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Her Watchful Eye
The GRIPPING new thriller, from the author of What Goes Around.
Do you ever feel that prickle on the back of your neck, as though someone's watching you?
Someone is watching Hannah.
Her name is Ruby, and her job as CCTV operative means she can follow Hannah everywhere she goes.
It's against the law, but Ruby is willing to do whatever is necessary to keep Hannah safe.
And there's no harm in just watching.
Until just watching isn't enough . . .
So the next time you get that feeling, and you think you're alone . . . think again.
Do you ever feel that prickle on the back of your neck, as though someone's watching you?
Someone is watching Hannah.
Her name is Ruby, and her job as CCTV operative means she can follow Hannah everywhere she goes.
It's against the law, but Ruby is willing to do whatever is necessary to keep Hannah safe.
And there's no harm in just watching.
Until just watching isn't enough . . .
So the next time you get that feeling, and you think you're alone . . . think again.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2018
About the author
Julie Corbin
16 books116 followersJulie Corbin was born and grew up in Scotland. She studied at Edinburgh University and has been working for over twenty years as a nurse in various specialities including neurosurgery and school nursing. She began writing seriously when her three sons were teenagers. She lives in East Sussex, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 10, 2023
4.5 rounded up. Soft, niche banger alert
SYNOPSIS
Ruby is a CCTV Operator who starts creepin on someone she shouldn't be creepin on... Chaos ensues.
MY OPINION
First of all, I wanna thank all the lovely Goodreaders who left such lovely comments/DMs. Tysm for the support. I'm back quicker than I anticipated, but tbh reading and stalking ya'll keeps me from marinating in my own sadness. Fyi adoption is at the core of this story, so if this is a sensitive area for you... proceed with caution. I can't say if it was handled well due to my lack of knowledge/experience.
First things first, Julie Corbin can WRITE. Damn. She was writing her cheekies off. This was literary suspense in all its glory. No winding, melodramatic similes. Just using the ole faithfuls aka sentence fragments and group of 3s. She killed the dialogue too. Very realistic and the bants were bantering. If you liked the prose in The Loyalties, Greenwich Park, and An Inconvenient Woman and don't mind a more character driven suspense vs buckwild thriller, pick this up.
Not only was the prose doing the damn thing, but the plot was unique as well. I really enjoyed learning fun facts about CCTV and how it can be used in real-time to solve/prevent crime. If you're interested in thrillers that involve CCTV (very niche lol), I highly recommend watching The Capture on Amazon Prime. A MFN BANGER!!!!!! Anyways... I thought this was a unique lens for a domestic-ish thriller that I hadn't seen before, so it had a hoe engaged.
Now ya'll know I love bitching about bad endings/epilogues, but this was the rare time where an author covered a lot of ground without it feeling bum rushed. This is no easy feat. And she stayed away from a last min Hail Mary twist that attempts to shock a reader into a better rating. This followed the course and was "realistic" I guess. Well done.
FYI I did issue the soft, niche banger alert, because this isn't a book I'd recommend with my full chest a la Amen Maxine. I can def see people thinking this is boring, slow, too character focused, etc. Diff strokes for diff folks but don't come in my dms trying to beef me about this book if you like Verity (respectfully). Know your tastes pls 😂
PROS AND CONS
Pros: PROSE ON PIZZZOINTTTT, unique take on a domestic-ish suspense, dialogue was top tier, solid ending that made sense, felt what you were supposed to feel, complex well-drawn characters
Cons: first 50% was mostly foundational stuff, I would've liked more juiciness earlier on
SYNOPSIS
Ruby is a CCTV Operator who starts creepin on someone she shouldn't be creepin on... Chaos ensues.
MY OPINION
First of all, I wanna thank all the lovely Goodreaders who left such lovely comments/DMs. Tysm for the support. I'm back quicker than I anticipated, but tbh reading and stalking ya'll keeps me from marinating in my own sadness. Fyi adoption is at the core of this story, so if this is a sensitive area for you... proceed with caution. I can't say if it was handled well due to my lack of knowledge/experience.
First things first, Julie Corbin can WRITE. Damn. She was writing her cheekies off. This was literary suspense in all its glory. No winding, melodramatic similes. Just using the ole faithfuls aka sentence fragments and group of 3s. She killed the dialogue too. Very realistic and the bants were bantering. If you liked the prose in The Loyalties, Greenwich Park, and An Inconvenient Woman and don't mind a more character driven suspense vs buckwild thriller, pick this up.
Not only was the prose doing the damn thing, but the plot was unique as well. I really enjoyed learning fun facts about CCTV and how it can be used in real-time to solve/prevent crime. If you're interested in thrillers that involve CCTV (very niche lol), I highly recommend watching The Capture on Amazon Prime. A MFN BANGER!!!!!! Anyways... I thought this was a unique lens for a domestic-ish thriller that I hadn't seen before, so it had a hoe engaged.
Now ya'll know I love bitching about bad endings/epilogues, but this was the rare time where an author covered a lot of ground without it feeling bum rushed. This is no easy feat. And she stayed away from a last min Hail Mary twist that attempts to shock a reader into a better rating. This followed the course and was "realistic" I guess. Well done.
FYI I did issue the soft, niche banger alert, because this isn't a book I'd recommend with my full chest a la Amen Maxine. I can def see people thinking this is boring, slow, too character focused, etc. Diff strokes for diff folks but don't come in my dms trying to beef me about this book if you like Verity (respectfully). Know your tastes pls 😂
PROS AND CONS
Pros: PROSE ON PIZZZOINTTTT, unique take on a domestic-ish suspense, dialogue was top tier, solid ending that made sense, felt what you were supposed to feel, complex well-drawn characters
Cons: first 50% was mostly foundational stuff, I would've liked more juiciness earlier on
January 23, 2019
Ruby an ex cop works in a CCTV centre, constantly watching the outside world and helping out the police. She works on the night shift with Lennie her friend and is getting over the death of her husband Grant to Cancer.
Whilst working she spots Hannah, the baby she gave away for adoption. She knows it’s illegal and immoral but she can’t help but keep watching her!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it has secrets, lies and murder that kept me guessing until till the end. Makes you realise whilst you are out doing everyday tasks that big brother is always watching you!!
A must read. My favourite books are the one’s where you think you know where the story is going and then the Author takes you on a different road, this book definitely ticks that box.
I haven’t read a Julie Corbin book before but will definitely be looking for her other books.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Whilst working she spots Hannah, the baby she gave away for adoption. She knows it’s illegal and immoral but she can’t help but keep watching her!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it has secrets, lies and murder that kept me guessing until till the end. Makes you realise whilst you are out doing everyday tasks that big brother is always watching you!!
A must read. My favourite books are the one’s where you think you know where the story is going and then the Author takes you on a different road, this book definitely ticks that box.
I haven’t read a Julie Corbin book before but will definitely be looking for her other books.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
September 17, 2018
Someone is watching Hannah. Her name is Ruby, and her job as a CCTV operative means she can follow Hannah everywhere she goes. It's against the law, but Ruby is willing to do whatever necessary to keep Hannh safe.
Ruby is an ex-policewoman who now works in the Edinburgh CCTV Control room where strict protocol have to be followed. She is emotionally fragile due to a number of things that have happened in her past. Then she sees someone from her past that she has not seen for five years. Lennie is her work colleague and her best friend. They make the most of their time working together. But Ruby starts stalking Hannah. Just why is Ruby doing this and just how far will she go?
We learn a lot about CCTV and how it operates . We quickly learn that there is something in Ruby's past that still haunts her. The underlying mystery element to this story keeps you turning the pages just to find out exactly why Ruby is following Hannah. The story is full of secrets, lies, violence, intrigue, murder and stalking. It's also a bit creepy at times. Just when you think you know what's happening and where the story is going, the author changes direction. The book has a gripping storyline that's spoiled by the ending as its a bit far fetched. I'm sure there will be readers who will enjoy the ending. It would have been five stars if the ending was better.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author Julie Corbin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ruby is an ex-policewoman who now works in the Edinburgh CCTV Control room where strict protocol have to be followed. She is emotionally fragile due to a number of things that have happened in her past. Then she sees someone from her past that she has not seen for five years. Lennie is her work colleague and her best friend. They make the most of their time working together. But Ruby starts stalking Hannah. Just why is Ruby doing this and just how far will she go?
We learn a lot about CCTV and how it operates . We quickly learn that there is something in Ruby's past that still haunts her. The underlying mystery element to this story keeps you turning the pages just to find out exactly why Ruby is following Hannah. The story is full of secrets, lies, violence, intrigue, murder and stalking. It's also a bit creepy at times. Just when you think you know what's happening and where the story is going, the author changes direction. The book has a gripping storyline that's spoiled by the ending as its a bit far fetched. I'm sure there will be readers who will enjoy the ending. It would have been five stars if the ending was better.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author Julie Corbin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2023
My Rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ had a bit of everything, bit niche and unique really enjoyable!!!
Do you ever look around, sure that someone is watching you, or standing too close only to be mistaken - shake off the feeling and keep moving with your day??
Someone is watching Hannah though… watching her every move, making sure shes safe, it’s her job isn’t it??
Ruby is a CCTV operative, she could get sacked or jailed for her misuse of the system… but she needs to keep an eye on Hannah… she isn’t harming her… shes not going to approach her… yet! What happens when watching isn’t enough?
Boy oh Boy did I ever need a 5 star after that last stanktastic book I read. AND once again I need to thank my good friend GirlWithThePinkSkiMask for coming through with her‘soft banger alert’ that she issued and confirm that indeed it was a fantastic book.
This isn’t going to be for everyone, although I really think it should be.. but if you are after the Fast and Furious action packed thriller then perhaps this one won’t be for you.
I was completely immersed in this story and once again I finally found a good book and devoured it in a few days… so now I am back to not having picked another book… but that is another me issue.
The writing was fantastic, I loved the short sentences, the chapters were a little long in some sections but that was fine because I couldn’t stop reading it anyway. I loved that we were drip fed the story, not everything was spelt out for the reader, I did not have my figurative hand held and I enjoy that. I like to find out what is going to unfold. Especially since this was a bit of a slow burn you had to wait and be patient to find out the ins and outs of the story. I really enjoyed that….
It was told from multiple POVs and I as you I know I am sucker for that but if you need the heading of who is who at the top you aren’t going to get that… it is super simple to figure it out so if you get confused then I don’t know what to tell you… just keep reading cause it will become apparent who is who very quickly.
I really liked all the main characters even though they were all flawed and had some questionable behaviour along the way. Ruby’s story broke my heart, and Lennie was a fantastic friend all the way throughout what a great guy he was with no ill intentions just being a good best mate I found that really humbling and such a nice change of pace. None of this oh hey sure I’ll be your bestie but you gotta give me a bit of somethin’ somethin’ on the side… no way he was true salt of the earth.
Hannah is damaged and in need of … well I don’t want to give the story away but she needs what she needs and she is young and doing various dangerous things to try and get that ‘high’ she needs to fill a void… much like Ruby… who is playing with fire on the CCTV but she cannot stop…
This was really unique, the use of CCTV was something I haven’t read before and from what I understand from the authors note she did real research into the process and how much that CCTV operators actually do which I thought added a really great touch of realism. The story is set in Edinburgh, Scotland - so it was nice to have a story set in a different part of the world. It wasn’t super apparent that this was Scottish but I did enjoy the different style the author used.
As mentioned earlier this one wont be for everyone - so if you are looking for lots of action, kills and spills then you wont find it here. There is action but its soft action… there is tension that builds and you find yourself thinking back to the prologue as the story unfolds and I was going to myself omg… who was that about… you do find out but its slowly slowly but lots is definitely happening.
I made assumptions and was pleasantly surprised with twists and turns I was completely engaged and I will be checking out the authors other work.
Overall - would I recommend - YES But, with the caveat of the above “might not be for everyone” warning. But there is no harm in trying something new and the writing is truly top shelf so yes I would recommend it and I hope you enjoy it. Again thank you to Pink for the great recommendation you truly never steer me wrong 💖
Happy Reading Friends 💛
Do you ever look around, sure that someone is watching you, or standing too close only to be mistaken - shake off the feeling and keep moving with your day??
Someone is watching Hannah though… watching her every move, making sure shes safe, it’s her job isn’t it??
Ruby is a CCTV operative, she could get sacked or jailed for her misuse of the system… but she needs to keep an eye on Hannah… she isn’t harming her… shes not going to approach her… yet! What happens when watching isn’t enough?
Boy oh Boy did I ever need a 5 star after that last stanktastic book I read. AND once again I need to thank my good friend GirlWithThePinkSkiMask for coming through with her‘soft banger alert’ that she issued and confirm that indeed it was a fantastic book.
This isn’t going to be for everyone, although I really think it should be.. but if you are after the Fast and Furious action packed thriller then perhaps this one won’t be for you.
I was completely immersed in this story and once again I finally found a good book and devoured it in a few days… so now I am back to not having picked another book… but that is another me issue.
The writing was fantastic, I loved the short sentences, the chapters were a little long in some sections but that was fine because I couldn’t stop reading it anyway. I loved that we were drip fed the story, not everything was spelt out for the reader, I did not have my figurative hand held and I enjoy that. I like to find out what is going to unfold. Especially since this was a bit of a slow burn you had to wait and be patient to find out the ins and outs of the story. I really enjoyed that….
It was told from multiple POVs and I as you I know I am sucker for that but if you need the heading of who is who at the top you aren’t going to get that… it is super simple to figure it out so if you get confused then I don’t know what to tell you… just keep reading cause it will become apparent who is who very quickly.
I really liked all the main characters even though they were all flawed and had some questionable behaviour along the way. Ruby’s story broke my heart, and Lennie was a fantastic friend all the way throughout what a great guy he was with no ill intentions just being a good best mate I found that really humbling and such a nice change of pace. None of this oh hey sure I’ll be your bestie but you gotta give me a bit of somethin’ somethin’ on the side… no way he was true salt of the earth.
Hannah is damaged and in need of … well I don’t want to give the story away but she needs what she needs and she is young and doing various dangerous things to try and get that ‘high’ she needs to fill a void… much like Ruby… who is playing with fire on the CCTV but she cannot stop…
This was really unique, the use of CCTV was something I haven’t read before and from what I understand from the authors note she did real research into the process and how much that CCTV operators actually do which I thought added a really great touch of realism. The story is set in Edinburgh, Scotland - so it was nice to have a story set in a different part of the world. It wasn’t super apparent that this was Scottish but I did enjoy the different style the author used.
As mentioned earlier this one wont be for everyone - so if you are looking for lots of action, kills and spills then you wont find it here. There is action but its soft action… there is tension that builds and you find yourself thinking back to the prologue as the story unfolds and I was going to myself omg… who was that about… you do find out but its slowly slowly but lots is definitely happening.
I made assumptions and was pleasantly surprised with twists and turns I was completely engaged and I will be checking out the authors other work.
Overall - would I recommend - YES But, with the caveat of the above “might not be for everyone” warning. But there is no harm in trying something new and the writing is truly top shelf so yes I would recommend it and I hope you enjoy it. Again thank you to Pink for the great recommendation you truly never steer me wrong 💖
Happy Reading Friends 💛
September 13, 2018
If you want a book with twists and turns that keeps you on the edge of your seat, then look no further. Her Watchful Eye keeps you guessing from the get go. I devoured it in one day.
January 23, 2019
Ruby an ex cop works in a CCTV centre, constantly watching the outside world and helping out the police. She works on the night shift with Lennie her friend and is getting over the death of her husband Grant to Cancer.
Whilst working she spots Hannah, the baby she gave away for adoption. She knows it’s illegal and immoral but she can’t help but keep watching her!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it has secrets, lies and murder that kept me guessing until till the end. Makes you realise whilst you are out doing everyday tasks that big brother is always watching you!!
A must read. My favourite books are the one’s where you think you know where the story is going and then the Author takes you on a different road, this book definitely ticks that box.
I haven’t read a Julie Corbin book before but will definitely be looking for her other books.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Whilst working she spots Hannah, the baby she gave away for adoption. She knows it’s illegal and immoral but she can’t help but keep watching her!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it has secrets, lies and murder that kept me guessing until till the end. Makes you realise whilst you are out doing everyday tasks that big brother is always watching you!!
A must read. My favourite books are the one’s where you think you know where the story is going and then the Author takes you on a different road, this book definitely ticks that box.
I haven’t read a Julie Corbin book before but will definitely be looking for her other books.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
June 23, 2018
Her Watchful Eye was immediately absorbing, beautifully written with memorable characters and some very emotional moments.
Ruby is a damaged soul, her work as a CCTV operator allows her to keep an eye on Hannah- but why does she want to and what will happen if Ruby goes further…
There are some great themes here that the author explores extraordinarily well, both Ruby and Hannah are highly engaging. The true nature of their relationship comes to light over the course of the story and as it does it is ever more intriguing. This is a story about life choices and consequences, how we seek to resolve our past to secure our future, it is often thought provoking.
There is a lovely underlying mystery element, it is more one of character than anything else – you will want to keep reading to find out what happens to these two and those who are drawn into their vortex.
Overall I thought this was fantastic. I’ve loved Julie Corbin’ s other novels and this one might be my favourite so far.
Recommended.
Ruby is a damaged soul, her work as a CCTV operator allows her to keep an eye on Hannah- but why does she want to and what will happen if Ruby goes further…
There are some great themes here that the author explores extraordinarily well, both Ruby and Hannah are highly engaging. The true nature of their relationship comes to light over the course of the story and as it does it is ever more intriguing. This is a story about life choices and consequences, how we seek to resolve our past to secure our future, it is often thought provoking.
There is a lovely underlying mystery element, it is more one of character than anything else – you will want to keep reading to find out what happens to these two and those who are drawn into their vortex.
Overall I thought this was fantastic. I’ve loved Julie Corbin’ s other novels and this one might be my favourite so far.
Recommended.
October 2, 2018
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
Ex detective Ruby Romano worked as a CCTV operator on the night shift. She enjoyed working nights with her colleague and friend Lennie who was also a ex policeman, Ruby was lonely and vulnerable after the loss of her husband Grant to cancer.
One night Ruby spotted a young woman on CCTV waiting for a bus. When she had a good look she realised that the young woman was Hannah, the baby Ruby gave away for adoption when she was at university. When Hannah was fifteen Ruby had tracked Hannah down using police intelligence. Ruby went to Hannah`s house In the middle of the night but her parents called the police. Ruby was arrested for breach of the peace, she was not charged but the police made it clear she misused information and advised to b resign before she was sacked.
Ruby knew it Is against the law to put Hannah under surveillance but all she wanted to do was find out her about her life.. Soon Ruby started staking her and rented out a flat near to hers. However a stranger rings Hannah mobile and tells her Ruby Is following her. This caused a domino effect with deadly effects.
I enjoyed this book and read more than half the book in one setting. I found the work of a CCTV operator fascinating,, almost like being a fly on the wall.
I was initially annoyed by Ruby`s actions, but as her story developed I actually felt quite sorry for her. Like her mother Hannah was battling her own demons. Hannah was using drugs and was once an online troll..
My favourite character was Lennie, Ruby`s colleague and friend. Lennie was married and with five daughters with a baby boy on the way. Surrounded by women, Lennie had his own bat cave at the bottom of the garden where he could study for Master Mind , his long held ambition.
Her Watchful Eye was excellent with twists and turns a plenty. I could not believe how the story developed. Added to that I enjoyed the family dynamics of Ruby and Hannah`s families.
Her Watchful Eye Is not to be missed.
September 20, 2018
Well, this is another smash hit success for Julie Corbin. Her novels are always absorbing, with characters who have depth and are unforgettable, and there are some wonderfully poignant moments throughout this beautifully written story. I found this both heartbreaking and compelling, believable and thrilling. As with all of her other books, it's an original tale. I find that she has her own style of writing, which is incredibly rare these days. I can tell it's one of her novels by the flowing narrative.
The story revolves around, Ruby, a married CCTV operator whose innocent people watching turns into obsession when she spots a girl who she begins to follow all over the city right from the comfort of her CCTV hideout. It all ends in tears with one of them dead and the other imprisoned. Be warned, don't begin it until you have the time to finish it completely as you won't be able to put this down. There are so many elements that surely make this a bestseller in waiting! Unpredictable, pacy and memorable - everything you want in a thriller!
Many thanks to Mulholland Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
The story revolves around, Ruby, a married CCTV operator whose innocent people watching turns into obsession when she spots a girl who she begins to follow all over the city right from the comfort of her CCTV hideout. It all ends in tears with one of them dead and the other imprisoned. Be warned, don't begin it until you have the time to finish it completely as you won't be able to put this down. There are so many elements that surely make this a bestseller in waiting! Unpredictable, pacy and memorable - everything you want in a thriller!
Many thanks to Mulholland Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
June 7, 2018
A very interesting psychological thriller with an intriguing plot, 'Her Watchful Eye' held my attention throughout.
Ruby is a CCTV operator, monitoring the streets of Edinburgh. When she spots someone she knows, she becomes obsessed with following her, contrary to the rules of her job. As we learn about Ruby's background, the reason for her obsession becomes clear and as it starts to take over, her life takes a dramatic turn. There are good twists as the story progresses, and the characters and their actions are well described making for a really good read.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ruby is a CCTV operator, monitoring the streets of Edinburgh. When she spots someone she knows, she becomes obsessed with following her, contrary to the rules of her job. As we learn about Ruby's background, the reason for her obsession becomes clear and as it starts to take over, her life takes a dramatic turn. There are good twists as the story progresses, and the characters and their actions are well described making for a really good read.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2024
3.5 Stars
June 5, 2018
ave read and reviewed previous Julie Corbin novels so I knew I enjoyed the authors writing style but you never know 100% if the new book will live up to the high bar already set ( and in fact with 3 recent books/ authorsthis didn’t happen but thats other books, not this one!!) Soooooo after all that what Im saying is this book is great and lived up to my expectations
The book is set around Ruby an ex policewoman who now works in the Edinburgh CCTV suite, the insight into that work was fascinating and capable of a novel in itself, however there is a big backstory re Ruby and what has brought her to this job....then she sees someone on the CCTV she is monitoring that she hasn’t seen for 5 years......and then her life ‘implodes’ because of this and what happens next and throughout the book is a consequence of this.........lies, secrets, murder, stalking, lies, violence, intrigue, fascinating characters, lies and moments of ‘NOOOOOO’ as you realise the author and the story has wrong footed you AGAIN and yet more mystery is unfolding
A fascinating read that kept my attention, it requires your input as is not a throwaway 5 mins here and there book, it makes you think and question things and if you are affected or have been affected by any aspect of the book, as personally I was, it makes you question what is happening and why and how you would react.......
10/10 5 stars
The book is set around Ruby an ex policewoman who now works in the Edinburgh CCTV suite, the insight into that work was fascinating and capable of a novel in itself, however there is a big backstory re Ruby and what has brought her to this job....then she sees someone on the CCTV she is monitoring that she hasn’t seen for 5 years......and then her life ‘implodes’ because of this and what happens next and throughout the book is a consequence of this.........lies, secrets, murder, stalking, lies, violence, intrigue, fascinating characters, lies and moments of ‘NOOOOOO’ as you realise the author and the story has wrong footed you AGAIN and yet more mystery is unfolding
A fascinating read that kept my attention, it requires your input as is not a throwaway 5 mins here and there book, it makes you think and question things and if you are affected or have been affected by any aspect of the book, as personally I was, it makes you question what is happening and why and how you would react.......
10/10 5 stars
October 17, 2018
3.5 stars
Corbin does a great job with this novel. She grasps the theme of obsession in this novel and doesn’t let it go until the very end. You can almost say that she becomes obsessed with the theme of obsession (or not, maybe it’s just me).
I don’t know about you but I was very paranoid after reading this because the fact that someone out there could be watching your every move from a security camera is really creepy. But I can’t say that I didn’t enjoy the sense of paranoia, it was such a rush!
I was really invested in the novel and I can’t say that I lost interest at all. It did get a little slow throughout but the suspense was still there. I loved Ruby’s character. She was so enjoyable to read. Corbin builds us an obsessive character who will go to great lengths to get what she wants. And I mean great lengths. You won’t get the whole story until you read the whole book and as you read it you uncover the plot and you think “Maybe Ruby’s not that crazy.”
But thinks again because she is. But she has good reasoning for the things that she does. This was a nice paranoia thriller and if I’m being honest those are the best kinds. It simply lacked a little in terms of “thriller,” but it was a creeper for sure!
Thank you Mullholland Books and Hachette Book Group for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Corbin does a great job with this novel. She grasps the theme of obsession in this novel and doesn’t let it go until the very end. You can almost say that she becomes obsessed with the theme of obsession (or not, maybe it’s just me).
I don’t know about you but I was very paranoid after reading this because the fact that someone out there could be watching your every move from a security camera is really creepy. But I can’t say that I didn’t enjoy the sense of paranoia, it was such a rush!
I was really invested in the novel and I can’t say that I lost interest at all. It did get a little slow throughout but the suspense was still there. I loved Ruby’s character. She was so enjoyable to read. Corbin builds us an obsessive character who will go to great lengths to get what she wants. And I mean great lengths. You won’t get the whole story until you read the whole book and as you read it you uncover the plot and you think “Maybe Ruby’s not that crazy.”
But thinks again because she is. But she has good reasoning for the things that she does. This was a nice paranoia thriller and if I’m being honest those are the best kinds. It simply lacked a little in terms of “thriller,” but it was a creeper for sure!
Thank you Mullholland Books and Hachette Book Group for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 7, 2018
Ruby works in an Edinburgh CCTV control room where the camera misses very little and strict protocols have to be followed. She is emotionally fragile as a result of a number of wrong turnings she's taken in the past, but partnered at work by the wonderful Lennie she is making a success of things and is regarded as one of the senior, more reliable members of the team. Then she sees someone on camera she is not expecting to be there and all of a sudden her world is turned upside down as the past comes back to haunt her with a vengeance.
This is a terrific novel, Julie Corbin's 6th outing, and is bound to be welcomed with open arms by her growing army of fans. It is meticulously researched, the plotting is imaginative, the writing tight and compelling, and there are a number of clever twists which made me give a silent cheer as they crept up and mugged me. I have a feeling that army of admirers is about to take on a number of new recruits in the coming months. Definitely five star material.
This is a terrific novel, Julie Corbin's 6th outing, and is bound to be welcomed with open arms by her growing army of fans. It is meticulously researched, the plotting is imaginative, the writing tight and compelling, and there are a number of clever twists which made me give a silent cheer as they crept up and mugged me. I have a feeling that army of admirers is about to take on a number of new recruits in the coming months. Definitely five star material.
June 16, 2018
Excellent read from Julie Corbin. I was absolutely riveted by this book, it kept me awake at night as I had to finish it. Fantastic well written characters and plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing right up until the end.
Chilling and suspenseful, I recommend this book to psychological thriller fans and anyone who fancies a dark, gripping read. Definitely not one to miss out on!
Chilling and suspenseful, I recommend this book to psychological thriller fans and anyone who fancies a dark, gripping read. Definitely not one to miss out on!
August 27, 2021
Ruby lives alone in the house she once shared with her husband. By day she sleeps and by night she watches people. She’s a CCTV operator.
Someone is watching Hannah. Her name is Ruby, and her job as a CCTV operative means she can follow Hannah wherever she goes. It’s against the law, but that has never stopped Ruby before. And there’s no harm in just watching. Until just watching isn’t enough.
Ruby is an ex-cop with a secret past and a tortured soul. When she sees Hannah in her CCTV work, she knows she cannot pass it by; she must do whatever she can to protect Hannah. But why? Who is Hannah?
Someone is watching Hannah. Her name is Ruby, and her job as a CCTV operative means she can follow Hannah wherever she goes. It’s against the law, but that has never stopped Ruby before. And there’s no harm in just watching. Until just watching isn’t enough.
Ruby is an ex-cop with a secret past and a tortured soul. When she sees Hannah in her CCTV work, she knows she cannot pass it by; she must do whatever she can to protect Hannah. But why? Who is Hannah?
May 26, 2020
I absolutely love this author but found this one quite confusing and hard to get into at times.
March 8, 2022
Wow! Just wow!! Fantastic read!
October 2, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up.
Oooo, this was a little creepy but, at the same time, very educational indeed. I learned an awful lot about CCTV and it's operation and use. So much so that I think I'll start varying my routine a bit more in the future!
So, we meet Ruby who works as a CCTV operator on the night shift. As we start to get to know her, we realise that there is something in her past that is still troubling her. Her colleague, Lennie, is really her best friend and they make the most of their time working together, sharing food that Lennie has prepared. There are many rules to her job to avoid breaking the law but, as we soon see, she isn't adverse to using the technology for her own agenda as she starts to stalk Hannah. Pretty soon though, her behaviour starts to escalate as Ruby brings the stalking up a notch. But why is she doing it, and how far will she go?
Oh my days, this book held me captive throughout my time reading it, so much so that I pretty much read start to finish in just one sitting (plus comfort/feeding breaks) as I really needed to know what was going to happen. My devotion was, on the whole, rewarded as I was left mostly satisfied at the end.
Ruby was a bit of a funny fish to get to know. It soon becomes evident as to why this is, as more of her story comes to light. Even with that knowledge however, I still couldn't really get to grips with her as a character. OK so I can't really say how someone should react given the situations she found herself in never having been in them myself, but it didn't quite all work for me I'm afraid. I felt that the escalation was a little rushed at times for quite a few characters and the book did run away with itself a tad towards the end.
But, all that said, it was a fascinating story, full of twists & turns, secrets & lies, and a delicious slice of duplicitous behaviour thrown in for good measure. All ingredients which when mixed in the right way, makes for a great thriller; and they were! My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Oooo, this was a little creepy but, at the same time, very educational indeed. I learned an awful lot about CCTV and it's operation and use. So much so that I think I'll start varying my routine a bit more in the future!
So, we meet Ruby who works as a CCTV operator on the night shift. As we start to get to know her, we realise that there is something in her past that is still troubling her. Her colleague, Lennie, is really her best friend and they make the most of their time working together, sharing food that Lennie has prepared. There are many rules to her job to avoid breaking the law but, as we soon see, she isn't adverse to using the technology for her own agenda as she starts to stalk Hannah. Pretty soon though, her behaviour starts to escalate as Ruby brings the stalking up a notch. But why is she doing it, and how far will she go?
Oh my days, this book held me captive throughout my time reading it, so much so that I pretty much read start to finish in just one sitting (plus comfort/feeding breaks) as I really needed to know what was going to happen. My devotion was, on the whole, rewarded as I was left mostly satisfied at the end.
Ruby was a bit of a funny fish to get to know. It soon becomes evident as to why this is, as more of her story comes to light. Even with that knowledge however, I still couldn't really get to grips with her as a character. OK so I can't really say how someone should react given the situations she found herself in never having been in them myself, but it didn't quite all work for me I'm afraid. I felt that the escalation was a little rushed at times for quite a few characters and the book did run away with itself a tad towards the end.
But, all that said, it was a fascinating story, full of twists & turns, secrets & lies, and a delicious slice of duplicitous behaviour thrown in for good measure. All ingredients which when mixed in the right way, makes for a great thriller; and they were! My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
July 29, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
I was enjoying this book for the most part, having enjoyed one other title by the same writer previously. It was engaging and the characters were colourful and well-rounded. Several of them had back stories which I wish had been drawn out more. I was also interested in the inclusion of other characters who seemed to appear simply to 'fluff' out the content.
The story was interesting and I was entertained enough to want to know what happened but it tended to fall apart towards the end, when it became a little too far fetched. I love fiction but I feel you can only pull those threads so thinly before they start to break. For me, this ruined the story and stopped it from being truly believable.
I was enjoying this book for the most part, having enjoyed one other title by the same writer previously. It was engaging and the characters were colourful and well-rounded. Several of them had back stories which I wish had been drawn out more. I was also interested in the inclusion of other characters who seemed to appear simply to 'fluff' out the content.
The story was interesting and I was entertained enough to want to know what happened but it tended to fall apart towards the end, when it became a little too far fetched. I love fiction but I feel you can only pull those threads so thinly before they start to break. For me, this ruined the story and stopped it from being truly believable.
June 5, 2018
Her Watchful Eye is yet again a good psychological thriller from Julie Corbin,based around Ruby who is a CCTV operative who one night spots Hannah leaving her work at a restaurant and soon recognises her as her daughter who she gave up for adoption years ago.Ruby starts to watch Hannah's every move which is against the law but she just can't help herself and as her obsession increases Ruby's life starts to get even more complicated.Throw her ex husband Grant into the mix also and what we get is a good thriller which just for me dragged on a little longer than was needed but is still a great 4 star read from Julie Corbin.
August 29, 2018
Well written, gripping psychological thriller. Great insight into police procedure with characters that come alive. One to recommend. 4,5* from me. My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance reader copy.
June 14, 2018
What a fantastic book, i was totally hooked and could not put it down. Thanks Netgalley for the chance to review this. Would def recommend.
September 10, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Full of twists, easy to read and characters that you love to hate!
October 16, 2018
I enjoyed every page of this gripping story. The twists and turns were unbelievable and I had to re-read at times, thinking that I'd missed something. Looking forward to reading another of her thrillers.👌
I choose this rating because I found this thriller completely enthralling me. I read it cover to cover in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. I now want to read all her books. She is up with the best thriller writers and I know I won't be disappointed.
I choose this rating because I found this thriller completely enthralling me. I read it cover to cover in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. I now want to read all her books. She is up with the best thriller writers and I know I won't be disappointed.
August 23, 2022
Strong start, but the author made several decisions that I’m still scratching my head over….the timing of when to bring in additional characters as narrator/focus, the overall pace and when to reveal certain facts/twists, a huge chunk of the story being squished into the epilogue, and an unsatisfying end note.
September 27, 2018
A really good read
I really enjoyed this book. I found all the characters to be so real. I particularly liked Lennie, he was such a good friend to Ruby. I didn't see the end coming, which was unexpected. Altogether a first class story.
I really enjoyed this book. I found all the characters to be so real. I particularly liked Lennie, he was such a good friend to Ruby. I didn't see the end coming, which was unexpected. Altogether a first class story.
December 9, 2018
Twists and turns galore!!
The characters were really good, seemingly so ordinary, going about their daily lives. This is what made the book. We never know what people are thinking or indeed doing. Excellent read.
The characters were really good, seemingly so ordinary, going about their daily lives. This is what made the book. We never know what people are thinking or indeed doing. Excellent read.
December 19, 2018
Brilliant page turner. Very well written, well researched. I would highly recommend this book
May 9, 2020
3.5 stars. This book had some almost boring parts interspersed with parts that were shocking, surprising, and amazing. Very hard to decide on a rating.
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