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Open Your Eyes
Haven’t we all wanted to pretend everything is fine?
Jane doesn’t like confrontation. Given the choice, she'd prefer to focus on what’s going well, the good things in life.
But when her husband, Leon, is brutally attacked in the driveway of their home, in front of their two young children, Jane has to face reality. As he lies in a coma, Jane must open her eyes to the problems in her life, and the secrets that have been kept from her, if she’s to find out who hurt her husband – and why.
Maybe it’s time to face up to it all. Who knows what you might find . . .
Jane doesn’t like confrontation. Given the choice, she'd prefer to focus on what’s going well, the good things in life.
But when her husband, Leon, is brutally attacked in the driveway of their home, in front of their two young children, Jane has to face reality. As he lies in a coma, Jane must open her eyes to the problems in her life, and the secrets that have been kept from her, if she’s to find out who hurt her husband – and why.
Maybe it’s time to face up to it all. Who knows what you might find . . .
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2018
179 people are currently reading
3849 people want to read
About the author
Paula Daly
15 books816 followersPaula Daly is the acclaimed author of six novels. Her work has been sold in sixteen countries, shortlisted for CWA Gold Dagger award, and developed for the ITV drama, DEEP WATER, starring Anna Friel. She was born in Lancashire and lives in the Lake District with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 446 reviews
August 16, 2018
Paula Daly is a wonderful and much respected author and after thoroughly enjoying "The Mistake I Made" I was truly looking forward to her latest book "Open Your Eyes".
This exceedingly clever and well thought out story has been intelligently planned and meticulously plotted to produce a hugely addictive and amazingly compelling book. I was hooked and found it impossible to put down!
Blurb - When Jane's husband, Leon, is brutally attacked in the driveway of their home and in front of their two young children she has to face reality. As he lies in a coma, Jane must open her eyes to the problems in her life, and the secrets that have been kept from her if she’s to find out who hurt her husband – and why.....
The story also had a writing/publishing theme to it which I found very interesting being a passionate reader myself and I liked how the author wrote the story as if it was a sort of autobiography from the viewpoint of Jane. This is the second book I've read recently that incorporated a brain injury and the repercussions following it. The author covered this part of the novel with understanding and empathy from points of view of both the victim and the family left to deal with the recuperation.
The fabulous conclusion literally had me in goosebumps and it certainly kept me guessing till the end.
As you can see I really, really enjoyed this story and it will definitely be a favourite of mine this year.
I highly recommend Paula Daly and her books, she has a great way of depicting ordinary people with every day lives and producing excellent psychological and domestic noirs. I will be constantly on the look out for future books and back stories I've haven't yet read.
A fab 5 stars!!
This exceedingly clever and well thought out story has been intelligently planned and meticulously plotted to produce a hugely addictive and amazingly compelling book. I was hooked and found it impossible to put down!
Blurb - When Jane's husband, Leon, is brutally attacked in the driveway of their home and in front of their two young children she has to face reality. As he lies in a coma, Jane must open her eyes to the problems in her life, and the secrets that have been kept from her if she’s to find out who hurt her husband – and why.....
The story also had a writing/publishing theme to it which I found very interesting being a passionate reader myself and I liked how the author wrote the story as if it was a sort of autobiography from the viewpoint of Jane. This is the second book I've read recently that incorporated a brain injury and the repercussions following it. The author covered this part of the novel with understanding and empathy from points of view of both the victim and the family left to deal with the recuperation.
The fabulous conclusion literally had me in goosebumps and it certainly kept me guessing till the end.
As you can see I really, really enjoyed this story and it will definitely be a favourite of mine this year.
I highly recommend Paula Daly and her books, she has a great way of depicting ordinary people with every day lives and producing excellent psychological and domestic noirs. I will be constantly on the look out for future books and back stories I've haven't yet read.
A fab 5 stars!!
September 23, 2018
3.75 stars
Literary wars. A violent act. And of course, CRAZINESS!
Open Your Eyes is a riveting, entertaining psychological thriller about a semi-famous author who is violently attacked with a nail gun, suffers a brain injury and loses his memory. His wife, a wannabe writer, is left picking up the pieces, while at the same time trying to figure out who would try to hurt her husband in such a horrific manner. She digs where she’s not supposed to, finds some incriminating evidence, and puts herself in a danger. …While it might sound rather formulaic, this is not the case as there is a WHOLE lot more going on than it first seems!
Jane’s voice draws the reader in. Told completely from her perspective, it was refreshing to have one narrator and one main storyline vs. multiple storylines, narrators, etc. The storyline isn’t fully believable, but it didn’t bother me too much as it wasn’t so extreme or over-the-top that it got in the way of my enjoyment. Overall, I found this to be a fun, but sometimes slow, read. I could have done without the final chapter-it left me rolling my eyes a bit!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Grove Atlantic in exchange for an honest review.
Literary wars. A violent act. And of course, CRAZINESS!
Open Your Eyes is a riveting, entertaining psychological thriller about a semi-famous author who is violently attacked with a nail gun, suffers a brain injury and loses his memory. His wife, a wannabe writer, is left picking up the pieces, while at the same time trying to figure out who would try to hurt her husband in such a horrific manner. She digs where she’s not supposed to, finds some incriminating evidence, and puts herself in a danger. …While it might sound rather formulaic, this is not the case as there is a WHOLE lot more going on than it first seems!
Jane’s voice draws the reader in. Told completely from her perspective, it was refreshing to have one narrator and one main storyline vs. multiple storylines, narrators, etc. The storyline isn’t fully believable, but it didn’t bother me too much as it wasn’t so extreme or over-the-top that it got in the way of my enjoyment. Overall, I found this to be a fun, but sometimes slow, read. I could have done without the final chapter-it left me rolling my eyes a bit!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Grove Atlantic in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2018
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
3.5 Stars
Jane is frustrated. It feels like her writing career is going nowhere. She has six unpublished novels and the rejection is starting to get to her. Her husband, Leon, on the other hand, is a well-published author. He tries to reassure her, “It’s not your fault they don’t want your work…but I don’t get why it has to hit you so hard every time”. But he doesn’t get it. He’s a successful PUBLISHED author. His work pays the bills. Of course, Jane is happy for him but it doesn’t make the constant rejection any easier to take.
But on Leon’s 46th birthday as they are heading to his mother’s house for dinner, Leon is attacked by an unknown assailant. The attack leaves him in a coma.
Jane doesn’t understand. Who would do this? And why?
As Jane tries to deal with the fallout of everything that has happened she wants answers. But what she ends up with is more questions. One thing that does become clear is that her husband has been keeping secrets. She can’t pretend everything is fine anymore. Everything is FAR from fine.
What else has Leon been keeping from her?
What will happen if/when Leon wakes up from his coma?
Will Jane finally get the answers she deserves? And if so, will she be able to handle what she hears?
So many secrets. So many lies.
Jane starts to wonder if she knew her husband at all.
I’ve enjoyed quite a few of Paula Daly’s previous novels so I was really looking forward to reading this novel. After a really intriguing beginning, I did find it a bit difficult to get into the story. However, I’m really glad I stuck with it as it definitely picked up again. Even though I needed to suspend my disbelief at times, I still enjoyed the story.
With an engaging plot and some intriguing characters, “ Open Your Eyes ” was a quick and interesting read. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I'd like to thank Bantam Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
3.5 Stars
Jane is frustrated. It feels like her writing career is going nowhere. She has six unpublished novels and the rejection is starting to get to her. Her husband, Leon, on the other hand, is a well-published author. He tries to reassure her, “It’s not your fault they don’t want your work…but I don’t get why it has to hit you so hard every time”. But he doesn’t get it. He’s a successful PUBLISHED author. His work pays the bills. Of course, Jane is happy for him but it doesn’t make the constant rejection any easier to take.
But on Leon’s 46th birthday as they are heading to his mother’s house for dinner, Leon is attacked by an unknown assailant. The attack leaves him in a coma.
Jane doesn’t understand. Who would do this? And why?
As Jane tries to deal with the fallout of everything that has happened she wants answers. But what she ends up with is more questions. One thing that does become clear is that her husband has been keeping secrets. She can’t pretend everything is fine anymore. Everything is FAR from fine.
What else has Leon been keeping from her?
What will happen if/when Leon wakes up from his coma?
Will Jane finally get the answers she deserves? And if so, will she be able to handle what she hears?
So many secrets. So many lies.
Jane starts to wonder if she knew her husband at all.
I’ve enjoyed quite a few of Paula Daly’s previous novels so I was really looking forward to reading this novel. After a really intriguing beginning, I did find it a bit difficult to get into the story. However, I’m really glad I stuck with it as it definitely picked up again. Even though I needed to suspend my disbelief at times, I still enjoyed the story.
With an engaging plot and some intriguing characters, “ Open Your Eyes ” was a quick and interesting read. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I'd like to thank Bantam Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 15, 2018
A compulsively-good, twisty thriller that will make you consider the nightmare a life can become following a single moment!!! This is my first Paula Daly and I had a blast reading Open Your Eyes! I actually wish I could start this review with the last line of the book, because it was THAT GOOD! But of course, the last line would spoil some things about the story so I won’t post it here. But if you’ve read Open Your Eyes by Paula Daly or when you do, savor that last line! I’m still thinking about it days later!
About the Book
Jane Campbell avoids confrontation at any costs. Given the choice, she'll always let her husband, Leon--a bestselling crime writer--take the lead, while she focuses on her two precious young children and her job as a creative writing teacher. After she receives another rejection for her novel, Leon urges Jane to put her hobby to rest. And why shouldn't she, when through Jane's rose-tinted glasses, they appear to have the perfect house and the perfect life?
But then Leon is brutally attacked in their driveway while their children wait quietly in the car, and suddenly, their perfect life becomes the stuff of nightmares. Who would commit such a hateful offense in broad daylight? With her husband in a coma, Jane must open her eyes to the problems in her life, as well as the secrets that have been kept from her. Although she might not like what she sees, if she's committed to discovering who hurt her husband--and why--Jane must take matters into her own hands.
Reflection
Well, I completely loved this book! Let’s start with the main drama of the book—Leon’s injury! In the few minutes that Jane went inside to grab things for their trip, Leon is attacked in a horrifying way and it leaves permanent damage. Even beyond the coma, Jane has to go through the experience of living with someone who had a traumatic brain injury. And this injury has completely changed Leon. He has memory issues and personality changes that would be so difficult to live with!
I have a colleague who was married to someone who suffered a traumatic brain injury and it was so awful. His personality completely changed, and eventually it was no longer safe for her or her children to be around him. And the saddest part is, it is not his fault. So you want to stay and do the right thing. Brain injuries can truly change a person’s personality. They may be angrier, suffer from poor decision-making. Of course, I won’t say how it plays out in this book. You’ll have to read and see! Often as the swelling reduces, many of their new issues will lessen. Will Leon be so lucky??
And then we have the mystery itself! Aside from the changes to Leon, what was he not telling Jane before the accident? She’s stuck with questions and no answers. As Jane investigates, more troubling information will come to light, and she’s left alone unable to talk to Leon about it. I loved Jane and her storyline. I though Paula Daly handled the realities of this change to Jane’s life in such an authentic way.
And then we have a delightful storyline about writers. Not only are Jane and Leon writers, but they have friends and other colleagues who enter the plot. I was fascinated by the dynamics between Leon—a successful writer—and Jane—a still unpublished writer. Each has their own hang ups! For Leon, how will he know he can deliver book after book? And for Jane, how will she know when to keep trying to catch her break? And then we have the whole cast of writers in between. This storyline sang to my writer’s soul! It is a real treat, and I think many readers and writers will relate to the issues presented in the book.
And then we are back to that ending. Loved it!!! It was so perfect!!! I can’t wait for readers to get to the closing line, and reflect back on the book. I’m still processing it days later!
Many thanks to the team at Grove Press for my copy of this book to review.
About the Book
Jane Campbell avoids confrontation at any costs. Given the choice, she'll always let her husband, Leon--a bestselling crime writer--take the lead, while she focuses on her two precious young children and her job as a creative writing teacher. After she receives another rejection for her novel, Leon urges Jane to put her hobby to rest. And why shouldn't she, when through Jane's rose-tinted glasses, they appear to have the perfect house and the perfect life?
But then Leon is brutally attacked in their driveway while their children wait quietly in the car, and suddenly, their perfect life becomes the stuff of nightmares. Who would commit such a hateful offense in broad daylight? With her husband in a coma, Jane must open her eyes to the problems in her life, as well as the secrets that have been kept from her. Although she might not like what she sees, if she's committed to discovering who hurt her husband--and why--Jane must take matters into her own hands.
Reflection
Well, I completely loved this book! Let’s start with the main drama of the book—Leon’s injury! In the few minutes that Jane went inside to grab things for their trip, Leon is attacked in a horrifying way and it leaves permanent damage. Even beyond the coma, Jane has to go through the experience of living with someone who had a traumatic brain injury. And this injury has completely changed Leon. He has memory issues and personality changes that would be so difficult to live with!
I have a colleague who was married to someone who suffered a traumatic brain injury and it was so awful. His personality completely changed, and eventually it was no longer safe for her or her children to be around him. And the saddest part is, it is not his fault. So you want to stay and do the right thing. Brain injuries can truly change a person’s personality. They may be angrier, suffer from poor decision-making. Of course, I won’t say how it plays out in this book. You’ll have to read and see! Often as the swelling reduces, many of their new issues will lessen. Will Leon be so lucky??
And then we have the mystery itself! Aside from the changes to Leon, what was he not telling Jane before the accident? She’s stuck with questions and no answers. As Jane investigates, more troubling information will come to light, and she’s left alone unable to talk to Leon about it. I loved Jane and her storyline. I though Paula Daly handled the realities of this change to Jane’s life in such an authentic way.
And then we have a delightful storyline about writers. Not only are Jane and Leon writers, but they have friends and other colleagues who enter the plot. I was fascinated by the dynamics between Leon—a successful writer—and Jane—a still unpublished writer. Each has their own hang ups! For Leon, how will he know he can deliver book after book? And for Jane, how will she know when to keep trying to catch her break? And then we have the whole cast of writers in between. This storyline sang to my writer’s soul! It is a real treat, and I think many readers and writers will relate to the issues presented in the book.
And then we are back to that ending. Loved it!!! It was so perfect!!! I can’t wait for readers to get to the closing line, and reflect back on the book. I’m still processing it days later!
Many thanks to the team at Grove Press for my copy of this book to review.
September 15, 2018
.... “OPEN YOUR EYES” rocked- my - boat.!!!!!
Did you know that some people who suffer from Traumatic Brain injuries will have increased sexual compulsive desires?
Did you also know that brain injuries are more common in the UK than breast cancer?
Both of these things are true. And both are true for Leon Campbell.
Jane and Leon Campbell live in Liverpool with their two young children.
Since coming out of an induced coma, from his traumatic brain injury, Leon began acting out his increased sexual compulsive ‘inappropriate’ behavior. Leon’s public hobby of masturbation at the hospital was bad enough —but it certainly wasn’t going to fly at home around the kids.
Jane was seriously worried to have Leon return home - justified concerns.
When Jane asked Dr. Letts “how do families cope with a brain injured spouse/parent?” The doctor replied, “I’m not sure everyone does cope”. YIKES!
Nothing about Leon was the same as before he was attacked - TWO NAILS TO HIS HEAD WITHIN MINUTES - by who knows who... THAT’S WHAT READERS ARE GOING TO FIND OUT AND MORE SOME.......
but it’s not only WHO DID THIS TO HIM....(police were doing their investigation), but how to survive and manage daily life.
.....Jane was petrified.
Leon had no memory of the weeks preceding his attack-(other than he felt certain it wasn’t Jane - but Inspector Ledecky hadn’t ruled her out).
Leon had no job - they were in debt. Leon showed signs of erratic violence without warning by screaming and yelling profanity- and Jane has discovered lies and secrets Leon was keeping.
Jane had just taken a teaching job- needed the money - and couldn’t possibly leave Leon alone to watch the children. HE NEEDED WATCHING!
Leon was a published author. Jane wrote too. Their close friends were writers.
But......
Their neighbors were ‘not’ their friends - nor writers. And Jane felt certain her neighbors - or their odd son who visited often was watching their house .....
With all the worry & stress going on inside the Campbell household & neighborhood issues - for Jane -
.......as caretaker - mother - Financial provider - she was threatened- physically and verbally by a prison inmate where she was assigned to teach and guide with creative writing.
We begin to see that the size of this puzzle book is bigger and more complicated than our eyes first saw at the beginning of this novel. As readers - our eyes open wider- the closer we get to the end of the book.
The ferocious suspense in the dog-eat-dog- world of writers hungry to be published is as hard as nails...... literally and figuratively!!
Awesome great book! When’s Paula’s next book? This is fiction/ thriller suspense .....smart - normal-ish - classy- suspense - psychological thriller without being bloody trashy nonsense.
Many thanks to PAULA DALY!!!! I’m SUCH A FAN!!!!
Thank you GROVE ATLANTA.... I’m a fan of you guys too!!!
Thank You Netgalley..... it’s been awhile!!! Taking ‘a-mostly’ sabbatical this year - has been good for me! But.... I always appreciate having the door open for return visits.
Did you know that some people who suffer from Traumatic Brain injuries will have increased sexual compulsive desires?
Did you also know that brain injuries are more common in the UK than breast cancer?
Both of these things are true. And both are true for Leon Campbell.
Jane and Leon Campbell live in Liverpool with their two young children.
Since coming out of an induced coma, from his traumatic brain injury, Leon began acting out his increased sexual compulsive ‘inappropriate’ behavior. Leon’s public hobby of masturbation at the hospital was bad enough —but it certainly wasn’t going to fly at home around the kids.
Jane was seriously worried to have Leon return home - justified concerns.
When Jane asked Dr. Letts “how do families cope with a brain injured spouse/parent?” The doctor replied, “I’m not sure everyone does cope”. YIKES!
Nothing about Leon was the same as before he was attacked - TWO NAILS TO HIS HEAD WITHIN MINUTES - by who knows who... THAT’S WHAT READERS ARE GOING TO FIND OUT AND MORE SOME.......
but it’s not only WHO DID THIS TO HIM....(police were doing their investigation), but how to survive and manage daily life.
.....Jane was petrified.
Leon had no memory of the weeks preceding his attack-(other than he felt certain it wasn’t Jane - but Inspector Ledecky hadn’t ruled her out).
Leon had no job - they were in debt. Leon showed signs of erratic violence without warning by screaming and yelling profanity- and Jane has discovered lies and secrets Leon was keeping.
Jane had just taken a teaching job- needed the money - and couldn’t possibly leave Leon alone to watch the children. HE NEEDED WATCHING!
Leon was a published author. Jane wrote too. Their close friends were writers.
But......
Their neighbors were ‘not’ their friends - nor writers. And Jane felt certain her neighbors - or their odd son who visited often was watching their house .....
With all the worry & stress going on inside the Campbell household & neighborhood issues - for Jane -
.......as caretaker - mother - Financial provider - she was threatened- physically and verbally by a prison inmate where she was assigned to teach and guide with creative writing.
We begin to see that the size of this puzzle book is bigger and more complicated than our eyes first saw at the beginning of this novel. As readers - our eyes open wider- the closer we get to the end of the book.
The ferocious suspense in the dog-eat-dog- world of writers hungry to be published is as hard as nails...... literally and figuratively!!
Awesome great book! When’s Paula’s next book? This is fiction/ thriller suspense .....smart - normal-ish - classy- suspense - psychological thriller without being bloody trashy nonsense.
Many thanks to PAULA DALY!!!! I’m SUCH A FAN!!!!
Thank you GROVE ATLANTA.... I’m a fan of you guys too!!!
Thank You Netgalley..... it’s been awhile!!! Taking ‘a-mostly’ sabbatical this year - has been good for me! But.... I always appreciate having the door open for return visits.
August 15, 2018
Jane's husband Leon, is attacked in their car with the couple's two young children in the backseat. Jane finds Leon unconscious and unresponsive in the driver’s seat. While Leon is in a coma, Jane learns that her husband had secrets and kept many things from her.
This book is a psychological thriller which asks the question- how well do we know those in our lives? How well do we know our spouses? Our friends? Our neighbors? Jane becomes determined to learn why someone would want to harm her husband. Her husband is a best-selling Author and she can't think of anyone who would want to harm him. He writes books, for crying out loud!
There are a few little twists, turns and revelations in this book. I enjoyed the story and found it to be an enjoyable read. I particularly liked that I didn't quite know where this book was going at times and found I enjoyed being along for the ride. Even though there is an attack in this book, the reader is told about it, we do not read about the actual attack in detail. There is no graphic violence in the book, so most readers will be able to enjoy this book without having to worry about reading any graphic or disturbing scenes. I enjoyed that most of the interactions were character driven and especially loved when Jane got feisty. She is not someone who enjoys confrontation but grows in confidence as the book progresses.
Thank you to the publishers and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
This book is a psychological thriller which asks the question- how well do we know those in our lives? How well do we know our spouses? Our friends? Our neighbors? Jane becomes determined to learn why someone would want to harm her husband. Her husband is a best-selling Author and she can't think of anyone who would want to harm him. He writes books, for crying out loud!
There are a few little twists, turns and revelations in this book. I enjoyed the story and found it to be an enjoyable read. I particularly liked that I didn't quite know where this book was going at times and found I enjoyed being along for the ride. Even though there is an attack in this book, the reader is told about it, we do not read about the actual attack in detail. There is no graphic violence in the book, so most readers will be able to enjoy this book without having to worry about reading any graphic or disturbing scenes. I enjoyed that most of the interactions were character driven and especially loved when Jane got feisty. She is not someone who enjoys confrontation but grows in confidence as the book progresses.
Thank you to the publishers and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
October 19, 2018
3.5*
Leon is a successful crime author with a devoted following. He lives a quiet, unassuming life with his wife Jane and their 2 young children.
When an attempt is made on Leon’s life, Jane scrambles to hold her family together while searching for answers why anyone would want to intentionally hurt Leon.
It doesn’t take much digging to discover there’s a great deal more about her husband than she could have ever imagined. Has she been married to a complete stranger? How is she supposed to live with a man who had all these secrets?
There were sections of this book that were a bit scattered, but overall the story-line was entertaining and it flowed easily and quickly. While some plot lines were easily deduced, there was still enough surprises along the way to keep me guessing. And the ending!! Well...let’s just say...😳!!
This was my first book I’ve read by Paula Daly but will definitely be looking for more of her works in the future.
A buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to NetGalley, Grove Press and Paula Daly for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Leon is a successful crime author with a devoted following. He lives a quiet, unassuming life with his wife Jane and their 2 young children.
When an attempt is made on Leon’s life, Jane scrambles to hold her family together while searching for answers why anyone would want to intentionally hurt Leon.
It doesn’t take much digging to discover there’s a great deal more about her husband than she could have ever imagined. Has she been married to a complete stranger? How is she supposed to live with a man who had all these secrets?
There were sections of this book that were a bit scattered, but overall the story-line was entertaining and it flowed easily and quickly. While some plot lines were easily deduced, there was still enough surprises along the way to keep me guessing. And the ending!! Well...let’s just say...😳!!
This was my first book I’ve read by Paula Daly but will definitely be looking for more of her works in the future.
A buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to NetGalley, Grove Press and Paula Daly for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2018
Open Your Eyes was a different ditty…in a good way! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The main character, Jane Campbell, a creative writing teacher, does not like confrontation. I can relate to that. She is married to a top crime writer, Leon, and she takes the backseat to him. Jane’s focus is on the family, including her two young children; however, she finally submits a manuscript to a publisher only to be rejected. Rather than push her to try again, Leon asks her to let her “hobby” of writing go.
Jane’s idyllic, quiet life comes to an abrupt end when Leon is attacked in the driveway of their home during the day with her children watching.
Leon is now in a coma, and Jane’s eyes are opened to the truth about her life, including some hidden secrets. She is convicted to find the truth, including who attacked Leon.
Leon is living with a traumatic brain injury, and Daly handles his recovery with care and empathy. I enjoyed the presentation of the story as if it were an autobiography written by Jane, since she is a talented writer in her own right. I was on the edge of my seat with the suspense in this one, lots of guessing, and the ending was ultimately satisfying.
In Open Your Eyes, Paula Daly shatters the facade of what, for all appearances, is the perfect marriage. She examines the vices of pride and envy and arranges a masterful whodunit. Open Your Eyes answers that question we ask ourselves all too often: do we ever really know those closest to us?
Thank you to the generous Grove Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
The main character, Jane Campbell, a creative writing teacher, does not like confrontation. I can relate to that. She is married to a top crime writer, Leon, and she takes the backseat to him. Jane’s focus is on the family, including her two young children; however, she finally submits a manuscript to a publisher only to be rejected. Rather than push her to try again, Leon asks her to let her “hobby” of writing go.
Jane’s idyllic, quiet life comes to an abrupt end when Leon is attacked in the driveway of their home during the day with her children watching.
Leon is now in a coma, and Jane’s eyes are opened to the truth about her life, including some hidden secrets. She is convicted to find the truth, including who attacked Leon.
Leon is living with a traumatic brain injury, and Daly handles his recovery with care and empathy. I enjoyed the presentation of the story as if it were an autobiography written by Jane, since she is a talented writer in her own right. I was on the edge of my seat with the suspense in this one, lots of guessing, and the ending was ultimately satisfying.
In Open Your Eyes, Paula Daly shatters the facade of what, for all appearances, is the perfect marriage. She examines the vices of pride and envy and arranges a masterful whodunit. Open Your Eyes answers that question we ask ourselves all too often: do we ever really know those closest to us?
Thank you to the generous Grove Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
September 7, 2018
3.5 Stars* (rounded up)
Jane and Leon are married with two children. Happy, of course, or at least Jane thinks so, though they fight like all couples do. Leon is an uber successful crime writer while Jane is just a wannabe. She tries not to be jealous of her husband’s success but it’s a difficult task. One afternoon while getting ready to leave for his mother’s house - Leon gets into an argument with their neighbor - over their outside cat, Bonita, of all things! (To think someone doesn’t like cats!!).
Jane steps away, not wanting to get involved. Next thing she knows, Leon is in the hospital having surgery and is put into a medically induced coma. When he awakens he doesn’t recognize Jane and is convinced he’s married to his first wife Gina! He even accuses Jane of causing his injury!
While waiting for her husband to recover, Jane starts investigating on her own, fearful that any day she’ll get arrested. Her investigation leads to secrets - lots and lots of them - and the more she uncovers, the more danger she’s in.
“Open Your Eyes” by Paula Daly is a fun and intriguing domestic thriller. I found it to be somewhat campy, yet wholly entertaining. While there were a few parts of the story that I felt were a bit superfluous, all in all, it was an easy, enjoyable read.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to NetGalley, Grove Atlantic and Paula Daly for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 9.7.18.
Jane and Leon are married with two children. Happy, of course, or at least Jane thinks so, though they fight like all couples do. Leon is an uber successful crime writer while Jane is just a wannabe. She tries not to be jealous of her husband’s success but it’s a difficult task. One afternoon while getting ready to leave for his mother’s house - Leon gets into an argument with their neighbor - over their outside cat, Bonita, of all things! (To think someone doesn’t like cats!!).
Jane steps away, not wanting to get involved. Next thing she knows, Leon is in the hospital having surgery and is put into a medically induced coma. When he awakens he doesn’t recognize Jane and is convinced he’s married to his first wife Gina! He even accuses Jane of causing his injury!
While waiting for her husband to recover, Jane starts investigating on her own, fearful that any day she’ll get arrested. Her investigation leads to secrets - lots and lots of them - and the more she uncovers, the more danger she’s in.
“Open Your Eyes” by Paula Daly is a fun and intriguing domestic thriller. I found it to be somewhat campy, yet wholly entertaining. While there were a few parts of the story that I felt were a bit superfluous, all in all, it was an easy, enjoyable read.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to NetGalley, Grove Atlantic and Paula Daly for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 9.7.18.
August 15, 2018
We're all in some kind of recovery.
Picking up the shattered pieces after the boot heel of life grinds us down into almost unrecognizable grit. Kinda separates us from those who will survive another round and those who will not.
It's Leon's birthday and the car is packed with little Martha and Jack in the back seat. Jane, his wife, swallows down the unsettling thought of another celebration at Leon's mother's house. The car is idling in the driveway when Leon insists that Jane go back into the house to retrieve a few cans of his favorite beer. She spots Lawrence and Rose, the next door neighbors from hell, outside their house. Lawrence starts to argue with Leon about how their family cat relieves itself in their garden. Jane dashes inside gladly.
But when Jane slides back into the front seat, she is horrified to find Leon incoherent behind the steering wheel and bleeding badly. They rush him to the hospital. Leon is suffering from a tramatic brain injury and remains in a coma. What could have happened within the moments when Jane left her family in the car?
Paula Daly has an uncanny talent for getting into the inner workings of her main characters. If you read Just What Kind of Mother Are You? you will know exactly what I'm talking about. She smacks her female lead character alongside the head with almost insurmountable challenges throughout the book. Before his injury, Leon was a very successful crime novel author. Jane taught creative writing courses at the local college with never having the joy of being published. Daly touches on the book publishing world in her novel as well and we, as readers, will heighten our antennae.
And with a bricklayer's finesse, Paula Daly counterbalances level after level of hidden secrets about ol' Leon that Jane never saw coming. Her feelings become mixed with sizzling frustration as her world begins to fall apart. She must take care of Leon while at the same time keep the family home from going under. Daly makes it clear that this is reality for those who are caregivers for brain injury victims. In a word: Overwhelming.
With no definitive leads, the police begin to suspect Jane herself. But Jane knows someone is watching their house. What in the world did Leon step into in his past? And I'll leave you here, dear readers. This one is a mighty read that will be calling your name.....over and over again. Whoa! (Make that a double Whoa!!)
I received a copy of Open Your Eyes through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Grove Atlantic and to Paula Daly for the opportunity.
Picking up the shattered pieces after the boot heel of life grinds us down into almost unrecognizable grit. Kinda separates us from those who will survive another round and those who will not.
It's Leon's birthday and the car is packed with little Martha and Jack in the back seat. Jane, his wife, swallows down the unsettling thought of another celebration at Leon's mother's house. The car is idling in the driveway when Leon insists that Jane go back into the house to retrieve a few cans of his favorite beer. She spots Lawrence and Rose, the next door neighbors from hell, outside their house. Lawrence starts to argue with Leon about how their family cat relieves itself in their garden. Jane dashes inside gladly.
But when Jane slides back into the front seat, she is horrified to find Leon incoherent behind the steering wheel and bleeding badly. They rush him to the hospital. Leon is suffering from a tramatic brain injury and remains in a coma. What could have happened within the moments when Jane left her family in the car?
Paula Daly has an uncanny talent for getting into the inner workings of her main characters. If you read Just What Kind of Mother Are You? you will know exactly what I'm talking about. She smacks her female lead character alongside the head with almost insurmountable challenges throughout the book. Before his injury, Leon was a very successful crime novel author. Jane taught creative writing courses at the local college with never having the joy of being published. Daly touches on the book publishing world in her novel as well and we, as readers, will heighten our antennae.
And with a bricklayer's finesse, Paula Daly counterbalances level after level of hidden secrets about ol' Leon that Jane never saw coming. Her feelings become mixed with sizzling frustration as her world begins to fall apart. She must take care of Leon while at the same time keep the family home from going under. Daly makes it clear that this is reality for those who are caregivers for brain injury victims. In a word: Overwhelming.
With no definitive leads, the police begin to suspect Jane herself. But Jane knows someone is watching their house. What in the world did Leon step into in his past? And I'll leave you here, dear readers. This one is a mighty read that will be calling your name.....over and over again. Whoa! (Make that a double Whoa!!)
I received a copy of Open Your Eyes through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Grove Atlantic and to Paula Daly for the opportunity.
March 9, 2019
FOUR STARS
OPEN YOUR EYES, people! This little cutie flew under the radar and was quietly published last October in the USA. I feel like I discovered a precious gem or something. What happened? How did I miss this? It is REALLY good! If you love psychological suspense ( I DO I DO), especially those with a solid domestic plot….then check out OPEN YOUR EYES.
Paula Daly is exceptionally skilled in creating down-to-earth, relatable characters. Set in modern day Liverpool, we have a writing instructor, Jane, and her hubby, Leon, a bona fide semi-famous novelist. One day, Leon is nearly murdered in their own driveway and the story that follows will have your eyeballs glued to the Kindle until you reach that last page.
With some books in this genre, you are forced to suspend your disbelief and let loose a few frustrated sighs when it comes to crazy plot lines. Ugggghhh. I get so frickin’ tired of rolling my eyes at some of the ludicrous schemes these psyche suspense novels come up with! However, OPEN YOUR EYES is a breath of fresh air with a realistic story and a heckuva an interesting one at that.
Since Jane and Leon are both writers, the reader is blessed with lots of juicy tidbits from the fascinating world of publishing. Honestly, this is my favorite aspect of the book. Reader reviews are more important to authors than I ever dreamed- YIKES! And wait until you read about “sock-puppetry”. A peek into the surprising effects all those Amazon lists and Goodreads reviews have on writers and their books is so much fun to read about.
You will find yourself so engrossed with Jane and her search for the truth about her suspicious husband, well, believe me….it is very hard to tear yourself away from the book! No crazy twists or outrageous plots here, but a compelling and clever mystery led by a sympathetic main character trying to keep her family intact.
😊Many thanks to Netgalley for my copy! All opinions are strictly my own.
OPEN YOUR EYES, people! This little cutie flew under the radar and was quietly published last October in the USA. I feel like I discovered a precious gem or something. What happened? How did I miss this? It is REALLY good! If you love psychological suspense ( I DO I DO), especially those with a solid domestic plot….then check out OPEN YOUR EYES.
Paula Daly is exceptionally skilled in creating down-to-earth, relatable characters. Set in modern day Liverpool, we have a writing instructor, Jane, and her hubby, Leon, a bona fide semi-famous novelist. One day, Leon is nearly murdered in their own driveway and the story that follows will have your eyeballs glued to the Kindle until you reach that last page.
With some books in this genre, you are forced to suspend your disbelief and let loose a few frustrated sighs when it comes to crazy plot lines. Ugggghhh. I get so frickin’ tired of rolling my eyes at some of the ludicrous schemes these psyche suspense novels come up with! However, OPEN YOUR EYES is a breath of fresh air with a realistic story and a heckuva an interesting one at that.
Since Jane and Leon are both writers, the reader is blessed with lots of juicy tidbits from the fascinating world of publishing. Honestly, this is my favorite aspect of the book. Reader reviews are more important to authors than I ever dreamed- YIKES! And wait until you read about “sock-puppetry”. A peek into the surprising effects all those Amazon lists and Goodreads reviews have on writers and their books is so much fun to read about.
You will find yourself so engrossed with Jane and her search for the truth about her suspicious husband, well, believe me….it is very hard to tear yourself away from the book! No crazy twists or outrageous plots here, but a compelling and clever mystery led by a sympathetic main character trying to keep her family intact.
😊Many thanks to Netgalley for my copy! All opinions are strictly my own.
April 7, 2021
4 stars!
An easy and entertaining domestic drama mystery that kept me engaged from start to finish!
This audiobook was just what I needed! An intriguing family drama. A crime committed with many possible suspects. Unique, interesting and questionable characters. A constant building pull of suspense. A subplot centred around the publishing world. A highly enjoyable audio narrator.
Audio rating: 4 stars! The narrator was great!
This title is from my NetGalley backlist and I’m so happy I found the time to fit it in. Thank you to my lovely local library for the audio loan to accompany the read. Thank you to Grove Press for my review copy!
An easy and entertaining domestic drama mystery that kept me engaged from start to finish!
This audiobook was just what I needed! An intriguing family drama. A crime committed with many possible suspects. Unique, interesting and questionable characters. A constant building pull of suspense. A subplot centred around the publishing world. A highly enjoyable audio narrator.
Audio rating: 4 stars! The narrator was great!
This title is from my NetGalley backlist and I’m so happy I found the time to fit it in. Thank you to my lovely local library for the audio loan to accompany the read. Thank you to Grove Press for my review copy!
September 22, 2018
3.5
A tasty baked potato but missing the toppings
I liked this domestic thriller about a husband getting shot in the head with a nail gun, and a wife who is determined to find out what happened, but I know I won’t remember it. Well, maybe I will remember the nail gun, since it’s not the usual weapon you’d grab to knock somebody off. (Don’t worry, that wasn’t a spoiler; you hear about the nail gun right away.) Sigh, I’m always looking for a thriller full of tricks, like Gone Girl. This one isn’t tricky enough.
Joy Jar
-Nail gun. This was a draw for sure, so good and creepy. Pretty weird when a nail gun makes it to my Joy Jar! (Completely irrelevant nail-gun talk in my P.S.)
-Goodreads shout-out! Can you believe Goodreads was mentioned in a thriller? Seriously, our beloved site made the big-time. Amazon and Microsoft also got some airtime, but who cares about them—other than they’ve both taken over my hood.
-Writer town. Very bizarre—this is the second book in a row that featured an unscrupulous writer! What’s up with that? Meanwhile, I do love a book with a writer as the main character, so you won’t hear me complaining about that.
Complaint Board
-Baked potato, without the toppings. Bland-o plot, characters, and tone.
-Therefore, not enough suspense. Wasn’t chomping at the bit to find out what happened.
-Kids (though they played a super minor role) didn’t act their ages.
-Didn’t understand the motivation for two things leading up to the crime.
-Not believable: Wife teaching in a prison where there’s an inmate connected to the crime.
-The crime was a little convoluted.
Overall, a mediocre read. All the essentials are there—a decent plot, good pacing, well-drawn characters. But as I said before, a couple of times, it was a baked potato without the toppings.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.
P.S. I remember hearing of another (make-believe) story about an evil nail gun: A kid on the TV show The Fosters accidentally shot a nail into his head. Somehow the image of that creeps me out. I wondered, does it happen in real life? Because I just had to, I went to good old Google. A staggering 37,000 people a year visit the ER because they get injured by a nail gun. Most injuries are to the hand, but sometimes it’s a nail to the head. Something about drilling a nail into a head is fascinating. I need to get a life, lol.
A tasty baked potato but missing the toppings
I liked this domestic thriller about a husband getting shot in the head with a nail gun, and a wife who is determined to find out what happened, but I know I won’t remember it. Well, maybe I will remember the nail gun, since it’s not the usual weapon you’d grab to knock somebody off. (Don’t worry, that wasn’t a spoiler; you hear about the nail gun right away.) Sigh, I’m always looking for a thriller full of tricks, like Gone Girl. This one isn’t tricky enough.
Joy Jar
-Nail gun. This was a draw for sure, so good and creepy. Pretty weird when a nail gun makes it to my Joy Jar! (Completely irrelevant nail-gun talk in my P.S.)
-Goodreads shout-out! Can you believe Goodreads was mentioned in a thriller? Seriously, our beloved site made the big-time. Amazon and Microsoft also got some airtime, but who cares about them—other than they’ve both taken over my hood.
-Writer town. Very bizarre—this is the second book in a row that featured an unscrupulous writer! What’s up with that? Meanwhile, I do love a book with a writer as the main character, so you won’t hear me complaining about that.
Complaint Board
-Baked potato, without the toppings. Bland-o plot, characters, and tone.
-Therefore, not enough suspense. Wasn’t chomping at the bit to find out what happened.
-Kids (though they played a super minor role) didn’t act their ages.
-Didn’t understand the motivation for two things leading up to the crime.
-Not believable: Wife teaching in a prison where there’s an inmate connected to the crime.
-The crime was a little convoluted.
Overall, a mediocre read. All the essentials are there—a decent plot, good pacing, well-drawn characters. But as I said before, a couple of times, it was a baked potato without the toppings.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.
P.S. I remember hearing of another (make-believe) story about an evil nail gun: A kid on the TV show The Fosters accidentally shot a nail into his head. Somehow the image of that creeps me out. I wondered, does it happen in real life? Because I just had to, I went to good old Google. A staggering 37,000 people a year visit the ER because they get injured by a nail gun. Most injuries are to the hand, but sometimes it’s a nail to the head. Something about drilling a nail into a head is fascinating. I need to get a life, lol.
July 21, 2018
4+ enthusiastic stars
Ok, this book definitely kept my attention. I've been in a bit of a reading slump, but fortunately have found a few decent mysteries recently to keep me interested in reading. Open Your Eyes is definitely one of them. It's the second book I've read by Paula Daly and by far my favourite. Jane lives in Liverpool with her husband and two young children. One day, her life is turned upside down when an attempt on her husband's life leaves him brain damaged. Jane then has to deal with a husband who doesn't recognize her and doesn't remember what happened to him, the fear of not knowing why someone tried to kill her husband and all of the other ordinary life stresses of family, work and small children. I liked Jane as a character. She comes across as a normal person dealing with extraordinary circumstances. I also liked that both Jane and her husband are writers. This fact plays an interesting role as the story unfolds, and especially at the end. Low on violence and high on interesting smart human interaction. My kind of mystery! I now want to go back and read some of Daly's other books. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.
Ok, this book definitely kept my attention. I've been in a bit of a reading slump, but fortunately have found a few decent mysteries recently to keep me interested in reading. Open Your Eyes is definitely one of them. It's the second book I've read by Paula Daly and by far my favourite. Jane lives in Liverpool with her husband and two young children. One day, her life is turned upside down when an attempt on her husband's life leaves him brain damaged. Jane then has to deal with a husband who doesn't recognize her and doesn't remember what happened to him, the fear of not knowing why someone tried to kill her husband and all of the other ordinary life stresses of family, work and small children. I liked Jane as a character. She comes across as a normal person dealing with extraordinary circumstances. I also liked that both Jane and her husband are writers. This fact plays an interesting role as the story unfolds, and especially at the end. Low on violence and high on interesting smart human interaction. My kind of mystery! I now want to go back and read some of Daly's other books. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.
September 9, 2019
3 Stars
Open Your Eyes is a domestic thriller but not with a strong plot in my opinion. It's not twisty and not shoking! And honestly it didn't thrill me, I got bored a bit. Told in single POV, 1st person, it's a standalone novel. It's slow-paced, an easy read with well-developed characters and a satisfying ending. All in all, it was an okay read for me and hope you enjoy it more than me!
Open Your Eyes is a domestic thriller but not with a strong plot in my opinion. It's not twisty and not shoking! And honestly it didn't thrill me, I got bored a bit. Told in single POV, 1st person, it's a standalone novel. It's slow-paced, an easy read with well-developed characters and a satisfying ending. All in all, it was an okay read for me and hope you enjoy it more than me!
October 2, 2018
Jane and Leon are a married couple. He is a successful writer and she has never managed to get any of her work published. That aside they live relatively happy lives. One day as they are about to go out for the afternoon to celebrate Leon's birthday they are confronted by their elderly neighbor who was complaining about their cat disturbing their garden. As her husband and he bickered back and forth Jane went inside to fetch some beer to bring to the celebration. Upon returning to the car it's obvious the neighbor has returned home but something is not quite right with her husband. It appears someone shot her husband in the head with a nail gun while the kids were in the car. Of course, the kids have their ear buds in and their eyes glued to their screens so they are of very little help once the investigation begins. The elderly neighbor is investigated but never charged - no evidence.
Leon ends up in a coma but the doctors believe he will survive. Once he does awaken he isn't the same man as he was before and let me tell you that Paula Daly wrote some very chilling moments.
*shivers*
Jane begins wondering who would want to murder her husband? She decides to do some investigating, mainly her husbands lap top, and discovers her husband had been keeping secrets.
This is my second Paula Daly novel and she has not disappointed me yet. This book wasn't as dark and twisted as some other psychological thrillers but it was fast paced and I was intrigued from the moment I started. All in all I'd say this was a win! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley & Edelweiss & Grove Atlantic for kindly providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Leon ends up in a coma but the doctors believe he will survive. Once he does awaken he isn't the same man as he was before and let me tell you that Paula Daly wrote some very chilling moments.
*shivers*
Jane begins wondering who would want to murder her husband? She decides to do some investigating, mainly her husbands lap top, and discovers her husband had been keeping secrets.
This is my second Paula Daly novel and she has not disappointed me yet. This book wasn't as dark and twisted as some other psychological thrillers but it was fast paced and I was intrigued from the moment I started. All in all I'd say this was a win! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley & Edelweiss & Grove Atlantic for kindly providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 11, 2018
Open Your Eyes by Paula Daly is a psychological thriller that had my attention from the first page. Jane's husband is attacked in his car outside their house as is now in hospital in a coma. Jane is left to look after her two young children and is afraid that whoever attacked her husband will come back for her. I really enjoyed this book and all its twist and turns.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2018
Paula Daly manages for the 4th time to completely baffle me with her plots. In this, main protagonist, Jane finds herself trying to figure out who would harm her successful author husband. As the pages turned, it soon became clear that there is no shortage of suspects. Although the pacing was a bit slow in the middle of the story, I felt that even when I wasn't reading, I couldn't stop thinking about this book and its characters.
Thanks to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review
September 10, 2018
Jane and Leon are married with two children. Jane appears to think that they're a happy couple despite minor fights that all married couples have.
Leon is a successful writer while Jane is trying to start her writing career. Yikes.. how hard would this be having your hubby be successful and you failing at the same career?
Before we know it, Leon lands himself in the hospital and is in a coma. He thankfully awakens but doesn't recognize Jane and is convinced he’s married to his first wife. He starts accusing Jane of things that aren't true or are they??!
Jane becomes anxious and starts investigating on her own. Jane starts to unbury some heavy secrets.. and the more she uncovers the more dangerous she lands herself in.
Open Your Eyes is a domestic thriller that's entertaining keeping you on edge! Overall, I felt that it was a tad unbelievable and dragged in some spots but overall was enjoyable.
3.5 stars rounded down on this one.
Thank you to Grove Atlantic and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Publication date: 10/9/18
Published to GR: 9/9/18
September 10, 2018
It’s Leon’s birthday!
The author, his wife Jane, and their two small children are off to his mother’s house to celebrate....although it’s not what Leon really wants to do.
Before they can leave the driveway, however, their neighbor intercedes to discuss the family’s cat. (Trigger warning, animal lovers!)
An argument ensues, and Leon asks Jane to retrieve beer from the house, to bring to the celebration, as this day is NOT shaping up to be his best birthday...
When she returns, their car has plowed into the neighbor’s wall, and they end up leaving for the hospital instead.
It turns out that Leon has been brutally attacked in his own driveway, in front of the children, though he seemingly has no enemies. But Jane is about to discover a lot about her husband that she never could’ve imagined....
For the first 25% of the book, I felt like I was being told a story about something that happened, and I was not immediately drawn in, but then the pace picked up as the author began revealing Leon’s secrets. And, insight on the sometimes “cut throat world” of writing and publishing.
By the last 25%, I was wondering how so much could be wrapped up in the few pages that were left!!
This was my first book by Paula Daly, but I will definitely seek out her other work. It will be available in the U.S. on Oct. 9th, and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy DOMESTIC NOIR (suspense)
I would like to thank Netgalley, Corgi publishing and Paula Daly for the ARC I received in exchange for a candid review!
The author, his wife Jane, and their two small children are off to his mother’s house to celebrate....although it’s not what Leon really wants to do.
Before they can leave the driveway, however, their neighbor intercedes to discuss the family’s cat. (Trigger warning, animal lovers!)
An argument ensues, and Leon asks Jane to retrieve beer from the house, to bring to the celebration, as this day is NOT shaping up to be his best birthday...
When she returns, their car has plowed into the neighbor’s wall, and they end up leaving for the hospital instead.
It turns out that Leon has been brutally attacked in his own driveway, in front of the children, though he seemingly has no enemies. But Jane is about to discover a lot about her husband that she never could’ve imagined....
For the first 25% of the book, I felt like I was being told a story about something that happened, and I was not immediately drawn in, but then the pace picked up as the author began revealing Leon’s secrets. And, insight on the sometimes “cut throat world” of writing and publishing.
By the last 25%, I was wondering how so much could be wrapped up in the few pages that were left!!
This was my first book by Paula Daly, but I will definitely seek out her other work. It will be available in the U.S. on Oct. 9th, and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy DOMESTIC NOIR (suspense)
I would like to thank Netgalley, Corgi publishing and Paula Daly for the ARC I received in exchange for a candid review!
October 1, 2018
Jane's husband, Leon, is viciously attacked in his own driveway, behind the wheel of his own car. Before he was attacked, he had sent her back into their house to grab some beer. They were on their way to his mother's for his birthday.
As she left the car, a neighbor came up and started arguing with Leon over their cat. The cat was digging in his wife's garden and she wasn't happy. There had been contention with this neighbor before and the complaints just never seemed to stop.
When Jane gets back in the car, she notices that Leon is slumped a bit over the steering wheel, saying nothing. And then he hits the gas, the car is in reverse, and he plows into the neighbor's wall.
Jane and their 2 children in the backseat are okay .. a bit shaken up ... but Leon isn't.
In the hospital in a coma, the doctors find two nails in his brain, fired by a nail gun. Who hated him enough to try to kill him in this way?
What really happened that day? Jane must open her eyes to the secrets that have been kept from her, if she’s to find out who hurt her husband – and why.
This is a well-paced domestic thriller with credible characters. It's a slow starter, but rapidly picks up speed. I thought I had it all worked out ... until the surprising ending.
Many thanks to the author / Grove Atlantic / Netgalley / Edelweiss for the advanced digital copy of this Psychological Thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
As she left the car, a neighbor came up and started arguing with Leon over their cat. The cat was digging in his wife's garden and she wasn't happy. There had been contention with this neighbor before and the complaints just never seemed to stop.
When Jane gets back in the car, she notices that Leon is slumped a bit over the steering wheel, saying nothing. And then he hits the gas, the car is in reverse, and he plows into the neighbor's wall.
Jane and their 2 children in the backseat are okay .. a bit shaken up ... but Leon isn't.
In the hospital in a coma, the doctors find two nails in his brain, fired by a nail gun. Who hated him enough to try to kill him in this way?
What really happened that day? Jane must open her eyes to the secrets that have been kept from her, if she’s to find out who hurt her husband – and why.
This is a well-paced domestic thriller with credible characters. It's a slow starter, but rapidly picks up speed. I thought I had it all worked out ... until the surprising ending.
Many thanks to the author / Grove Atlantic / Netgalley / Edelweiss for the advanced digital copy of this Psychological Thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 12, 2018
was a brilliantly addictive novel from the pen of one of my favourite writers Paula Daly. I read it fast, utterly caught up in Jane’s battle to learn to live with a man who is completely changed from the man she married and to discover what happened to him in those short moments after she left him in the car…
The story encompasses many themes and is set in the literary world so will resonate with readers everywhere. The emotional core of it sits within the trauma of life after severe brain injury, the terrible affect not only on the victim but on those that love them. Having had some experience of this with friends of mine I was struck by how well the author captures the heartache and the challenges, authentically and emotionally, the writing is beautifully immersive and resonant.
Add to that a truly intriguing and unpredictable mystery element with some well placed and surprising twists of plot, plus a pitch perfect ending that will keep you thinking about it long after reading and you have an excellent read, well worth the wait and Open Your Eyes definitely comes highly recommended by me.
The story encompasses many themes and is set in the literary world so will resonate with readers everywhere. The emotional core of it sits within the trauma of life after severe brain injury, the terrible affect not only on the victim but on those that love them. Having had some experience of this with friends of mine I was struck by how well the author captures the heartache and the challenges, authentically and emotionally, the writing is beautifully immersive and resonant.
Add to that a truly intriguing and unpredictable mystery element with some well placed and surprising twists of plot, plus a pitch perfect ending that will keep you thinking about it long after reading and you have an excellent read, well worth the wait and Open Your Eyes definitely comes highly recommended by me.
February 10, 2019
When I first discovered Paula Daly's work, I read all her existing titles back-to-back, and she has been on my radar ever since. Every piece she writes is a totally different theme and they are always fun and intriguing reading experiences. In Open Your Eyes, the storyline is all about writers: writing as a craft, the success stories, the stories that never get off the ground, and all the turmoil that falls in between. If there is anything this story taught me about authorship, it's that you don't mess with writers. They are a sensitive bunch that may respond to stress in extremes: introverts that may internalize perceived failure or aggressive personalities that may sabotage and back-stab to get a leg up. Of course you have a good chunk of authors who function in the realm of normalcy...but “normal” doesn't sell psychological thrillers does it? With that said, get ready for an interesting mystery.
Spoiler contains my spin on the book synopsis:
This is sure to be a memorable psychological thriller for many readers. There are a lot of suspicious threads to follow with motives that present themselves around every turn. Additionally, there is a surprising amount of education about brain injuries in general as well as perspective-altering soapboxes about the breathtaking power of the nursing field, how the work of female writers is often undervalued, and much more. Open Your Eyes is another Paula Daly winner. Check it out.
Thank you to the following for permitting me access to an advance reader's copy (ARC) of Open Your Eyes. This generosity did not impact my honesty when rating/reviewing.
Source: NetGalley
Author: Paula Daly
Publisher: Grove Atlantic, Grove Press
Genres: General Fiction (Adult)
Pub Date: October 9, 2018
Spoiler contains my spin on the book synopsis:
This is sure to be a memorable psychological thriller for many readers. There are a lot of suspicious threads to follow with motives that present themselves around every turn. Additionally, there is a surprising amount of education about brain injuries in general as well as perspective-altering soapboxes about the breathtaking power of the nursing field, how the work of female writers is often undervalued, and much more. Open Your Eyes is another Paula Daly winner. Check it out.
Thank you to the following for permitting me access to an advance reader's copy (ARC) of Open Your Eyes. This generosity did not impact my honesty when rating/reviewing.
Source: NetGalley
Author: Paula Daly
Publisher: Grove Atlantic, Grove Press
Genres: General Fiction (Adult)
Pub Date: October 9, 2018
October 6, 2018
Jane is married to Leon, a successful crime writer. Jane takes care of their two young children, teaches creative writing, and dreams of being a writer. They seem to have a great life, but that all comes crashing down one day while getting ready to head out. Leon and the kids are in the car and ready to go, but Jane heads back inside for a few minutes. When she returns, she finds Leon brutally attacked.
Told from Jane's point of view, she first deals with the shock of her husband's brutal attack, and then tries to piece together who would do such a thing. Following the attack, Leon is in a coma, so he is unable to help the police find who attacked him. The children were preoccupied and didn't see what happened. Jane is left to wonder who could be behind the attack - an angry neighbor, a disgruntled fan, or something more sinister.
This novel looks at the difficulty a family faces when their lives are forever changed by a brutal attack. Life after Leon's attack is forever changed for not only Leon, but his wife and children. It is an extremely difficult situation, and Jane handles it somewhat better than most people probably would.
Jane does do a little snooping on her own to find the attacker, but she's not especially organized about it. One of the things I didn't like was that Jane only questions things after someone else points stuff out to her. She seemed like a smart individual, so I would have preferred her to be more of a self-starter and question things on her own.
This is an entertaining and addictive read. It does lean a little on the unbelievable side, but not overly so. A fast-paced read for fans of domestic thrillers. Clever, intriguing, and unpredictable. This is my first time reading this author, but I will definitely pick up more by Paula Daly in the future.
I received a free eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Told from Jane's point of view, she first deals with the shock of her husband's brutal attack, and then tries to piece together who would do such a thing. Following the attack, Leon is in a coma, so he is unable to help the police find who attacked him. The children were preoccupied and didn't see what happened. Jane is left to wonder who could be behind the attack - an angry neighbor, a disgruntled fan, or something more sinister.
This novel looks at the difficulty a family faces when their lives are forever changed by a brutal attack. Life after Leon's attack is forever changed for not only Leon, but his wife and children. It is an extremely difficult situation, and Jane handles it somewhat better than most people probably would.
Jane does do a little snooping on her own to find the attacker, but she's not especially organized about it. One of the things I didn't like was that Jane only questions things after someone else points stuff out to her. She seemed like a smart individual, so I would have preferred her to be more of a self-starter and question things on her own.
This is an entertaining and addictive read. It does lean a little on the unbelievable side, but not overly so. A fast-paced read for fans of domestic thrillers. Clever, intriguing, and unpredictable. This is my first time reading this author, but I will definitely pick up more by Paula Daly in the future.
I received a free eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2019
I have to say before I start this review, that Paula Daly is one of my favourite authors. I was over the moon to get a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a review, as I know I won’t be disappointed!!
Wow what a start, I nearly fell off my chair!!
It started off as a normal day. It’s Leon’s birthday and his wife Jane and their 2 young children are going to Leon’s mother’s house. They are in the car ready to leave when Leon asks for some beer and for her to lock the garage door. She is glad to leave the car as their neighbour Lawrence is morning about their cat messing in their garden!!
When she returns to the car, Leon reverses into Lawrence’s wall and collapses onto the steering wheel. Jane thinks it’s either a stroke or a heart attack.
Leon has had a brain injury and is in a coma. Who would have wanted to hurt an established author who has published several crime stories.
Jane has to look after Leon and her children and try to be the breadwinner of the family, but she is finding out secrets about Leon that will effect them all. What was Leon up to?
This is a very hard book to put down, Paula Daly writes in a very compassionate way about what the brain injury is like for the victim and the relatives.
Loved the way cut throat industry of writing and the desperation to have a book published is described. It definitely opened my eyes and I will gladly keep reading you’re great books rather than try writing one. Leave the experts to their work so to speak!!
Loved the ending. I kept on guessing till the last page and you blew me away as usual.
Please don’t make me wait too long for you’re next book!!
Wow what a start, I nearly fell off my chair!!
It started off as a normal day. It’s Leon’s birthday and his wife Jane and their 2 young children are going to Leon’s mother’s house. They are in the car ready to leave when Leon asks for some beer and for her to lock the garage door. She is glad to leave the car as their neighbour Lawrence is morning about their cat messing in their garden!!
When she returns to the car, Leon reverses into Lawrence’s wall and collapses onto the steering wheel. Jane thinks it’s either a stroke or a heart attack.
Leon has had a brain injury and is in a coma. Who would have wanted to hurt an established author who has published several crime stories.
Jane has to look after Leon and her children and try to be the breadwinner of the family, but she is finding out secrets about Leon that will effect them all. What was Leon up to?
This is a very hard book to put down, Paula Daly writes in a very compassionate way about what the brain injury is like for the victim and the relatives.
Loved the way cut throat industry of writing and the desperation to have a book published is described. It definitely opened my eyes and I will gladly keep reading you’re great books rather than try writing one. Leave the experts to their work so to speak!!
Loved the ending. I kept on guessing till the last page and you blew me away as usual.
Please don’t make me wait too long for you’re next book!!
April 26, 2019
A gripping psychological thriller that zips along at a pace.
Not only showing the fallout of a life altering event, this clever mystery also explores the perilous world of book publishing.
Budding author Jane is married to semi-successful writer Leon, aside from her struggles to have one of her novels published - she couldn’t be happier.
That is until the morning her husband was brutally attacked in the driveway of their home, in front of the couples two children.
Trying to carry on with normal every day life whilst Leon is in a coma, Jane stumbles across some deep secrets that could jeopardise what had appeared to be a happy normal family.
I really appreciated that both the main characters had different experiences with the writing industry and the pressures of trying to get published, whilst writers block had been a serious issue for Leon.
I liked the every day petty arguments that can easily brew between neighbours, like street parking start to lead to a bitter feud.
Of course they become one of the prime suspects of the attack.
I felt that there was one to many story strands in an effort to try and create more tension throughout the book, at one stage Jane spends time teaching inmates at the local prison. The threatening behaviour of one of the prisoners felt like another way to add jeopardy.
That’s just a minor quibble though as for the most part I found the writing process and the effects of a coma on the body to be fascinating additional extras to the story.
Not only showing the fallout of a life altering event, this clever mystery also explores the perilous world of book publishing.
Budding author Jane is married to semi-successful writer Leon, aside from her struggles to have one of her novels published - she couldn’t be happier.
That is until the morning her husband was brutally attacked in the driveway of their home, in front of the couples two children.
Trying to carry on with normal every day life whilst Leon is in a coma, Jane stumbles across some deep secrets that could jeopardise what had appeared to be a happy normal family.
I really appreciated that both the main characters had different experiences with the writing industry and the pressures of trying to get published, whilst writers block had been a serious issue for Leon.
I liked the every day petty arguments that can easily brew between neighbours, like street parking start to lead to a bitter feud.
Of course they become one of the prime suspects of the attack.
I felt that there was one to many story strands in an effort to try and create more tension throughout the book, at one stage Jane spends time teaching inmates at the local prison. The threatening behaviour of one of the prisoners felt like another way to add jeopardy.
That’s just a minor quibble though as for the most part I found the writing process and the effects of a coma on the body to be fascinating additional extras to the story.
July 27, 2018
3.5/5 stars
I am in a huge mood for thrillers/suspense/mystery books! So when I saw the description for this book I was more than intrigued. Open Your Eyes has everything you want in a good thriller - pace, suspense and a good dose of daily life. It was also an extremely fast read. But it also falls short on many other things.
The main character, Jane, is compelling and I sympathized with her a lot, but she's also not very bright. There were some things she did in regards to her family and kids that left me thinking "no way a mother would ever act like that".
I also had trouble connecting to the age of kids, her daughter was supposedly 3 years old, but in the book she was left to act as if she was at least 5. I just thought that it was a big disconnect in that sense and therefore the novel didn't feel authentic and real life like.
The first 10% of the book were also very, well not good. The writing felt childish and the dialog ridiculous - I almost gave it up. But I'm so glad that I didn't, because from then on I couldn't put it down.
The plot was limpy at times as well - there were some things put in there that didn't have any significance whatsoever to the main story, and while sometimes a secondary story line works - it just didn't in here. But only because in a thriller I want every little detail to matter, every little noose to come unraveled - and when I get led on by secondary plot lines I just get fidgety because I just want to know how the story will end!
Despite that Open Your Eyes was still a compelling, quick and quite thrilling read. I felt fear at times and I was a bit surprised at the outcome of the mystery, but I definitely wasn't wowed. I'm happy I picked it up, but I wouldn't re-read it or anything.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for a digital advanced reader copy provided for a review. All opinions are my own, honest and come from the heart.
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My INSTAGRAM
My WORDPRESS BLOG
I am in a huge mood for thrillers/suspense/mystery books! So when I saw the description for this book I was more than intrigued. Open Your Eyes has everything you want in a good thriller - pace, suspense and a good dose of daily life. It was also an extremely fast read. But it also falls short on many other things.
The main character, Jane, is compelling and I sympathized with her a lot, but she's also not very bright. There were some things she did in regards to her family and kids that left me thinking "no way a mother would ever act like that".
I also had trouble connecting to the age of kids, her daughter was supposedly 3 years old, but in the book she was left to act as if she was at least 5. I just thought that it was a big disconnect in that sense and therefore the novel didn't feel authentic and real life like.
The first 10% of the book were also very, well not good. The writing felt childish and the dialog ridiculous - I almost gave it up. But I'm so glad that I didn't, because from then on I couldn't put it down.
The plot was limpy at times as well - there were some things put in there that didn't have any significance whatsoever to the main story, and while sometimes a secondary story line works - it just didn't in here. But only because in a thriller I want every little detail to matter, every little noose to come unraveled - and when I get led on by secondary plot lines I just get fidgety because I just want to know how the story will end!
Despite that Open Your Eyes was still a compelling, quick and quite thrilling read. I felt fear at times and I was a bit surprised at the outcome of the mystery, but I definitely wasn't wowed. I'm happy I picked it up, but I wouldn't re-read it or anything.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for a digital advanced reader copy provided for a review. All opinions are my own, honest and come from the heart.
My WEBSITE
My INSTAGRAM
My WORDPRESS BLOG
September 3, 2019
Oh, the irony!!!! Goodreads members, reviewers and commenters will be pleased to know that we all figure, at one point, in the plot of this well crafted domestic thriller. Even Daly's readers are given a mention in a very crucial way: Jane points out that the majority of readers decide to buy or borrow a book based on media exposure and critical reviews. I had to admire the author for weaving all these exterior elements which affect her craft into the plot - i.e, how important good reviews are to the sales of a book.
I also enjoyed the passages about the process of writing a novel, Jane's need for (and her frustration with) trying to get published, writer's block - and just about every aspect of a writer's daily life and routine. What a brilliant idea - to expose the underbelly of writing in a domestic thriller.
Yes, we have a mystery to solve: who tried to kill Jane's husband, Leon. But it was the description of the back-stabbing, the public rivalries between authors (reminded me of the silliness that goes on in the music industry) and the claims of plagiarism that had me riveted. We humans and our delicate and often over-inflated egos! I did feel badly for poor Jane, having to become the bread-winner and cope with her husband's very anti-social behaviour once he started to recover from his brain trauma. But for me, the five star rating is for the author's clever (but respectful) lampooning of all of the shenanigans that go on in the writing and publishing industry.
And check out her reference to Nick Hornby's advice to a disheartened wannabe writer: maybe move on to something less heart wrenching and difficult, and opt to enjoy life more. Effort and desire are not always going to be rewarded, and there is a point where you might want to give up and get on with living
Wow. That blew me away. But then again, I've always felt that you should write for the love of it, and not care too much if others will ever read and admire your efforts. Not all of us part-time scribblers were meant to be published. The small twist at the end had me smiling. A very well-written thriller!
I also enjoyed the passages about the process of writing a novel, Jane's need for (and her frustration with) trying to get published, writer's block - and just about every aspect of a writer's daily life and routine. What a brilliant idea - to expose the underbelly of writing in a domestic thriller.
Yes, we have a mystery to solve: who tried to kill Jane's husband, Leon. But it was the description of the back-stabbing, the public rivalries between authors (reminded me of the silliness that goes on in the music industry) and the claims of plagiarism that had me riveted. We humans and our delicate and often over-inflated egos! I did feel badly for poor Jane, having to become the bread-winner and cope with her husband's very anti-social behaviour once he started to recover from his brain trauma. But for me, the five star rating is for the author's clever (but respectful) lampooning of all of the shenanigans that go on in the writing and publishing industry.
And check out her reference to Nick Hornby's advice to a disheartened wannabe writer: maybe move on to something less heart wrenching and difficult, and opt to enjoy life more. Effort and desire are not always going to be rewarded, and there is a point where you might want to give up and get on with living
Wow. That blew me away. But then again, I've always felt that you should write for the love of it, and not care too much if others will ever read and admire your efforts. Not all of us part-time scribblers were meant to be published. The small twist at the end had me smiling. A very well-written thriller!
September 18, 2019
4.5 stars. This was sooo good. There are plenty of blurbs that can tell you what the book is about but let me just say that it was a riveting read. A tale of domestic suspense but way above the average in that overcrowded genre. I will look for more from this author.
July 26, 2018
When Jane’s husband Leon is brutally attacked in the driveway of their suburban home, suffering a severe traumatic brain injury, the whole family’s life is suddenly turned upside down. Not only does Jane fear for her own and her children’s safety whilst the assailant is still on the loose, but she has also discovered that her husband has been keeping secrets from her – secrets that may put their future in jeopardy.
I have always enjoyed Paula Daly’s writing style, and Open Your Eyes is no different – it drew me in from the very first page and kept me interested until the very end. With so many psychological thrillers out there, it is becoming more and more difficult to find an original premise, but Daly has delivered a clever narrative with a very unique twist that totally took me by surprise. I especially appreciated her portrayal of Jane, a mother of two young children, facing the difficult task of caring for a husband who has suffered a severe traumatic brain injury that has not only changed his intellectual capabilities, but also his personality – and the whole family’s livelihood. Throughout the story, I could not help but put myself into Jane’s position, wondering how I would cope with this difficult situation – on top of fearing that her husband’s assailant is still out there posing a threat! I also enjoyed the background of the publishing world, as Leon and his best friend are both successful novelists, and Jane an aspiring writer who has yet been unsuccessful in getting her books published. Daly’s portrayal of her characters is insightful and sensitive and really brought this story to life for me.
Whilst this was a bit of a slow-burner in terms of action, the character driven narrative held an underlying sense of tension that had me frantically turn the pages to find out more, wondering what deep, dark secrets Leon has been hiding from his wife. I love a good relationship drama, and when this is combined with a mystery, it makes for the perfect weekend read! Each character was relatable, from the nosy interfering neighbours to Jane’s aloof mother, creating a background I could really empathise with. There were a couple of instances where I thought that some scenes had not been used to their full potential in creating even more menace and threat, but it probably satisfies the general audience who don’t crave their stories quite as dark and sinister as I do!
In summary, the background of dealing with the repercussions of a brutal attack in Jane’s own home and Leon’s severe traumatic brain injury gives this clever mystery an extra depth not found in many other novels. I thoroughly enjoyed how Daly’s mind works, and the air of danger and menace underlying the story that had me frantically turning the pages to find out the answers.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
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I have always enjoyed Paula Daly’s writing style, and Open Your Eyes is no different – it drew me in from the very first page and kept me interested until the very end. With so many psychological thrillers out there, it is becoming more and more difficult to find an original premise, but Daly has delivered a clever narrative with a very unique twist that totally took me by surprise. I especially appreciated her portrayal of Jane, a mother of two young children, facing the difficult task of caring for a husband who has suffered a severe traumatic brain injury that has not only changed his intellectual capabilities, but also his personality – and the whole family’s livelihood. Throughout the story, I could not help but put myself into Jane’s position, wondering how I would cope with this difficult situation – on top of fearing that her husband’s assailant is still out there posing a threat! I also enjoyed the background of the publishing world, as Leon and his best friend are both successful novelists, and Jane an aspiring writer who has yet been unsuccessful in getting her books published. Daly’s portrayal of her characters is insightful and sensitive and really brought this story to life for me.
Whilst this was a bit of a slow-burner in terms of action, the character driven narrative held an underlying sense of tension that had me frantically turn the pages to find out more, wondering what deep, dark secrets Leon has been hiding from his wife. I love a good relationship drama, and when this is combined with a mystery, it makes for the perfect weekend read! Each character was relatable, from the nosy interfering neighbours to Jane’s aloof mother, creating a background I could really empathise with. There were a couple of instances where I thought that some scenes had not been used to their full potential in creating even more menace and threat, but it probably satisfies the general audience who don’t crave their stories quite as dark and sinister as I do!
In summary, the background of dealing with the repercussions of a brutal attack in Jane’s own home and Leon’s severe traumatic brain injury gives this clever mystery an extra depth not found in many other novels. I thoroughly enjoyed how Daly’s mind works, and the air of danger and menace underlying the story that had me frantically turning the pages to find out the answers.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
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