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In Their Eyes
A gripping slow-burn psychological horror filled with paranoia, suspense, and emotional tension from debut Canadian novelist Simon F. Godin.
Gracie 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.
Gracie 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.
334 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2026
About the author
Simon F. Godin
1 book99 followersSimon F. Godin is a Canadian horror and psychological thriller 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tropes
● Slow Burn
● Family Secrets
● Stalking
● Unreliable Narrator
● Small Town
What to Expect
● Believable FMC
● Long chapters (20 to 30 minutes)
● Ambiguous ending
My Thoughts
Told in the present day, the story alternates between a third-person perspective and first-person journal entries from the female protagonist.
Early into the story, I found myself desperate for answers regarding the main character's potential kidnapping and the identity of her stalker. It created an urge to keep reading that I couldn't shake.
Every time I thought I had something figured out, this book proved me wrong. The unreliable narrator trope is done exceptionally well, but prepare for an ambiguous ending that will have you going over everything again in your head. You'll think you know what happened, but as time passes, your certainty will fade as well.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Content Warnings: Suicidal ideation, a little graphic violence, ocular trauma, gore
July 19, 2026
What a MIND FUCKKKK. In Their Eyes is the perfect example of how psychological horror should be written. I had such a soft spot for Gracie and her kind heart, but omfg there were some times that I just wanted to slap her and make her stand up for herself. It was absolutely infuriating the way people were walking all over her and it had me seeing red. And all the twists and turns in this one? I swear to god I was getting whiplash from it all. I had no idea who was trustworthy and who was not, and I lowkey felt like I was spiraling 😂 I was also pleasantly surprised about the gruesomeness that was in one of the end scenes of the book since the rest of it was pretty tame in that regard. But that final journal entry had me pulling out my hair!!!! I need closure if I want to heal from all the trauma in this book 🤣
Lastly, huge thank you to Simon for my arc of this one!
Lastly, huge thank you to Simon for my arc of this one!
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.
July 9, 2026
3.5* I’m kind of torn on rating this one. There’s a decent story here.
What I didn’t care for as much:
It is quite slow for more than the first half.
The BF Stephen enraged me as did the tolerance level for his behavior. I had a hard time looking past this. It’s a me problem.
What I liked:
The ending ramped into high gear when it found its stride and didn’t let up. The tension was palpable and the anxiety high.
There were some great clues to track and figure out.
What I was so-so on:
The ending was too vague for me. While I don’t need an HEA, I do like resolution, or at least more than I found here. It felt too open for me but I can’t say much else without it becoming a spoiler.
Thanks to the author for an advance reading copy.
What I didn’t care for as much:
It is quite slow for more than the first half.
The BF Stephen enraged me as did the tolerance level for his behavior. I had a hard time looking past this. It’s a me problem.
What I liked:
The ending ramped into high gear when it found its stride and didn’t let up. The tension was palpable and the anxiety high.
There were some great clues to track and figure out.
What I was so-so on:
The ending was too vague for me. While I don’t need an HEA, I do like resolution, or at least more than I found here. It felt too open for me but I can’t say much else without it becoming a spoiler.
Thanks to the author for an advance reading copy.
September 13, 2026
Huge thanks to the author who reached out to offer me an eARC. Debuts for indies can always be a bit scary, and with such a cool cover, I could never say no!
Gracie Boone has just arrived at college, her first real time away from home. After one last teary hug from her dad, she’s finally free. Her roommate hasn’t arrived yet, so she’s got the dorm to herself. Her neighbors across the hall invite her over for a drink, and in the hopes of making some fast friends, she agrees. But after stumbling back to her room, she sees someone watching her through her window, dark clothes, no facial features, and the glint of something she thinks is a knife. From there, it’s just one thing leading to the next, in this psychological whirlwind of suspense and misdirection. When her roommate shows her a photo of a missing girl, suggesting it’s actually Gracie herself, absolutely all bets are off.
So this is one hell of a premise. And while it is definitely on the slow burn end, it is pulled off in stellar fashion. The writing is smooth, the prose flows, and at no point did I feel like the author lost sight of his plot or main character. Gracie acts like a girl her age, makes poor decisions, does things she wouldn’t do otherwise in the hopes of making friends just how you’d imagine someone impressionable from a small town would. And while I am obviously not the person to make this call, I thought she read like a normal young woman, not like the telltale “man writes woman.” As a fellow writer with a female lead, I feel like this is something we strive for. Godin doesn’t sexualize or describe her body in detail, she just exists, and in a good way.
As a psychological thriller, especially one spanning what this one covers, it’s so hard to talk about this without going into spoilers. I’d love to go on in detail about the supposed kidnapping, the family drama and trauma, the mental health issues, manipulation, and abuse, but I’d so much rather you experience them yourself by reading the book. What I will say is that I thought the mystery, the red herrings, the twists, were all deftly handled. While I knew some part of the thread being pulled would have to be the truth, I never felt fully invested in what it would be one way or the other. It kept me on my toes. And can you seriously imagine that possibility actually entering your headspace? Every hug, every kiss, every single moment spent with the person you thought was your safety? What if they were actually your captor, what if they took you away from what’s real? Even if her roommate is wrong, how to do un-think it?
And while I do mention this is a slow burn above, trust me the ending goes absolutely HAM. If you’re going to slowly build up, you might as well blast off, and the author certainly delivers. It feels real, while still maintaining its dangerous sheen, and I was so on the edge of my seat I had to finish all at once as soon as I entered the climax. It’s suspenseful, tense, gory madness. Personally, I would have liked it a little more definitive, but with the subject matter, it makes perfect sense to leave it. I also like to leave readers wondering. So good for her…
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-in-the...
Gracie Boone has just arrived at college, her first real time away from home. After one last teary hug from her dad, she’s finally free. Her roommate hasn’t arrived yet, so she’s got the dorm to herself. Her neighbors across the hall invite her over for a drink, and in the hopes of making some fast friends, she agrees. But after stumbling back to her room, she sees someone watching her through her window, dark clothes, no facial features, and the glint of something she thinks is a knife. From there, it’s just one thing leading to the next, in this psychological whirlwind of suspense and misdirection. When her roommate shows her a photo of a missing girl, suggesting it’s actually Gracie herself, absolutely all bets are off.
So this is one hell of a premise. And while it is definitely on the slow burn end, it is pulled off in stellar fashion. The writing is smooth, the prose flows, and at no point did I feel like the author lost sight of his plot or main character. Gracie acts like a girl her age, makes poor decisions, does things she wouldn’t do otherwise in the hopes of making friends just how you’d imagine someone impressionable from a small town would. And while I am obviously not the person to make this call, I thought she read like a normal young woman, not like the telltale “man writes woman.” As a fellow writer with a female lead, I feel like this is something we strive for. Godin doesn’t sexualize or describe her body in detail, she just exists, and in a good way.
As a psychological thriller, especially one spanning what this one covers, it’s so hard to talk about this without going into spoilers. I’d love to go on in detail about the supposed kidnapping, the family drama and trauma, the mental health issues, manipulation, and abuse, but I’d so much rather you experience them yourself by reading the book. What I will say is that I thought the mystery, the red herrings, the twists, were all deftly handled. While I knew some part of the thread being pulled would have to be the truth, I never felt fully invested in what it would be one way or the other. It kept me on my toes. And can you seriously imagine that possibility actually entering your headspace? Every hug, every kiss, every single moment spent with the person you thought was your safety? What if they were actually your captor, what if they took you away from what’s real? Even if her roommate is wrong, how to do un-think it?
And while I do mention this is a slow burn above, trust me the ending goes absolutely HAM. If you’re going to slowly build up, you might as well blast off, and the author certainly delivers. It feels real, while still maintaining its dangerous sheen, and I was so on the edge of my seat I had to finish all at once as soon as I entered the climax. It’s suspenseful, tense, gory madness. Personally, I would have liked it a little more definitive, but with the subject matter, it makes perfect sense to leave it. I also like to leave readers wondering. So good for her…
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-in-the...
September 27, 2026
This was a slow burn YA feeling book that had some thrills and twists but ultimately didn’t feel super thriller or creepy like I expected.
This was a well written debut with engaging (but long) chapters that was more of a college domestic fiction with some suspense. I would absolutely read more from this author but would love to see more thrills and less drama.
To me this book focused more on Gracie not having a backbone, trying to fit in with crappy college girls, allowing her boyfriend to control her and a dad who doesn’t know how to give space. Along with having a negative past with her ex best friend while we wait to figure out why.
Yes there was a stalker. Yes, Gracie is not sure if her childhood is true or a lie but we barely got that storyline and instead got phone calls with her boyfriend, drama with her dorm neighbors, creepy predator vibes from her professor and a dad grieving for well over a decade of the loss of his wife. All while Gracie lies to herself and EVERYONE in her life.
If slow burn domestic dramas with some thriller aspects are your jam then you will LOVE THIS. I’m for sure not trying to hate on it, as I did enjoy it but just not what I wanted for a spooky szn read.
This was a well written debut with engaging (but long) chapters that was more of a college domestic fiction with some suspense. I would absolutely read more from this author but would love to see more thrills and less drama.
To me this book focused more on Gracie not having a backbone, trying to fit in with crappy college girls, allowing her boyfriend to control her and a dad who doesn’t know how to give space. Along with having a negative past with her ex best friend while we wait to figure out why.
Yes there was a stalker. Yes, Gracie is not sure if her childhood is true or a lie but we barely got that storyline and instead got phone calls with her boyfriend, drama with her dorm neighbors, creepy predator vibes from her professor and a dad grieving for well over a decade of the loss of his wife. All while Gracie lies to herself and EVERYONE in her life.
If slow burn domestic dramas with some thriller aspects are your jam then you will LOVE THIS. I’m for sure not trying to hate on it, as I did enjoy it but just not what I wanted for a spooky szn read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a wonderful and gripping debut! In Their Eyes by Simon F. Godin was an absolutely fantastic read, one that had me hooked from the get go, could not put it down! Small town girl moves away from home to campus accommodation where soon her entire life as she knows it unravels.
This book pulls you in slow, then sends you on the wildest roller coaster ride! I was constantly on the edge of my seat, especially towards the end. I struggled to put it down, every time I thought I had things figured out, knew where it was headed, Godin would hit us with another turn and leave me questioning everything all over again.
The god damn twists gave me whiplash! You will genuinely have no idea where this book will take you. I promise you, you will not predict the ending, not even in the slightest. I loved how unpredictable it was and how the tension kept building right until the end, I was desperate to keep reading and find out the truth!
Many won't like the ending, but I was a big fan of the ambiguity of it all. This book has given me trust issues and I cannot look out the window without expecting a hooded figure to be present and watching.
Simon F. Godin has definitely made an impression with his debut, and I cannot wait to see what comes next. A fantastic, gripping and seriously tense debut where you won't see any of the plot twists coming! I will never trust anyone again.
This book pulls you in slow, then sends you on the wildest roller coaster ride! I was constantly on the edge of my seat, especially towards the end. I struggled to put it down, every time I thought I had things figured out, knew where it was headed, Godin would hit us with another turn and leave me questioning everything all over again.
The god damn twists gave me whiplash! You will genuinely have no idea where this book will take you. I promise you, you will not predict the ending, not even in the slightest. I loved how unpredictable it was and how the tension kept building right until the end, I was desperate to keep reading and find out the truth!
Many won't like the ending, but I was a big fan of the ambiguity of it all. This book has given me trust issues and I cannot look out the window without expecting a hooded figure to be present and watching.
Simon F. Godin has definitely made an impression with his debut, and I cannot wait to see what comes next. A fantastic, gripping and seriously tense debut where you won't see any of the plot twists coming! I will never trust anyone again.
June 20, 2026
Thank you to the author, Simon Godin, for providing me with an ARC on his debut novel in exchange for an honest review.
This is a psychological thriller that follows Gracie Boone as she enters her first year at University, living away from home for the first time. She is moving away from her father, who raised her, and her high school boyfriend. Even though she is seemingly in a positive relationship with both those men in her life, she starts to feel a strain from them as she’s advocating for her independence at school.
Soon after she moves into her dorm room, Gracie sees a figure staring at her outside her window before she goes to sleep. She then learns from her roommate that there is a chance Gracie could have been abducted as a child. This is where the paranoia and tension start to creep in. This is a slow burn build up to the final act where I couldn’t read through those pages fast enough!
As the reader, we are uncovering the puzzle pieces alongside Gracie; her journal giving us an insight into her perspective on what is happening as she tries to figure out her reality. Has her entire life been a lie?
This is a really well done debut novel and I am looking forward to what Simon Godin has in store for us!
Themes include: stalking, paranoia, gaslighting
This is a psychological thriller that follows Gracie Boone as she enters her first year at University, living away from home for the first time. She is moving away from her father, who raised her, and her high school boyfriend. Even though she is seemingly in a positive relationship with both those men in her life, she starts to feel a strain from them as she’s advocating for her independence at school.
Soon after she moves into her dorm room, Gracie sees a figure staring at her outside her window before she goes to sleep. She then learns from her roommate that there is a chance Gracie could have been abducted as a child. This is where the paranoia and tension start to creep in. This is a slow burn build up to the final act where I couldn’t read through those pages fast enough!
As the reader, we are uncovering the puzzle pieces alongside Gracie; her journal giving us an insight into her perspective on what is happening as she tries to figure out her reality. Has her entire life been a lie?
This is a really well done debut novel and I am looking forward to what Simon Godin has in store for us!
Themes include: stalking, paranoia, gaslighting
October 2, 2026
This might be the best psychological thriller book I’ve ever read. In Their Eyes is a true PSYCH thriller. This book genuinely messed with my head. The mystery and suspense throughout was palpable. I had legitimate anxiety through the last 20%. I have an emotional hangover after reading this in the best way. I loved the FMC and felt like I was experiencing college with her.
September 17, 2026
This book was so good! It's very suspenseful and creepy (I got goosebumps at certain parts). If you're looking for a psychological thriller that will make you anxious and fliping the pages, this is it. I also loved the twists and turns the author threw at us. What an amazing debut! Excited to see what Simon F. Godin comes up with next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
2.5/5 There’s a really good story here with some switchbacks on what you think is happening. The vibes are: “everything is fine here, but also slightly ominous.” I really enjoyed Gracie’s hunt for clues and the ultimate revelations, though I wanted the epilogue to play out a bit further.
I’d recommend this for the story. That said, I found the characters to be portrayed more like caricatures of teen girls than realistic ones. It could work in a satire, but it bothered me here.
I’d recommend this for the story. That said, I found the characters to be portrayed more like caricatures of teen girls than realistic ones. It could work in a satire, but it bothered me here.
June 21, 2026
review of advanced copy received from the author !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I had so much fun reading this book! When Simon approached me, I knew that the plot was right up my alley, but what I did not expect was to become as fully invested as I was. The action started pretty swiftly, and I was constantly on the edge of my seat wondering what was going on. There were so many layers of odd events happening to our main character, but as they slowly came together I was brought further into this world and Gracie’s life. The tension surrounding everything was built well throughout and I almost couldn’t put the book down. I was even trying to figure things out with Gracie a lot of the time.
The writing style in this novel also has a way of bringing the reader in as if they were experiencing the events, which was done often through the characters themselves. The strength of Gracie’s emotions worked well with the thriller aspect and created a connection between character and reader. I truly felt stressed in her moments of fear and proud in her moments of empowerment. The characters just felt so real and close. I will also say that our main character was easy to relate to early as I’ve been in her shoes as a college freshman.
The one thing I am still on the fence about is how I feel about the ending. To keep this spoiler free, I won’t reveal specifics, but I don’t know if I enjoyed it necessarily with this story. I do often like conclusions similar to this one, but I still find myself sitting here and wanting more answers. I’m gonna let myself sit with it for a bit!
I would definitely recommend this book as well as read it again in the future! Watch out for its release on September 1, 2026! <3
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I had so much fun reading this book! When Simon approached me, I knew that the plot was right up my alley, but what I did not expect was to become as fully invested as I was. The action started pretty swiftly, and I was constantly on the edge of my seat wondering what was going on. There were so many layers of odd events happening to our main character, but as they slowly came together I was brought further into this world and Gracie’s life. The tension surrounding everything was built well throughout and I almost couldn’t put the book down. I was even trying to figure things out with Gracie a lot of the time.
The writing style in this novel also has a way of bringing the reader in as if they were experiencing the events, which was done often through the characters themselves. The strength of Gracie’s emotions worked well with the thriller aspect and created a connection between character and reader. I truly felt stressed in her moments of fear and proud in her moments of empowerment. The characters just felt so real and close. I will also say that our main character was easy to relate to early as I’ve been in her shoes as a college freshman.
The one thing I am still on the fence about is how I feel about the ending. To keep this spoiler free, I won’t reveal specifics, but I don’t know if I enjoyed it necessarily with this story. I do often like conclusions similar to this one, but I still find myself sitting here and wanting more answers. I’m gonna let myself sit with it for a bit!
I would definitely recommend this book as well as read it again in the future! Watch out for its release on September 1, 2026! <3
October 7, 2026
Took a bit too long to get interesting..
June 22, 2026
Gracie Boone sees a hooded figure watching her from outside of her dorm room window on her very first night away from home. Everyone laughs it off except Gracie, who knows what she saw. And that’s just the beginning.
This book grabbed me immediately and did not let go. The storytelling was fantastic and I felt like I was right there in Gracie’s world for the whole ride. The chapters are on the longer side, but I barely noticed because I was so caught up in the plot.
There are several layers to the mystery, and as soon as I had one answer, I found myself racing toward the next. There were definitely some tense moments and I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough.
In Their Eyes had me turning pages way past my bedtime and I had to stop to pick my jaw up off of the floor more than once. Definitely check this one out!
This book grabbed me immediately and did not let go. The storytelling was fantastic and I felt like I was right there in Gracie’s world for the whole ride. The chapters are on the longer side, but I barely noticed because I was so caught up in the plot.
There are several layers to the mystery, and as soon as I had one answer, I found myself racing toward the next. There were definitely some tense moments and I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough.
In Their Eyes had me turning pages way past my bedtime and I had to stop to pick my jaw up off of the floor more than once. Definitely check this one out!
September 13, 2026
I’m still reeling. I enjoyed this book so much. I loved the characters (even though some were infuriating and I wanted to smack them upside the head), the concept was unique, and it had excellent plot development. The end?!?!? Mr. Godin…we need to chat…I have questions. 🤓
September 15, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ | 2 🔪
This ended up being a really strong debut. I wasn’t totally sure I’d end up finishing this one due to the level of exposition in the beginning of the book. If you stick through the first 20% , you’ll be glad you did. This is a really good thriller/horror crossover, and would highly recommend for readers looking to get into the genre!
Thanks to the author for sending an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This ended up being a really strong debut. I wasn’t totally sure I’d end up finishing this one due to the level of exposition in the beginning of the book. If you stick through the first 20% , you’ll be glad you did. This is a really good thriller/horror crossover, and would highly recommend for readers looking to get into the genre!
Thanks to the author for sending an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 27, 2026
In Their Eyes grabbed me almost immediately because it doesn’t rely on cheap scares to create tension. Instead, it slowly builds an unsettling sense that something is fundamentally wrong, and it keeps you questioning what is real right alongside Gracie. I became invested in her from the opening chapters because she feels like an actual eighteen-year-old trying to navigate university, loneliness, grief, first independence, and the desperate need to fit in. Those grounded emotions make every strange event hit even harder. The journal entries were one of my favorite parts because they let me experience her fears and self-doubt firsthand rather than simply being told about them.
What really stood out to me was how the novel blends psychological suspense with mystery. Instead of racing from scare to scare, it patiently layers clues about Gracie’s identity, the Hooded Figure, Raven, and the missing Margaret Webber until the revelations begin falling into place. Some twists genuinely caught me off guard, especially as the mystery surrounding Maggie evolved into something much bigger than I initially expected. The emotional moments landed just as well as the suspense, particularly Gracie’s struggles with trust, trauma, and trying to determine whether her own memories can be believed. The book tackles heavy themes without losing sight of the human relationships at its center.
My only minor criticism is that the deliberate pacing in the middle may feel slow for readers expecting nonstop horror or action. The story spends a lot of time developing relationships and psychological uncertainty before delivering its biggest payoffs. For me, that patience was worthwhile because the ending felt earned rather than rushed, and I walked away thinking about the characters long after finishing the final page. If you’re looking for a horror novel filled with atmosphere, emotional weight, psychological tension, and a mystery that constantly makes you second-guess yourself, In Their Eyes is an easy recommendation. It earned 5 out of 5 stars from me because it succeeds as both an emotionally engaging coming-of-age story and a genuinely unsettling psychological thriller.
What really stood out to me was how the novel blends psychological suspense with mystery. Instead of racing from scare to scare, it patiently layers clues about Gracie’s identity, the Hooded Figure, Raven, and the missing Margaret Webber until the revelations begin falling into place. Some twists genuinely caught me off guard, especially as the mystery surrounding Maggie evolved into something much bigger than I initially expected. The emotional moments landed just as well as the suspense, particularly Gracie’s struggles with trust, trauma, and trying to determine whether her own memories can be believed. The book tackles heavy themes without losing sight of the human relationships at its center.
My only minor criticism is that the deliberate pacing in the middle may feel slow for readers expecting nonstop horror or action. The story spends a lot of time developing relationships and psychological uncertainty before delivering its biggest payoffs. For me, that patience was worthwhile because the ending felt earned rather than rushed, and I walked away thinking about the characters long after finishing the final page. If you’re looking for a horror novel filled with atmosphere, emotional weight, psychological tension, and a mystery that constantly makes you second-guess yourself, In Their Eyes is an easy recommendation. It earned 5 out of 5 stars from me because it succeeds as both an emotionally engaging coming-of-age story and a genuinely unsettling psychological thriller.
July 9, 2026
Received an eARC from the author and here are my honest thoughts.
Gracie is from a small town and was raised by a single dad. Upon graduation, she moved about two hours away from her home to go to college. Quickly though, she starts feeling uneasy as she notices a shadowy figure watching her. She confides in her roommate, and in turn, her roommate shows her something that completely shifts her world. Gracie doesn’t know who to trust, so she sets out on a journey to find out for herself.
4.5 stars rounded up! I was completely surprised by how this story managed to pull me in! Starting off, I was expecting a tame thriller about a college kid, more along the lines of YA and college drama. About a third of the way in though, things took a wild turn and I was completely hooked. I don’t want to spoil anything so you may need to read it to find out.
But that’s not it! The twists and revelations just keep coming, I feel like I’m getting slapped around left and right. Maybe unreliable narrator, but also, I trust no one. Everyone seems to be hiding something, and eventually the cracks start showing. Starting small with the girls across the hall, then Stephen… and yeah. Gracie is 18, but her troubles are definitely aging her prematurely.
The ending though, man! I want more! I don’t necessarily need concrete answers all the time but this is one of those times. I grew rather fond of Gracie, so I would have loved to see her get the ending she deserved, though with everything that happened… idk, life is tough.
Gracie is from a small town and was raised by a single dad. Upon graduation, she moved about two hours away from her home to go to college. Quickly though, she starts feeling uneasy as she notices a shadowy figure watching her. She confides in her roommate, and in turn, her roommate shows her something that completely shifts her world. Gracie doesn’t know who to trust, so she sets out on a journey to find out for herself.
4.5 stars rounded up! I was completely surprised by how this story managed to pull me in! Starting off, I was expecting a tame thriller about a college kid, more along the lines of YA and college drama. About a third of the way in though, things took a wild turn and I was completely hooked. I don’t want to spoil anything so you may need to read it to find out.
But that’s not it! The twists and revelations just keep coming, I feel like I’m getting slapped around left and right. Maybe unreliable narrator, but also, I trust no one. Everyone seems to be hiding something, and eventually the cracks start showing. Starting small with the girls across the hall, then Stephen… and yeah. Gracie is 18, but her troubles are definitely aging her prematurely.
The ending though, man! I want more! I don’t necessarily need concrete answers all the time but this is one of those times. I grew rather fond of Gracie, so I would have loved to see her get the ending she deserved, though with everything that happened… idk, life is tough.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When people show you who they are, believe them. However, after reading In Their Eyes, I don’t know who or what to believe.
Thank you to the author, Simon F. Godin, and Eerie Pines Press for the advanced reader’s copy of In Their Eyes. This is Simon’s debut novel and will be published in September 2026.
This follows the journey of Gracie Boone as she navigates life in her first year of university in a small town yet larger than the town she was raised. After some strange occurrences, she begins to question, well, everything. Friends, family, relationships and her existence.
After reading two-thirds of this book, I began questioning those very same things. What is and isn’t real? It’s during one particular scene when it almost begins to make sense.
As an ARC reader, I’ve read books by independent authors and those more established. I find that the writing from independent authors to be significantly more polished than the more established authors. This was no exception as it was superbly written and well plotted.
This was a psychological thriller that progresses steadily from chapter to chapter. The tension doesn’t stop building even once we get to the end. As one question gets answered, you have a plethora of more questions.
It was an absolute five-star mind-bender that makes you question reality. I think it’s a testament to a great story when after reading 350+ pages you still want more.
Thank you to the author, Simon F. Godin, and Eerie Pines Press for the advanced reader’s copy of In Their Eyes. This is Simon’s debut novel and will be published in September 2026.
This follows the journey of Gracie Boone as she navigates life in her first year of university in a small town yet larger than the town she was raised. After some strange occurrences, she begins to question, well, everything. Friends, family, relationships and her existence.
After reading two-thirds of this book, I began questioning those very same things. What is and isn’t real? It’s during one particular scene when it almost begins to make sense.
As an ARC reader, I’ve read books by independent authors and those more established. I find that the writing from independent authors to be significantly more polished than the more established authors. This was no exception as it was superbly written and well plotted.
This was a psychological thriller that progresses steadily from chapter to chapter. The tension doesn’t stop building even once we get to the end. As one question gets answered, you have a plethora of more questions.
It was an absolute five-star mind-bender that makes you question reality. I think it’s a testament to a great story when after reading 350+ pages you still want more.
August 2, 2026
First thing I have to say is wow, what an impressive debut novel this is. This is how you write a psychological thriller.
I can’t remember the last time I was gripped so hard by a book; it literally had me in a choke hold. Like everyone, I value my sleep. Normally, I fall asleep after a 12-hour shift with my Kindle in hand; however, this one had me up to the early hours! I just needed to know what was going to happen. The tension in some parts of the book had me truly on edge to the point where I could not put it down
The hooded figure
The weekend back home
The black marks on the photographs
The tape recorder
The twists and turns had my mind in overdrive, and they were all perfectly executed. It’s like we were fed the pieces bit by bit, and we, too, had to solve the puzzle of what the hell was going on and where this would end up. I certainly did not see it coming.
Simon really nailed the psychological aspect of the story, and the writing was excellent, with all the characters being so well written.
Thank you, Simon, for allowing me to read this as an ARC. I can’t wait to see what you do next, but for sure this one will stick with me for a long time.
An absolute 5 star read.
Now I need to decompress and catch up on some sleep.
I can’t remember the last time I was gripped so hard by a book; it literally had me in a choke hold. Like everyone, I value my sleep. Normally, I fall asleep after a 12-hour shift with my Kindle in hand; however, this one had me up to the early hours! I just needed to know what was going to happen. The tension in some parts of the book had me truly on edge to the point where I could not put it down
The hooded figure
The weekend back home
The black marks on the photographs
The tape recorder
The twists and turns had my mind in overdrive, and they were all perfectly executed. It’s like we were fed the pieces bit by bit, and we, too, had to solve the puzzle of what the hell was going on and where this would end up. I certainly did not see it coming.
Simon really nailed the psychological aspect of the story, and the writing was excellent, with all the characters being so well written.
Thank you, Simon, for allowing me to read this as an ARC. I can’t wait to see what you do next, but for sure this one will stick with me for a long time.
An absolute 5 star read.
Now I need to decompress and catch up on some sleep.
August 10, 2026
What a debut!
Gracie's life seems safe and settled until she moves into her university dorm and starts seeing a motionless figure watching her from outside her window. No one else sees it, and no one believes her.
Then Gracie discovers evidence suggesting she may have been abducted as a child by the hometown police chief—the man she has always called Dad. As her paranoia grows, she sets out to uncover the truth about her past and who is really watching her.
This was such a slow-burn, mind-bending psychological thriller/horror that had me turning the pages faster and faster.
The paranoia and tension build so well, with a creepy, unsettling atmosphere that had me questioning everything right alongside Gracie. I thought the unreliable narrator was done brilliantly—you’re uncovering the truth along with her, never quite sure what to believe.
A real “what is actually going on here?!” kind of read. 🤯 The more Gracie uncovers, the more twisted it gets, and by the end I was left wanting answers... and possibly a sequel!
Simon, we need a sequel! 😂
Thank you for reaching out and sending me an ARC. What a fab debut! 🙌🏻
📚 Out 15th September 2026 — keep your eyes out for this one! 👀😉
Gracie's life seems safe and settled until she moves into her university dorm and starts seeing a motionless figure watching her from outside her window. No one else sees it, and no one believes her.
Then Gracie discovers evidence suggesting she may have been abducted as a child by the hometown police chief—the man she has always called Dad. As her paranoia grows, she sets out to uncover the truth about her past and who is really watching her.
This was such a slow-burn, mind-bending psychological thriller/horror that had me turning the pages faster and faster.
The paranoia and tension build so well, with a creepy, unsettling atmosphere that had me questioning everything right alongside Gracie. I thought the unreliable narrator was done brilliantly—you’re uncovering the truth along with her, never quite sure what to believe.
A real “what is actually going on here?!” kind of read. 🤯 The more Gracie uncovers, the more twisted it gets, and by the end I was left wanting answers... and possibly a sequel!
Simon, we need a sequel! 😂
Thank you for reaching out and sending me an ARC. What a fab debut! 🙌🏻
📚 Out 15th September 2026 — keep your eyes out for this one! 👀😉
August 26, 2026
In Their Eyes 👀
Ohhh what a pleasure it was to read this!! It was a whole lot of mind games & the detective skills came out to play! I was here for it 😮💨🤯
Gracie Boone has lived a very comfortable & quiet life in her small town with her dad & boyfriend, Stephen. She got the grades for University & is ready for this little adventure outside of her comfort zone
Moving into the dorms & being away from home for the first time in 18 years felt a little daunting but she was determined to make the most out of it & try experience the uni life!
But very soon strange things start occurring, she sees a faceless strange man watching her outside of her window & her room mate comes to her with evidence that Gracie may actually be a missing child named Maggie who was abducted at the age of 4?
Gracie needs answers before she spirals, her paranoia is making it hard for her to see what’s real & what’s purely her imagination…
Oh this was sooo good & so so twisty!! It kept me on my toes. I was trying to play detective & figure it out the whole way through! Whenever I thought one thing, another would happen to prove I was wrong & I was back to square one 🕵️♀️😅
My only critique is, I’m so MAD at how it ended!! She went through all of that for the ending to just end with no epilogue & no answers! I need answers?!! Is there going to be a second book with what happened next? 🤔
This being Simon’s debut is crazy to me! I vibed with the writing & I instantly knew that I’d enjoy it. So I look forward to what’s next!
Releasing 15th September, thank you so much for the ARC it was a pleasure 🫶🏻🤎
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ohhh what a pleasure it was to read this!! It was a whole lot of mind games & the detective skills came out to play! I was here for it 😮💨🤯
Gracie Boone has lived a very comfortable & quiet life in her small town with her dad & boyfriend, Stephen. She got the grades for University & is ready for this little adventure outside of her comfort zone
Moving into the dorms & being away from home for the first time in 18 years felt a little daunting but she was determined to make the most out of it & try experience the uni life!
But very soon strange things start occurring, she sees a faceless strange man watching her outside of her window & her room mate comes to her with evidence that Gracie may actually be a missing child named Maggie who was abducted at the age of 4?
Gracie needs answers before she spirals, her paranoia is making it hard for her to see what’s real & what’s purely her imagination…
Oh this was sooo good & so so twisty!! It kept me on my toes. I was trying to play detective & figure it out the whole way through! Whenever I thought one thing, another would happen to prove I was wrong & I was back to square one 🕵️♀️😅
My only critique is, I’m so MAD at how it ended!! She went through all of that for the ending to just end with no epilogue & no answers! I need answers?!! Is there going to be a second book with what happened next? 🤔
This being Simon’s debut is crazy to me! I vibed with the writing & I instantly knew that I’d enjoy it. So I look forward to what’s next!
Releasing 15th September, thank you so much for the ARC it was a pleasure 🫶🏻🤎
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 27, 2026
In Their Eyes by Simon F. Godin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Once I got about halfway through this book, I could not put it down. The things that started happening had me completely invested, and I just had to know what was going to happen next. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something else would happen and leave me shocked.
And that LAST CHAPTER?! 😳 It really about took me OUT. I was not expecting it at all!
Definitely a 5/5 for me and I would absolutely recommend this book if you love suspense, twists, and a story that keeps you guessing! I finished this book in less than a week! Def worth the read📖🤎
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Once I got about halfway through this book, I could not put it down. The things that started happening had me completely invested, and I just had to know what was going to happen next. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something else would happen and leave me shocked.
And that LAST CHAPTER?! 😳 It really about took me OUT. I was not expecting it at all!
Definitely a 5/5 for me and I would absolutely recommend this book if you love suspense, twists, and a story that keeps you guessing! I finished this book in less than a week! Def worth the read📖🤎
October 1, 2026
I wanna start by saying that this really is a good debut and that the idea behind the plot/the beats are very cool and inventive. It’s an amazing concept, but the craft of the some of the internal monologue and dialogue between characters could use some work. I wish I’d gotten to know the characters more deeply, and that they felt more real and grounded. I wanted to hear more about their feelings and the gravity of the crazy events that unfold…but this author clearly has a lot of potential and some of the concepts here (I won’t spoil) were really unique and touching. With a sharpened craft I’m sure they will have a very successful career and look forward to following it :)
July 14, 2026
E arc review rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Gracie Boone heads off to college expecting a fresh start, but it doesn’t take long for things to feel off. Strange events, unanswered questions, and secrets lurking beneath the surface leave her questioning what’s real and who she can trust.
I loved how the story kept me guessing and made me feel just as unsettled as Gracie. It’s definitely a slow-burn thriller, with the tension building until I was completely hooked. And that ending? I was on the edge of my seat! Such amazing writing!
I loved how the story kept me guessing and made me feel just as unsettled as Gracie. It’s definitely a slow-burn thriller, with the tension building until I was completely hooked. And that ending? I was on the edge of my seat! Such amazing writing!
August 23, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an early copy of his debut novel! I love psychological thrillers and this delivered on that front. It took a minute to get into it but at a certain point I was locked in til the end. I wasn’t sure where the story was going and how it was all going to wrap up which I enjoyed. One thing I almost couldn’t get past was how much I disliked all of the characters, including Gracie. There was a little too much of a teen drama feel for me. And while I don’t mind an ambiguous ending, in this case I wanted it to lean more in a definitive direction given the whole journey the character went through. I would look to see what this author does next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I think that the blurb perfectly describes this book as a "gripping slow-burn psychological horror filled with paranoia, suspense, and emotional tension", a debut by Canadian novelist, Simon F. Godin.
I know that some readers can be impatient when the build-up is slower, but I love it when there's visible good planning behind it, unpredictable twists, and a great pay-off. This story seemingly starts innocently, but one reveal after another, it comes to an unexpected culmination, with an end that's somehow perfectly open to interpretation.
We follow Gracie, who's just started university, but we track the story via mixed media that includes journal entries, text messages, and article pieces, which all enrich the story, creating a realistic, immersive experience.
Gracie very soon starts seeing things that make her distrust her own eyes and senses, finds information that makes her suspicious about her father and his intentions, and by the end, it becomes hard to know who and what to trust as we keep unwilling details about her past.
I loved the psychological slow burn and the gradual erosion of trust that happened in this book, as well as the open ending. I know not everyone can be satisfied without getting full closure on a story, but I think that this one wouldn't have kept its value if it had been any different.
I thank the author, Simon F. Godin, and Eerie Pine Press for granting me access to an advance reading copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I know that some readers can be impatient when the build-up is slower, but I love it when there's visible good planning behind it, unpredictable twists, and a great pay-off. This story seemingly starts innocently, but one reveal after another, it comes to an unexpected culmination, with an end that's somehow perfectly open to interpretation.
We follow Gracie, who's just started university, but we track the story via mixed media that includes journal entries, text messages, and article pieces, which all enrich the story, creating a realistic, immersive experience.
Gracie very soon starts seeing things that make her distrust her own eyes and senses, finds information that makes her suspicious about her father and his intentions, and by the end, it becomes hard to know who and what to trust as we keep unwilling details about her past.
I loved the psychological slow burn and the gradual erosion of trust that happened in this book, as well as the open ending. I know not everyone can be satisfied without getting full closure on a story, but I think that this one wouldn't have kept its value if it had been any different.
I thank the author, Simon F. Godin, and Eerie Pine Press for granting me access to an advance reading copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
September 17, 2026
I was soo excited for this read but it let me down. I found this to be a slow burn which bored me. Had no clue what this book was about going into it but i definitely did not like it. Gracie(who is making up people and wonders what is real and what isnt) finds herself obsessed over a girl named Maggie Webber and wants to find out what happened to her. A few twists and turns happen but nothing too shocking or great. Overall a disappointing read for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2026
Excuse my French but… what a mindfuck this book was… 🤯 every time I thought I knew what was to come next, I was proven wrong and I can’t speak enough about the many goosebumps I had while reading! Such an amazing debut 😁
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