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Before Her Eyes
She can't see the killer
But the killer can see her...
Naomi Hannah has been blind since birth. Struggling with living in the small, claustrophobic town of Balkerne Heights, Naomi contemplates ending her life. But before she can, Naomi stumbles across the body of a young woman who has been brutally murdered. She senses someone else there at the scene - watching her. Naomi may not be able to see the killer's face, but she is still the only person who can identify him.
For Naomi, this frightening truth changes everything: she realises that she wants to live, at the very point at which her life is in greatest peril. As the police begin hunting the person responsible and the bodies pile up, Naomi must lie in wait and answer the question that hangs her fate in the balance: why did the killer let her live?
In a town this small, the murderer must be close, perhaps even before her very eyes...
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2018
107 people are currently reading
2238 people want to read
About the author
Jack Jordan
9 books849 followersSunday Times bestselling author of eight thrillers. 9th coming 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews
June 30, 2024
This plot was was excellent! I have no need to write a review as my 5 star rating says it all.
August 13, 2018
Jack Jordan isn't a new author to me as I read and enjoyed "My Girl" a few months back and found him to be an excellent and imaginative writer.
"Before Her Eyes" is Jack's latest offering and a very good thriller it is too. Being many an online book club sensation this author has a huge following and I was thrilled to be able to read this book and see for myself what all the excitement was about.
I've read a thriller before that has a blind main protagonist and was totally astounded as to how they live their lives so well considering their disability. Jack Jordan has obviously done his research and portrayed Naomi as a clever, intelligent and likeable character. You really endear to her and I personally became quite frustrated at how she was treat by Lisa the main detective and especially during her ordeal at the hands of a killer and members of the community. The fact that she doesn't know who she can trust or who is protecting her must be so frightening when you can't see especially when you rely only on a cane or a guide dog but being the determined and brave girl she is she doesn't give up no matter how many times the sea calls to her. The descriptions of the cliff scenes are really intense and kept me on the edge of my seat with emotion.
There's a great plot to this story that really keeps you engrossed and I was compelled to keep turning the gripping and descriptive pages to see the how the intriguing story pieced together.
I'm not sure I liked the detectives working the case (my opinion only) and I know it's common these days to "love to hate" but on this occasion I really didn't take to them. However, this didn't effect my enjoyment of the story as a whole, everything fit perfectly and the denouement was excellently executed and easy to follow and I was totally shocked by the twist at the end. Well done Jack! I didn't see that coming!
I don't know about "Before Her Eyes", I just know that I've just read a fantastic book before MY eyes and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this well written and compelling read.
A well deserved 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
"Before Her Eyes" is Jack's latest offering and a very good thriller it is too. Being many an online book club sensation this author has a huge following and I was thrilled to be able to read this book and see for myself what all the excitement was about.
I've read a thriller before that has a blind main protagonist and was totally astounded as to how they live their lives so well considering their disability. Jack Jordan has obviously done his research and portrayed Naomi as a clever, intelligent and likeable character. You really endear to her and I personally became quite frustrated at how she was treat by Lisa the main detective and especially during her ordeal at the hands of a killer and members of the community. The fact that she doesn't know who she can trust or who is protecting her must be so frightening when you can't see especially when you rely only on a cane or a guide dog but being the determined and brave girl she is she doesn't give up no matter how many times the sea calls to her. The descriptions of the cliff scenes are really intense and kept me on the edge of my seat with emotion.
There's a great plot to this story that really keeps you engrossed and I was compelled to keep turning the gripping and descriptive pages to see the how the intriguing story pieced together.
I'm not sure I liked the detectives working the case (my opinion only) and I know it's common these days to "love to hate" but on this occasion I really didn't take to them. However, this didn't effect my enjoyment of the story as a whole, everything fit perfectly and the denouement was excellently executed and easy to follow and I was totally shocked by the twist at the end. Well done Jack! I didn't see that coming!
I don't know about "Before Her Eyes", I just know that I've just read a fantastic book before MY eyes and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this well written and compelling read.
A well deserved 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
July 4, 2019
I had been eager to get my hands on this book as soon as I saw it all over social media.
Then I received an email asking if I’d like to take part in the blog tour to advertise this latest book by Jack Jordan.
Let’s just say, they didn’t have to ask me twice.
Naomi who is blind really got under my skin, in a nice way.
She had her problems and a disability; she was blind. She had a lovely loyal guide dog too.
But certain things in her life brought her down and at the beginning of the book she feels she just wants her life to be over.
The thing is, something happens where she is a witness to. She finds a body in an alley. But is that the killer still there?
She continues to have disturbing things happen to her. A knock on the door but no ones there.
Her ex plays a role as does his new partner.
I could only imagine myself without the aide of sight and things happening that I couldn’t visualise. How scary.
Then her home. That gets invaded and her furniture being changed around.
Awful.
At times this book has the creepy chill factor for me. I didn’t count the time or pages I sat and devoured every single word.
Great plot.
Great characters.
Menacing, creepy, chilling and spellbinding.
Thank you Atlantic books
Then I received an email asking if I’d like to take part in the blog tour to advertise this latest book by Jack Jordan.
Let’s just say, they didn’t have to ask me twice.
Naomi who is blind really got under my skin, in a nice way.
She had her problems and a disability; she was blind. She had a lovely loyal guide dog too.
But certain things in her life brought her down and at the beginning of the book she feels she just wants her life to be over.
The thing is, something happens where she is a witness to. She finds a body in an alley. But is that the killer still there?
She continues to have disturbing things happen to her. A knock on the door but no ones there.
Her ex plays a role as does his new partner.
I could only imagine myself without the aide of sight and things happening that I couldn’t visualise. How scary.
Then her home. That gets invaded and her furniture being changed around.
Awful.
At times this book has the creepy chill factor for me. I didn’t count the time or pages I sat and devoured every single word.
Great plot.
Great characters.
Menacing, creepy, chilling and spellbinding.
Thank you Atlantic books
August 13, 2024
Honestly, please never write about police investigations again. It was a farce. The lead detective pursuing her wild theories that made no sense. It was more like a conspiracy theory plucked out of thin air. I get that the police was corrupt, but come on. When we got the explanation for her theory, that is what due to the need to prove herself I just sighed inwardly. There were also other problems, and I didn’t like the dog being attacked. I also found it distasteful that a blind woman was exploited to such a degree. The only redeeming quality was that despite what annoyed me, the writing was good and it flowed nicely along.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2018
4.5/5
Do you ever have a certain, specific expectation about a book and then once you start reading it you kind of have to adjust your mindset? I had that experience here, but instead of being frustrated by having to shift my assumptions I was totally excited that there was much more to this one than just your standard mystery/thriller.
This is told from both Naomi’s POV and also Marcus who is a detective and that’s where this crossed genres a bit. While it most assuredly is a mystery at it’s core it also read like a police procedural due to the addition of Marcus’ perspective and while it surprised me, it also pleased me. Naomi was a highly unique protagonist, her total blindness really added to the tension of the story in such a dark manner. I can’t even imagine being blind much less being terrorized on top of it, but Mr. Jordan did a phenomenal job of showcasing just how terrifying life could be for Naomi. Her fear and anxiety was palpable and made for such a different atmosphere, a fresh POV that just worked so well for me.
If you’ve read any of Jordan’s previous work then you’ll know he doesn’t shy away from graphic descriptions and sometimes gruesome crimes, but he really takes things to a whole new level with Before Her Eyes. This was dangerously dark and gritty, it had my pulse pounding several times and I loved every single minute of this intense ride. While there were plenty of shocking twists along the way the final whammy really made my jaw drop, totally never saw it coming and it was dropped right when I thought things were already wrapped up with a pretty little bow. Well done Mr. Jordan!!
Before Her Eyes in three words: Gripping, Dark and Intense.
Do you ever have a certain, specific expectation about a book and then once you start reading it you kind of have to adjust your mindset? I had that experience here, but instead of being frustrated by having to shift my assumptions I was totally excited that there was much more to this one than just your standard mystery/thriller.
This is told from both Naomi’s POV and also Marcus who is a detective and that’s where this crossed genres a bit. While it most assuredly is a mystery at it’s core it also read like a police procedural due to the addition of Marcus’ perspective and while it surprised me, it also pleased me. Naomi was a highly unique protagonist, her total blindness really added to the tension of the story in such a dark manner. I can’t even imagine being blind much less being terrorized on top of it, but Mr. Jordan did a phenomenal job of showcasing just how terrifying life could be for Naomi. Her fear and anxiety was palpable and made for such a different atmosphere, a fresh POV that just worked so well for me.
If you’ve read any of Jordan’s previous work then you’ll know he doesn’t shy away from graphic descriptions and sometimes gruesome crimes, but he really takes things to a whole new level with Before Her Eyes. This was dangerously dark and gritty, it had my pulse pounding several times and I loved every single minute of this intense ride. While there were plenty of shocking twists along the way the final whammy really made my jaw drop, totally never saw it coming and it was dropped right when I thought things were already wrapped up with a pretty little bow. Well done Mr. Jordan!!
Before Her Eyes in three words: Gripping, Dark and Intense.
September 12, 2018
I love a good murder plot that you can sink you’re teeth into and from the first chapter I was hooked and could have read this in one sitting.
Naomi has given up on life and has been planning her suicide, until she finds herself at a murder scene facing the murderer, but unable to see him as she is blind. Is she safe or is the murderer playing cat and mouse with her. After staring death in the face she realises she does want to live after all!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was creepy and kept me on the edge of my sofa. I didn’t know who to trust and I was kept guessing till the end.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Naomi has given up on life and has been planning her suicide, until she finds herself at a murder scene facing the murderer, but unable to see him as she is blind. Is she safe or is the murderer playing cat and mouse with her. After staring death in the face she realises she does want to live after all!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was creepy and kept me on the edge of my sofa. I didn’t know who to trust and I was kept guessing till the end.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
August 29, 2018
I was very exasperated throughout this book. It started off well with a blind lady as the main character which makes a change but then it descended into farce. We are meant to believe that Naomi, blind from birth, is a waitress in a café. Apparently she has memorised the layout of the café so can manoeuvre her way round. I don't think so, what happens if a chair is left out or child runs in her way? She has a guide dog who suddenly drags her down an alley. Again this would be most unlikely and, if it did, the dog would have to have more training. Naomi also has an open fire, again unlikely as she's blind and doesn't think twice about opening her door to all and sundry when she isn't expecting visitors. Maybe other readers wouldn't even think about this but it really annoyed me as I have sons who are blind and I can't imagine either of them acting as stupidly as Naomi and the guide dog certainly doesn't drag my son anywhere. Not for me I'm afraid though I'm sure lots of other people will enjoy it.
August 17, 2018
Before Her Eyes is a pacy and unpredictable psychological thriller, a real page turner which I read in one sitting.
Naomi is blind and having a difficult time. When bodies start piling up around her she has to fight not only her own demons but suspicion from the police and the community.
There are plenty of twists and turns and a highly engaging and sympathetic character in Naomi, giving the reader a different viewpoint and is beautifully written all the way.
Jack Jordan does small town angst very well and this is cleverly plotted to maximum effect, with changing perceptions and a sharp edgy feel.
Overall a banging good read. Recommended.
Naomi is blind and having a difficult time. When bodies start piling up around her she has to fight not only her own demons but suspicion from the police and the community.
There are plenty of twists and turns and a highly engaging and sympathetic character in Naomi, giving the reader a different viewpoint and is beautifully written all the way.
Jack Jordan does small town angst very well and this is cleverly plotted to maximum effect, with changing perceptions and a sharp edgy feel.
Overall a banging good read. Recommended.
August 16, 2018
'Before Her Eyes' is global number one bestselling author Jack Jordan's fourth standalone thriller, and is one of the few books in this genre to represent the disabled, as well as using the disability or medical condition, in this case blindness, to add to the plot tension.
Naomi Hannah has been blind since birth and still lives in Balkerne Heights - the town in which she grew up. A recent divorcee, she now lives with just her guide dog Max for company but has managed to stay reasonably independent despite her disability. However, she has been experiencing suicidal thoughts for a while now. She walks out to the cliffs, her intention being to jump and end her unsatisfying life. Although she wills herself to do so she cannot seem to go through with it. She decides to walk away and try again tomorrow. Before she can make a move she stumbles upon the body of a young woman and senses that there is someone present with her. As she cannot rely on her eyesight she has carefully honed her other senses and, in effect, has heightened them, so she believes her instinct that she is not alone is accurate. Knowing she is unable to identify him, he lets her live, but not before tormenting her first. Had she been able to see would she have suffered the same fate as the young woman? The following day at work she is attacked, and when another body is found Naomi really wants to help. Initially, the police discount her as a witness due to her disability, but one detective sees past this and realises her potential in solving the horrific murders.
I thoroughly enjoyed this top-notch psychological thriller! It is a lot deeper and more complex than many I tend to read nowadays. I appreciated that the author has minorities in mind here with the inclusion of a disabled main protagonist. Mental health issues are also explored within the context of the book, looking particularly at depression and suicidal thoughts. Anything that can show the world that mental health issues are ubiquitous, happen in many people from all walks of life, and are not something to be ashamed of, has to be a positive step. The writing is sound throughout, I found the story compelling, and the characters were fantastic. The author does a great job of cultivating reader empathy towards Naomi and you really cared about what happened to her. I feel that the way the police treated her is likely how you would be treated in reality, mainly due to the lack of understanding towards the disabled. Here, it is clear the lead investigator doesn't understand that those without the use of one or more of their senses tend to find ways to heighten those they do have the use of.
All in all, an excellent read, and a great premise that is executed well. I have no hesitation in recommending this book to crime buffs!
Many thanks to Corvus for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Naomi Hannah has been blind since birth and still lives in Balkerne Heights - the town in which she grew up. A recent divorcee, she now lives with just her guide dog Max for company but has managed to stay reasonably independent despite her disability. However, she has been experiencing suicidal thoughts for a while now. She walks out to the cliffs, her intention being to jump and end her unsatisfying life. Although she wills herself to do so she cannot seem to go through with it. She decides to walk away and try again tomorrow. Before she can make a move she stumbles upon the body of a young woman and senses that there is someone present with her. As she cannot rely on her eyesight she has carefully honed her other senses and, in effect, has heightened them, so she believes her instinct that she is not alone is accurate. Knowing she is unable to identify him, he lets her live, but not before tormenting her first. Had she been able to see would she have suffered the same fate as the young woman? The following day at work she is attacked, and when another body is found Naomi really wants to help. Initially, the police discount her as a witness due to her disability, but one detective sees past this and realises her potential in solving the horrific murders.
I thoroughly enjoyed this top-notch psychological thriller! It is a lot deeper and more complex than many I tend to read nowadays. I appreciated that the author has minorities in mind here with the inclusion of a disabled main protagonist. Mental health issues are also explored within the context of the book, looking particularly at depression and suicidal thoughts. Anything that can show the world that mental health issues are ubiquitous, happen in many people from all walks of life, and are not something to be ashamed of, has to be a positive step. The writing is sound throughout, I found the story compelling, and the characters were fantastic. The author does a great job of cultivating reader empathy towards Naomi and you really cared about what happened to her. I feel that the way the police treated her is likely how you would be treated in reality, mainly due to the lack of understanding towards the disabled. Here, it is clear the lead investigator doesn't understand that those without the use of one or more of their senses tend to find ways to heighten those they do have the use of.
All in all, an excellent read, and a great premise that is executed well. I have no hesitation in recommending this book to crime buffs!
Many thanks to Corvus for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
August 19, 2018
I read Before Her Eyes on PigeonHole Books, which sometimes is frustrating as you want to keep reading! This book was one of those. It was an original story of a blind woman who is witness to a killer. It was a fast paced and very easy to read story, with a surprise ending.
July 29, 2018
Not only do I find this colourful cover mightily appealing but the synopsis sounded unique and innovative, something neigh on impossible in the over-populated modern-thriller market!
Naomi feels ostracised by her community, stagnant in her dead-end job, and can not stop the memories of her ex-husband, Dane, from consistently re-surfacing at any given moment. Naomi is also blind. She can only think of one foreseeable release from this endless cycle of pain and hopelessness and makes her way to the edge of the cliffs bordering her town to plans her permanent escape from it all. But Naomi is not alone. Someone is watching her. The same someone who has been slitting the necks of young girls in her community. The same someone who has been rearranging the furniture inside Naomi's own home. The same someone who is now right before her eyes.
I believe this to be the first book I have read that features a blind protagonist. I am not blind myself, nor am I in contact with a sight-impaired individual, so have no authority to judge the authenticity of this account. What I will say is that I felt Jordan handled his character's ailment with sensitivity throughout. Naomi is struggling with her mental health, of which her blindness plays a large part, however, the author never forces negative connotations onto lack of sight with Naomi havng previously enjoyed a full and happy life, however different her current predicament be to this.
I also appreciated how the author represented the differing reactions to Naomi's blindess. Some individuals interacted with her as they would any other inhabitant of her town. Others treated her with overenthusiastic kindness and others yet with a bumbling and misguided over-sensitivity. These varying reactions felt real and portrayed how the differently-abled must feel, on a day-to-day basis, in reality. This provided a learning curve for the reader, in that respect.
The actual murder mysteries, that plague this narrative and Naomi's life, were wonderfully executed (pardon my pun there!). Some scenes were full of gore and gruesomeness that oddly appealed to me and yet the reader was never allowed to separate the body from the character who had once inhabited it, and so sensitivity and sorrow was also consistently delivered. Later suspicions to Naomi's character see many react to her in a despicable fashion. I found this the most painful to read about and had to put the book down many times, so sickened was I with the mob-mentality that was featured.
I had many theories throughout my reading of this but was ultimately proved wrong at every turn. The many red herrings that peppered this made this convoluted story-line even more intriguing and ensured that the final shocking twist had me open-mouthed in disbelief that an author could play me like that!
Naomi feels ostracised by her community, stagnant in her dead-end job, and can not stop the memories of her ex-husband, Dane, from consistently re-surfacing at any given moment. Naomi is also blind. She can only think of one foreseeable release from this endless cycle of pain and hopelessness and makes her way to the edge of the cliffs bordering her town to plans her permanent escape from it all. But Naomi is not alone. Someone is watching her. The same someone who has been slitting the necks of young girls in her community. The same someone who has been rearranging the furniture inside Naomi's own home. The same someone who is now right before her eyes.
I believe this to be the first book I have read that features a blind protagonist. I am not blind myself, nor am I in contact with a sight-impaired individual, so have no authority to judge the authenticity of this account. What I will say is that I felt Jordan handled his character's ailment with sensitivity throughout. Naomi is struggling with her mental health, of which her blindness plays a large part, however, the author never forces negative connotations onto lack of sight with Naomi havng previously enjoyed a full and happy life, however different her current predicament be to this.
I also appreciated how the author represented the differing reactions to Naomi's blindess. Some individuals interacted with her as they would any other inhabitant of her town. Others treated her with overenthusiastic kindness and others yet with a bumbling and misguided over-sensitivity. These varying reactions felt real and portrayed how the differently-abled must feel, on a day-to-day basis, in reality. This provided a learning curve for the reader, in that respect.
The actual murder mysteries, that plague this narrative and Naomi's life, were wonderfully executed (pardon my pun there!). Some scenes were full of gore and gruesomeness that oddly appealed to me and yet the reader was never allowed to separate the body from the character who had once inhabited it, and so sensitivity and sorrow was also consistently delivered. Later suspicions to Naomi's character see many react to her in a despicable fashion. I found this the most painful to read about and had to put the book down many times, so sickened was I with the mob-mentality that was featured.
I had many theories throughout my reading of this but was ultimately proved wrong at every turn. The many red herrings that peppered this made this convoluted story-line even more intriguing and ensured that the final shocking twist had me open-mouthed in disbelief that an author could play me like that!
September 28, 2018
3.5 out of 5 stars!
T/W- Suicide, Assault, Hate Crime
I read this one in a single sitting on a long train journey last week, but I've needed some time to fully digest my thoughts before writing my review. The main character Naomi has been blind since she was born and has stayed in the same town all her life. She is depressed and thinking about taking her own life. But instead, she finds herself at the centre of a brutal murder and finds herself targeted by the murderer, even though she has no idea who he/she is. Although Before Her Eyes was a scary read, I did find some aspects to be a little triggering for me personally. I also didn't like the ending as much as I would have liked. I struggled to connect with the characters but liked the fast pace.
T/W- Suicide, Assault, Hate Crime
I read this one in a single sitting on a long train journey last week, but I've needed some time to fully digest my thoughts before writing my review. The main character Naomi has been blind since she was born and has stayed in the same town all her life. She is depressed and thinking about taking her own life. But instead, she finds herself at the centre of a brutal murder and finds herself targeted by the murderer, even though she has no idea who he/she is. Although Before Her Eyes was a scary read, I did find some aspects to be a little triggering for me personally. I also didn't like the ending as much as I would have liked. I struggled to connect with the characters but liked the fast pace.
August 17, 2018
I have to admit to being a bit in awe of Naomi. Even though she is in a very dark place when we first meet her, the fact she manages on her own with the help of her guide dog, I really found her independence inspiring. Her blindness though is her savior as it stops her from being able to identify the killer.
Marcus is a detective working on the case under his boss Lisa. Lisa I took an instant dislike to straight away. It's her way or no way. The way she tries to belittle Marcus wound me up as much as it did him. I didn't like the way she worked and really felt sorry for Marcus having to work under her. Marcus I loved. In fact he was my favourite character. Even though this is mainly a psychological thriller, in parts it does feel very much like a detective novel also as the police side of things play heavily throughout.
From the very first pages the author had my full attention. I never knew where he was going to take me next as there were so many twists and turns. I was constantly doubting and second guessing everything and had no clue what the outcome of the story was going to be.
Before Her Eyes is a deliciously dark and twisted read that is packed full of suspense. As usual with this authors books, he had me gripped throughout and racing through the pages to see what the conclusion was going to be and it certainly didn't disappoint. Yet another great read from an author who is one to watch out for and if you haven't read any of his books yet then you are missing out.
Marcus is a detective working on the case under his boss Lisa. Lisa I took an instant dislike to straight away. It's her way or no way. The way she tries to belittle Marcus wound me up as much as it did him. I didn't like the way she worked and really felt sorry for Marcus having to work under her. Marcus I loved. In fact he was my favourite character. Even though this is mainly a psychological thriller, in parts it does feel very much like a detective novel also as the police side of things play heavily throughout.
From the very first pages the author had my full attention. I never knew where he was going to take me next as there were so many twists and turns. I was constantly doubting and second guessing everything and had no clue what the outcome of the story was going to be.
Before Her Eyes is a deliciously dark and twisted read that is packed full of suspense. As usual with this authors books, he had me gripped throughout and racing through the pages to see what the conclusion was going to be and it certainly didn't disappoint. Yet another great read from an author who is one to watch out for and if you haven't read any of his books yet then you are missing out.
August 23, 2018
You don't have to suspend disbelief to read this book, you have to completely forget everything you know about how the world works and how people generally behave - not just one person but every single one. The premise is a good one to be honest - murders are being committed in a sleepy town and the murderer appears to be taunting the one witness that cannot identify them; Naomi Hannah who just so happens to be blind.
Unfortunately the good stops at the basic idea and the story rapidly devolves in to unbelievability. Every member of the local Police Force is displayed as at best incompetent and at worst downright corrupt. They are dismissive of everyone and if something doesn't fit their preconceived notions then it is actively ignored. There is only one ray of light and that is Marcus Campbell but he appears to have anger management issues, but at least he listens to the evidence and is led by that. This is in no way a spoiler as the first time we meet members of the local plod we are treated to the winsome Lisa and that sets the benchmark for the rest of the team.
One of my biggest issues is the treatment of the lead character Naomi. She is a mess of contradictions which I suppose is fairly realistic. However, we are constantly reminded of her ethnicity which has no bearing whatsoever on the story and seems a pointless inclusion. Even worse is that the author seems to have no idea about life as a blind person. The tale starts off so promisingly with descriptions of how Naomi senses her surroundings but soon deteriorates into complete and utter tosh. The character is clearly profoundly blind and yet works as a waitress in a local greasy spoon? She answers the door even when she doesn't recognise the knock of her caller; she continues to do this even after her first taunting run in with the murderer. In certain sections of the book the author seems to have forgotten that Naomi is blind as she achieves feats that even the sighted would struggle with.
I did manage to complete the book through sheer force of will but it was completely unbelievable with no redeeming traits. My best advice is to avoid this book if you like a little reality with your thriller - if you like a more fantastical world view then you may get more from this than I.
THIS IS AN HONEST AND UNBIASED REVIEW OF A FREE BOOK RECEIVED VIA THE PIGEONHOLE.
Unfortunately the good stops at the basic idea and the story rapidly devolves in to unbelievability. Every member of the local Police Force is displayed as at best incompetent and at worst downright corrupt. They are dismissive of everyone and if something doesn't fit their preconceived notions then it is actively ignored. There is only one ray of light and that is Marcus Campbell but he appears to have anger management issues, but at least he listens to the evidence and is led by that. This is in no way a spoiler as the first time we meet members of the local plod we are treated to the winsome Lisa and that sets the benchmark for the rest of the team.
One of my biggest issues is the treatment of the lead character Naomi. She is a mess of contradictions which I suppose is fairly realistic. However, we are constantly reminded of her ethnicity which has no bearing whatsoever on the story and seems a pointless inclusion. Even worse is that the author seems to have no idea about life as a blind person. The tale starts off so promisingly with descriptions of how Naomi senses her surroundings but soon deteriorates into complete and utter tosh. The character is clearly profoundly blind and yet works as a waitress in a local greasy spoon? She answers the door even when she doesn't recognise the knock of her caller; she continues to do this even after her first taunting run in with the murderer. In certain sections of the book the author seems to have forgotten that Naomi is blind as she achieves feats that even the sighted would struggle with.
I did manage to complete the book through sheer force of will but it was completely unbelievable with no redeeming traits. My best advice is to avoid this book if you like a little reality with your thriller - if you like a more fantastical world view then you may get more from this than I.
THIS IS AN HONEST AND UNBIASED REVIEW OF A FREE BOOK RECEIVED VIA THE PIGEONHOLE.
August 24, 2018
Suspend disbelief, overlook the many inconsistencies and a gratuitously sensationalist style of writing and Before Her Eyes is a surprisingly entertaining and, at times, amusing read, but beware for nothing about Jack Jordan’s fourth stand-alone crime thriller is subtle in the least! Ridiculously gory with a plot that becomes progressively more unrealistic and full of over the top assaults on blind protagonist, Naomi Hannah, the excellent premise suffers from some remarkably average execution. In a fast paced story which opens as a straightforward police procedural and takes a more psychological turn into the second half the author does manage to build up an impressive amount of suspense and tension and given my incredulity at the plot I was thoroughly entertained!
Once picturesque, the small town of Balkerne Heights is now an “incestuous wasteland on the edge of the county” and a community that is plagued by the spectre of the brutal murder of local teen, Hayley Miller, two decades previously. Thirty-six-year-old lead protagonist Naomi Hannah has been blind since birth and still resides in her claustrophobic home town where she has grown up. Living alone with guide dog, Max, for the last two years after ending her marriage of fifteen years to Dane given his desire to have children, Naomi has battled loneliness, isolation and suicidal thoughts. Into the community comes detective, DS Marcus Campbell, eager to make a good impression on his abrasive, crude and demeaning new superior, DI Lisa Elliott and a team of fellow officers lacking in nuance and portrayed in broad brush stroke terms as corrupt and less motivated by justice than fitting people up. When Naomi stumbles across a graphic murder and crime scene reminiscent of the Hayley Miller’s brutal death it rocks the very foundations of the community and signals the start of a spate of unprecedented unrest. As the killer toys with Naomi, breathes down her neck and watches in close proximity as she makes the discovery, the ability to identify him remains frustratingly out of her, and DI Elliott’s, grasp.
This is just the start of a series of intimidation tactics which see Naomi targeted at work, forced to interact with a mutilated body and harassed within her home. But when a second murder occurs which again resurrects memories of Hayley’s unsolved case and threatens to expose the rotten core of the police force and the secrets of the local community, the police battles with the question of why the killer is letting Naomi escape alive. Ultra-aggressive DI Lisa Elliott dismisses Naomi’s accounts and treats her with nothing short of contempt and suspicion. Ignoring threats to Naomi’s safety and shutting down all comparisons between Hayley’s unsolved disappearance and current events it is only new team member, DS Campbell, who is prepared to look beyond local prejudices and rumour and actually investigate the crimes. As DS Campbell reopens the cold case and makes connections between the two fresh murders and Hayley Miller’s death, Naomi’s life and liberty is placed in jeopardy and their fortunes become increasingly entwined as together they home in on a killer. Filled with twists, albeit largely unrealistic, the novel is packed with dramatic action and characters close to Naomi and within the police force with secrets to hide. Whilst there is little doubt that the origins of the new crimes date back to the past and throw up three main suspects, getting to the sordid truth makes for an eventful read. In a third person narrative that switches focuses between Naomi and new local detective, DS Marcus Campbell, occasional italicised chapters shed light on an array of past events in the lives of the characters.
Despite not initially warming to Naomi and disliking her “woe is me” attitude as she wallows in self-pity on the edge of the cliff top as the novel opens she does become increasingly more sympathetic and palatable. Haphazardly characterised, there are so many inconsistencies in her portrayal that mean she never quite rings true and emerges into a credible figure. Jordan also lays on the sympathy with a trowel with numerous irrelevancies which add nothing to her characterisation (ethnic minority and being abandoned at a bus shelter by a drug addicted biological mother at the age of three) and are unnecessary. On the whole I was unconvinced by the author’s research into the realities of life a blind person would face and given that Naomi manages to waitress at a local cafe, continues to go out alone and opens her front door after repeated assaults without checking the identity of the caller and with a killer on the loose, certain aspects lack even basic common sense. Her mental health frailties are however depicted more insightfully with Naomi frustrated by the confines of her small home town and a life in where many decisions are out of her control yet scared by the prospect of leaving what she knows and a familial support network. Given that Jordan depicts the town as one where there is little privacy and everybody knows everyone else’s business I was bemused at some of the things that seemed to have passed Naomi by and I would have been interested to know the population of the community.
Whilst there is not a great deal of depth or reality to the police procedural strand of the narrative, the focus on the dynamics and underlying tensions within the insular community contributes much to the plot. Although I could never invest wholly in the characters or plausibility of events which prevented me being completely gripped by the novel, a grandstanding finale and a natty twist into the close certainly make for an engaging read. Far-fetched, melodramatic and with a cast of lead characters that are seemingly capable of surviving much lurid violence, yet Before Her Eyes is a surprisingly entertaining and fun read!
Once picturesque, the small town of Balkerne Heights is now an “incestuous wasteland on the edge of the county” and a community that is plagued by the spectre of the brutal murder of local teen, Hayley Miller, two decades previously. Thirty-six-year-old lead protagonist Naomi Hannah has been blind since birth and still resides in her claustrophobic home town where she has grown up. Living alone with guide dog, Max, for the last two years after ending her marriage of fifteen years to Dane given his desire to have children, Naomi has battled loneliness, isolation and suicidal thoughts. Into the community comes detective, DS Marcus Campbell, eager to make a good impression on his abrasive, crude and demeaning new superior, DI Lisa Elliott and a team of fellow officers lacking in nuance and portrayed in broad brush stroke terms as corrupt and less motivated by justice than fitting people up. When Naomi stumbles across a graphic murder and crime scene reminiscent of the Hayley Miller’s brutal death it rocks the very foundations of the community and signals the start of a spate of unprecedented unrest. As the killer toys with Naomi, breathes down her neck and watches in close proximity as she makes the discovery, the ability to identify him remains frustratingly out of her, and DI Elliott’s, grasp.
This is just the start of a series of intimidation tactics which see Naomi targeted at work, forced to interact with a mutilated body and harassed within her home. But when a second murder occurs which again resurrects memories of Hayley’s unsolved case and threatens to expose the rotten core of the police force and the secrets of the local community, the police battles with the question of why the killer is letting Naomi escape alive. Ultra-aggressive DI Lisa Elliott dismisses Naomi’s accounts and treats her with nothing short of contempt and suspicion. Ignoring threats to Naomi’s safety and shutting down all comparisons between Hayley’s unsolved disappearance and current events it is only new team member, DS Campbell, who is prepared to look beyond local prejudices and rumour and actually investigate the crimes. As DS Campbell reopens the cold case and makes connections between the two fresh murders and Hayley Miller’s death, Naomi’s life and liberty is placed in jeopardy and their fortunes become increasingly entwined as together they home in on a killer. Filled with twists, albeit largely unrealistic, the novel is packed with dramatic action and characters close to Naomi and within the police force with secrets to hide. Whilst there is little doubt that the origins of the new crimes date back to the past and throw up three main suspects, getting to the sordid truth makes for an eventful read. In a third person narrative that switches focuses between Naomi and new local detective, DS Marcus Campbell, occasional italicised chapters shed light on an array of past events in the lives of the characters.
Despite not initially warming to Naomi and disliking her “woe is me” attitude as she wallows in self-pity on the edge of the cliff top as the novel opens she does become increasingly more sympathetic and palatable. Haphazardly characterised, there are so many inconsistencies in her portrayal that mean she never quite rings true and emerges into a credible figure. Jordan also lays on the sympathy with a trowel with numerous irrelevancies which add nothing to her characterisation (ethnic minority and being abandoned at a bus shelter by a drug addicted biological mother at the age of three) and are unnecessary. On the whole I was unconvinced by the author’s research into the realities of life a blind person would face and given that Naomi manages to waitress at a local cafe, continues to go out alone and opens her front door after repeated assaults without checking the identity of the caller and with a killer on the loose, certain aspects lack even basic common sense. Her mental health frailties are however depicted more insightfully with Naomi frustrated by the confines of her small home town and a life in where many decisions are out of her control yet scared by the prospect of leaving what she knows and a familial support network. Given that Jordan depicts the town as one where there is little privacy and everybody knows everyone else’s business I was bemused at some of the things that seemed to have passed Naomi by and I would have been interested to know the population of the community.
Whilst there is not a great deal of depth or reality to the police procedural strand of the narrative, the focus on the dynamics and underlying tensions within the insular community contributes much to the plot. Although I could never invest wholly in the characters or plausibility of events which prevented me being completely gripped by the novel, a grandstanding finale and a natty twist into the close certainly make for an engaging read. Far-fetched, melodramatic and with a cast of lead characters that are seemingly capable of surviving much lurid violence, yet Before Her Eyes is a surprisingly entertaining and fun read!
August 21, 2018
“Oh, what a tangled web Jack Jordan weaves when first he practice to deceive” and boy does he deceive in the best possible way, what a gripping and compelling read Before Her Eyes turned out to be, this book rattles along like a express train, giving the reader no time to breathe. Full of misdirection and unreliable characters I can honestly say “this is definitely the authors best book yet”. Perhaps a **word of warning** from the wise (cough!) clear your schedule, lock the doors, it’s one of those books that the slightest irritation will bug the life out of you.
What I loved about this book was it felt far more menacing than most psychological thrillers I read, partly because the protagonist Naomi is blind, this adds a creepy vibe to the whole plot as you realise the killer is hiding in “plain sight” I felt the hairs on the back on my neck stand on end as things became far more sinister. When Naomi stumbles across a body, and knows there is someone there in the shadows watching her, her sense of fear and anxiety were palatable, countless times I found myself holding my breath on her behalf. This turned out to be a nerve wrecking book, as the author puts Naomi in jeopardy on more than one occasion. Before Her Eyes is fraught with tension and feels very claustrophobic thanks to the “small town, living in everyone’s pockets” setting and Naomi’s condition.
Detective Markus Campbell is at the centre of the police investigation and he’s certainly got his work cut out with a cold case and more victims being discovered, but he’s determined to get to the truth and protect Naomi. Jack Jordan deviously keeps the attention of the reader deliberately focused on the numerous red herrings and false motives in order to conceal the identity of the murderer, and my god he does it with confidence and flair. The author teases the reader by throwing numerous “suspects” into the ring, just when I thought I had it all worked out it and had the culprit firmly in sight, he deviously twisted the knife (excuse the poor pun) and made me question everything I had read.
As reviews go I’m keeping this one vague as I would hate to spoil the read for others, but I do hope this review will pique your interest enough to pick this book up. With an original premise Before Her Eyes made for a terrifying and atmospheric thriller, I literally read this book in one hugely satisfying sitting. As psychological thrillers go this is probably one of the best books I’ve read this year, I really enjoyed the element of surprise that I can find sometimes lacking in this genre. Highly recommended.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
What I loved about this book was it felt far more menacing than most psychological thrillers I read, partly because the protagonist Naomi is blind, this adds a creepy vibe to the whole plot as you realise the killer is hiding in “plain sight” I felt the hairs on the back on my neck stand on end as things became far more sinister. When Naomi stumbles across a body, and knows there is someone there in the shadows watching her, her sense of fear and anxiety were palatable, countless times I found myself holding my breath on her behalf. This turned out to be a nerve wrecking book, as the author puts Naomi in jeopardy on more than one occasion. Before Her Eyes is fraught with tension and feels very claustrophobic thanks to the “small town, living in everyone’s pockets” setting and Naomi’s condition.
Detective Markus Campbell is at the centre of the police investigation and he’s certainly got his work cut out with a cold case and more victims being discovered, but he’s determined to get to the truth and protect Naomi. Jack Jordan deviously keeps the attention of the reader deliberately focused on the numerous red herrings and false motives in order to conceal the identity of the murderer, and my god he does it with confidence and flair. The author teases the reader by throwing numerous “suspects” into the ring, just when I thought I had it all worked out it and had the culprit firmly in sight, he deviously twisted the knife (excuse the poor pun) and made me question everything I had read.
As reviews go I’m keeping this one vague as I would hate to spoil the read for others, but I do hope this review will pique your interest enough to pick this book up. With an original premise Before Her Eyes made for a terrifying and atmospheric thriller, I literally read this book in one hugely satisfying sitting. As psychological thrillers go this is probably one of the best books I’ve read this year, I really enjoyed the element of surprise that I can find sometimes lacking in this genre. Highly recommended.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
August 27, 2018
Well hello, Jack Jordan! So, we finally meet. So to speak. I’ve heard a lot about you (all good, I promise) and I figured it was about time I introduced myself to your books. But I had no idea that that cutsie smile you so often display hides such an incredibly devilish brain!
Naomi Hannah has been blind since birth. One day, while walking down a dark and icky alley, she stumbles upon the body of a young woman who has been brutally murdered. Naomi can sense she’s not alone and while she may not be able to see the killer, she could very well be the only person able to identify them. But why did the killer let her live? And is there a connection to the disappearance of another young woman years ago?
The prologue alone already sent shivers up and down my spine. There’s a delightful creepy sort of vibe throughout the story, helped enormously by the fantastic writing as Jack Jordan really brings home what it’s like to be blind. It felt almost claustrophobic. It definitely felt incredibly scary and that’s without thinking there’s a psychopath after you.
Now, I must admit that Naomi often made me feel like I was watching one of those old slasher type movies. You know, the ones where you find yourself yelling “don’t open the bloody door!!!!!”. Some of the decisions she made seemed a bit dubious to me but hey, I’m not blind (thank goodness) so what do I know.
I couldn’t at all guess at the outcome. Although I had a wee nugget of an idea in my head and I felt rather smug when it looked like I might be right. But then …. those final pages turned the whole thing onto its head and I actually gasped out loud. Talk about being blindsided and sucker punched. Fabulous!
Before Her Eyes is chilling, disturbing, dark and brilliantly addictive. A delicious page-turner that will have you flipping/swiping the pages faster as you go, biting your nails before ending up utterly floored and exhausted.
I suppose you could say my first outing with Jack Jordan went rather well and I quite look forward to hanging out with him again. And by hanging out, I obviously mean read his other books as I’m not entirely sure I’d want to get too close to that devious mind. 😉
Naomi Hannah has been blind since birth. One day, while walking down a dark and icky alley, she stumbles upon the body of a young woman who has been brutally murdered. Naomi can sense she’s not alone and while she may not be able to see the killer, she could very well be the only person able to identify them. But why did the killer let her live? And is there a connection to the disappearance of another young woman years ago?
The prologue alone already sent shivers up and down my spine. There’s a delightful creepy sort of vibe throughout the story, helped enormously by the fantastic writing as Jack Jordan really brings home what it’s like to be blind. It felt almost claustrophobic. It definitely felt incredibly scary and that’s without thinking there’s a psychopath after you.
Now, I must admit that Naomi often made me feel like I was watching one of those old slasher type movies. You know, the ones where you find yourself yelling “don’t open the bloody door!!!!!”. Some of the decisions she made seemed a bit dubious to me but hey, I’m not blind (thank goodness) so what do I know.
I couldn’t at all guess at the outcome. Although I had a wee nugget of an idea in my head and I felt rather smug when it looked like I might be right. But then …. those final pages turned the whole thing onto its head and I actually gasped out loud. Talk about being blindsided and sucker punched. Fabulous!
Before Her Eyes is chilling, disturbing, dark and brilliantly addictive. A delicious page-turner that will have you flipping/swiping the pages faster as you go, biting your nails before ending up utterly floored and exhausted.
I suppose you could say my first outing with Jack Jordan went rather well and I quite look forward to hanging out with him again. And by hanging out, I obviously mean read his other books as I’m not entirely sure I’d want to get too close to that devious mind. 😉
August 25, 2018
I found this book really uncomfortable to read with what I thought was gratuitous use of her visual impairment in order to repeatedly assault a vulnerable woman and take advantage of her with little or no support.
April 26, 2019
WOW!! Amazing from start to finish with a great twist at the end. Do feel sad for Marcus though; I was rooting for him and Naomi.
August 26, 2018
Damn and double-damn, but Jack Jordan has delivered again! I have read multiple titles by Jack and they all received praise from me. I have to say, with Before Her Eyes, Jack opened a new bag of goodies and delivered stifling darkness in abundance.
Incredibly claustrophobic and suffocating, Before Her Eyes gets down and dirty from the off-set with the most hair-rising prologue. The story then moves the reader up close and personal with what it feels like to not be able to use one of your senses (vision) as events unfold in front of blind eyes and turns up the level of mystery by introducing the potential of a much bigger web of lies that has settled over a small town setting.
Naomi is blind but by no means helpless. Having grown up with a very supportive and encouraging adoptive mother, Naomi lives independently and works in a cafe, and with her guide dog Max, she is unstoppable. But the feeling of being unloved has taken over her soul and has left her wanting to die. She has been abandoned in the past as a child by her biological mother, she has made a life-altering decision during her marriage which ultimately lead to divorce and it’s all eating her up inside… she simply cannot take another day!
Fate, however, has other, more grim ideas for Naomi, as she comes across a murdered body and it appears the killer is still at the scene as they play a quick and sick game with Naomi before disappearing and letting Naomi walk away physically unharmed. She is now a witness to a crime with her plans to die on hold. Things go up a whole other notch when Naomi finds herself in danger and bodies start to pile up…
Enter Detectives Lisa and Marcus who are working on the case. These two are really grating off each other and not in a good way! I have no qualms stating that Lisa is a Grade A bitch! She is! I was wondering for a while whether there was going to be a turn in her character development – to make me feel bad about thinking her a bitch, but nope! Her final speech in the book simply solidified my dislike of her #sorrynotsorry
As Lisa works on the case with Marcus, clear lines are being drawn on who’s the boss and who’s the one aiming for the truth, no matter how devastating or ugly! I had so many hopes for Marcus. Some came to be true, others not… but that’s the thing with those twisty thrillers and Jack Jordan pulled off a heart-stopping final twist in the book! Boom! It left be speechless and it left me wanting to discover what happens next…
I really, really like the writing as it felt very personal, intimate and demanded my undivided attention. I have to say, because who else wags the tail other than the dog, right?, that my first hunch at who’s behind this all was right! But Jordan took me on a whirlwind through the complex plot and threw me off track a number of times! I did not expect to receive the level of multiple threads in this novel as it’s quite diferent to Jordan’s previous work, but nevertheless typically mind-blowing! 🙂 I loved it, I freaking loved it!!!
Incredibly claustrophobic and suffocating, Before Her Eyes gets down and dirty from the off-set with the most hair-rising prologue. The story then moves the reader up close and personal with what it feels like to not be able to use one of your senses (vision) as events unfold in front of blind eyes and turns up the level of mystery by introducing the potential of a much bigger web of lies that has settled over a small town setting.
Naomi is blind but by no means helpless. Having grown up with a very supportive and encouraging adoptive mother, Naomi lives independently and works in a cafe, and with her guide dog Max, she is unstoppable. But the feeling of being unloved has taken over her soul and has left her wanting to die. She has been abandoned in the past as a child by her biological mother, she has made a life-altering decision during her marriage which ultimately lead to divorce and it’s all eating her up inside… she simply cannot take another day!
Fate, however, has other, more grim ideas for Naomi, as she comes across a murdered body and it appears the killer is still at the scene as they play a quick and sick game with Naomi before disappearing and letting Naomi walk away physically unharmed. She is now a witness to a crime with her plans to die on hold. Things go up a whole other notch when Naomi finds herself in danger and bodies start to pile up…
Enter Detectives Lisa and Marcus who are working on the case. These two are really grating off each other and not in a good way! I have no qualms stating that Lisa is a Grade A bitch! She is! I was wondering for a while whether there was going to be a turn in her character development – to make me feel bad about thinking her a bitch, but nope! Her final speech in the book simply solidified my dislike of her #sorrynotsorry
As Lisa works on the case with Marcus, clear lines are being drawn on who’s the boss and who’s the one aiming for the truth, no matter how devastating or ugly! I had so many hopes for Marcus. Some came to be true, others not… but that’s the thing with those twisty thrillers and Jack Jordan pulled off a heart-stopping final twist in the book! Boom! It left be speechless and it left me wanting to discover what happens next…
I really, really like the writing as it felt very personal, intimate and demanded my undivided attention. I have to say, because who else wags the tail other than the dog, right?, that my first hunch at who’s behind this all was right! But Jordan took me on a whirlwind through the complex plot and threw me off track a number of times! I did not expect to receive the level of multiple threads in this novel as it’s quite diferent to Jordan’s previous work, but nevertheless typically mind-blowing! 🙂 I loved it, I freaking loved it!!!
June 10, 2018
4.5 well-deserved stars
Before Her Eyes is vastly different from A Woman Scorned and alhough I really live for psychological thrillers that deliver twist upon twist, Before Her Eyes is more of a police procedural and made its own impact on me with a brilliant plot. Jordan makes the story that much more menacing by including a blind woman into the story and the tension ramps up when she crosses paths with a serial killer the moment she stumbles quite literally on the scene of a murder. This is stuff worth holding your breath for! She realises she’s not alone either and at his mercy she does make it out alive but wow, being so close and not knowing who’s in front of you must be terrifying and I got the goosebumps feeling how Naomi must have felt at that moment. Behind Her Eyes was a nerve-wracking novel, even I could feel the killer breathing down my neck. Naomi’s blindness was definitely a major advantage to the story and created the perfect amount of tension.. she feels like she might be in danger and I couldn’t blame her for one second. I’ve never seen the killer so close yet being unable to figure out who he or she was at all.
A missing person’s case of the past undoubtedly has something to do with the present case. It’s all pretty vague for the reader and for Detective Markus Campbell who’s told to drop this line of investigation but luckily, he’s like a dog with a bone and tries to find out more. At least one detective with common sense or is it true that there’s something to be said of corruption in the office after all?
I had no sympathy whatsoever for the killer after a particularly horrific action towards Naomi which made my heart bleed and made me want to shout some – not to be misunderstood – profane words. Detective Lisa Elliott wasn’t exactly on my friend list either. I hoped veritably that Marcus would be able to star as the hero of the day even if he had to pull a one man show. The picture of where to look was muddled though, Marcus struggled and couldn’t make heads or tails of the killing spree and I was none the wiser either but I was certainly drawn into the story and let it unfold with a few surprising and shocking revelations, ruling out suspects and getting new ones in my sight as I went along, only to find them killed unceremoniously with the progression of the story. Jordan has written a complex story with a clever plotline, a past that runs through into the present and where everyone has their own set of motives. Some of it was set up to distract and I fell victim to this as well so eyes on the prize if you want to do better than me :-).
Then, just when you think Jordan has given it his all, he adds that one perfectly amazing touch and that one final sentence that just hits the ball out of court. Oh yeah, talk about ending on a high note! It makes me want mooore!
Before Her Eyes is vastly different from A Woman Scorned and alhough I really live for psychological thrillers that deliver twist upon twist, Before Her Eyes is more of a police procedural and made its own impact on me with a brilliant plot. Jordan makes the story that much more menacing by including a blind woman into the story and the tension ramps up when she crosses paths with a serial killer the moment she stumbles quite literally on the scene of a murder. This is stuff worth holding your breath for! She realises she’s not alone either and at his mercy she does make it out alive but wow, being so close and not knowing who’s in front of you must be terrifying and I got the goosebumps feeling how Naomi must have felt at that moment. Behind Her Eyes was a nerve-wracking novel, even I could feel the killer breathing down my neck. Naomi’s blindness was definitely a major advantage to the story and created the perfect amount of tension.. she feels like she might be in danger and I couldn’t blame her for one second. I’ve never seen the killer so close yet being unable to figure out who he or she was at all.
A missing person’s case of the past undoubtedly has something to do with the present case. It’s all pretty vague for the reader and for Detective Markus Campbell who’s told to drop this line of investigation but luckily, he’s like a dog with a bone and tries to find out more. At least one detective with common sense or is it true that there’s something to be said of corruption in the office after all?
I had no sympathy whatsoever for the killer after a particularly horrific action towards Naomi which made my heart bleed and made me want to shout some – not to be misunderstood – profane words. Detective Lisa Elliott wasn’t exactly on my friend list either. I hoped veritably that Marcus would be able to star as the hero of the day even if he had to pull a one man show. The picture of where to look was muddled though, Marcus struggled and couldn’t make heads or tails of the killing spree and I was none the wiser either but I was certainly drawn into the story and let it unfold with a few surprising and shocking revelations, ruling out suspects and getting new ones in my sight as I went along, only to find them killed unceremoniously with the progression of the story. Jordan has written a complex story with a clever plotline, a past that runs through into the present and where everyone has their own set of motives. Some of it was set up to distract and I fell victim to this as well so eyes on the prize if you want to do better than me :-).
Then, just when you think Jordan has given it his all, he adds that one perfectly amazing touch and that one final sentence that just hits the ball out of court. Oh yeah, talk about ending on a high note! It makes me want mooore!
July 20, 2018
Naomi was born blind....she has had a ‘normalish’ life even so and had relationships ( ex hubby Dane) and a job in a cafe for over 20 years, shes doing ok....then someone knocks on her door but doesn’t speak...amongst other things she then ‘witnesses’ a murder where the killer puts her hands in the victims wounds!!......her life is no more ‘normalish’
Enter Marcus and Lisa, 2 detectives on the case, 1 is lovely and determined to get to the truth, the other possibly the vilest Detective I have ‘met’ in a book, nonetheless 100% fascinating and great to read about ( you will find out who is who when you read it!! )
Add to this many other characters linked to Naomi and secrets from their pasts and you have a fierce psychological killer mystery that draws you in and keeps you there wanting to know the outcome, and a thrilling ending to boot it really is...
There are a lot of characters and they are all entwined in each other’s lives past and present and little by little this is revealed....
A Good writing style that I enjoyed and a very strong sturdy story that kept me guessing.....and I got it wrong! Twice 😃
5 Stars
May 6, 2019
There's a quote on the cover of this book that reads, 'I couldn't turn the pages fast enough,' which I agree with, but not in the way you might think.
A lot of people have read this book if Goodreads is to be believed, (There were 167 reviews when I last looked, with 46% being 5 stars and 30% being 4), but I have to ask - WHAT WERE THEY READING?
The idea that a blind woman could do the things Naomi (the main character) does, being a waitress, for example, is far-fetched, (to add context, I did think her having mapped out in her head the town she's lived in all her life, believable), but believing that she could escape a killer who had just slashed another woman's throat close enough for her to feel the blood splatter across her face, wasn't.
To make matters worse the police arrest Niomi on suspicion of murder, (there have been two and one attempted), and believe that she also tried to kill her own guide dog.
Then there are the coincidences: Naomi walks down an unfamiliar alleyway where the murderer happens to be slicing up victim number two. Later in the book she walks down the same road at the same time on the same day as the funeral procession of one of her alleged victims - this happens after she's been arrested and bailed so everyone thinks she's involved - and then things get even worse.
When a book is fast-paced you whizz through it and don't always see the end coming, (I admit, I got the murderer wrong), and you let a few things slide, but I couldn't with this one, the writing was just so bad, to the point where I wondered if it had been edited - I was reading the Kindle edition which doesn't always help.
It was repetitive too: a police officer finds blood on the carpet and a few paragraphs later we're told the same again. Naomi is confronted in the street by one of the victim's fathers who asks her 'why her being alive is fair' and then asks the same thing again a few sentences later. Then, my pet hate: hearts pounding against ribs and breaths wheezing in and out of lungs as if they can pound and wheeze somewhere else. URG!!!!
At one point Naomi had, 'Tubes slithered in and out of her', whatever that’s supposed to mean and is locked in a prison cell, in a police station?
I could go on but I think I've said enough. I rarely write about books that I don't like because I prefer to be positive, but sometimes the reader needs to know what they're letting themselves in for.
Only one star for Before Her Eyes then. Sadly disappointing.
A lot of people have read this book if Goodreads is to be believed, (There were 167 reviews when I last looked, with 46% being 5 stars and 30% being 4), but I have to ask - WHAT WERE THEY READING?
The idea that a blind woman could do the things Naomi (the main character) does, being a waitress, for example, is far-fetched, (to add context, I did think her having mapped out in her head the town she's lived in all her life, believable), but believing that she could escape a killer who had just slashed another woman's throat close enough for her to feel the blood splatter across her face, wasn't.
To make matters worse the police arrest Niomi on suspicion of murder, (there have been two and one attempted), and believe that she also tried to kill her own guide dog.
Then there are the coincidences: Naomi walks down an unfamiliar alleyway where the murderer happens to be slicing up victim number two. Later in the book she walks down the same road at the same time on the same day as the funeral procession of one of her alleged victims - this happens after she's been arrested and bailed so everyone thinks she's involved - and then things get even worse.
When a book is fast-paced you whizz through it and don't always see the end coming, (I admit, I got the murderer wrong), and you let a few things slide, but I couldn't with this one, the writing was just so bad, to the point where I wondered if it had been edited - I was reading the Kindle edition which doesn't always help.
It was repetitive too: a police officer finds blood on the carpet and a few paragraphs later we're told the same again. Naomi is confronted in the street by one of the victim's fathers who asks her 'why her being alive is fair' and then asks the same thing again a few sentences later. Then, my pet hate: hearts pounding against ribs and breaths wheezing in and out of lungs as if they can pound and wheeze somewhere else. URG!!!!
At one point Naomi had, 'Tubes slithered in and out of her', whatever that’s supposed to mean and is locked in a prison cell, in a police station?
I could go on but I think I've said enough. I rarely write about books that I don't like because I prefer to be positive, but sometimes the reader needs to know what they're letting themselves in for.
Only one star for Before Her Eyes then. Sadly disappointing.
June 4, 2018
Naomi has been blind since birth and is very unhappy with her life. She is divorced and lonely. She thinks about ending her life but never seems to have the courage to actually go through with it.
One day she stumbles across a body in the middle of an alleyway and the murderer blocks her path and taunts her with it. From this point on Naomi is in terrible danger, who can she trust and why did the murderer let her live?
I really enjoyed this story, quickly turning the pages to see what happened and to see how it would end. If you like fast paced physiological thrillers than give this one a go, I recommend it.
Many thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.
One day she stumbles across a body in the middle of an alleyway and the murderer blocks her path and taunts her with it. From this point on Naomi is in terrible danger, who can she trust and why did the murderer let her live?
I really enjoyed this story, quickly turning the pages to see what happened and to see how it would end. If you like fast paced physiological thrillers than give this one a go, I recommend it.
Many thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.
August 29, 2018
I have read two of this authors previous books so I was delighted to hear he had a new book coming out. I wasn’t disappointed as this was a brilliant read. From start to finish I was totally gripped.
Naomi is a strong character who who has been blind since birth. What she is going through at the hands of a killer is terrifying but even more so as she can’t see. I couldn’t help but admire her.
Marcus is the detective on the case. I really liked him. I didn’t like his boss Lisa.
This is an absolutely brilliant story with a gripping storyline. I seriously cannot praise this author highly enough. Looking forward to seeing what he comes up with next.
Naomi is a strong character who who has been blind since birth. What she is going through at the hands of a killer is terrifying but even more so as she can’t see. I couldn’t help but admire her.
Marcus is the detective on the case. I really liked him. I didn’t like his boss Lisa.
This is an absolutely brilliant story with a gripping storyline. I seriously cannot praise this author highly enough. Looking forward to seeing what he comes up with next.
August 18, 2018
This book was not for me, Die hard Jack Jordan fans will love it. I dont like negative reviews I love to gush over a narrative, I read this in staves if I had bought it as a book I would have scan read it. Too much grisly detail, too much repetition, too much stupidity in the main character all boiled over into annoyance, I had read the author before but there won't be a third time. Some of the readers absolutely loved it and many more will I am sure but I need better from a book and this after all is just my opinion.
July 21, 2018
This is the first book that I have read by this author but I have seen lots of rave reviews and members of TBC bang on about how brilliant he is. I certainly wasn't let down, I loved it from the first page, read it in two sittings and was blown away by the surprising end. If you don't mind a lot of blood and gore but love a great crime thriller/ police procedural then this book is definitely for you.
September 13, 2018
I loved this book. There is such a maturity and sensitivity to Mr Jordan's writing, despite this being a crime/psychological thriller, and I think this is where the strength in the novel lies. Naomi is such a real and raw lead character, and her disability is beautifully portrayed. There are the expected twists, turns, and shocks you'd want from a thriller, many I didn't see coming, but overall this one rises above the genre with its gorgeous prose. Highly recommend.
May 19, 2019
Unpredictable with heart-stopping moments, this is an engrossing psychological thriller with a difference. Worth a read!
August 22, 2018
Before her eyes by jack Jordan.
She can't see the killer
But the killer can see her...
Naomi Hannah has been blind since birth. Struggling with living in the small, claustrophobic town of Balkerne Heights, Naomi contemplates ending her life. But before she can, Naomi stumbles across the body of a young woman who has been brutally murdered. She senses someone else there at the scene - watching her. Naomi may not be able to see the killer's face, but she is still the only person who can identify him.
For Naomi, this frightening truth changes everything: she realises that she wants to live, at the very point at which her life is in greatest peril. As the police begin hunting the person responsible and the bodies pile up, Naomi must lie in wait and answer the question that hangs her fate in the balance: why did the killer let her live?
In a town this small, the murderer must be close, perhaps even before her very eyes...
This was an absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. Wow. Some characters I didn't like like Josie and Lisa. And what a twist. Didn't see that coming. Totally shocked. My favourite characters were Naomi and Marcus. Had me hooked from page one right to the end. And what an ending. Wow. This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. 5*. I would give more if I could.
She can't see the killer
But the killer can see her...
Naomi Hannah has been blind since birth. Struggling with living in the small, claustrophobic town of Balkerne Heights, Naomi contemplates ending her life. But before she can, Naomi stumbles across the body of a young woman who has been brutally murdered. She senses someone else there at the scene - watching her. Naomi may not be able to see the killer's face, but she is still the only person who can identify him.
For Naomi, this frightening truth changes everything: she realises that she wants to live, at the very point at which her life is in greatest peril. As the police begin hunting the person responsible and the bodies pile up, Naomi must lie in wait and answer the question that hangs her fate in the balance: why did the killer let her live?
In a town this small, the murderer must be close, perhaps even before her very eyes...
This was an absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. Wow. Some characters I didn't like like Josie and Lisa. And what a twist. Didn't see that coming. Totally shocked. My favourite characters were Naomi and Marcus. Had me hooked from page one right to the end. And what an ending. Wow. This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. 5*. I would give more if I could.
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