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In Their Eyes
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26Gracie Boone’s small-town life has always felt safe and comfortable. She has a doting father, a steady relationship, and a promising future at university. But the illusion of security begins to crumble the moment she moves into her new dorm room.
Before long, a motionless figure looms in the darkness outside Gracie’s window, silent and watching her in the night. But no one else sees it, and no one else believes her. Gracie’s world further unravels when she faces evidence suggesting she may have been abducted as a child by her hometown’s police chief, the man she calls Dad.
Driven by her rising paranoia, Gracie must unearth the truth about herself and determine who keeps watching her in the dark. But she has to tread lightly, as alerting her father could ruin their relationship forever, or even put her in danger.
Most of all, Gracie fears uncovering her darkest reality, that she’s been manipulated for years, and that her life is nothing more than a carefully constructed façade.
Before long, a motionless figure looms in the darkness outside Gracie’s window, silent and watching her in the night. But no one else sees it, and no one else believes her. Gracie’s world further unravels when she faces evidence suggesting she may have been abducted as a child by her hometown’s police chief, the man she calls Dad.
Driven by her rising paranoia, Gracie must unearth the truth about herself and determine who keeps watching her in the dark. But she has to tread lightly, as alerting her father could ruin their relationship forever, or even put her in danger.
Most of all, Gracie fears uncovering her darkest reality, that she’s been manipulated for years, and that her life is nothing more than a carefully constructed façade.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2025
About the author
Simon F. Godin
1 book8 followersSimon F. Godin is a Canadian psychological horror and suspense author whose work explores dread, paranoia, and slow-burning emotional tension. Holding degrees in psychology and neuroscience, he has long been fascinated by the darker corners of human behaviour and consciousness.
His obsession with horror and storytelling began at a very young age after discovering Stephen King at eight years old, admittedly far too young. Since then, he has been drawn to stories that unsettle and linger long after the final page.
Simon wrote his debut novel, In Their Eyes, while battling blood cancer and is currently working on his second book.
His obsession with horror and storytelling began at a very young age after discovering Stephen King at eight years old, admittedly far too young. Since then, he has been drawn to stories that unsettle and linger long after the final page.
Simon wrote his debut novel, In Their Eyes, while battling blood cancer and is currently working on his second book.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 14, 2026
Review of an advance copy received from author
No, this is the kind of book that forces me to devour my read within a day, or better yet, less than a day if it keeps my brain fully awake. If it keeps messing with my emotions through all the psychological aspects. If it keeps me curious. If it keeps shocking me with twists.
Not only does this book meet every single one of my checklist to not put it down, but every chapter keeps me busy connecting tiny little dots about what is really going on with the main character. Every chapter ending makes you stop, question everything in your mind, and then continue reading again with full pumped-up spirit.
Aside from all the questions appearing at the end of each chapter, I also caught myself constantly making theories… only to later edit those theories myself hahaha. But surprisingly, none of it gives me a headache. There’s only enjoyment and contentment slowly climbing higher and higher as the story progresses.
The story follows Gracie Boone’s journey to uncover who she really is. On the very first night staying in her university dorm room, she sees a motionless figure watching her from outside the window. Of course, no one else sees it.
As days pass, something slowly makes Gracie question her own identity. She starts believing she is not herself. That maybe she was taken away from her real parents. But how could that even happen when her dad is the chief of police in town?
With her paranoia growing stronger, Gracie loses her sense of safety. She becomes desperate to find evidence for what she believes, but doing that means taking the riskiest path of her life. And the whole time, she still has to navigate classes, toxic friendship, and a crumbling long-distance relationship all. at. once.
———
What I love the most is how the psychological tension keeps tightening without making the story feel confusing at all. I can tell, the author knows exactly how to feed little clues little by little without revealing the mystery too early. And honestly? That balance is hard to pull off.
The atmosphere also feels constantly unsettling in the best way possible. Not overly dark to the point where it exhausts you, but like I said, it’s eerie enough to make your mind stay alert the entire time.
This is absolutely the kind of psychological read that keeps whispering “just one more chapter” while your brain keeps running nonstop. Every answer only creates more questions and plants more curiosity in your mind. Suddenly, you realize you finish half the book in one sitting. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
No, this is the kind of book that forces me to devour my read within a day, or better yet, less than a day if it keeps my brain fully awake. If it keeps messing with my emotions through all the psychological aspects. If it keeps me curious. If it keeps shocking me with twists.
Not only does this book meet every single one of my checklist to not put it down, but every chapter keeps me busy connecting tiny little dots about what is really going on with the main character. Every chapter ending makes you stop, question everything in your mind, and then continue reading again with full pumped-up spirit.
Aside from all the questions appearing at the end of each chapter, I also caught myself constantly making theories… only to later edit those theories myself hahaha. But surprisingly, none of it gives me a headache. There’s only enjoyment and contentment slowly climbing higher and higher as the story progresses.
The story follows Gracie Boone’s journey to uncover who she really is. On the very first night staying in her university dorm room, she sees a motionless figure watching her from outside the window. Of course, no one else sees it.
As days pass, something slowly makes Gracie question her own identity. She starts believing she is not herself. That maybe she was taken away from her real parents. But how could that even happen when her dad is the chief of police in town?
With her paranoia growing stronger, Gracie loses her sense of safety. She becomes desperate to find evidence for what she believes, but doing that means taking the riskiest path of her life. And the whole time, she still has to navigate classes, toxic friendship, and a crumbling long-distance relationship all. at. once.
———
What I love the most is how the psychological tension keeps tightening without making the story feel confusing at all. I can tell, the author knows exactly how to feed little clues little by little without revealing the mystery too early. And honestly? That balance is hard to pull off.
The atmosphere also feels constantly unsettling in the best way possible. Not overly dark to the point where it exhausts you, but like I said, it’s eerie enough to make your mind stay alert the entire time.
This is absolutely the kind of psychological read that keeps whispering “just one more chapter” while your brain keeps running nonstop. Every answer only creates more questions and plants more curiosity in your mind. Suddenly, you realize you finish half the book in one sitting. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Simon F. Godin's debut novel is a gripping thriller which encapsulates the reader from the early stages and refuses to let go, even after the book is finished. The twists and turns in this novel are expertly executed - and keep viewers engaged, turning the pages for more answers. An intense, and pulsating psychological thriller which is most certainly worth the read.
Gracie Boone's quiet, rural Ontario life is a story that many people can relate to. Loving father, a high school sweetheart, friendly neighbours, and a close-knit community. Until she embarks on her first year of university, where everything begins to change. Everything that was assumed to be a cornerstone of her happy little life will be upended when she discovers a creepy hooded figure watching her outside her dorm. The mystery surrounding this person and their intentions quickly unfolds as Gracie also meets her roommate, Raven - who introduces the idea that perhaps Gracie's father is not exactly who he says he is, and that Gracie, too, may not be who she thinks she is.
Gracie Boone's quiet, rural Ontario life is a story that many people can relate to. Loving father, a high school sweetheart, friendly neighbours, and a close-knit community. Until she embarks on her first year of university, where everything begins to change. Everything that was assumed to be a cornerstone of her happy little life will be upended when she discovers a creepy hooded figure watching her outside her dorm. The mystery surrounding this person and their intentions quickly unfolds as Gracie also meets her roommate, Raven - who introduces the idea that perhaps Gracie's father is not exactly who he says he is, and that Gracie, too, may not be who she thinks she is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gracie arrives for her freshman year at University. She’s from a small town, and she’s not quite sure what to expect after living with her overprotective dad for her whole life. She really misses her boyfriend, Stephen- but she is determined to make friends in her dorm. She was friends with Gabbie, but after their falling out, she must move on.
Gracie parties with her neighbors across the hall, and after a lot of drinking she returns to her room and sees a dark figure staring at her from the parking lot. Does she have a stalker? You can feel Gracie’s fear and paranoia from the first few pages as she struggles to figure out what is happening. Maybe her new roommate, Raven can help her figure everything out…
A well written and fast paced psychological thriller/drama. A great read.
What is real and what is imagined? How do we help ourselves cope when we are desperately looking for answers?
Gracie parties with her neighbors across the hall, and after a lot of drinking she returns to her room and sees a dark figure staring at her from the parking lot. Does she have a stalker? You can feel Gracie’s fear and paranoia from the first few pages as she struggles to figure out what is happening. Maybe her new roommate, Raven can help her figure everything out…
A well written and fast paced psychological thriller/drama. A great read.
What is real and what is imagined? How do we help ourselves cope when we are desperately looking for answers?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Join Gracie Boone on a journey of discovery that, at first, will make you nostalgic for your college years, but in the end will leave you playfully questioning reality.
The author’s own studies in human psychology help make Gracie’s struggles relatable and her journey all the more thrilling. Peppered with intrigue and exciting twists, the story is written in such a way that beautifully encourages the reader to theorize about the cast’s motives.
A dramatic ending made it impossible to put the book down and offered satisfying answers to my own personal theories. I am tempted to try reading the book again at a later date with a fresh perspective to see how many subtle details I missed.
Although I don’t often read psychological thrillers, I found myself enjoying following along Gracie’s emotional journey. With a solid first novel under his belt, I’m excited read more from this author.
The author’s own studies in human psychology help make Gracie’s struggles relatable and her journey all the more thrilling. Peppered with intrigue and exciting twists, the story is written in such a way that beautifully encourages the reader to theorize about the cast’s motives.
A dramatic ending made it impossible to put the book down and offered satisfying answers to my own personal theories. I am tempted to try reading the book again at a later date with a fresh perspective to see how many subtle details I missed.
Although I don’t often read psychological thrillers, I found myself enjoying following along Gracie’s emotional journey. With a solid first novel under his belt, I’m excited read more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Growing up and leaving for college is tricky enough at the best of times, but Gracie also has to deal with an unsettling figure that appears to be watching her from afar.
As the story progresses, Gracie’s identity becomes even more confused as she navigates family, friendships, and roommates.
This slow burn physiological thriller gradually picks up pace before finishing dramatically, making us question what has even happened.
I really enjoyed this and read it over the course of three days, struggling to put it down by the end.
As the story progresses, Gracie’s identity becomes even more confused as she navigates family, friendships, and roommates.
This slow burn physiological thriller gradually picks up pace before finishing dramatically, making us question what has even happened.
I really enjoyed this and read it over the course of three days, struggling to put it down by the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this one. It hooked me pretty early on and kept me guessing the entire time. The tensions kept building, and the twists genuinely caught me off guard.
I also really enjoyed the psychological aspects of the story. It constantly had me questioning the characters and what was actually going on. Definitely one of those “just one more chapter” kind of reads.
Overall a really entertaining psychological horror that kept me on my toes from start to finish. If you like twisty, slow burn with a dramatic ending, this one’s for you.
I also really enjoyed the psychological aspects of the story. It constantly had me questioning the characters and what was actually going on. Definitely one of those “just one more chapter” kind of reads.
Overall a really entertaining psychological horror that kept me on my toes from start to finish. If you like twisty, slow burn with a dramatic ending, this one’s for you.
May 12, 2026
This is the debut novel for this author who reached out to me on instagram to see if I would be interested in reading the ARC for an honest review. Of course I accepted and I’m glad I did! This story was a page turner for me. The story is about a young lady who is off to college, but when she arrives there things don’t go the way she planned. Some weird figure lurks outside her dorm. Her new college friends are not the usual type of people she would hang with, and her boyfriend is having issues doing the long distance relationship thing. How will she handle all of this? Read it and find out!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews