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I'll Be Watching You
Kate Moretti's The Vanishing Year meets Kimberly Belle's The Marriage Lie in this twisty domestic suspense about a teenaged girl who disappears and is thought drowned--and the dark secrets she leaves behind.
Leah, a popular sixteen year old, is uncharacteristically apprehensive the night before her new school year begins. She decides to take a moonlight paddle at her divorced parents’ Florida beachside inn to take the edge off her anxiety. Moments later she vanishes in the water without a trace. The police assume death by drowning since sharks had been sighted nearby earlier in the day. They do a cursory investigation and that's it. The community comes out to give support, but days later her mother Emily is still wondering what happened to her beautiful daughter. And why is there no body?
In the days that follow, Emily accidentally discovers pornographic images of her daughter on her laptop. Some appear to be selfies taken for someone else's pleasure. Others are clearly taken by a voyeur and sent to Leah. Shockingly, they reveal darkly tantalizing clues to an older man’s involvement. Emily's heartbreak turns to deep rage as she sets out to unmask who this monster is who has stolen her daughter's innocence--and perhaps more. As her suspicion falls on various locals who, as unlikely as they may seem, may have lured Leah into risky, even deadly, behavior--the youth pastor, the long time resident in bungalow 3, his son who visits from New York--she trusts no one. Suddenly her once close knit community, itself its own paradise, has been invaded by evil, an evil that is still lurking in the shadows--one that she is determined to expose.
Leah, a popular sixteen year old, is uncharacteristically apprehensive the night before her new school year begins. She decides to take a moonlight paddle at her divorced parents’ Florida beachside inn to take the edge off her anxiety. Moments later she vanishes in the water without a trace. The police assume death by drowning since sharks had been sighted nearby earlier in the day. They do a cursory investigation and that's it. The community comes out to give support, but days later her mother Emily is still wondering what happened to her beautiful daughter. And why is there no body?
In the days that follow, Emily accidentally discovers pornographic images of her daughter on her laptop. Some appear to be selfies taken for someone else's pleasure. Others are clearly taken by a voyeur and sent to Leah. Shockingly, they reveal darkly tantalizing clues to an older man’s involvement. Emily's heartbreak turns to deep rage as she sets out to unmask who this monster is who has stolen her daughter's innocence--and perhaps more. As her suspicion falls on various locals who, as unlikely as they may seem, may have lured Leah into risky, even deadly, behavior--the youth pastor, the long time resident in bungalow 3, his son who visits from New York--she trusts no one. Suddenly her once close knit community, itself its own paradise, has been invaded by evil, an evil that is still lurking in the shadows--one that she is determined to expose.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2019
234 people are currently reading
3842 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Evan Tate
3 books122 followersCourtney Evan Tate is the nom de plume (and darker side) of Courtney Cole, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Beautifully Broken series and the Nocte Trilogy, among other fiction. She spends her days dreaming of new characters and story lines and surprising plot twists, and writing them beneath rustling palm trees in Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
April 19, 2019
A dark disturbing domestic drama that will have you furiously turning those pages!
Courtney Evan Tate has written an unsettling story that hit a little too close to home. Ugh as a parent some of this book was tough to read, I couldn’t help but put myself in Emmy’s position. I can’t even imagine what I would do if my daughter were to go missing off the water right in front of my house. This entire book I spent grieving, questioning, and investigating right along with Emmy. What really happened to Leah that night? And how far was Emmy willing to go to find out the truth? Even if the truth isn’t necessarily something she wants to believe?
Emmy is a single mother running a bed-and-breakfast on the Florida Keys. The day before her junior year Emmy‘s daughter Leah goes out on the ocean right in front of their house to settle her nerves. Emmy goes inside for just a few minutes and comes back to find her daughter missing. The police are quick to close the case, ruling it a drowning that may have involved sharks that had been seen in the vicinity earlier that day. BUT there is no body, and Emmy is not convinced. She is determined to find out what was going on in her daughter’s life prior to the disappearance and the more she digs the more she realizes she didn’t really know her daughter at all.
The book jumps between present and past so we get the complete picture of what was going on. We are also privy to Leah‘s blog posts. As Emmy is digging through her daughters past she discovers pornographic pictures and some blog postss that lead her to believe that Leah was having an inappropriate relationship with an older man. Ugh talk about adding insult to injury. Emmy is obviously distraught determined to figure out who this older man is and suspicious of everyone! My heart really went out to Emmy her grief was palpable. This was an addictive story that had me furiously turning those pages, I needed to find out what had happened to Leah. I was suspicious of everyone at one time or another. I must have changed my mind at least 10 times, and I have to admit the ending surprised me.
Riveting, unsettling, and real this book will leave you reeling.
*** many thanks to Harlequin Mira for my copy of this book *** Recommend!
Courtney Evan Tate has written an unsettling story that hit a little too close to home. Ugh as a parent some of this book was tough to read, I couldn’t help but put myself in Emmy’s position. I can’t even imagine what I would do if my daughter were to go missing off the water right in front of my house. This entire book I spent grieving, questioning, and investigating right along with Emmy. What really happened to Leah that night? And how far was Emmy willing to go to find out the truth? Even if the truth isn’t necessarily something she wants to believe?
Emmy is a single mother running a bed-and-breakfast on the Florida Keys. The day before her junior year Emmy‘s daughter Leah goes out on the ocean right in front of their house to settle her nerves. Emmy goes inside for just a few minutes and comes back to find her daughter missing. The police are quick to close the case, ruling it a drowning that may have involved sharks that had been seen in the vicinity earlier that day. BUT there is no body, and Emmy is not convinced. She is determined to find out what was going on in her daughter’s life prior to the disappearance and the more she digs the more she realizes she didn’t really know her daughter at all.
The book jumps between present and past so we get the complete picture of what was going on. We are also privy to Leah‘s blog posts. As Emmy is digging through her daughters past she discovers pornographic pictures and some blog postss that lead her to believe that Leah was having an inappropriate relationship with an older man. Ugh talk about adding insult to injury. Emmy is obviously distraught determined to figure out who this older man is and suspicious of everyone! My heart really went out to Emmy her grief was palpable. This was an addictive story that had me furiously turning those pages, I needed to find out what had happened to Leah. I was suspicious of everyone at one time or another. I must have changed my mind at least 10 times, and I have to admit the ending surprised me.
Riveting, unsettling, and real this book will leave you reeling.
*** many thanks to Harlequin Mira for my copy of this book *** Recommend!
June 5, 2019
I’ve read two books by this author in about two months’ time and loved them both! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Leah is sixteen years old and popular. She takes a midnight paddle at the beach because she’s nervous the night before the first day of the school year. Leah disappears while on the water.
The police quickly investigate and deem it death by drowning because sharks have been in the area. Emmy, Leah’s mother, is not buying it and wants to know where her daughter’s body is.
Emmy is checking her daughter’s laptop and finds naked images, some taken by Leah and others taken by someone else and sent to her. These pictures lead to an older man. Emmy works through a list of men who could potentially be the one who harmed her daughter, many living right in her own community.
I enjoyed I’ll Be Watching You and Courtney Evan Tate’s style of writing and telling this story. I loved the setting at the bed and breakfast inn Emmy owns. It added an ambience to the book that kept it from being too dark. I was able to read this one rather quickly, which only added to the strong pacing, and overall, I found this to be an addictive and suspenseful read in the domestic genre.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instaagram.com/tarheelreader
Leah is sixteen years old and popular. She takes a midnight paddle at the beach because she’s nervous the night before the first day of the school year. Leah disappears while on the water.
The police quickly investigate and deem it death by drowning because sharks have been in the area. Emmy, Leah’s mother, is not buying it and wants to know where her daughter’s body is.
Emmy is checking her daughter’s laptop and finds naked images, some taken by Leah and others taken by someone else and sent to her. These pictures lead to an older man. Emmy works through a list of men who could potentially be the one who harmed her daughter, many living right in her own community.
I enjoyed I’ll Be Watching You and Courtney Evan Tate’s style of writing and telling this story. I loved the setting at the bed and breakfast inn Emmy owns. It added an ambience to the book that kept it from being too dark. I was able to read this one rather quickly, which only added to the strong pacing, and overall, I found this to be an addictive and suspenseful read in the domestic genre.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instaagram.com/tarheelreader
April 25, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
She wants to sit and float on top of her board, staring at the moon, pretending the rays hitting her skin are fairy dust.
Bars always smell the same, even when they have open windows on the end of a pier. Like… old peanuts and neon lights, and felt-top pool tables and desperation.
My Review:
This cleverly paced and well-contrived tale started slowly and gradually built into a gripping tale that occasionally had me cringing and frequently found me biting my cuticles. I had narrowed down my list of suspects from four to two before all hell broke loose and removed all doubt. The premise was original and relevant and unfortunately could happen all too easily in any society. Ms. Tate’s writing was emotive and evocatively detailed, conjuring keen visuals in my cranium as I read. Her active storylines were cunningly constructed and perfectly pitched for each idiosyncratic character.
While the subject matter was a bit disturbing given the inappropriate and predatory behaviors involving a minor, the narrative was more intensely driven toward the well-crafted intrigue and mystery rather than provocative sensuality, although there was some of that as well. I was fully invested and bristling with curiosity as I gathered clues, formulated theories, and cast aside possible perpetrators, but I would never have anticipated this conclusion. Courtney Evan Tate is a sly and crafty wordsmith. This was my first exposure to her clever arrangements of words and I anticipate delving into many more.
She wants to sit and float on top of her board, staring at the moon, pretending the rays hitting her skin are fairy dust.
Bars always smell the same, even when they have open windows on the end of a pier. Like… old peanuts and neon lights, and felt-top pool tables and desperation.
My Review:
This cleverly paced and well-contrived tale started slowly and gradually built into a gripping tale that occasionally had me cringing and frequently found me biting my cuticles. I had narrowed down my list of suspects from four to two before all hell broke loose and removed all doubt. The premise was original and relevant and unfortunately could happen all too easily in any society. Ms. Tate’s writing was emotive and evocatively detailed, conjuring keen visuals in my cranium as I read. Her active storylines were cunningly constructed and perfectly pitched for each idiosyncratic character.
While the subject matter was a bit disturbing given the inappropriate and predatory behaviors involving a minor, the narrative was more intensely driven toward the well-crafted intrigue and mystery rather than provocative sensuality, although there was some of that as well. I was fully invested and bristling with curiosity as I gathered clues, formulated theories, and cast aside possible perpetrators, but I would never have anticipated this conclusion. Courtney Evan Tate is a sly and crafty wordsmith. This was my first exposure to her clever arrangements of words and I anticipate delving into many more.
March 28, 2019
I’ll Be Watching You by Courtney Evan Tate is a thriller that begins with the unthinkable, a mother losing her daughter in the blink of an eye. The story is told in the present from the mother’s point of view and flashing back a few months in the past to get the point of view of the daughter.
Emmy Fisher and her fifteen year old daughter, Leah, live in the Florida Keys at the Inn that was passed down to Emmy from her family. Living on their own private beach in the Keys Emmy has often joked that her daughter is part fish so she didn’t think anything of Leah swimming alone that night until she didn’t return from the water.
Once the police rule Leah’s disappearance as an accidental drowning Emmy finds herself trying to cope with her grief. However once Emmy begins to go through Leah’s things she finds she didn’t know her daughter as well as she thought. When it looks like Leah was in a relationship with an adult Emmy vows to find out who and see them punished for being with a minor.
I’ll Be Watching You by Courtney Evan Tate for the most part was an enjoyable thriller that was easy to follow despite the time jumps and POV changes. The ending of this one did mostly take me by surprise despite not having a ton of suspects although I had my suspicions on part of it. The thing that lowered my rating to 3 1/2 stars was I didn’t find it realistic for Emmy to shrug off some things, I’m the reader and know things are never how they seem but a grieving mother should follow the clues a bit more than she did.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Emmy Fisher and her fifteen year old daughter, Leah, live in the Florida Keys at the Inn that was passed down to Emmy from her family. Living on their own private beach in the Keys Emmy has often joked that her daughter is part fish so she didn’t think anything of Leah swimming alone that night until she didn’t return from the water.
Once the police rule Leah’s disappearance as an accidental drowning Emmy finds herself trying to cope with her grief. However once Emmy begins to go through Leah’s things she finds she didn’t know her daughter as well as she thought. When it looks like Leah was in a relationship with an adult Emmy vows to find out who and see them punished for being with a minor.
I’ll Be Watching You by Courtney Evan Tate for the most part was an enjoyable thriller that was easy to follow despite the time jumps and POV changes. The ending of this one did mostly take me by surprise despite not having a ton of suspects although I had my suspicions on part of it. The thing that lowered my rating to 3 1/2 stars was I didn’t find it realistic for Emmy to shrug off some things, I’m the reader and know things are never how they seem but a grieving mother should follow the clues a bit more than she did.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
February 3, 2023
This book was really hard to get into since there wasn’t one character in the whole book that I cared about. Fifteen-year-old Leah is thought to have drowned when she was out in the ocean one night. Her mother later discovers that Leah may have been involved with an older man and she’s determined to find out who that man was. I really didn’t like the victim, Leah, at all, and I had absolutely no sympathy for her and didn’t care what happened to her. She was supposed to be a raving beauty and everyone loved her. Unfortunately, what Leah had in looks, she lacked in brains and common sense. She did so many incredibly stupid things and I was tired of people using her age as an excuse for her stupidity and bad choices when she knew exactly what she was doing. I thought this book would be full of suspense, but for the most part it was suspenseless and alternated between boring and annoying with too much teen drama. Definitely not for me.
February 28, 2019
When Courtney Evan Tate's
I'll Be Watching You
arrived at my doorstep, I was jumping for joy! What thriller aficionado doesn't love books surrounding someone who's stalking an innocent bystander?! Alright, ok, maybe just me!
Emmy owns a beautiful bed and breakfast/airbnb type of lodging facility that's been in her family for generations. Emmy loves this Inn and believes that it's her calling—so much in fact, that she divorced her husband Nate over it. Emmy has a fifteen year old daughter named Leah, who is the apple of her eye in every way. She's studious, hard working, and a respectable young woman. Emmy and Leah have a great bond, and the two of them enjoy their lives in Key West, Florida. One night, Leah asks her mom to go paddleboarding at night, and doesn't return home. Her paddleboard washes up on shore, and authorities are quick to turn this missing persons report into a death confirmation. Emmy is shaken to her core, but doesn't want to give out hope until a body is found.
As Emmy is coping with the disappearance of her daughter, she discovers shocking blog posts and images on Leah's computer. Emmy believes these photos were taken by someone stalking her daughter, but she can't figure out who. As Emmy tries to unmask this demented voyeur, the reader starts to learn about Leah's involvement with this predator. Why did Leah have so many secrets, and did her friends know anything about this possible double life? Was Leah's paddleboard crisis just a mere accident, or was it premeditated by someone evil out to get her?
I'll Be Watching You starts off with Leah's disappearance almost immediately. You get zero "fluff" or pointless dialogue, which is great. GIMME DA JUICE! The writing in I'll Be Watching You is phenomenal—you really start connecting with the characters, especially Emmy. My main piece of advice would be to understand that this book is a light mystery with similar context that this genre is used to. It plays by all the rules that similar domestic thrillers venture off with, so if you enjoy reading a lot of them, I warn you to go in with a clear mind that this is going to feel a bit similar to what you're already used to. If you can go into reading this book knowing that piece of advice, I think you'll enjoy it a lot more. It's definitely a wild ride from beginning to end, and knowing this tidbit will allow you to go with the flow.
Emmy owns a beautiful bed and breakfast/airbnb type of lodging facility that's been in her family for generations. Emmy loves this Inn and believes that it's her calling—so much in fact, that she divorced her husband Nate over it. Emmy has a fifteen year old daughter named Leah, who is the apple of her eye in every way. She's studious, hard working, and a respectable young woman. Emmy and Leah have a great bond, and the two of them enjoy their lives in Key West, Florida. One night, Leah asks her mom to go paddleboarding at night, and doesn't return home. Her paddleboard washes up on shore, and authorities are quick to turn this missing persons report into a death confirmation. Emmy is shaken to her core, but doesn't want to give out hope until a body is found.
As Emmy is coping with the disappearance of her daughter, she discovers shocking blog posts and images on Leah's computer. Emmy believes these photos were taken by someone stalking her daughter, but she can't figure out who. As Emmy tries to unmask this demented voyeur, the reader starts to learn about Leah's involvement with this predator. Why did Leah have so many secrets, and did her friends know anything about this possible double life? Was Leah's paddleboard crisis just a mere accident, or was it premeditated by someone evil out to get her?
I'll Be Watching You starts off with Leah's disappearance almost immediately. You get zero "fluff" or pointless dialogue, which is great. GIMME DA JUICE! The writing in I'll Be Watching You is phenomenal—you really start connecting with the characters, especially Emmy. My main piece of advice would be to understand that this book is a light mystery with similar context that this genre is used to. It plays by all the rules that similar domestic thrillers venture off with, so if you enjoy reading a lot of them, I warn you to go in with a clear mind that this is going to feel a bit similar to what you're already used to. If you can go into reading this book knowing that piece of advice, I think you'll enjoy it a lot more. It's definitely a wild ride from beginning to end, and knowing this tidbit will allow you to go with the flow.
August 5, 2019
Emmy Fisher is the mother of 15-year-old Leah. Receiving news that Leah has drowned while out one night has her deep in grief. It's only when she goes into her daughter's bedroom that the questions begin.
Her daughter, it seems, has been in a relationship with an older man ... someone who had o hesitation in taking Leah's innocence and not in a good way. Leah's life was nothing like her mother imagined. Why did she not know? Why did her daughter not turn to her for help? And was her drowning a suicide ... or murder?
This is a well written page turner. Narrated back and forth in time by the mother and daughter, the telling of the story was nicely paced and blended seamlessly. The characters are finely drawn. Emmy's quest to find the man Leah was involved with leads her to a possible three suspects that all hint to having secrets. This one kept me glued from first to last.
Many thanks to the author / Harlequin-Mira / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 25, 2019
Four Racey and Riveting. ★★★★'s!
Ramblings from the Island long ago. It seems lately that I’m living in a nightmare, in a web of bad decisions. I’d like to get back to the good dreams again.
I fear that you won’t like me much, dear readers.
I’ve been telling you lately of my escapades, and my choices, and they haven’t all been good ones, have they?
I worry about that.
Culpability is a strange word, and one I’ve really never thought about before.
But I’m thinking about it now.
I’ve ended it with him, dear readers.
He wasn’t happy.
But it wasn’t right, was it?
He was scaring me, and fear should never be a part of love.
I’m glad I’ve come to realize that before things went even further.
I want you to know…I’m not a bad person. I swear to you, I’m not. You started my story at the point of my bad decision…My worst decision. A decision that seemingly only a bad person would make.
Please realize that when we’re living our lives, sometimes we get swept up in choices, and making the wrong one is sometimes all too easy.
As I write this, I’m staring at the dream catcher that hangs over my bed. Its feathers are fluttering in the wind, and I have to think of the good dreams that seem so
Because in spite of what it seems, I’m a good person. I promise. Tags: bad decisions, bad love, abuse, inappropriate relationships, heartbreak.
*********
I'll Be Watching You by Courtney Evan Tate is a riveting story that I read in less than five furious hours! Fifteen-year-old Leah's point of view offers enticing hints as to the identity of her secret love, while her mother, Emmy, continues to dig up other clues. Both sides of the story melded together fluidly and I found myself reading at a fast and furious pace just to see if I had guessed the identity of the mystery man.
I did, in the end, guess right but I wasn't completely certain until it was revealed. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel!
Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Publishing, and author, Courtney Evan Tate, for this advanced digital copy to read and review.
Ramblings from the Island long ago. It seems lately that I’m living in a nightmare, in a web of bad decisions. I’d like to get back to the good dreams again.
I fear that you won’t like me much, dear readers.
I’ve been telling you lately of my escapades, and my choices, and they haven’t all been good ones, have they?
I worry about that.
Culpability is a strange word, and one I’ve really never thought about before.
But I’m thinking about it now.
I’ve ended it with him, dear readers.
He wasn’t happy.
But it wasn’t right, was it?
He was scaring me, and fear should never be a part of love.
I’m glad I’ve come to realize that before things went even further.
I want you to know…I’m not a bad person. I swear to you, I’m not. You started my story at the point of my bad decision…My worst decision. A decision that seemingly only a bad person would make.
Please realize that when we’re living our lives, sometimes we get swept up in choices, and making the wrong one is sometimes all too easy.
As I write this, I’m staring at the dream catcher that hangs over my bed. Its feathers are fluttering in the wind, and I have to think of the good dreams that seem so
Because in spite of what it seems, I’m a good person. I promise. Tags: bad decisions, bad love, abuse, inappropriate relationships, heartbreak.
*********
I'll Be Watching You by Courtney Evan Tate is a riveting story that I read in less than five furious hours! Fifteen-year-old Leah's point of view offers enticing hints as to the identity of her secret love, while her mother, Emmy, continues to dig up other clues. Both sides of the story melded together fluidly and I found myself reading at a fast and furious pace just to see if I had guessed the identity of the mystery man.
I did, in the end, guess right but I wasn't completely certain until it was revealed. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel!
Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Publishing, and author, Courtney Evan Tate, for this advanced digital copy to read and review.
April 4, 2019
As an avid thriller reader, I am always overjoyed when I find a "lighter" thriller that really hits all my buttons. I'll Be Watching You certainly does that! The author brings us an extremely well written thriller with multiple POVs and I ALWAYS love it when we get the view of the predator.
The creepy thing about books like this is the plausibility. Creepy older man taking advantage of a young, naive girl. Here's the thing with this book - if you read a ton of thrillers like I do, this will be nothing new in terms of story line. HOWEVER, the way the author pulls everything together is intentional and fantastic. There's no unnecessary scenes or fillers - it's just immediate satisfaction in terms of diving right into the story and never letting up until we get to the ending.
The ending only slightly bothered me in the fact that the perpetrator came a little out of left field. While I appreciate the red herrings, I would've liked to have seen just a tiny bit more in terms of puzzle pieces.
What I loved the most was how the author really draws you into this story and I felt myself getting angry, having hope and getting anxious. It's rare that a lighter thriller will provoke so many feelings from me.
The creepy thing about books like this is the plausibility. Creepy older man taking advantage of a young, naive girl. Here's the thing with this book - if you read a ton of thrillers like I do, this will be nothing new in terms of story line. HOWEVER, the way the author pulls everything together is intentional and fantastic. There's no unnecessary scenes or fillers - it's just immediate satisfaction in terms of diving right into the story and never letting up until we get to the ending.
The ending only slightly bothered me in the fact that the perpetrator came a little out of left field. While I appreciate the red herrings, I would've liked to have seen just a tiny bit more in terms of puzzle pieces.
What I loved the most was how the author really draws you into this story and I felt myself getting angry, having hope and getting anxious. It's rare that a lighter thriller will provoke so many feelings from me.
March 19, 2021
WATCH OUT! Courtney Evan Tate's I'LL BE WATCHING YOU is a fast-paced thriller that is deeply disturbing and not for the faint-hearted.
The author skillfully puts a "Whodunnit?" spin on the horrific tactics used by a demented "guy next door" child predator as he successfully entices and manipulates his most latest victim. The predator's identity is not revealed until the end of the book --- and, unfortunately, when it's discovered that the protagonist's 15-year old daughter was in a clandestine relationship with a much older man, there are many possible suspects.
What I particularly liked about this book was that the author did a superb job of creating an "evidence trail" that did not directly implicate the predator. In other words, the author's "great reveal" was not obvious and I did not guess the ending.
Yes, the book had a few plot holes and some portions of the book suffered from credibility issues -- but, overall, I'LL BE WATCHING YOU was a compelling read with strong character development and very powerful messaging. Once I started listening, I was unable to put the book down.
I listened to the book's audio version and narrator Vivienne Leheny truly gave an Academy Award performance.
Courtney Evan Tate is a talented writer and I will be looking forward to the author's next release.
The author skillfully puts a "Whodunnit?" spin on the horrific tactics used by a demented "guy next door" child predator as he successfully entices and manipulates his most latest victim. The predator's identity is not revealed until the end of the book --- and, unfortunately, when it's discovered that the protagonist's 15-year old daughter was in a clandestine relationship with a much older man, there are many possible suspects.
What I particularly liked about this book was that the author did a superb job of creating an "evidence trail" that did not directly implicate the predator. In other words, the author's "great reveal" was not obvious and I did not guess the ending.
Yes, the book had a few plot holes and some portions of the book suffered from credibility issues -- but, overall, I'LL BE WATCHING YOU was a compelling read with strong character development and very powerful messaging. Once I started listening, I was unable to put the book down.
I listened to the book's audio version and narrator Vivienne Leheny truly gave an Academy Award performance.
Courtney Evan Tate is a talented writer and I will be looking forward to the author's next release.
April 15, 2019
Sometimes I’m in the mood for a lighter style thriller, I’m kind of on a thriller break right now, but I liked the sound of this one despite my self imposed ban. I got the sense that it would focus on the domestic comings and goings of one family and their dynamics with the thrills being on the lighter side and I was right, which is exactly what I was looking for. Isn’t it the best when you read a book at the exact right moment?!
Books that tap into my worst fears as a parent always manage to hook me, there’s something both terrifying and captivating about dark situations that could potentially happen to me and this was no exception. When Emmy’s daughter dies and her grief just absolutely consumes her I could only sympathize with her and completely understand why she couldn’t even open her daughters bedroom door because she was so devastated. I could also understand when she was finally able to start digging into Leah’s personal life because she just wanted any sort of connection to her child, even if what’s uncovered is shocking. I felt so horrified on her behalf when she began to uncover some of Leah’s dark secrets and that’s always the sign of a great writer for me. This one was definitely an emotional read for me, as much as I was invested in what Leah was up to, I was so heartbroken for Emmy and that’s what really won me over in the end.
This was a quiet suspense, a subtle style with such great writing I read it in just two sittings. It flips back and forth between a couple of months before Leah dies and the present day so it’s a slow and methodical process to get to the truth. It was one of those that kept me guessing and then second guessing everything which is always appreciated in any sort of thriller. For a light thriller the subject matter does go dark so keep that in mind, there is a definite creep factor here that will sketch you out.
I’ll Be Watching You in three words: Creepy, Nuanced and Methodical
Books that tap into my worst fears as a parent always manage to hook me, there’s something both terrifying and captivating about dark situations that could potentially happen to me and this was no exception. When Emmy’s daughter dies and her grief just absolutely consumes her I could only sympathize with her and completely understand why she couldn’t even open her daughters bedroom door because she was so devastated. I could also understand when she was finally able to start digging into Leah’s personal life because she just wanted any sort of connection to her child, even if what’s uncovered is shocking. I felt so horrified on her behalf when she began to uncover some of Leah’s dark secrets and that’s always the sign of a great writer for me. This one was definitely an emotional read for me, as much as I was invested in what Leah was up to, I was so heartbroken for Emmy and that’s what really won me over in the end.
This was a quiet suspense, a subtle style with such great writing I read it in just two sittings. It flips back and forth between a couple of months before Leah dies and the present day so it’s a slow and methodical process to get to the truth. It was one of those that kept me guessing and then second guessing everything which is always appreciated in any sort of thriller. For a light thriller the subject matter does go dark so keep that in mind, there is a definite creep factor here that will sketch you out.
I’ll Be Watching You in three words: Creepy, Nuanced and Methodical
March 15, 2019
This was a great thriller!! This book alternated between two POVs of a mother Emmy who is 36 and her daughter 15 year old Leah. It also bounces between August present time and June. Emmy runs an Inn that has been passed down in her family in the Florida Keys. She’s recently divorced and runs the Inn on her own it’s set on a private beach. Leah loves living on the water and she has two best friends Skye and Liam who visits his dad who stays at the Inn. One night before school is set to begin Leah asks to go swimming and Emmy agrees only for a little bit. Leah takes her dog Bo and heads down to the water. Leah never comes back. The police assume she drowns since her board is found but not a body. Devastated Emmy blames herself for letting Leah go swimming in the dark. While going through her room she discovers Leah’s secret. Leah was involved with a much older man. She wrote about it on an online blog. From the blog posts the relationship was becoming dangerous and she was considering breaking it off. Living on a small island like theirs there are only a small group of suspects to choose from. Emmy is determined to find out who was taking advantage of her young daughter and having an illegal relationship and sending her disgusting pictures. In Leah’s POV chapters you learn how the relationship started but you don’t know who it is with. Some of her chapters may need a disclaimer because it goes into some details that may not be for everyone. I loved this book and it was crazy sometimes I just wanted to tell at Leah!! Highly recommend for thriller lovers! Four stars! Book is available March 26th 2019!
February 5, 2020
"At the end of the day, though, Leah figured that everyone just wanted what they couldn’t have. It was human nature."
Leah, a teenage girl from Key West, disappears while swimming one night. Did she drown or was it something more sinister?
I enjoyed reading this one.
I’ll Be Watching You is suspenseful, and its secrets are revealed through two storylines - before the disappearance (June) and after the disappearance (August). I thought the author did a great job of the pacing and it definitely kept my interest.
I also liked the Key West setting, though it wasn’t very prominent in the story - I wanted more, but then again I’m a sucker for mysteries set on islands. And the dog is definitely the best character in the book, hands down.
((This book does have a few graphic descriptions of sexual abuse of teens, so beware of that.))
Leah, a teenage girl from Key West, disappears while swimming one night. Did she drown or was it something more sinister?
I enjoyed reading this one.
I’ll Be Watching You is suspenseful, and its secrets are revealed through two storylines - before the disappearance (June) and after the disappearance (August). I thought the author did a great job of the pacing and it definitely kept my interest.
I also liked the Key West setting, though it wasn’t very prominent in the story - I wanted more, but then again I’m a sucker for mysteries set on islands. And the dog is definitely the best character in the book, hands down.
((This book does have a few graphic descriptions of sexual abuse of teens, so beware of that.))
April 7, 2019
This book starts with a bang and keeps you enthralled until the last page. The mom is so well written that the reader is able to feel her sorrow and understand her feelings of betrayal. It's a story of family and love and friendship with lots of other unsavory pieces.
Emily is 36 and owns a hotel in the Florida Keys where she lives with her daughter, Leah. Emily and Leah have always been close and Leah is a popular person in her circle of friends. Right at the beginning of the book, Emily allows Leah to go on a night time swim by herself and when Emily goes to check on her, Leah is gone. Even though a body is never found, the police quickly turn this from a search and rescue to a death by drowning incident and they close the books on it. When Leah is finally able to go into Leah's room - weeks after her drowning - she finds a diary that Leah had been keeping and is shocked. Not only are there nude pictures of an older man (no face is showing) but there is a blog that describes Leah's infatuation with an older man who she refers to as Ry. Emily's heartbreak turns to deep rage as she sets out to unmask who this monster is who has stolen her daughter's innocence--and perhaps more. Who is this man? Is it the new youth minister who spent extra time with some of the girls, is it the man who lives in bungalow 3 at her hotel who no one knew much about, is it his son who visits on summer vacation or someone else on the island who was more than interested in her daughter and was luring the romantic Leah into trying things that she is uncomfortable with.
This book had me guessing throughout and it wasn't until the last 50 pages that the older man was revealed. It came as a bit of a shock and I wish there had been a few more clues along the way pointing toward this person so it wouldn't have been so much of a surprise.
Overall, this is a tense and exciting book that will have you turning the pages until the end.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Emily is 36 and owns a hotel in the Florida Keys where she lives with her daughter, Leah. Emily and Leah have always been close and Leah is a popular person in her circle of friends. Right at the beginning of the book, Emily allows Leah to go on a night time swim by herself and when Emily goes to check on her, Leah is gone. Even though a body is never found, the police quickly turn this from a search and rescue to a death by drowning incident and they close the books on it. When Leah is finally able to go into Leah's room - weeks after her drowning - she finds a diary that Leah had been keeping and is shocked. Not only are there nude pictures of an older man (no face is showing) but there is a blog that describes Leah's infatuation with an older man who she refers to as Ry. Emily's heartbreak turns to deep rage as she sets out to unmask who this monster is who has stolen her daughter's innocence--and perhaps more. Who is this man? Is it the new youth minister who spent extra time with some of the girls, is it the man who lives in bungalow 3 at her hotel who no one knew much about, is it his son who visits on summer vacation or someone else on the island who was more than interested in her daughter and was luring the romantic Leah into trying things that she is uncomfortable with.
This book had me guessing throughout and it wasn't until the last 50 pages that the older man was revealed. It came as a bit of a shock and I wish there had been a few more clues along the way pointing toward this person so it wouldn't have been so much of a surprise.
Overall, this is a tense and exciting book that will have you turning the pages until the end.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
March 28, 2019
I'll Be Watching You is the second book that author Courtney Cole has written under the pen name Courtney Evan Tate. I really enjoyed the first book, Such Dark Things. So I was very excited to get to read this latest suspense novel.
The book alternates between two POVs of a mother and daughter (36 year old Emmy and 15 year old Leah). The story takes place in the Florida Keys. And goes back and forth between two time periods (August/the present and June). Although the June time period goes forward in time.
Emmy runs an inn that belonged to her grandparents. She works a lot. Leah loves the ocean and her new dog Bo. Her best friends are Skye and Liam. Emmy's chapters are told in the 1st person. Leah's chapters are told in 3rd person.
In Leah's 3rd person chapters there are also a few snippets of other 3rd person POVs. I am not a fan of POVs switching mid-chapter.
Chapter one was actually very scary as something happens to Leah. But we don't find out the full story of what really happened that night till the end of the book (although I had my suspicions).
This book was super creepy. In Leah's chapters we find out that an older man had been pursuing her. But we don't know who it is.
The book was very interesting and I could not put it down. But at the same time the story was very disturbing and upsetting.
Some things I loved about this book: 1) Leah's dog Bo. 2) I loved the mom's investigations. 3) the beach setting. 4) the inn.
Overall, this was a good mystery. However, it's hard to say that this book was enjoyable as it deals with some unsettling subjects. Leah had many secrets and I enjoyed discovering them. I liked the way that the story was told. The ending was riveting.
Thanks to edelweiss and MIRA/HarperCollins for allowing me to read this book.
The book alternates between two POVs of a mother and daughter (36 year old Emmy and 15 year old Leah). The story takes place in the Florida Keys. And goes back and forth between two time periods (August/the present and June). Although the June time period goes forward in time.
Emmy runs an inn that belonged to her grandparents. She works a lot. Leah loves the ocean and her new dog Bo. Her best friends are Skye and Liam. Emmy's chapters are told in the 1st person. Leah's chapters are told in 3rd person.
In Leah's 3rd person chapters there are also a few snippets of other 3rd person POVs. I am not a fan of POVs switching mid-chapter.
Chapter one was actually very scary as something happens to Leah. But we don't find out the full story of what really happened that night till the end of the book (although I had my suspicions).
This book was super creepy. In Leah's chapters we find out that an older man had been pursuing her. But we don't know who it is.
The book was very interesting and I could not put it down. But at the same time the story was very disturbing and upsetting.
Some things I loved about this book: 1) Leah's dog Bo. 2) I loved the mom's investigations. 3) the beach setting. 4) the inn.
Overall, this was a good mystery. However, it's hard to say that this book was enjoyable as it deals with some unsettling subjects. Leah had many secrets and I enjoyed discovering them. I liked the way that the story was told. The ending was riveting.
Thanks to edelweiss and MIRA/HarperCollins for allowing me to read this book.
March 18, 2019
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It was not what I’d hoped it would be. I didn’t like how the chapters were organized, nor did I feel connected to the characters. There’s a bit of forced romance at the end and the twist not so great.
March 4, 2019
3.5 stars. I tore through the pages of this book...then I hit the reveal and ending and it was like crashing into a wall. I mean, it made sense, but in the same breath it was a little abrupt and a little bit too outlandish. A little bit about the book - Emmy owns an inn in the Keys. She lives there with her daughter, Leah. Emmy and her husband are divorced, but are good friends. One night, Leah asks to go night swimming, and Emmy allows it. But Leah doesn't come back. Emmy discovers that Leah was keeping secrets. She was involved with a much older man. She wrote about it in an online blog. Leah was growing more uncomfortable in that secretive relationship. In an island community as small as theirs, those left behind try to solve the puzzle of what happened to Emmy, and there are very few suspects to choose from. I absolutely loved the storyline and the characters and the writing.
The ending just left me feeling a bit "meh and huh???"
The ending just left me feeling a bit "meh and huh???"
March 16, 2019
3.75 stars
Forbidden love, or something darker?
That's the overall premise of this story following a tragic death.
This story is told in the past and present.
In the present, we learn of a mother, Emmy Fisher, trying to cope with the sudden death of her daughter, Leah. And in her quest to find answers, she discovers she might not have known her daughter as much as she thought.
In the past, we learn of Leah's growing attraction to an older man, and a relationship develops between them. To be clear, I didn't find this forbidden relationship to be sexy. It felt creepier.
The big mystery of the book is who is the older man, as Leah only refers to him as Ry, which is just his secret name.
Flipping from past to present, the author begins toying with the reader. There are two clear "suspects" as to the identity of this man. I did flip flop between who I thought it could be, yet at the same time, felt the author was using some trickery - could there be another man not being considered? To avoid spoilers, I won't tell you how it plays out, but the identity is eventually revealed. Definite creep factor!
"Don't worry, Kitten. I'll still be close. I'll be watching you."
As for characters, I liked Emmy, and had high hopes she and her ex, Nate could work things out. There clearly was love between them. I'm not sure why the possible romantic element with Derek Collins, a resident of sorts at her inn, even came to play. It was awkward and reeked of bad timing.
I also liked Leah's friends, Skye and Liam. I thought Skye's connection to Emmy was sweet, and made the difficult days a bit easier, and I liked Liam's protective side. He clearly cared for Leah as more than a friend but didn't try to make things weird between them.
I would consider this more of a mystery, than a thriller. I feel there were any heart-racing moments, even though the element of danger was there. The end felt a bit rushed, with the resolution coming a bit too easily in my mind.
Overall, this was an intriguing read, and kept my brain working as I tried to resolve the mystery.
*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
Forbidden love, or something darker?
That's the overall premise of this story following a tragic death.
This story is told in the past and present.
In the present, we learn of a mother, Emmy Fisher, trying to cope with the sudden death of her daughter, Leah. And in her quest to find answers, she discovers she might not have known her daughter as much as she thought.
In the past, we learn of Leah's growing attraction to an older man, and a relationship develops between them. To be clear, I didn't find this forbidden relationship to be sexy. It felt creepier.
The big mystery of the book is who is the older man, as Leah only refers to him as Ry, which is just his secret name.
Flipping from past to present, the author begins toying with the reader. There are two clear "suspects" as to the identity of this man. I did flip flop between who I thought it could be, yet at the same time, felt the author was using some trickery - could there be another man not being considered? To avoid spoilers, I won't tell you how it plays out, but the identity is eventually revealed. Definite creep factor!
"Don't worry, Kitten. I'll still be close. I'll be watching you."
As for characters, I liked Emmy, and had high hopes she and her ex, Nate could work things out. There clearly was love between them. I'm not sure why the possible romantic element with Derek Collins, a resident of sorts at her inn, even came to play. It was awkward and reeked of bad timing.
I also liked Leah's friends, Skye and Liam. I thought Skye's connection to Emmy was sweet, and made the difficult days a bit easier, and I liked Liam's protective side. He clearly cared for Leah as more than a friend but didn't try to make things weird between them.
I would consider this more of a mystery, than a thriller. I feel there were any heart-racing moments, even though the element of danger was there. The end felt a bit rushed, with the resolution coming a bit too easily in my mind.
Overall, this was an intriguing read, and kept my brain working as I tried to resolve the mystery.
*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
November 28, 2024
very lifetime movie. i saw someone who said they liked this because it was a light thriller which is true, but the light tone paired with the dark theme just seemed like an odd combination to me. but maybe someone who likes dark themes with lighthearted energy will enjoy it.
the writing (specifically with the dialogue) was very tedious. way too much talking about men wearing cardigans. none of the characters were interesting or likeable.
i thought the twist was really obvious but it turned out to be totally out of nowhere, imo.
also that's just not how blogs work.
the writing (specifically with the dialogue) was very tedious. way too much talking about men wearing cardigans. none of the characters were interesting or likeable.
i thought the twist was really obvious but it turned out to be totally out of nowhere, imo.
also that's just not how blogs work.
February 4, 2019
It's the night before school starts back up and Leah and her mother are having a good heart to heart chat before Leah wants a dip in the water. Her mum is tired and is going to head inside, but she trusts Leah as she has done it hundreds of times before and never gotten hurt. This time though Leah doesn't return home, and by the next morning, everyone is searching for the girl who drowned or was eaten by sharks. As Emily wonders about her daughter as she can't have just vanished, she explores her room and stumbles upon the computer which is open to a blog post about a girl having a rough sex relationship with an older man and how that night he nearly choked her to death. Emily stares at it and then wonders who wrote the blog, she clicks the about me page and up comes Leah's picture. Soon Emily and her ex-husband Nate have pulled down a rabbit hole as they are about to learn things about their daughter they never thought possible. The worst being she was in a relationship with an older man. As the book goes along, we have the pre- Leah going missing and how her relationship began with the older man to after-Leah going missing and her parents trying to pick up the pieces and learn the identity of the Older man. This book had a twist as when it was revealed who she was having an affair with, he wasn't even on my radar of suspects, and if he had been, it would have been low. This was a good read, and now I am looking forward to reading her book "Mine" which I am crushing on the cover.
April 26, 2019
"Time was an enemy I hadn't expected. It raised its head and robbed me of my daughter."
First and foremost: I feel like the blurb that is on the front of this cover is a tad misleading. There is not hardly any domestic violence and the narrator is not "unreliable". I am saying that because I just don't want for any one to go into this thinking they're going to be getting some sort of Chevy Steven story. I know a lot of people (myself included) really tend to enjoy those type of books. I just wouldn't classify I'll Be Watching You as that.
I teetered on 2 stars or 3 stars for this one. But I ultimately decided on a 2 star rating. I feel as if Courtney has a fantastic writing ability. There is nothing she cannot write about. She did an excellent job at creating a tension and anxiety that stems from being a parent and having your worst nightmare come true. I feel as if this is the type of thing that can happen to any one.... until you get to the ending and see what really happened. That was a little too far fetched for even me.
"I lived in a castle of glass and in one moment it all shattered. I'm the queen of nothing, an empire of without an heir."
The twists in this book weren't anything spectacular. A lot of it you can see coming because of the foreshadowing that takes place-- but as a whole, the story ended up coming together very nicely. But a good touch to this story was the amount of secondary characters that are in and out of this book. You never know which character is going to do what and you never know who it's going to be. But if you stick to the plot and really focus on what is going on, it's not too hard to figure out.
As a whole, I was very underwhelmed with the plot of the book. But as always, Courtney does a fantastic job at writing a genre that I have been eating up here lately. I can always count on her to go outside of her box and get a little gritty when the time calls for it.
First and foremost: I feel like the blurb that is on the front of this cover is a tad misleading. There is not hardly any domestic violence and the narrator is not "unreliable". I am saying that because I just don't want for any one to go into this thinking they're going to be getting some sort of Chevy Steven story. I know a lot of people (myself included) really tend to enjoy those type of books. I just wouldn't classify I'll Be Watching You as that.
I teetered on 2 stars or 3 stars for this one. But I ultimately decided on a 2 star rating. I feel as if Courtney has a fantastic writing ability. There is nothing she cannot write about. She did an excellent job at creating a tension and anxiety that stems from being a parent and having your worst nightmare come true. I feel as if this is the type of thing that can happen to any one.... until you get to the ending and see what really happened. That was a little too far fetched for even me.
"I lived in a castle of glass and in one moment it all shattered. I'm the queen of nothing, an empire of without an heir."
The twists in this book weren't anything spectacular. A lot of it you can see coming because of the foreshadowing that takes place-- but as a whole, the story ended up coming together very nicely. But a good touch to this story was the amount of secondary characters that are in and out of this book. You never know which character is going to do what and you never know who it's going to be. But if you stick to the plot and really focus on what is going on, it's not too hard to figure out.
As a whole, I was very underwhelmed with the plot of the book. But as always, Courtney does a fantastic job at writing a genre that I have been eating up here lately. I can always count on her to go outside of her box and get a little gritty when the time calls for it.
November 4, 2023
SPOILERS and RANT
If ever watched a soap opera, you’d know a presumed death or death without a body always means the character will likely come back (sometimes played by a new actor).
Reading the blurb I assumed Leah was alive, either a runaway or kidnapped. I was not wrong.
Skye’s father was raping (called having a relationship in the book) with 15 year old Leah. I don’t mind 15 yos in thinking they are in a relationship with adults who are actually abusing them BUT I wish the language was better. A 15 yo can have the POV that her friend’s dad is her boyfriend because that would be the mindset of a victim in that situation. An omniscient POV can’t use “affair” or “relationship” because that infers 15 yos can consent to relationships with adults.
If ever watched a soap opera, you’d know a presumed death or death without a body always means the character will likely come back (sometimes played by a new actor).
Reading the blurb I assumed Leah was alive, either a runaway or kidnapped. I was not wrong.
Skye’s father was raping (called having a relationship in the book) with 15 year old Leah. I don’t mind 15 yos in thinking they are in a relationship with adults who are actually abusing them BUT I wish the language was better. A 15 yo can have the POV that her friend’s dad is her boyfriend because that would be the mindset of a victim in that situation. An omniscient POV can’t use “affair” or “relationship” because that infers 15 yos can consent to relationships with adults.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2019
I'm giving this three stars not because it was an especially remarkable thriller, or because I enjoyed it overall. The moralizing was a little heavy-handed and most of the characters were insufferably drawn. By the end, I just wanted them all to go away and stop annoying me with their histrionics and cookie-cutter personalities. But ...
This book, through the misguided character of Leah, did an impressive job of portraying what it feels and looks like to fall for an older man with unsavoury intentions. When you are prey who cannot recognize your predator, hunger can look an awful lot like love.
Leah's shattered innocence spoke to me on a deeper level than anything else I encountered in this novel. I have been very fortunate in that I've never been victimized in the way she was, but since I was old enough to conceptualize that I could be attracted to other people, older men in positions of authority have held sway over me. The reasons for that are outside the scope of this little review, but I do want to compliment the author for getting inside a naive teenager's head and heart with painful but perfect accuracy. What happened to Leah is all too common and all too easy to set in motion, and I hope that parents and teenagers alike will learn a lot from this story.
This book, through the misguided character of Leah, did an impressive job of portraying what it feels and looks like to fall for an older man with unsavoury intentions. When you are prey who cannot recognize your predator, hunger can look an awful lot like love.
Leah's shattered innocence spoke to me on a deeper level than anything else I encountered in this novel. I have been very fortunate in that I've never been victimized in the way she was, but since I was old enough to conceptualize that I could be attracted to other people, older men in positions of authority have held sway over me. The reasons for that are outside the scope of this little review, but I do want to compliment the author for getting inside a naive teenager's head and heart with painful but perfect accuracy. What happened to Leah is all too common and all too easy to set in motion, and I hope that parents and teenagers alike will learn a lot from this story.
September 8, 2021
This is what I would describe as a very satisfying read! Dark, disturbing but very gripping, it grabbed me from the very first page and I finished it in one setting.
Leah is a very popular 16 yo living on an island in the Florida Keys where her mother runs a family inn. When she goes for a night swim the evening before school reopens and disappears, her parents, divorced but still very connected, are devastated.
Her mother,Emmy,is even more shocked to discover on Leah's laptop, photos that are evidence of an intimate relationship she had in secret with someone much older. Someone who was a voyeur and asked and got some very revealing photos from the teenager.
Determined to find out who had been exploiting her daughter, Emmy traces backward the last months of her daughter's life and the men she may have come into contact with.
With Emmy, we see the destructive spiral of the relationship Leah gets into as a vulnerable teen who doesn't realize what she is getting into until it's too late.
Without spoilers,I loved the resolution of this book. It just ticks all the boxes for me!
Leah is a very popular 16 yo living on an island in the Florida Keys where her mother runs a family inn. When she goes for a night swim the evening before school reopens and disappears, her parents, divorced but still very connected, are devastated.
Her mother,Emmy,is even more shocked to discover on Leah's laptop, photos that are evidence of an intimate relationship she had in secret with someone much older. Someone who was a voyeur and asked and got some very revealing photos from the teenager.
Determined to find out who had been exploiting her daughter, Emmy traces backward the last months of her daughter's life and the men she may have come into contact with.
With Emmy, we see the destructive spiral of the relationship Leah gets into as a vulnerable teen who doesn't realize what she is getting into until it's too late.
Without spoilers,I loved the resolution of this book. It just ticks all the boxes for me!
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May 3, 2019This story touches some sensitive subjects like losing a child and innappropriate relationships.
When a 16-year-old high school girl Leah disappears and apparently drowns, her mother, Emily is devastated and grief-stricken. When she discovers her daughter's blog and finds odd pictures of Leah, it becomes clear that her daughter was hiding from her mother an affair with an older man. Who was this mysterious man? Why Leah didn't tell about him? What really happened in Leah's life?
This story is told from multiple POV, and jumpes around the timelines - from present events, to past events leading up to Leah's disappearance, then back to present, and so on. I didn't enjoy this constant jumping around nor reading too many perspectives. Also this story had too much unnecessary weirdness and questionable events (
When a 16-year-old high school girl Leah disappears and apparently drowns, her mother, Emily is devastated and grief-stricken. When she discovers her daughter's blog and finds odd pictures of Leah, it becomes clear that her daughter was hiding from her mother an affair with an older man. Who was this mysterious man? Why Leah didn't tell about him? What really happened in Leah's life?
This story is told from multiple POV, and jumpes around the timelines - from present events, to past events leading up to Leah's disappearance, then back to present, and so on. I didn't enjoy this constant jumping around nor reading too many perspectives. Also this story had too much unnecessary weirdness and questionable events (
March 1, 2019
This is the first book I have read from Courtney's pen name.
It is a good read and full of suspense and mystery.
Leah goes out for a swim in the water never to come home? as the book goes secrets are revealed about Leah, great story that will keep you turning the pages to find out what has happened it is kinda creepy in places. It is well written, It kept me guessing till the end.
Can't wait to read what this author has coming next.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It is a good read and full of suspense and mystery.
Leah goes out for a swim in the water never to come home? as the book goes secrets are revealed about Leah, great story that will keep you turning the pages to find out what has happened it is kinda creepy in places. It is well written, It kept me guessing till the end.
Can't wait to read what this author has coming next.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2019
The secret life of a young naive innocent teenager is stolen right before her eyes. A child predator took advantage of a young girl by manipulating her into believing she was valued.
The timeline switches between the past and the present. The past and present unravel the truth about the mystery of what happened to her daughter.
Emmy chases away the days questioning all that was lost. Her mind won’t rest with the unanswered questions regarding her daughters secret life.
Overall:
I liked the delivery of this story going back and forth between the present and the past. For in the past the reader discovers the secret life of Leah. In the present the reader watches it all unfold. The emotions that Emmy expresses upon learning who she thought her daughter was and who she became was sad. “Not a one of us is a completely open book for everyone to read, not even to those closest to us.”
Every time Courtney introduces a character I scrutinize them, questioning all the details, trying to decide if they are the mysterious individual who had a secret life with Leah.
I loved Emmy’s character and her tenacity to unpuzzle the truth about her daughters dark secret life with an older guy.
Courtney tapped into a young girls innocence with raw honesty. The emotions and feelings portrayed by this innocent young naive teenager hit its mark. Courtney has really grown as a writer. These last three books Saving Beck, Such Dark Things, and I’ll Be Watching You have been her best work to date.
There are some books that are good and some that are spectacular. This is a superb book. It’s the type of book that you don’t want to stop reading. I couldn’t get enough of this story.
The timeline switches between the past and the present. The past and present unravel the truth about the mystery of what happened to her daughter.
Emmy chases away the days questioning all that was lost. Her mind won’t rest with the unanswered questions regarding her daughters secret life.
Overall:
I liked the delivery of this story going back and forth between the present and the past. For in the past the reader discovers the secret life of Leah. In the present the reader watches it all unfold. The emotions that Emmy expresses upon learning who she thought her daughter was and who she became was sad. “Not a one of us is a completely open book for everyone to read, not even to those closest to us.”
Every time Courtney introduces a character I scrutinize them, questioning all the details, trying to decide if they are the mysterious individual who had a secret life with Leah.
I loved Emmy’s character and her tenacity to unpuzzle the truth about her daughters dark secret life with an older guy.
Courtney tapped into a young girls innocence with raw honesty. The emotions and feelings portrayed by this innocent young naive teenager hit its mark. Courtney has really grown as a writer. These last three books Saving Beck, Such Dark Things, and I’ll Be Watching You have been her best work to date.
There are some books that are good and some that are spectacular. This is a superb book. It’s the type of book that you don’t want to stop reading. I couldn’t get enough of this story.
January 11, 2021
In 'I'll Be Watching You', the tranquility of an island is shattered when fifteen-year-old Leah disappears after a moonlight dip. Due to a shark sighting earlier in the day, traces of blood and her body nowhere to be found, she is presumed dead. Her mother, Emmy mourns her loss but gets the shock of her life upon discovering Leah's secret.
The story was promising before it descended into repetition. Emmy's grief was believable, albeit heavy-handedly coveyed. Leah's interactions with some men such as the overly friendly youth pastor Hutch, the Black Dolphin inn guest Derek, etc made them viable suspects.
The glimpses into her illicit relationship showed how it began and progressed into something different from her expectations. Her thoughts and feelings about the mysterious man were supported by their text messages and clandestine meetings. Now onto the downsides:
- The repetition was grating. Emmy wallowed in sorrow, read Leah's blog entries and had the same old conversations with the same bunch of people.
- No effort was put into giving Leah any personality. The emphasis was on her looks.
- Everything about the (lack of) investigation was unrealistic. Considering Leah's age and the circumstances of her disappearance, there's no way the case could've been dismissed that easily. The news would've made waves and caused an uproar. I found it weird that Emmy didn't contact the media (or vice versa) to appeal for information and demand further action.
- The denouement was full of illogicality: .
- The perpetrator was such a dull and paper-thin character. To be fair, this description applied to every character.
- The ending was too tidy, with some cheese thrown in.
Overall, 'I'll Be Watching You' presented a watered down take on dark subject matters. This was worsened by a cast of bland characters and a boatload of unrealism.
The story was promising before it descended into repetition. Emmy's grief was believable, albeit heavy-handedly coveyed. Leah's interactions with some men such as the overly friendly youth pastor Hutch, the Black Dolphin inn guest Derek, etc made them viable suspects.
The glimpses into her illicit relationship showed how it began and progressed into something different from her expectations. Her thoughts and feelings about the mysterious man were supported by their text messages and clandestine meetings. Now onto the downsides:
- The repetition was grating. Emmy wallowed in sorrow, read Leah's blog entries and had the same old conversations with the same bunch of people.
- No effort was put into giving Leah any personality. The emphasis was on her looks.
- Everything about the (lack of) investigation was unrealistic. Considering Leah's age and the circumstances of her disappearance, there's no way the case could've been dismissed that easily. The news would've made waves and caused an uproar. I found it weird that Emmy didn't contact the media (or vice versa) to appeal for information and demand further action.
- The denouement was full of illogicality: .
- The perpetrator was such a dull and paper-thin character. To be fair, this description applied to every character.
- The ending was too tidy, with some cheese thrown in.
Overall, 'I'll Be Watching You' presented a watered down take on dark subject matters. This was worsened by a cast of bland characters and a boatload of unrealism.
July 1, 2019
A mother brings life to this world.
A mother shelters you, protects you and loves you like no other.
A mother knows her child perhaps even more than you know yourself.
For Emmy her world comes crashing down when her only daughter drowns. Once she has a hold of her grief she goes through Leah's room only to find a blog her teenage daughter wrote. This peaks Emmy's interest and it's a race against time to find out what really happened to her daughter that night.
I'll be watching you is a creepy, well written novel about a mother's love, guilt, and heartache.
Just when you think you know everything about your child, you realize, you didn't know a thing.
A mother shelters you, protects you and loves you like no other.
A mother knows her child perhaps even more than you know yourself.
For Emmy her world comes crashing down when her only daughter drowns. Once she has a hold of her grief she goes through Leah's room only to find a blog her teenage daughter wrote. This peaks Emmy's interest and it's a race against time to find out what really happened to her daughter that night.
I'll be watching you is a creepy, well written novel about a mother's love, guilt, and heartache.
Just when you think you know everything about your child, you realize, you didn't know a thing.
February 4, 2020
This may be one of the worst books I’ve ever read, and I’ll break down why.
1. All the teenage characters are written as if they are 10 years old. No fifteen year old acts like the girls in this book.
2. The subtle misogyny. Men and women are not different species. The writing absolutely reeks of the whole “men’s brains are like waffles and women’s brains are like spaghetti” bullshit they fed us in middle school.
3. The subtle racism. Making your only black character a whore and then spending the rest of the book describing the mixed race girl as “exotic” and “mature” and “sexy” despite being 15 is fetishizing her. It’s fucking gross.
4. The characters. I did not identify with a single character with the sole exemption of when Emmy said “I want to die” because that’s how I felt while reading this book.
There was honestly no point in time where I enjoyed myself while reading this book. In fact, the prevalent emotion I felt was disgust and I almost felt like I needed to shower after reading it - it was that bad. The only time I would ever recommend this book was if someone asked for the worst book I’ve ever read.
Read for the 2020 Around the World in 52 Books Challenge, Prompt #49: A book that fits a prompt from the list of suggestions that didn't win - A book set on an island
1. All the teenage characters are written as if they are 10 years old. No fifteen year old acts like the girls in this book.
2. The subtle misogyny. Men and women are not different species. The writing absolutely reeks of the whole “men’s brains are like waffles and women’s brains are like spaghetti” bullshit they fed us in middle school.
3. The subtle racism. Making your only black character a whore and then spending the rest of the book describing the mixed race girl as “exotic” and “mature” and “sexy” despite being 15 is fetishizing her. It’s fucking gross.
4. The characters. I did not identify with a single character with the sole exemption of when Emmy said “I want to die” because that’s how I felt while reading this book.
There was honestly no point in time where I enjoyed myself while reading this book. In fact, the prevalent emotion I felt was disgust and I almost felt like I needed to shower after reading it - it was that bad. The only time I would ever recommend this book was if someone asked for the worst book I’ve ever read.
Read for the 2020 Around the World in 52 Books Challenge, Prompt #49: A book that fits a prompt from the list of suggestions that didn't win - A book set on an island
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