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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.
334 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2025
About the author
Simon F. Godin
1 book11 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have to say… this book completely surprised me.
I read a lot of psychological thrillers, and while some really work for me, a lot of them unfortunately don’t. But this one? This one genuinely got into my head.
As the blurb says, we follow Gracie as she leaves home for college and tries to navigate a completely new life: dorms, friendships, parties, studies, awkward social situations… all the usual stuff.
At first, things seem mostly normal. She slowly starts connecting with her roommate and the girls living across the hall.
Or maybe not ...
Because one night, Gracie notices someone standing outside her dorm window, just watching her. And by the time she reacts, the figure is gone.
Of course, nobody really believes her.
Honestly, at some point, even Gracie herself doesn’t know what to believe anymore.
Things get even worse when her roommate shows her something that suggests Gracie may have actually been abducted as a child.
And from there… the story absolutely spirals.
I genuinely questioned everything alongside Gracie. Was she/were we paranoid? Was she/were we having some sort of breakdown? Or was the man who raised her actually hiding something terrifying?
I honestly had no clue what to believe for a huge part of the book, and that’s exactly what made this such a strong psychological thriller for me.
The paranoia and uncertainty were done really well, and the story kept me hooked so badly that I stayed awake until 9am finishing it.
The final chapters especially became incredibly intense (I legit screamed a bit because wooow, everything escaladed super fast).
My only real criticism is that the book leans more toward slow-burn pacing, which occasionally made me wish things moved a little faster. And the ending… oh boy, ohhh boy...
I’m personally not the biggest fan of uncertain/open-style endings where multiple interpretations are possible. I KNOW some readers love that, but my Libra brain wanted clearer answers.
Still, overall, this was a really impressive debut. Well written, tense, unsettling and genuinely engaging.
⭐ 3.75 stars, rounded up to 4.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book early.
I read a lot of psychological thrillers, and while some really work for me, a lot of them unfortunately don’t. But this one? This one genuinely got into my head.
As the blurb says, we follow Gracie as she leaves home for college and tries to navigate a completely new life: dorms, friendships, parties, studies, awkward social situations… all the usual stuff.
At first, things seem mostly normal. She slowly starts connecting with her roommate and the girls living across the hall.
Or maybe not ...
Because one night, Gracie notices someone standing outside her dorm window, just watching her. And by the time she reacts, the figure is gone.
Of course, nobody really believes her.
Honestly, at some point, even Gracie herself doesn’t know what to believe anymore.
Things get even worse when her roommate shows her something that suggests Gracie may have actually been abducted as a child.
And from there… the story absolutely spirals.
I genuinely questioned everything alongside Gracie. Was she/were we paranoid? Was she/were we having some sort of breakdown? Or was the man who raised her actually hiding something terrifying?
I honestly had no clue what to believe for a huge part of the book, and that’s exactly what made this such a strong psychological thriller for me.
The paranoia and uncertainty were done really well, and the story kept me hooked so badly that I stayed awake until 9am finishing it.
The final chapters especially became incredibly intense (I legit screamed a bit because wooow, everything escaladed super fast).
My only real criticism is that the book leans more toward slow-burn pacing, which occasionally made me wish things moved a little faster. And the ending… oh boy, ohhh boy...
I’m personally not the biggest fan of uncertain/open-style endings where multiple interpretations are possible. I KNOW some readers love that, but my Libra brain wanted clearer answers.
Still, overall, this was a really impressive debut. Well written, tense, unsettling and genuinely engaging.
⭐ 3.75 stars, rounded up to 4.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book early.
May 26, 2026
Thank you to the author for sending me an advanced reading copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Possible minor spoilers (I hate spoilers so trying to keep this as spoiler free as possible).
This story completely caught me off guard. It was like I was on some crazy drug induced trip but in the best way possible. I love a good physiological thriller and this story really messes with your head. I felt like I was experiencing everything right along with Gracie. I was yelling at her and wanting to comfort her. Being able to make you feel so invested in what is happening with a character isn’t easy to do, but I found myself right there next to Gracie and we were going through this together.
The atmosphere is palpable and I immediately felt uneasy right from the start and continued to stay that way through the entire story. The sense of dread and fear was high and then that twist hit and my jaw dropped. Like what? I didn’t even think that could be a possibility!
But then again, is it? What’s even real?
My head was spinning and my thoughts were everywhere. This will leave you literally questioning everything.
And that’s my biggest complaint. I need to know! I want answers. I want an epilogue to the epilogue. Sometimes I don’t mind an ambiguous ending. But in this one, I really wanted a concrete answer. Also, I was hoping for a “reunion” so to speak. I’ll let my brain make it up I guess. But seriously, I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.
Possible minor spoilers (I hate spoilers so trying to keep this as spoiler free as possible).
This story completely caught me off guard. It was like I was on some crazy drug induced trip but in the best way possible. I love a good physiological thriller and this story really messes with your head. I felt like I was experiencing everything right along with Gracie. I was yelling at her and wanting to comfort her. Being able to make you feel so invested in what is happening with a character isn’t easy to do, but I found myself right there next to Gracie and we were going through this together.
The atmosphere is palpable and I immediately felt uneasy right from the start and continued to stay that way through the entire story. The sense of dread and fear was high and then that twist hit and my jaw dropped. Like what? I didn’t even think that could be a possibility!
But then again, is it? What’s even real?
My head was spinning and my thoughts were everywhere. This will leave you literally questioning everything.
And that’s my biggest complaint. I need to know! I want answers. I want an epilogue to the epilogue. Sometimes I don’t mind an ambiguous ending. But in this one, I really wanted a concrete answer. Also, I was hoping for a “reunion” so to speak. I’ll let my brain make it up I guess. But seriously, I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I don’t know if I’ve ever been this conflicted about a book.
For most of its runtime, In Their Eyes felt like a five-star read.
Simon Godin accomplishes something remarkably difficult: he recreates the emotional reality of being eighteen with painful accuracy. Not the romanticized version of young adulthood, but the vulnerable one. The version where every relationship feels life-altering, every mistake feels permanent, and every decision carries more weight than it probably should.
Gracie’s anxiety became my anxiety.
The mystery surrounding her identity was compelling, but what truly impressed me was the atmosphere. The dread in this novel does not come primarily from the hooded figure outside the window. It comes from watching a young woman who struggles to trust herself navigate a world full of people who want something from her.
A controlling boyfriend. Questionable authority figures. Friends she isn’t sure she can trust. A father she desperately wants to believe in. Every chapter deepens the feeling that Gracie is missing some crucial truth about her life, and as a reader I became completely invested in helping her uncover it.
The novel is filled with clues.
Photographs with concealed dates.
Recordings.
Contradictory accounts.
Strange warnings from seemingly random people.
Suspicious behavior from nearly everyone around her.
The result is one of the most effective experiences of paranoia and uncertainty I’ve encountered in a long time. I found myself questioning every interaction and building theories constantly. The book made me feel as disoriented and obsessed as Gracie herself.
That is not a criticism.
It is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
Unfortunately, it is also why the ending frustrated me so deeply.
I have no problem with ambiguity. In fact, I often enjoy it.
But ambiguity needs to be earned.
The issue is not that the novel leaves questions unanswered. The issue is that it spends over 300 pages training the reader to engage with it as a mystery before ultimately refusing to commit to an answer.
Was Gracie Maggie?
Was she delusional?
Was Hank protecting her or manipulating her?
What was the true nature of the conspiracy surrounding her?
The novel presents evidence, contradictions, and clues as though these questions have discoverable answers. Then, at the final moment, it steps away from them.
For me, that distinction matters.
An ambiguous ending can be powerful when the story’s themes are strong enough to support the uncertainty. Here, however, the mystery is so central to the reading experience that withholding the answer felt less like thematic depth and more like narrative hesitation.
I understand the argument that the novel is ultimately about self-trust, identity, and learning to live without certainty. Those are worthwhile ideas. But after spending hundreds of pages constructing a mystery, I don’t think the ending fully earns the right to abandon it.
The most frustrating part is that everything else works.
The characterization works.
The atmosphere works.
The anxiety works.
The social dynamics work.
The gradual unraveling of reality works.
This is not a case of a bad book being saved by a clever ending. It’s a case of an excellent book being weakened by an ending that refused to make a choice.
I still recommend it.
I still think it is one of the most emotionally immersive psychological thrillers I’ve read recently.
But I closed the final page feeling less haunted by the mystery than frustrated by its refusal to resolve.
And perhaps that frustration is the greatest compliment I can give the novel.
If I didn’t care so much about Gracie, I wouldn’t still be arguing with this ending.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I don’t know if I’ve ever been this conflicted about a book.
For most of its runtime, In Their Eyes felt like a five-star read.
Simon Godin accomplishes something remarkably difficult: he recreates the emotional reality of being eighteen with painful accuracy. Not the romanticized version of young adulthood, but the vulnerable one. The version where every relationship feels life-altering, every mistake feels permanent, and every decision carries more weight than it probably should.
Gracie’s anxiety became my anxiety.
The mystery surrounding her identity was compelling, but what truly impressed me was the atmosphere. The dread in this novel does not come primarily from the hooded figure outside the window. It comes from watching a young woman who struggles to trust herself navigate a world full of people who want something from her.
A controlling boyfriend. Questionable authority figures. Friends she isn’t sure she can trust. A father she desperately wants to believe in. Every chapter deepens the feeling that Gracie is missing some crucial truth about her life, and as a reader I became completely invested in helping her uncover it.
The novel is filled with clues.
Photographs with concealed dates.
Recordings.
Contradictory accounts.
Strange warnings from seemingly random people.
Suspicious behavior from nearly everyone around her.
The result is one of the most effective experiences of paranoia and uncertainty I’ve encountered in a long time. I found myself questioning every interaction and building theories constantly. The book made me feel as disoriented and obsessed as Gracie herself.
That is not a criticism.
It is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
Unfortunately, it is also why the ending frustrated me so deeply.
I have no problem with ambiguity. In fact, I often enjoy it.
But ambiguity needs to be earned.
The issue is not that the novel leaves questions unanswered. The issue is that it spends over 300 pages training the reader to engage with it as a mystery before ultimately refusing to commit to an answer.
Was Gracie Maggie?
Was she delusional?
Was Hank protecting her or manipulating her?
What was the true nature of the conspiracy surrounding her?
The novel presents evidence, contradictions, and clues as though these questions have discoverable answers. Then, at the final moment, it steps away from them.
For me, that distinction matters.
An ambiguous ending can be powerful when the story’s themes are strong enough to support the uncertainty. Here, however, the mystery is so central to the reading experience that withholding the answer felt less like thematic depth and more like narrative hesitation.
I understand the argument that the novel is ultimately about self-trust, identity, and learning to live without certainty. Those are worthwhile ideas. But after spending hundreds of pages constructing a mystery, I don’t think the ending fully earns the right to abandon it.
The most frustrating part is that everything else works.
The characterization works.
The atmosphere works.
The anxiety works.
The social dynamics work.
The gradual unraveling of reality works.
This is not a case of a bad book being saved by a clever ending. It’s a case of an excellent book being weakened by an ending that refused to make a choice.
I still recommend it.
I still think it is one of the most emotionally immersive psychological thrillers I’ve read recently.
But I closed the final page feeling less haunted by the mystery than frustrated by its refusal to resolve.
And perhaps that frustration is the greatest compliment I can give the novel.
If I didn’t care so much about Gracie, I wouldn’t still be arguing with this ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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
Actually, I gave this 4.25 stars but we can't do that here.
Gracie Boone's first night away from home and on her own is the beginning of the unraveling of the only life she's ever known which sends her on a devastating journey to discover her truth.
This book had me hooked from the start because I immediately felt uneasy like something was off. I would love to go into specifics but fear I might give something away. Gracie was protected her whole life and comes across as slightly strange and a bit withdrawn, all of which are relatable. The story started off slowly then hits top speed at just past the half-way point. The slow pacing is needed to build the ever present tension, suspicion, paranoia, and self-doubt. The characters are well-drawn. Some are likeable the rest not so much. We are introduced to the loving Dad, the supportive roommate, the attentive boyfriend, and a charming professor to name a few. I found the writing style easy to follow and engaging. The author uses both first and third person POV. First person being used while Gracie is journaling or dealing with the thoughts swirling around in her head. It's definitely effective.
I read this in one night and couldn't put it down because I couldn't wait to find out what was happening! The whole story felt fever-dreamy and chaotic which I love. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be reading more from this author.
A big thank you to Simon F. Godin for sending me an advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Gracie Boone's first night away from home and on her own is the beginning of the unraveling of the only life she's ever known which sends her on a devastating journey to discover her truth.
This book had me hooked from the start because I immediately felt uneasy like something was off. I would love to go into specifics but fear I might give something away. Gracie was protected her whole life and comes across as slightly strange and a bit withdrawn, all of which are relatable. The story started off slowly then hits top speed at just past the half-way point. The slow pacing is needed to build the ever present tension, suspicion, paranoia, and self-doubt. The characters are well-drawn. Some are likeable the rest not so much. We are introduced to the loving Dad, the supportive roommate, the attentive boyfriend, and a charming professor to name a few. I found the writing style easy to follow and engaging. The author uses both first and third person POV. First person being used while Gracie is journaling or dealing with the thoughts swirling around in her head. It's definitely effective.
I read this in one night and couldn't put it down because I couldn't wait to find out what was happening! The whole story felt fever-dreamy and chaotic which I love. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be reading more from this author.
A big thank you to Simon F. Godin for sending me an advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for an early copy!
This was not at all what I was expecting and I’m glad for it. I was immediately hooked by the premise of this, I’ve seen movies and heard of other stories with a similar set up: abducted as a child by their ‘parent’ - I eat it up every time. But this was a really different take on that.
I think the pacing was done very well, we got some things happening pretty quick but it was a little tease before we got into more story building, and then things sprinkled throughout, ramping up until the end.
There were so many different things happening that I had zero idea how they would come together into something that made sense but they did and it was all very twisty.
It took me a few chapters to get sucked in but once I did, I finished this in one sitting. I was right there with Gracie, confused, trying to put everything together and even feeling crazy in these last few chapters. I thought I had guessed things but the author did really well in making you second guess. I liked the journal entries, being in third person it was nice to have that first person point of view and dive a bit more into Gracie’s head.
The ending was not at all what I expected and I both like it and hate it. I prefer clear strict endings so this being different had me turning the page going, “what? That’s it??”
I would absolutely recommend this, it’s twisty and a little creepy and hits the nail on the head for a psychological thriller.
This was not at all what I was expecting and I’m glad for it. I was immediately hooked by the premise of this, I’ve seen movies and heard of other stories with a similar set up: abducted as a child by their ‘parent’ - I eat it up every time. But this was a really different take on that.
I think the pacing was done very well, we got some things happening pretty quick but it was a little tease before we got into more story building, and then things sprinkled throughout, ramping up until the end.
There were so many different things happening that I had zero idea how they would come together into something that made sense but they did and it was all very twisty.
It took me a few chapters to get sucked in but once I did, I finished this in one sitting. I was right there with Gracie, confused, trying to put everything together and even feeling crazy in these last few chapters. I thought I had guessed things but the author did really well in making you second guess. I liked the journal entries, being in third person it was nice to have that first person point of view and dive a bit more into Gracie’s head.
The ending was not at all what I expected and I both like it and hate it. I prefer clear strict endings so this being different had me turning the page going, “what? That’s it??”
I would absolutely recommend this, it’s twisty and a little creepy and hits the nail on the head for a psychological thriller.
May 28, 2026
*Review of advanced copy received from author*
Gracie is excited to start at her new college, even if it means having to live away from her loving father, her high school boyfriend, and her home town. When she sees a hooded figure outside her dorm room, everyone she speaks to tries to convince her that she was only seeing things. Gracie’s new roommate Raven believes her, though, and the discovery of a missing child case lead the two to think that maybe Gracie’s life isn’t as simple as it seems; maybe Gracie was kidnapped as a child. A roadtrip to find more answers only turns up more questions and leaves Gracie wondering what she really knows about the people closest to her, and even about herself.
This novel was truly gripping. Every time I thought I had an answer, another twist proved me wrong and had me rethinking everything I thought I knew. It was unpredictable in the best way, and certain key details are artfully hidden until just the right moment.
While most of the novel is slow paced, the ending is fast and exciting. My one “gripe” with the novel—which this is completely personal preference—was the ending. I wish it was more concrete with specific answers, but I can also appreciate that it is open ended.
I highly recommend this book once it is published; thanks to the author for the advanced copy!
Gracie is excited to start at her new college, even if it means having to live away from her loving father, her high school boyfriend, and her home town. When she sees a hooded figure outside her dorm room, everyone she speaks to tries to convince her that she was only seeing things. Gracie’s new roommate Raven believes her, though, and the discovery of a missing child case lead the two to think that maybe Gracie’s life isn’t as simple as it seems; maybe Gracie was kidnapped as a child. A roadtrip to find more answers only turns up more questions and leaves Gracie wondering what she really knows about the people closest to her, and even about herself.
This novel was truly gripping. Every time I thought I had an answer, another twist proved me wrong and had me rethinking everything I thought I knew. It was unpredictable in the best way, and certain key details are artfully hidden until just the right moment.
While most of the novel is slow paced, the ending is fast and exciting. My one “gripe” with the novel—which this is completely personal preference—was the ending. I wish it was more concrete with specific answers, but I can also appreciate that it is open ended.
I highly recommend this book once it is published; thanks to the author for the advanced copy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2026
Thank you to the author for the arc of his debut novel!
In Their Eyes follows our main character Gracie Boone on her journey as a new university student who is also traversing a truly terrifying ordeal.
Gracie has been presented with information showcasing that she could be the victim of a kidnapping from when she was just a toddler.
To make the situation even more horrifying, there is a hooded figure watching Gracie yet no one else claims to see this person.
As this news shakes and rocks her foundation, Gracie must navigate cautiously as she works to uncover the truth—if the only father she’s ever known could potentially be a monster disguised.
I really enjoyed this book! It is fast paced, witty, and psychologically thrilling with numerous unexpected twists and turns.
As someone who completed university almost more than a decade ago now, it was a bit difficult to get in the mindset of Gracie yet I do appreciate the young adult perspective and experiences. I believe they are extremely relevant and demonstrate the stresses of finding oneself while getting an independent footing.
I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a psychological thriller sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!
In Their Eyes follows our main character Gracie Boone on her journey as a new university student who is also traversing a truly terrifying ordeal.
Gracie has been presented with information showcasing that she could be the victim of a kidnapping from when she was just a toddler.
To make the situation even more horrifying, there is a hooded figure watching Gracie yet no one else claims to see this person.
As this news shakes and rocks her foundation, Gracie must navigate cautiously as she works to uncover the truth—if the only father she’s ever known could potentially be a monster disguised.
I really enjoyed this book! It is fast paced, witty, and psychologically thrilling with numerous unexpected twists and turns.
As someone who completed university almost more than a decade ago now, it was a bit difficult to get in the mindset of Gracie yet I do appreciate the young adult perspective and experiences. I believe they are extremely relevant and demonstrate the stresses of finding oneself while getting an independent footing.
I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a psychological thriller sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!
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
I would have to say that I genuinely enjoyed this one. It may have a very slow pacing at the start, despite it being a thriller genre, it kinda creeped me out. Especially when the roommate had a sketch book full of eyes, it was really weird. It gave that "Eyes are the windows to soul stuff".
Maybe the only thing I would change about it is the pacing and the build up. I feel like for thriller books to have your attention fully, the build up must be gradual but will keep you turning the pages faster. For this I felt that build up, but I was constantly wanting a bit more faster pacing from the mid of the story. But towards the end, it was definitely definitely so damn good.
Also, even though I feel like this is a minor thing, I hope there would be some sort of trigger warning for the topics that are discussed or touched in this book. Even if they are slightly discussed, it was one of the topics discussed at the very beginning of the book and I was quite shock that it had that.
Overall, it was a damn good book.
Maybe the only thing I would change about it is the pacing and the build up. I feel like for thriller books to have your attention fully, the build up must be gradual but will keep you turning the pages faster. For this I felt that build up, but I was constantly wanting a bit more faster pacing from the mid of the story. But towards the end, it was definitely definitely so damn good.
Also, even though I feel like this is a minor thing, I hope there would be some sort of trigger warning for the topics that are discussed or touched in this book. Even if they are slightly discussed, it was one of the topics discussed at the very beginning of the book and I was quite shock that it had that.
Overall, it was a damn good book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I found this a very easy read — sometimes you can tell from the very first page whether you’re going to finish a book, and I was hooked immediately.
This is such a clever and interesting psychological thriller. You really feel the building tension alongside the protagonist, and at times you wish Gracie wasn’t quite as naïve as she comes across. Early on, you get the sense that not everything is as it seems; the supporting characters feel… off, and there are clearly secrets waiting to be uncovered.
I also liked the journal entries, as they gave more insight into Gracie’s mindset and helped summarise the passing days without needing to go through everything day by day.
Chapter 6 made something click in my brain, and I thought I knew exactly where the story was heading… but I was completely wrong. The ending is left fairly open, and while I would’ve liked a little more (sequel needed please!) -I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
I definitely need a physical copy for my collection. It was incredibly addictive, and honestly, it needs to be made into a movie.
This is such a clever and interesting psychological thriller. You really feel the building tension alongside the protagonist, and at times you wish Gracie wasn’t quite as naïve as she comes across. Early on, you get the sense that not everything is as it seems; the supporting characters feel… off, and there are clearly secrets waiting to be uncovered.
I also liked the journal entries, as they gave more insight into Gracie’s mindset and helped summarise the passing days without needing to go through everything day by day.
Chapter 6 made something click in my brain, and I thought I knew exactly where the story was heading… but I was completely wrong. The ending is left fairly open, and while I would’ve liked a little more (sequel needed please!) -I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
I definitely need a physical copy for my collection. It was incredibly addictive, and honestly, it needs to be made into a movie.
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
4.5⭐
Thank you so much to Simon for the ARC!
In Their Eyes was a brilliant debut novel! I couldn't put it down, and I read it in 24 hours.
Gracie Boone has moved away to attend college, where she meets her new roommate Raven. When Raven shows Gracie some of the materials from her forensic science lecture, Gracie begins to question everything she has ever known.
This was not like any other psychological thriller I have read before. I feel like they tend to rely too much on twists that make absolutely no sense. Although I couldn't see the twists and turns coming here, they were well written and believable.
The characters were fleshed out, and well written! You loved them, and hated them.
The last 40% was such a wild ride, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The story was fast paced and had me hooked.
I would highly recommend In Their Eyes, which again I can't believe is Simon's debut! It will be released on 1st September 2026, just in time for autumn!
Thank you so much to Simon for the ARC!
In Their Eyes was a brilliant debut novel! I couldn't put it down, and I read it in 24 hours.
Gracie Boone has moved away to attend college, where she meets her new roommate Raven. When Raven shows Gracie some of the materials from her forensic science lecture, Gracie begins to question everything she has ever known.
This was not like any other psychological thriller I have read before. I feel like they tend to rely too much on twists that make absolutely no sense. Although I couldn't see the twists and turns coming here, they were well written and believable.
The characters were fleshed out, and well written! You loved them, and hated them.
The last 40% was such a wild ride, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The story was fast paced and had me hooked.
I would highly recommend In Their Eyes, which again I can't believe is Simon's debut! It will be released on 1st September 2026, just in time for autumn!
Review of advance copy received from Author
In Their Eyes is an incredible debut novel by Simon F. Godin. It follows the story of Gracie Boone, who’s from a small town and is starting university. She soon begins to see a hooded figure following her around campus and no one believes her. She also learns that her father may have kidnapped her when she was four. From there she begins to question what’s real and what’s not.
This was like The Face on the Milk Carton for adults. It’s an amazing slow-burn story that was hard to put down. I loved how well-written the characters were, they felt so realistic and I found Gracie to be pretty relatable. I also loved the world-building. It was very immersive, it was like taking classes with Gracie.
I highly recommend checking this one out when it releases in September. A big thank you to the author for sending me ARC!
This was like The Face on the Milk Carton for adults. It’s an amazing slow-burn story that was hard to put down. I loved how well-written the characters were, they felt so realistic and I found Gracie to be pretty relatable. I also loved the world-building. It was very immersive, it was like taking classes with Gracie.
I highly recommend checking this one out when it releases in September. A big thank you to the author for sending me ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
In their eyes is a psychological thriller/horror that left me feeling paranoid, uneasy and wanting more.
We follow Gracie as she leaves her small hometown for the first time to attend university, but during her first night away she notices someone outside in the shadows watching her inside her dorm room. From there we are on the journey with Gracie as she tries to uncover the secrets of her past, while she has to question everything to figure out what her reality truly is.
About half way through I thought I had figured out the twists and knew what was going to happen, but was I ever wrong about that! This was a slow burn that really came together with a bang at the end.
All in all, a really enjoyable read, and I'll be keeping my fingers cross for a sequel sometime in the future!
Thanks to the author for an advanced copy!
We follow Gracie as she leaves her small hometown for the first time to attend university, but during her first night away she notices someone outside in the shadows watching her inside her dorm room. From there we are on the journey with Gracie as she tries to uncover the secrets of her past, while she has to question everything to figure out what her reality truly is.
About half way through I thought I had figured out the twists and knew what was going to happen, but was I ever wrong about that! This was a slow burn that really came together with a bang at the end.
All in all, a really enjoyable read, and I'll be keeping my fingers cross for a sequel sometime in the future!
Thanks to the author for an advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a well written slow-burn psychological thriller filled with paranoia, suspense, and eerie atmosphere. While the story doesn’t fully pick up speed until about halfway through, the tension steadily builds, and the final chapters were intense and had my pulse racing.
I liked how the story made me question everything alongside Gracie. Was her experiences real, or was it all in her head? I definitely doubted her sanity at times. I thought I had it all figured out, but I kept being proven wrong. The author did a great job keeping me guessing until the end.
This was a strong debut, and I’m excited to read more from Godin in the future.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an ARC!
I liked how the story made me question everything alongside Gracie. Was her experiences real, or was it all in her head? I definitely doubted her sanity at times. I thought I had it all figured out, but I kept being proven wrong. The author did a great job keeping me guessing until the end.
This was a strong debut, and I’m excited to read more from Godin in the future.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an ARC!
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.
May 25, 2026
“In Their Eyes” - Did I actually read this book or was it all just a big fever dream?
★★★★★
This novel messed with my head in the best possible way. I went in blind, and immediately got so invested in Gracie’s story that I can safely say I have a book hangover and I am not okay!
I boarded an emotional and psychological rollercoaster and the ride was intense and left me shook. Simon F. Godin you are on my radar, this may be your debut novel but I’m already signing myself up for whatever you write in the years to come!
(A Massive thank you to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review)
★★★★★
This novel messed with my head in the best possible way. I went in blind, and immediately got so invested in Gracie’s story that I can safely say I have a book hangover and I am not okay!
I boarded an emotional and psychological rollercoaster and the ride was intense and left me shook. Simon F. Godin you are on my radar, this may be your debut novel but I’m already signing myself up for whatever you write in the years to come!
(A Massive thank you to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review)
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
was lucky enough to get the chance to ARC read this slow-burn psychological horror. it was filled with plenty of suspense and paranoia and high wired emotions of the college aged main character 🙌🏼
i really don’t preference slow-paced books since it’s hard for me to stay invested but the whole time i remained curious of how all of the moving parts would come together when the truth came out! and the ending — i’m still not even sure how to feel! there’s one scene at the end is filled with such tension and fight for life that you’ll want to absorb every word! 🫠
i really don’t preference slow-paced books since it’s hard for me to stay invested but the whole time i remained curious of how all of the moving parts would come together when the truth came out! and the ending — i’m still not even sure how to feel! there’s one scene at the end is filled with such tension and fight for life that you’ll want to absorb every word! 🫠
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into this story mostly blind and I could not have been more pleased with the outcome. An extremely descriptive and immersive setting was there from the very beginning and it kept me hooked. Gracie Boone is a normal girl attending university and before she knows it, everything she thought she knew is being questioned. Twists and turns the entire way and it constantly kept me guessing. A fantastic read and I cannot wait to read more from Godin.
May 27, 2026
This was so good! I don’t normally choose mystery/ thriller books but I’m so glad I did. You are really able to connect with the FMC right away and feel her nervousness and her frustrations. And the story keeps you questioning what’s going on the entire time! By the end I was being pulled in every direction and honestly had no idea what was going to happen. It was so suspenseful in the best way!
Read it! You won’t be disappointed.
Read it! You won’t be disappointed.
May 31, 2026
I normally do not really care much for slow paced books, but this had me hooked the entire time without getting bored. Constantly throughout this story I was right there along with Gracie second guessing myself on what is actually real. I was feeling just as paranoid with her and doubting everything. The author did a great job at breadcrumbing things throughout the story that will all come together beautifully at the end. The slow unraveling of layers of the story to the sudden dramatic ending was a wild ride in the best way. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of this author’s future books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fun one! The first half of the book is really building us up for the second half, and when we get to the second half, its like someone stomps on the gas. I found Gracie to be a relatable character, she made me think of the things I wish I could tell my 18 year old self. I think this will be a good read for the fall!
May 25, 2026
A great read! This book hooked me right away. I really cared for the main character Gracie and sat behind her on the roller coaster ride that is this book. The tension continued to slowly build until the chaos at the end! I highly recommend it and I look forward to more books from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Great debut novel! The plot was fast-paced and came together well at the end. Nice to see some towns/cities in Ontario referenced. A must-read if you like thrillers! Would recommend to a friend!
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