY S. J. KING
Release date set for the 8th of June 2026.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
I throughly enjoyed this wild crazy ride.
I thought this psychological thriller was so different and so unique and I was here for it.
I love S.J. KING and I've now read every single book she's written and love her writing style and her whole plot and storyline for this book.
I'm really looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Release date set for the 8th of June 2026.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
I throughly enjoyed this wild crazy ride.
I thought this psychological thriller was so different and so unique and I was here for it.
I love S.J. KING and I've now read every single book she's written and love her writing style and her whole plot and storyline for this book.
I'm really looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Eve Dawson would do anything to be a better mother. So when a pill promises to replace sleep with hours of extra productivity every day, she takes it. Are the side effects worth it?
This was a very unique idea – take a pill to have more time each day to be productive. Sounds great – right? Unfortunately for Eve, it doesn’t quite turn out how she thought, and it also has an effect on her daughter, Jade. Couldn’t wait to see how this one turned out!
This was a very unique idea – take a pill to have more time each day to be productive. Sounds great – right? Unfortunately for Eve, it doesn’t quite turn out how she thought, and it also has an effect on her daughter, Jade. Couldn’t wait to see how this one turned out!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I liked the premise of this story but I grew tired of the main character's inner dialogue which seemed to circle back round quite regularly. The conflict at the heart of the the story was interesting and the reveals at the end were satisfying. I just found the journey repetitive and unremarkable and by the end of the novel I was quite over the main character.
I received this arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I received this arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
This was definitely not the book for me. It was a real struggle to get through, and for a thriller, I thought it was incredibly boring and repetitive. The ending was no surprise.
This was definitely not the book for me. It was a real struggle to get through, and for a thriller, I thought it was incredibly boring and repetitive. The ending was no surprise.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews