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Night by Night
'If you're reading this, I'm dead.' Rejected by her family and plagued by insomnia, Rose Shaw is on the brink . But one dark evening she collides with a man running through the streets, who quickly vanishes. The only sign he ever existed - a journal dropped at Rose's feet. She begins to obsessively dedicate her sleepless nights to discovering what happened to Finn Matthews, the mysterious author of the journal. Why was he convinced someone wanted to kill him? And why, in the midst of a string of murders, won't the police investigate his disappearance? Rose is determined to uncover the truth. But she has no idea what the truth will cost her...
'What a heart-breaking, heart-stopping read! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Night by Night is AMAZING!' Lauren North, author of The Perfect Betrayal
'What a heart-breaking, heart-stopping read! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Night by Night is AMAZING!' Lauren North, author of The Perfect Betrayal
448 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2019
32 people are currently reading
1159 people want to read
About the author
Jack Jordan
9 books850 followersSunday Times bestselling author of eight thrillers. 9th coming 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
June 28, 2024
Jack is my new found favorite author for me. His storylines are catchy, and his plot twists are freakishly good. I absolutely loved this book—it's a story within a story! While I think it could have been a bit shorter to pack more of a punch, it's still super enjoyable!
April 23, 2019
NIGHT BY NIGHT is a dark addictive fast-paced psychological thriller by bestselling author Jack Jordan. He has done it again…another winner! This is one author I follow because his books are so good, and I wait with anticipation for his next book…because I know I will not be disappointed. This author has so much talent!
The novel opens with 'If you're reading this, I'm dead.' What a gripping start to totally involve and intrigue the reader to focus on this dark addictive fast-paced thriller. I was hooked right from the start.
Rose Shaw suffered from insomnia for the last ten years. The sleeplessness started right after she and her husband, Christian returned home from the hospital with their newborn twin daughters, Lily and Violet. That was the day she became an insomniac. Now Rose snaps at her children due to lack of sleep, and always feels she is letting them down.
Rose has been rejected by her family after a tragedy struck them. A tragedy that she is still trying to come to terms with. And this tragic event effected Rose and Christian’s relationship. He still blames his wife for killing his little girl. He hated her now, and her remaining twin feels the same way.
Then one dark evening Rose collides with a man running through the streets, who quickly vanishes. The only sign he ever existed - a journal dropped at Rose's feet.
She opens the journal.
“My name is Finn Matthews and if you’re reading this, I’m dead.”
Rose soon realizes she was holding a potential crime in her hands and begins to dedicate her sleepless nights to discovering what happened to Finn Matthews, the mysterious author of the journal. Why was he convinced someone wanted to kill him? And why, in the midst of a string of murders, won't the police investigate his disappearance?
Rose is determined to uncover the truth. But everything comes at a price!
Dealing with a major issue in today’s society, the author does justice to bring it to the forefront This was such an emotional read, and the characters came alive right off the page. My heart went out to Rose and all that she went through, but most of all her strength to deal with this issue. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, Corvus and the TBC Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
Expected publication: May 2nd 2019
The novel opens with 'If you're reading this, I'm dead.' What a gripping start to totally involve and intrigue the reader to focus on this dark addictive fast-paced thriller. I was hooked right from the start.
Rose Shaw suffered from insomnia for the last ten years. The sleeplessness started right after she and her husband, Christian returned home from the hospital with their newborn twin daughters, Lily and Violet. That was the day she became an insomniac. Now Rose snaps at her children due to lack of sleep, and always feels she is letting them down.
Rose has been rejected by her family after a tragedy struck them. A tragedy that she is still trying to come to terms with. And this tragic event effected Rose and Christian’s relationship. He still blames his wife for killing his little girl. He hated her now, and her remaining twin feels the same way.
Then one dark evening Rose collides with a man running through the streets, who quickly vanishes. The only sign he ever existed - a journal dropped at Rose's feet.
She opens the journal.
“My name is Finn Matthews and if you’re reading this, I’m dead.”
Rose soon realizes she was holding a potential crime in her hands and begins to dedicate her sleepless nights to discovering what happened to Finn Matthews, the mysterious author of the journal. Why was he convinced someone wanted to kill him? And why, in the midst of a string of murders, won't the police investigate his disappearance?
Rose is determined to uncover the truth. But everything comes at a price!
Dealing with a major issue in today’s society, the author does justice to bring it to the forefront This was such an emotional read, and the characters came alive right off the page. My heart went out to Rose and all that she went through, but most of all her strength to deal with this issue. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, Corvus and the TBC Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
Expected publication: May 2nd 2019
May 7, 2019
Rose Shaw is well known in her community. Diagnosed with insomnia for ages, she was driving when she shouldn't have .. went off a bridge ... killing one her twin daughters. Several years later, she is still rejected by her husband and surviving child. She's an outcast with most people not happy that she didn't go to prison.
Still suffering the effects of insomnia, she takes to walking the streets after dark. On one of these travels, a running man crashes into her and keeps on going. Rose sees a book and known that he must have dropped it, tries to chase him, to no avail.
When home, curiosity gets the best of her and on the very first page she reads ... 'If you're reading this, I'm dead.' What follows is a tale of love, stalking, and maybe murder.
Finn Matthews, is the mysterious author of the journal. Why was he convinced someone wanted to kill him? And why, in the midst of a string of murders, won't the police investigate his disappearance?
And so begins Rose's attempt to find Finn .. or find what happened to him. She goes against her husband, against Finn's employer, and against the police .. all who warn her to stop looking and let it go.
She has no idea what finding the truth will cost her ....
This is an emotional heart-wrenching psychological thriller. Parts of it are a real tear jerker .. keep your kleenex handy. Part of it is terrifying .... especially when the very people who should be protecting her think she's insane with grief and guilt. This tale is dark, fast-paced and centers around secrets .. some going back many years.
Page after page, I was riveted to this story. From the very first page to the very last page with an ending that is nothing short of sensational.
Many thanks to the author / TBC Reviewer Request Group (FB) for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own
September 9, 2020
Rose Shaw has a past. A past she regrets and has to live with forever. Whilst out driving one day, her car collided and one of her twin daughters is killed.
Rose is now rejected by her husband and her daughter.
In the town she lives in everyone knows her, or, knows of her. It’s a past that people won’t forget.
One night out, she is brushed by, a man rushing past her. Something drops. She bends to pick it up. It’s a journey.
Through this story we see how Rose reading this journal is curious about this Flynn who it belongs to.
Who is Flynn?
Whose after him?
It seems the Police know about this case as Flynn as vanished but case closed. Maybe it’s a man who don’t want to be found.
But Rose uncovers things that also relates to her brother which makes her more anxious to get to know if Flynn is still around somewhere.
This authors books are always tense, fast paced and his characters so real.
I’m awaiting his next book.
Rose is now rejected by her husband and her daughter.
In the town she lives in everyone knows her, or, knows of her. It’s a past that people won’t forget.
One night out, she is brushed by, a man rushing past her. Something drops. She bends to pick it up. It’s a journey.
Through this story we see how Rose reading this journal is curious about this Flynn who it belongs to.
Who is Flynn?
Whose after him?
It seems the Police know about this case as Flynn as vanished but case closed. Maybe it’s a man who don’t want to be found.
But Rose uncovers things that also relates to her brother which makes her more anxious to get to know if Flynn is still around somewhere.
This authors books are always tense, fast paced and his characters so real.
I’m awaiting his next book.
April 30, 2019
"If you are reading this, I'm dead" - what a way to hook you in!! Night by Night by Jack Jordan was a book that I could not wait to read after reading and loving previous books by Jack Jordan. The story tackles some tough but relevant subjects in today's society and is not always easy to read but is written in a way that you just can't put it down.
Rose has been an insomniac for 10 years now, ever since her twin girls Lily and Violet were born. Her nights are long and her days made harder by her lack of sleep. She is irritable and feels like she is letting her kids down. On their way home from sport one wet morning a tragic accident will change the families life forever. Rose was at fault and her remaining daughter resents her and her husband can't even look her in the eyes anymore. She is a broken women. She has faced a lot of hard times in her life and this just adds to it. Then when walking home one night she bumps into a mystery man who drops a journal at her feet and runs off. She can't help but read it and discovers that she may have evidence of a crime on her hands. When she takes it to the police she realises that they are not interested and sets about to find out what has happened, putting her life and that of her family at risk.
Thanks to Jack Jordan and the TBC Reviewers Group on Facebook for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
Rose has been an insomniac for 10 years now, ever since her twin girls Lily and Violet were born. Her nights are long and her days made harder by her lack of sleep. She is irritable and feels like she is letting her kids down. On their way home from sport one wet morning a tragic accident will change the families life forever. Rose was at fault and her remaining daughter resents her and her husband can't even look her in the eyes anymore. She is a broken women. She has faced a lot of hard times in her life and this just adds to it. Then when walking home one night she bumps into a mystery man who drops a journal at her feet and runs off. She can't help but read it and discovers that she may have evidence of a crime on her hands. When she takes it to the police she realises that they are not interested and sets about to find out what has happened, putting her life and that of her family at risk.
Thanks to Jack Jordan and the TBC Reviewers Group on Facebook for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
April 23, 2019
Actual rating 4.5/5 stars.
"If you're reading this, I'm dead."
Rose Shaw has been plagued with insomnia ever since the birth of her twin daughters. Now, a restful night is an even more distant dream since a tragedy stole one daughter's life, her happiness, and the rest of her family along with it.
However, these familial issues pale in comparison to what is threatening the community she resides in. The police department are reluctant to get involved, but Rose can not ignore the disappearance of a number of males in her area, whose sufferings whilst alive bore a distinct resemblance to her long-deceased brother's.
Rose won't halt her quest for justice but as her life continues to unravel around her, she must question whether it is justice she truly seeks, or merely a distraction from her own burdens?
Jack Jordan does it again! Just as in his previous publication, Before Her Eyes, this was a relentlessly compelling thriller. Whilst full of the grit and edge that ensured my addiction this also provided an illumination about the darker aspects that cling to the underside of our society, proving Jordan as an author as unafraid to quest for the truth as the protagonist he has created.
The reader is provided with enough clues to make them a player in this classic whodunnit narrative, but red herrings and accusations abound, also keeping them on consistently shifting grounds until the grand reveal, to mutual shock of protagonist and reader alike. I consistently found myself a full pace behind the narrative, which never-ceased in its fast-paced forward motion, but thoroughly enjoyed the ride regardless.
"If you're reading this, I'm dead."
Rose Shaw has been plagued with insomnia ever since the birth of her twin daughters. Now, a restful night is an even more distant dream since a tragedy stole one daughter's life, her happiness, and the rest of her family along with it.
However, these familial issues pale in comparison to what is threatening the community she resides in. The police department are reluctant to get involved, but Rose can not ignore the disappearance of a number of males in her area, whose sufferings whilst alive bore a distinct resemblance to her long-deceased brother's.
Rose won't halt her quest for justice but as her life continues to unravel around her, she must question whether it is justice she truly seeks, or merely a distraction from her own burdens?
Jack Jordan does it again! Just as in his previous publication, Before Her Eyes, this was a relentlessly compelling thriller. Whilst full of the grit and edge that ensured my addiction this also provided an illumination about the darker aspects that cling to the underside of our society, proving Jordan as an author as unafraid to quest for the truth as the protagonist he has created.
The reader is provided with enough clues to make them a player in this classic whodunnit narrative, but red herrings and accusations abound, also keeping them on consistently shifting grounds until the grand reveal, to mutual shock of protagonist and reader alike. I consistently found myself a full pace behind the narrative, which never-ceased in its fast-paced forward motion, but thoroughly enjoyed the ride regardless.
April 24, 2019
"Night by Night" is Jack Jordan's latest standalone novel, following on from his success with "Behind Her Eyes".
Sadly I didn't connect with this book as much as his previous one (which I thoroughly enjoyed) and found it altogether tedious and slow going.
I personally couldn't relate to Rose at all or the whole set up either before or after the accident. I found her traumatic grief and lack of sleep and the resulting loss of energy realistic but then the sudden determination and new found energy to solve a possible murder from a randomly discovered journal rather baffling. I wasn't too impressed either when the killer was revealed, an extremely over the top twist and I have to admit to skim reading some of the chapters towards the end. All the characters seemed false and I couldn't find one that I could fully engage with.
Jack has a huge social media following so I imagine this book will nevertheless do well. It is still a very well written story - its obvious Jack is passionate about his writing - and the premise is very clever, I was just a bit disappointed overall.
I expect crime fiction novels to be distressing but from the very first page, I felt overwhelmingly sorrowful and bar the epilogue, felt truly weighted down. The grief and exhaustion was depressingly palpable but presumably this only goes to show the sign of a good writer, to be able to convey those emotions to a reader, even if a little too expressive.
These are only my personal feelings and opinions and by no means what other readers may find or experience.
3 stars from me but I would continue to read more by this author again.
Sadly I didn't connect with this book as much as his previous one (which I thoroughly enjoyed) and found it altogether tedious and slow going.
I personally couldn't relate to Rose at all or the whole set up either before or after the accident. I found her traumatic grief and lack of sleep and the resulting loss of energy realistic but then the sudden determination and new found energy to solve a possible murder from a randomly discovered journal rather baffling. I wasn't too impressed either when the killer was revealed, an extremely over the top twist and I have to admit to skim reading some of the chapters towards the end. All the characters seemed false and I couldn't find one that I could fully engage with.
Jack has a huge social media following so I imagine this book will nevertheless do well. It is still a very well written story - its obvious Jack is passionate about his writing - and the premise is very clever, I was just a bit disappointed overall.
I expect crime fiction novels to be distressing but from the very first page, I felt overwhelmingly sorrowful and bar the epilogue, felt truly weighted down. The grief and exhaustion was depressingly palpable but presumably this only goes to show the sign of a good writer, to be able to convey those emotions to a reader, even if a little too expressive.
These are only my personal feelings and opinions and by no means what other readers may find or experience.
3 stars from me but I would continue to read more by this author again.
May 3, 2019
Crime fiction meets soap opera - heavy-handed, ridiculously gratuitous & full of awful cliches!
After being underwhelmed by my first read of a Jack Jordan novel with Before Her Eyes I was more prepared for a second outing and primed to suspend disbelief and expect some ridiculously gratuitous violence for the sake of a solid thriller. Sadly, Night by Night is no more convincing and the many implausibilities make for an eye-rolling soap opera full of troubled characters all displaying melodramatic emotions. Obviously a passion piece by Jack Jordan, the main theme of the novel surrounds institutionalised homophobia in the police force and the stigmatisation of gay men by society in general and this theme is glaringly unsubtle.
Struggling to maintain the facade of loving wife of eleven years to husband, Christian, and attentive mother of eight-year-old twins, Lily and Violet, thirty-five-year-old artist protagonist, Rose Shaw, loses everything in one fell swoop when a split-second lapse of concentration induced by her exhausted state has fatal consequences. Ostracised by her family, shunned by her former friends, estranged from her father she tortures herself daily and endures a reclusive lifestyle contained within one room of the family home. Rose is initially a sympathetic and compelling character and her battle with decade long chronic insomnia makes for emotive reading. After four-years in a mire of grief, laden with guilt and increasingly alienated from her husband, a fleeting expedition into town under cover of darkness sees Rose bump into a running man in full flight who drops a book in his hurry.
The book turns out to be Finn Matthew’s journal and is obviously written in the first-person and opens when he starts a new job as assistant editor at the local Evening Herald newspaper. Ambitious, capable and committed to his making a fresh start in a new town he also has difficulty saying no but the idea that he is without even a single contact or distant relation to call on for support or has anywhere to turn is pretty unbelievable. Likewise his swift collapse to a broken man coincides with Rose’s rise to vocal, fearless warrior for equality. Finn’s story is punctuated by a handful of other young males and their abandonment by unsupportive families due to their homosexuality and has allowed all of them to fall into the clutches of a twisted and manipulative sadist.
I was initially drawn into Rose’s plight and her battle with insomnia and when she reads the terrifying story it resurrects her memories of her younger brother, Jay, and the trauma of his suicide after the family’s refusal to acknowledge and accept his sexuality. When she discovers that Finn has been the victim of a controlling abuser and the story is no work of fiction she instigates a mission to seek him out and ensure his safety. But as Rose’s quest for answers hits disinterest and brick walls preventing her discovering the truth she is obstructed by the local police who refuse to investigate his disappearance and she is therefore forced to do her own detective work.
When Rose takes out a full page advert in the local paper she is quickly contacted by a host of families all seeking news of their missing loved ones. Discovering that the common link between them all is the neighbourhood of Rearwood and their attraction to the same gender she seeks to uncover the hidden darkness within Rearwood. The idea that she has given up on her marriage and accepted his daughters scorn and anger so easily and yet overnight becomes a tenacious investigator and crusader for justice feels like a real stretch. I soon found her behaviour rash, nonsensical and wilfully destructive as she single-handedly attempts to raise awareness and obtain justice for the missing men, none of which rings trues given her fragile confidence and reclusive lifestyle. Husband, Christian, never emerges as a fully realised individual and aside from Finn, whom readers get to know through his journal, the rest of cast are pretty unremarkable.
The idea that the Rearwood police force is staffed wholesale by bigoted, bullying and vehemently passionate homophobes willing to stifle crime reports relating to gay men is rather a blanket judgment and disappointing simplistic. Likewise for a contemporary story I felt the portrayal of societies acceptance and hostility towards homosexuals seemed rather outdated. It is also the second out of two of Jordan’s novels reliant on corrupt coppers abusing their power and for an author who seems to rail against stereotypes, Jack Jordan certainly employs his fair share!
I found the novel incredibly drawn-out and felt that the violent and gory denouement became progressively more unrealistic and limped to a finish. Convincing and suspenseful crime fiction for me equates to a storyline which is in the realm of fantasy and with characters who bear some resemblance to real people. Jordan characterisation is as subtle as a sledgehammer to the head and the poor characterisation of the perpetrator and their behaviour and attitude throughout the storyline left me with totally bemused. The very idea that this individual would instigate a sustained campaign of targeting and abusing men time and again and yet no one in the provincial town of Rearwood would have any clue about their sexual presence (despite chatting up men in pubs), is totally inconsistent with the persuasive predator lying in wait persona.
Nevertheless Jordan’s story shines a light on the horror of insomnia and may raise awareness and sympathy for the condition throughout modern day society. Eye-opening and groundbreaking for those who have been living in a time warp but decidedly run of the mill for readers after an involving, credible and gritty thriller reflective of twenty-first century society.
With thanks to Readers First who provided me with a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
After being underwhelmed by my first read of a Jack Jordan novel with Before Her Eyes I was more prepared for a second outing and primed to suspend disbelief and expect some ridiculously gratuitous violence for the sake of a solid thriller. Sadly, Night by Night is no more convincing and the many implausibilities make for an eye-rolling soap opera full of troubled characters all displaying melodramatic emotions. Obviously a passion piece by Jack Jordan, the main theme of the novel surrounds institutionalised homophobia in the police force and the stigmatisation of gay men by society in general and this theme is glaringly unsubtle.
Struggling to maintain the facade of loving wife of eleven years to husband, Christian, and attentive mother of eight-year-old twins, Lily and Violet, thirty-five-year-old artist protagonist, Rose Shaw, loses everything in one fell swoop when a split-second lapse of concentration induced by her exhausted state has fatal consequences. Ostracised by her family, shunned by her former friends, estranged from her father she tortures herself daily and endures a reclusive lifestyle contained within one room of the family home. Rose is initially a sympathetic and compelling character and her battle with decade long chronic insomnia makes for emotive reading. After four-years in a mire of grief, laden with guilt and increasingly alienated from her husband, a fleeting expedition into town under cover of darkness sees Rose bump into a running man in full flight who drops a book in his hurry.
The book turns out to be Finn Matthew’s journal and is obviously written in the first-person and opens when he starts a new job as assistant editor at the local Evening Herald newspaper. Ambitious, capable and committed to his making a fresh start in a new town he also has difficulty saying no but the idea that he is without even a single contact or distant relation to call on for support or has anywhere to turn is pretty unbelievable. Likewise his swift collapse to a broken man coincides with Rose’s rise to vocal, fearless warrior for equality. Finn’s story is punctuated by a handful of other young males and their abandonment by unsupportive families due to their homosexuality and has allowed all of them to fall into the clutches of a twisted and manipulative sadist.
I was initially drawn into Rose’s plight and her battle with insomnia and when she reads the terrifying story it resurrects her memories of her younger brother, Jay, and the trauma of his suicide after the family’s refusal to acknowledge and accept his sexuality. When she discovers that Finn has been the victim of a controlling abuser and the story is no work of fiction she instigates a mission to seek him out and ensure his safety. But as Rose’s quest for answers hits disinterest and brick walls preventing her discovering the truth she is obstructed by the local police who refuse to investigate his disappearance and she is therefore forced to do her own detective work.
When Rose takes out a full page advert in the local paper she is quickly contacted by a host of families all seeking news of their missing loved ones. Discovering that the common link between them all is the neighbourhood of Rearwood and their attraction to the same gender she seeks to uncover the hidden darkness within Rearwood. The idea that she has given up on her marriage and accepted his daughters scorn and anger so easily and yet overnight becomes a tenacious investigator and crusader for justice feels like a real stretch. I soon found her behaviour rash, nonsensical and wilfully destructive as she single-handedly attempts to raise awareness and obtain justice for the missing men, none of which rings trues given her fragile confidence and reclusive lifestyle. Husband, Christian, never emerges as a fully realised individual and aside from Finn, whom readers get to know through his journal, the rest of cast are pretty unremarkable.
The idea that the Rearwood police force is staffed wholesale by bigoted, bullying and vehemently passionate homophobes willing to stifle crime reports relating to gay men is rather a blanket judgment and disappointing simplistic. Likewise for a contemporary story I felt the portrayal of societies acceptance and hostility towards homosexuals seemed rather outdated. It is also the second out of two of Jordan’s novels reliant on corrupt coppers abusing their power and for an author who seems to rail against stereotypes, Jack Jordan certainly employs his fair share!
I found the novel incredibly drawn-out and felt that the violent and gory denouement became progressively more unrealistic and limped to a finish. Convincing and suspenseful crime fiction for me equates to a storyline which is in the realm of fantasy and with characters who bear some resemblance to real people. Jordan characterisation is as subtle as a sledgehammer to the head and the poor characterisation of the perpetrator and their behaviour and attitude throughout the storyline left me with totally bemused. The very idea that this individual would instigate a sustained campaign of targeting and abusing men time and again and yet no one in the provincial town of Rearwood would have any clue about their sexual presence (despite chatting up men in pubs), is totally inconsistent with the persuasive predator lying in wait persona.
Nevertheless Jordan’s story shines a light on the horror of insomnia and may raise awareness and sympathy for the condition throughout modern day society. Eye-opening and groundbreaking for those who have been living in a time warp but decidedly run of the mill for readers after an involving, credible and gritty thriller reflective of twenty-first century society.
With thanks to Readers First who provided me with a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
May 15, 2019
If there’s one thing I can be sure of it’s that Jack Jordan never fails to amaze me, each book he’s written has been very different in tone, content and plot. But still Night By Night the latest offering from the author took even me by surprise, I wasn’t expecting to have my heart shattered, or to find myself sobbing uncontrollably, at this point I realised I had only read the first four chapters of the novel! Such a brilliant and haunting start to what I consider to be Jack Jordan’s best book yet.
Jack Jordan has a knack for creating characters who are lost souls, they get under your skin, you can’t but help but feel their emotions, their turmoil, but ultimately you want them to emerge in one piece from their living hell. Rose is one such character, her grief is palatable from the outset, you can imagine her state of mind caused through years of constant insomnia, and it’s these feelings that connect you to her character. When we first meet Rose she’s a woman who has reached rock bottom, she’s defined by one tragic event that has changed her life forever. It’s only when she finds the journal of Finn that a new Rose emerges, one that’s resourceful, stubborn and determined to get to the bottom of Finn’s mysterious disappearance.
Night By Night is one of those psychological thrillers where the plot isn’t predictable, at one point I was feeling very smug with myself for working it all out, but I was wrong thankfully, as Jack Jordan’s plot was by far the more original.This is a modern day tale and the author pulls no punches creating scenes that are haunting, harrowing and emotionally charged, it’s the constant shifting of scenes that make this novel such an addictive read. The chapters told from the point of view of Finn Matthews add a sense of malevolence, that simmers away until the novel reaches its heart stopping conclusion. Without a shadow of a doubt Night By Night is a dark, intense, unpredictable thriller, but it’s also a novel that packs an emotional punch. In case you haven’t guessed I loved this book, and it’s one I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a well drawn, dark and haunting thriller.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
Jack Jordan has a knack for creating characters who are lost souls, they get under your skin, you can’t but help but feel their emotions, their turmoil, but ultimately you want them to emerge in one piece from their living hell. Rose is one such character, her grief is palatable from the outset, you can imagine her state of mind caused through years of constant insomnia, and it’s these feelings that connect you to her character. When we first meet Rose she’s a woman who has reached rock bottom, she’s defined by one tragic event that has changed her life forever. It’s only when she finds the journal of Finn that a new Rose emerges, one that’s resourceful, stubborn and determined to get to the bottom of Finn’s mysterious disappearance.
Night By Night is one of those psychological thrillers where the plot isn’t predictable, at one point I was feeling very smug with myself for working it all out, but I was wrong thankfully, as Jack Jordan’s plot was by far the more original.This is a modern day tale and the author pulls no punches creating scenes that are haunting, harrowing and emotionally charged, it’s the constant shifting of scenes that make this novel such an addictive read. The chapters told from the point of view of Finn Matthews add a sense of malevolence, that simmers away until the novel reaches its heart stopping conclusion. Without a shadow of a doubt Night By Night is a dark, intense, unpredictable thriller, but it’s also a novel that packs an emotional punch. In case you haven’t guessed I loved this book, and it’s one I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a well drawn, dark and haunting thriller.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
May 9, 2019
I would firstly like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for a honest review.
Rejected by her family and plagued by insomnia, Rose Shaw is on the brink. But one dark evening she collides with a man running through the streets, who quickly vanishes. The only sign he ever existed - a journal dropped at Rose's feet.
Rose is determined to uncover the truth. But she has no idea what the truth will cost her....
This is the 3rd book that I have read from Jack Jordan, and I must say, he is definitely one of my very favourite authors at the moment. I loved 'Before Her Eyes' and short story 'A Woman Scorned', and this one is yet another thrilling read that had my undivided attention from start to finish. With Jack's outstandingly descriptive writing, I not only felt so much empathy for the main character, but I felt like I was going on her journey with her. I felt her pain, frustrations, paranoia, anger, and determination to get to the truth, while being constantly at the edge of my seat and my heart was pounding every time I turned the page.
Anyone can pick up a journal and want to find out who it belongs to, but Jack gave his main character, Rose, such depth and reason, that I found myself truly rooting for her the whole way through!
With a very suspenseful, intense believable plot, amazingly-written characters and a story that tackles a lot of throught-provoking and emotional issues such as medical health, family, loss, homophobia and injustice; this is a read that took me on an emotional rollercoaster and is one that I HIGHLY recommend! Absolutely can't wait for this author's next!
Rejected by her family and plagued by insomnia, Rose Shaw is on the brink. But one dark evening she collides with a man running through the streets, who quickly vanishes. The only sign he ever existed - a journal dropped at Rose's feet.
Rose is determined to uncover the truth. But she has no idea what the truth will cost her....
This is the 3rd book that I have read from Jack Jordan, and I must say, he is definitely one of my very favourite authors at the moment. I loved 'Before Her Eyes' and short story 'A Woman Scorned', and this one is yet another thrilling read that had my undivided attention from start to finish. With Jack's outstandingly descriptive writing, I not only felt so much empathy for the main character, but I felt like I was going on her journey with her. I felt her pain, frustrations, paranoia, anger, and determination to get to the truth, while being constantly at the edge of my seat and my heart was pounding every time I turned the page.
Anyone can pick up a journal and want to find out who it belongs to, but Jack gave his main character, Rose, such depth and reason, that I found myself truly rooting for her the whole way through!
With a very suspenseful, intense believable plot, amazingly-written characters and a story that tackles a lot of throught-provoking and emotional issues such as medical health, family, loss, homophobia and injustice; this is a read that took me on an emotional rollercoaster and is one that I HIGHLY recommend! Absolutely can't wait for this author's next!
April 21, 2019
Night by Night is another atmospheric and pacy psychological thriller from Jack Jordan, with a great central character in Rose and an emotionally resonant and thought provoking central premise.
Since tragedy hit her family Rose has been isolated and alone, the subject of gossip and disdain. When a mysterious stranger drops a journal at her feet, she starts to look into the strange story within. Danger lurks and this may save or destroy her…
The plotting is taut and effective, Rose is an engaging and sympathetic character who’s flawed centre avoids all the psychological thriller cliches. The mystery elements are intriguing and the themes socially relevant.
Excellent writing as ever and a fascinating edgy story. Really enjoyed this one.
Recommended.
Since tragedy hit her family Rose has been isolated and alone, the subject of gossip and disdain. When a mysterious stranger drops a journal at her feet, she starts to look into the strange story within. Danger lurks and this may save or destroy her…
The plotting is taut and effective, Rose is an engaging and sympathetic character who’s flawed centre avoids all the psychological thriller cliches. The mystery elements are intriguing and the themes socially relevant.
Excellent writing as ever and a fascinating edgy story. Really enjoyed this one.
Recommended.
May 9, 2019
Night By Night caught me unaware with its impactful start, l loved it, I do love an emotionally-charged thriller!!! I also love psychological thrillers when you’re ‘right there’ with the main character, worrying about their safety, but feeling their determination alongside them!
The ending was a touch anticlimactic, but this is a strong solid thriller for anyone looking for an addictive read. And a mental health theme in any novel is a win for me!
This is my second book by Jordan, I really enjoy his writing, and the emotional elements to his plots, and will for sure pick up all that he writes!
*My thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book*
The ending was a touch anticlimactic, but this is a strong solid thriller for anyone looking for an addictive read. And a mental health theme in any novel is a win for me!
This is my second book by Jordan, I really enjoy his writing, and the emotional elements to his plots, and will for sure pick up all that he writes!
*My thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book*
May 5, 2019
True to Jack Jordan style, he knocks it out of the park again with a story that is utterly gripping and, excuse the cliché, unputdownable! Talk about a racy read! I was really grumpy that I had to stop every now and again, and heaven’s forbid, go to work. All you bookworms know what this feels like- utter torture!
True to Jack Jordan style, there was yet again quite a few moving pieces that I couldn’t wait to see fall into place: the insomniac housewife, her own grief and family-life shrouded in suffocating darkness; the local police force that may or may not be quite bloody questionable; the mystery of a journal filled with someone’s most agonizing thoughts that would scare anyone; the motive! Man, always the motive! And what a motive Night by Night delivers!
I really don’t know how all the different threads simply fit so perfectly in this story- Jordan is a magician with words, with storylines, with the ability to captivate! I am seriously fan-girling here, by the way!
And you’ll have to know that Jordan’s books are never a superficial reading experience with the aim to simply make that heart beat faster in your chest with a bit of action and who dunnit. Jordan’s stories always have an important societal element or two to them. This is how these books can become relatable for many, and important, and difficult to read, as is the case with Night by Night. But true to Jack Jordan style – there will be no pussyfooting around a topic. It’s as realistic and as horrible as it has to be… because this is how things are sometimes! Snippets of reality, of someone’s most unbearable days have been put to paper. Reading about Rose’s insomnia made my chest ache! Reading about Finn’s situation, a situation that is way bigger than you can ever imagine, made me anxious and frustrated because- what the fffuuuuu!
And this makes me think that Jordan has become a bit of an advocate through the thriller, through suspense, through his books- to raise awareness! Awareness around mental health, and people being able to hide so much pain and suffering under their straining smile. Or, the fact that when someone is not coping, then it doesn’t give anyone a green light to automatically judge without knowing the circumstances. Night by Night really took the lifestyle that many of us think of as their main goal in life and showed the reader the ugly side of it. On high horses, with a bit of power- we get blind or dangerous… hmm…
I have read EVERY Jack Jordan book published. I have LOVED each of them for their own specific reasons. I will CONTINUE to read anything that Jordan writes and shares with the readers because – damn! DAMN! – I can’t get enough! Um, yes- GET. THIS. BOOK! Liz over and out
True to Jack Jordan style, there was yet again quite a few moving pieces that I couldn’t wait to see fall into place: the insomniac housewife, her own grief and family-life shrouded in suffocating darkness; the local police force that may or may not be quite bloody questionable; the mystery of a journal filled with someone’s most agonizing thoughts that would scare anyone; the motive! Man, always the motive! And what a motive Night by Night delivers!
I really don’t know how all the different threads simply fit so perfectly in this story- Jordan is a magician with words, with storylines, with the ability to captivate! I am seriously fan-girling here, by the way!
And you’ll have to know that Jordan’s books are never a superficial reading experience with the aim to simply make that heart beat faster in your chest with a bit of action and who dunnit. Jordan’s stories always have an important societal element or two to them. This is how these books can become relatable for many, and important, and difficult to read, as is the case with Night by Night. But true to Jack Jordan style – there will be no pussyfooting around a topic. It’s as realistic and as horrible as it has to be… because this is how things are sometimes! Snippets of reality, of someone’s most unbearable days have been put to paper. Reading about Rose’s insomnia made my chest ache! Reading about Finn’s situation, a situation that is way bigger than you can ever imagine, made me anxious and frustrated because- what the fffuuuuu!
And this makes me think that Jordan has become a bit of an advocate through the thriller, through suspense, through his books- to raise awareness! Awareness around mental health, and people being able to hide so much pain and suffering under their straining smile. Or, the fact that when someone is not coping, then it doesn’t give anyone a green light to automatically judge without knowing the circumstances. Night by Night really took the lifestyle that many of us think of as their main goal in life and showed the reader the ugly side of it. On high horses, with a bit of power- we get blind or dangerous… hmm…
I have read EVERY Jack Jordan book published. I have LOVED each of them for their own specific reasons. I will CONTINUE to read anything that Jordan writes and shares with the readers because – damn! DAMN! – I can’t get enough! Um, yes- GET. THIS. BOOK! Liz over and out
May 8, 2019
Goodness gracious me.
I’m beginning to think there is some sort of competition going on between authors of crime and psychological thrillers on who can make me reach for the tissues the most. These types of books don’t normally make me all emotional but lately it’s been one after the other and I’m not sure I approve. (I kid. Of course I approve!)
Poor Rose Shaw has been struggling with insomnia for years, with devastating consequences. One evening, she collides with a man on the street. In his hurry to get away, the man drops a journal. This journal belonged to a young man called Finn Matthews, who was convinced someone was out to kill him. Rose decides to spend her sleepless nights on trying to discover what happened to Finn.
Cue emotional rollercoaster ride and balled up tissues all over the place. At its base, Night By Night is a psychological thriller but it is SO much more than that! There is an incredible amount of depth to this story and its characters. As a fellow insomniac, I could completely relate to Rose’s brain fog, which goes far beyond wondering where you left your keys. It doesn’t just affect her, but her entire family in the most devastating way.
Both Rose and Finn pulled at my heartstrings and I quickly became invested in both of their lives. I shared Rose’s anxiety and frustration, I shared Finn’s distress and fear, and I was often left to feel immensely sad and extremely angry. There is just so much to get worked up about in this story. Injustice, ignorance, homophobia, abuse of power, … the list is almost endless and sadly all too realistic and believable.
These characters will pull you in from the start. The suspense and tension builds up along the way, quickly making Night By Night so insanely addictive that I struggled to put it down. It’s such a chilling, disturbing, harrowing and haunting story. One of those that just gets under my skin, making these characters and the things they go through utterly unforgettable.
I came to Jack Jordan’s books rather late and this is only the second one I’ve read by him. He’s firmly on my radar now though and he should be on yours too. With such brilliant and vivid writing, such evocative and thrilling storytelling, such absolutely incredible characterisation, he really is a gifted and talented author and his name has now firmly been written down on my list of go-to authors. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next! In the meantime, I highly recommend you go out and grab yourself a copy of Night By Night!
I’m beginning to think there is some sort of competition going on between authors of crime and psychological thrillers on who can make me reach for the tissues the most. These types of books don’t normally make me all emotional but lately it’s been one after the other and I’m not sure I approve. (I kid. Of course I approve!)
Poor Rose Shaw has been struggling with insomnia for years, with devastating consequences. One evening, she collides with a man on the street. In his hurry to get away, the man drops a journal. This journal belonged to a young man called Finn Matthews, who was convinced someone was out to kill him. Rose decides to spend her sleepless nights on trying to discover what happened to Finn.
Cue emotional rollercoaster ride and balled up tissues all over the place. At its base, Night By Night is a psychological thriller but it is SO much more than that! There is an incredible amount of depth to this story and its characters. As a fellow insomniac, I could completely relate to Rose’s brain fog, which goes far beyond wondering where you left your keys. It doesn’t just affect her, but her entire family in the most devastating way.
Both Rose and Finn pulled at my heartstrings and I quickly became invested in both of their lives. I shared Rose’s anxiety and frustration, I shared Finn’s distress and fear, and I was often left to feel immensely sad and extremely angry. There is just so much to get worked up about in this story. Injustice, ignorance, homophobia, abuse of power, … the list is almost endless and sadly all too realistic and believable.
These characters will pull you in from the start. The suspense and tension builds up along the way, quickly making Night By Night so insanely addictive that I struggled to put it down. It’s such a chilling, disturbing, harrowing and haunting story. One of those that just gets under my skin, making these characters and the things they go through utterly unforgettable.
I came to Jack Jordan’s books rather late and this is only the second one I’ve read by him. He’s firmly on my radar now though and he should be on yours too. With such brilliant and vivid writing, such evocative and thrilling storytelling, such absolutely incredible characterisation, he really is a gifted and talented author and his name has now firmly been written down on my list of go-to authors. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next! In the meantime, I highly recommend you go out and grab yourself a copy of Night By Night!
December 15, 2024
I was kind of losing interest at points when things felt meh, but overall I was hooked with the plot minus the extra fluff, but don't we all have a bit of extra fluff this time of year? 😅
May 10, 2019
I’m such a huge fan of this author so I was incredibly excited to be invited onto the blog tour for his latest book the brilliant Night By Night. Jack Jordan is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and his books are the ones I tend to recommend most to people.
I loved the main character Rose who I quickly fell in love with and felt incredibly sorry for. She’s been through a really hard time and it was heartbreaking to see how much she’d been let down by her family and friends. It was great to follow her as she tries to find and help Finn Matthews. She gets quite obsessed with doing so and I found myself getting quite worried about what she is getting herself into.
The other characters in this book are also brilliant creations that were very well developed. The author knows how to write emotional characters and baddies very well which helps make this a fantastic read. I didn’t know who to trust and kept trying to guess what would happen and who was responsible but was normally completely wrong.
Once again the author has written a gripping, tense, twisty thriller that I managed to read in a few days. I found myself completely caught up in the story and kept trying to read a few more pages. Just when I thought I’d figured out how everything was going, something would happen and the story would go off in a whole new direction. The ending was especially epic and took me completely by surprise, I was literally on the edge of my seat whilst reading it (my husband actually asked me if I was ok) which is a sure sign of a truly amazing book!
Huge thanks to Kirsty from Corvus books for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book which is going on my keep forever shelf. If you want a fantastic, gripping thriller you need to read this book!
I loved the main character Rose who I quickly fell in love with and felt incredibly sorry for. She’s been through a really hard time and it was heartbreaking to see how much she’d been let down by her family and friends. It was great to follow her as she tries to find and help Finn Matthews. She gets quite obsessed with doing so and I found myself getting quite worried about what she is getting herself into.
The other characters in this book are also brilliant creations that were very well developed. The author knows how to write emotional characters and baddies very well which helps make this a fantastic read. I didn’t know who to trust and kept trying to guess what would happen and who was responsible but was normally completely wrong.
Once again the author has written a gripping, tense, twisty thriller that I managed to read in a few days. I found myself completely caught up in the story and kept trying to read a few more pages. Just when I thought I’d figured out how everything was going, something would happen and the story would go off in a whole new direction. The ending was especially epic and took me completely by surprise, I was literally on the edge of my seat whilst reading it (my husband actually asked me if I was ok) which is a sure sign of a truly amazing book!
Huge thanks to Kirsty from Corvus books for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book which is going on my keep forever shelf. If you want a fantastic, gripping thriller you need to read this book!
April 20, 2019
Night by Night by Jack Jordan is a new author for me. I was excited to receive a copy of this; with all the good things I have been hearing about this author.
The story is about Rose, she suffers from insomnia and after a tragic car accident she loses one of her girls. She is estranged from her husband Christian but, they still live together in the family home with her other daughter Lily.
One night she is walking home when she bumps into a running man, who then disappears. But when she gets up, she realised that he has dropped a journal. The journal belongs to Finn Matthews and in the inscription says if you are reading this, I must be dead. With the rest of her life at a low, and similarities to her brother Jay who committed suicide a few years later for being gay. Rose out of her way to find the missing man. But, when she does, bad things start happening to her and her husband Christian thinks she is going mad. She than only has one person the turn to that’s her father.
Thank you NetGalley and Corvus for a copy of this book. But I am afraid this book wasn’t for me. I struggled through this book. I just thought that there was too much going on and I couldn’t connect or relate to any of the characters. I just didn’t get it. So much I skimmed the last 30% of this book.
The story is about Rose, she suffers from insomnia and after a tragic car accident she loses one of her girls. She is estranged from her husband Christian but, they still live together in the family home with her other daughter Lily.
One night she is walking home when she bumps into a running man, who then disappears. But when she gets up, she realised that he has dropped a journal. The journal belongs to Finn Matthews and in the inscription says if you are reading this, I must be dead. With the rest of her life at a low, and similarities to her brother Jay who committed suicide a few years later for being gay. Rose out of her way to find the missing man. But, when she does, bad things start happening to her and her husband Christian thinks she is going mad. She than only has one person the turn to that’s her father.
Thank you NetGalley and Corvus for a copy of this book. But I am afraid this book wasn’t for me. I struggled through this book. I just thought that there was too much going on and I couldn’t connect or relate to any of the characters. I just didn’t get it. So much I skimmed the last 30% of this book.
June 18, 2019
It’s been ages since I’ve finished a book and reviewed it on the same day, but here we are!
Night by Night has been on my TBR for a while (too long really!) so I picked it up yesterday just to get it started. And here we are 24 hours later and I’m done.
I’ve read and loved all of Jack’s books up to now, and Night By Night is definitely another excellent read. It was really compelling and I just couldn’t stop reading it once I started.
Rose is an insomniac, and it’s essentially ruining her life. When we meet her, she is on the edge. Exhausted, paranoid, emotional, everything that goes hand in hand with being barely able to function with no sleep. And when she experiences a tragic event, everything she has known is thrown into chaos.
Fast forward a few years and she is a shell of her former self. When she collides with a man on the street, who promptly disappears, she becomes embroiled in a situation that becomes increasingly dangerous for her and those around her.
Night By Night actually broke my heart, repeatedly. It is a highly emotive book and the narrative is very taut throughout. There is an underlying tension woven through the book, and it doesn’t let up.
Even though the subject matter is really tough, and it made me quite sad, Night by Night is a really great book. Emotionally charged, disturbingly relevant and delivered with honesty, Night by Night is Jack’s best book yet in my opinion
Highly recommended!
Night by Night has been on my TBR for a while (too long really!) so I picked it up yesterday just to get it started. And here we are 24 hours later and I’m done.
I’ve read and loved all of Jack’s books up to now, and Night By Night is definitely another excellent read. It was really compelling and I just couldn’t stop reading it once I started.
Rose is an insomniac, and it’s essentially ruining her life. When we meet her, she is on the edge. Exhausted, paranoid, emotional, everything that goes hand in hand with being barely able to function with no sleep. And when she experiences a tragic event, everything she has known is thrown into chaos.
Fast forward a few years and she is a shell of her former self. When she collides with a man on the street, who promptly disappears, she becomes embroiled in a situation that becomes increasingly dangerous for her and those around her.
Night By Night actually broke my heart, repeatedly. It is a highly emotive book and the narrative is very taut throughout. There is an underlying tension woven through the book, and it doesn’t let up.
Even though the subject matter is really tough, and it made me quite sad, Night by Night is a really great book. Emotionally charged, disturbingly relevant and delivered with honesty, Night by Night is Jack’s best book yet in my opinion
Highly recommended!
May 10, 2019
2.5 Stars
Okay, that's it I am officially done. This is the third Jack Jordan book I have read and I have the same issues with this one as I did with the previous novels - I can suspend belief when reading but not to this extent. Everything appears intended to shock and stun the reader and decisions made by the characters are just stultifyingly dumb to achieve this end. Honestly, I thought this one may have been an improvement on his previous works as it started off so promisingly and then, well, it was more of the same. That's it, I am not going to do this to myself anymore I officially give up on this author.
Rose Shaw is an insomniac, has been ever since she had her twin daughters. The descriptions of how the insomnia affects her are heartbreaking and really cut to the quick. So far, so good. We then have a detailed look at one day in her life which leads to an unspeakable tragedy. At this point all my sympathies were with Rose, not only because of the "incident" but because of her condition and how judgmental everyone around her seemed to be.
We then jump on 4(?) years and Rose is still living with her husband and teenager but is singularly estranged from them. Somehow she seems to be existing in a hermit-like bubble whilst in the same house and she very firmly lumps all the blame on them. Fair enough, the insomnia is still raging and the "incident" looms large in all their lives so I can forgive this as being a symptom of major trauma. Things then begin to get a wee bit odd when she comes in to possession of the journal - being a normal person she cannot help but peek (again, with you all the way). It's when she decides that, after reading, the journal she is going to search for Finn Matthews that I began to feel the threads unravelling. I get the parallels with her brother's suicide but honestly? really?
Things then ramp up with the local police force being full of homophobic bullies who go on to target Rose because she won't let it drop. Chuck in a therapist who is painted as being sinister. An ex-policeman who adds to Rose's paranoia by telling her the whole force is corrupt (not just one or two of it's members but the entire station if not the whole institution). A strange interlude at a shooting range. As Rose's husband and former Best Friend accuse her of paranoia and needing to see a professional I did find myself hoping that they were right and that we weren't really expected to believe that Rose was right - sadly we are expected to believe that she is right and everyone else (apart from the ex-policeman) is blinkered and wrong.
As we approach the denouement it just gets more and more bizarre and end sup having more in common with a Richard Laymon novel than a thriller. Honestly, remote farmhouse, thunderstorms and shallow graves. There were also issues with Rose's leg injury vanishing when it suited the story and then reappearing to ratchet up tension. The only tension I felt was in the tendons of my neck from shaking my head in disbelief.
There is no subtlety here, everything is broad strokes and either black or white (frequently gore doused). I am not naive and know that there are issues within the Police Force as a whole but the mocking tone used throughout for this institution really set my teeth on edge. Couple that with Rose herself who starts off as a sympathetic character but one who I soon became heartily frustrated with - she does not appear to even try to help herself or be able to see anyone's point of view but her own.
In short, best left alone.
THIS IS AN HONEST AND UNBIASED REVIEW OF A FREE COPY OF THE BOOK RECEIVED VIA THE PIGEONHOLE.
Okay, that's it I am officially done. This is the third Jack Jordan book I have read and I have the same issues with this one as I did with the previous novels - I can suspend belief when reading but not to this extent. Everything appears intended to shock and stun the reader and decisions made by the characters are just stultifyingly dumb to achieve this end. Honestly, I thought this one may have been an improvement on his previous works as it started off so promisingly and then, well, it was more of the same. That's it, I am not going to do this to myself anymore I officially give up on this author.
Rose Shaw is an insomniac, has been ever since she had her twin daughters. The descriptions of how the insomnia affects her are heartbreaking and really cut to the quick. So far, so good. We then have a detailed look at one day in her life which leads to an unspeakable tragedy. At this point all my sympathies were with Rose, not only because of the "incident" but because of her condition and how judgmental everyone around her seemed to be.
We then jump on 4(?) years and Rose is still living with her husband and teenager but is singularly estranged from them. Somehow she seems to be existing in a hermit-like bubble whilst in the same house and she very firmly lumps all the blame on them. Fair enough, the insomnia is still raging and the "incident" looms large in all their lives so I can forgive this as being a symptom of major trauma. Things then begin to get a wee bit odd when she comes in to possession of the journal - being a normal person she cannot help but peek (again, with you all the way). It's when she decides that, after reading, the journal she is going to search for Finn Matthews that I began to feel the threads unravelling. I get the parallels with her brother's suicide but honestly? really?
Things then ramp up with the local police force being full of homophobic bullies who go on to target Rose because she won't let it drop. Chuck in a therapist who is painted as being sinister. An ex-policeman who adds to Rose's paranoia by telling her the whole force is corrupt (not just one or two of it's members but the entire station if not the whole institution). A strange interlude at a shooting range. As Rose's husband and former Best Friend accuse her of paranoia and needing to see a professional I did find myself hoping that they were right and that we weren't really expected to believe that Rose was right - sadly we are expected to believe that she is right and everyone else (apart from the ex-policeman) is blinkered and wrong.
As we approach the denouement it just gets more and more bizarre and end sup having more in common with a Richard Laymon novel than a thriller. Honestly, remote farmhouse, thunderstorms and shallow graves. There were also issues with Rose's leg injury vanishing when it suited the story and then reappearing to ratchet up tension. The only tension I felt was in the tendons of my neck from shaking my head in disbelief.
There is no subtlety here, everything is broad strokes and either black or white (frequently gore doused). I am not naive and know that there are issues within the Police Force as a whole but the mocking tone used throughout for this institution really set my teeth on edge. Couple that with Rose herself who starts off as a sympathetic character but one who I soon became heartily frustrated with - she does not appear to even try to help herself or be able to see anyone's point of view but her own.
In short, best left alone.
THIS IS AN HONEST AND UNBIASED REVIEW OF A FREE COPY OF THE BOOK RECEIVED VIA THE PIGEONHOLE.
April 9, 2019
I struggled with this book and I think it's because I really couldn't take to Rose! The first half appeared to be all around her falling asleep in inappropriate places or being a mess, whilst losing her family she decides to investigate a missing man and she is stopped every step of the way, her determination at this point was good to see and stopped the focus being purely about her insomnia.
I was glad she managed to start to put her life back together but I didn't find any strong likeable characters in this book.
I was glad she managed to start to put her life back together but I didn't find any strong likeable characters in this book.
May 15, 2019
Rose is suffering with insomnia that impacts on the life of her husband, Christian, and their twin daughters, Lily and Violet. A terrible accident devastates the family and Rose struggles through the insomnia until one night she discovers a journal that starts , ‘If you’re reading this I’m already dead.’ Rose is determined to find out what happened to the young man that wrote it.
Crikey what a whirlwind of a read this is! I was hooked from the first chapter and devoured it! Fabulous work Jack! Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Crikey what a whirlwind of a read this is! I was hooked from the first chapter and devoured it! Fabulous work Jack! Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
May 11, 2019
Poor Rose suffers from dreadful insomnia which started after the birth of her twin girls, Violet and Lily 10 years previously. Despite being barely able to stay awake, she takes her girls in a football game and then on the way home looses control of the car when she drops to sleep for a second. The car plunges into a river and she only manages to get Lily out of the car – Violet drowns.
4 years on from the accident, and Rose is still suffering from insomnia and also agonising guilt. Her husband Christian can’t bare to look at her, blaming her for the loss of Violet and Lily can’t stand to be in the same room as her. When One dark evening she collides with a man who quickly vanishes but Rose finds a diary at her feet.
When she opens it in the hope of being able to return it to its owner, she reads the words “My name is Finn Matthews. If you’re reading this then I’m dead.” Rose decides to dedicate her sleepless nights trying to discover what happened to Finn, especially as the police don’t seem to think their is anything to investigate, despite there being a spate of other disappearances.
Goodness, this is the fastest I’ve read a book for a while. I’ve been aware of Jack Jordan after winning his previous book Before Her Eyes in a giveaway and I know a lot of readers rate his books highly. I thought the insomnia descriptions were done really well and I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like to live like that. And the scene where she crashed her car and lost Violet was just heart-breaking.
On the back of this tragedy, we have a great thriller in which Rose believes Finn to be dead, but on being dismissed by the police takes it upon herself to try and find out what happened, giving her a sense of purpose that she hasn’t had for many years. As well hearing from Rose, the narrative is interspersed with entries from Finn’s diary who we soon discover is being stalked and terrorised by a man he rejected and we quickly see how scary this is and how quickly it destroys Finn’s life.
I was shocked by the homophobia on display in this novel, especially from the police. In my naivety, I thought this sort of behaviour, didn’t happen in this day and age and even messaged the author to ask him about it. He sent me a link to an article you can find here.
I really enjoyed this thriller – the pacing was good and the threads that brought it all together were well placed. I had so much sympathy for Rose and what she had been through and I think that is what set this apart from other thrillers. Sometimes you get given a little backstory to the main protagonist but Rose is set up so well as a character, I ended up feeling really invested in her and ended up feeling much more involved in the book than I would have done normally.
4 years on from the accident, and Rose is still suffering from insomnia and also agonising guilt. Her husband Christian can’t bare to look at her, blaming her for the loss of Violet and Lily can’t stand to be in the same room as her. When One dark evening she collides with a man who quickly vanishes but Rose finds a diary at her feet.
When she opens it in the hope of being able to return it to its owner, she reads the words “My name is Finn Matthews. If you’re reading this then I’m dead.” Rose decides to dedicate her sleepless nights trying to discover what happened to Finn, especially as the police don’t seem to think their is anything to investigate, despite there being a spate of other disappearances.
Goodness, this is the fastest I’ve read a book for a while. I’ve been aware of Jack Jordan after winning his previous book Before Her Eyes in a giveaway and I know a lot of readers rate his books highly. I thought the insomnia descriptions were done really well and I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like to live like that. And the scene where she crashed her car and lost Violet was just heart-breaking.
On the back of this tragedy, we have a great thriller in which Rose believes Finn to be dead, but on being dismissed by the police takes it upon herself to try and find out what happened, giving her a sense of purpose that she hasn’t had for many years. As well hearing from Rose, the narrative is interspersed with entries from Finn’s diary who we soon discover is being stalked and terrorised by a man he rejected and we quickly see how scary this is and how quickly it destroys Finn’s life.
I was shocked by the homophobia on display in this novel, especially from the police. In my naivety, I thought this sort of behaviour, didn’t happen in this day and age and even messaged the author to ask him about it. He sent me a link to an article you can find here.
I really enjoyed this thriller – the pacing was good and the threads that brought it all together were well placed. I had so much sympathy for Rose and what she had been through and I think that is what set this apart from other thrillers. Sometimes you get given a little backstory to the main protagonist but Rose is set up so well as a character, I ended up feeling really invested in her and ended up feeling much more involved in the book than I would have done normally.
September 30, 2022
Once upon a time, Rose Shaw had a perfect marriage, twin girls and an outstanding career as an artist. That all changed in an instant when her uncontrollable insomnia caused the death of her daughter.
Four years on, Rose is a prisoner in her own home. With no career or friends and the rejection of her family, Rose spends her time wallowing away. On her way home one evening, a man collides into Rose. The item he was carrying drops onto the ground: a journal containing information about a man who is about to be murdered. Rose picks up this journal and takes it home with her.
Becoming overly concerned over a man she has never met, Rose contacts the police. However, she is turned away and told that there is nothing that they can do. Not convinced, Rose becomes somewhat obsessed with the victim, putting herself in danger and those close to her.
I struggled with my overall impression of Rose. On one hand, it's easy to feel compassion for her. On the other though, she has little respect for herself, her husband and remaining daughter. Rose is totally reckless throughout and her insomnia card is played a lot.
The brutality towards the LGBTQ community made me very uncomfortable and extremely angry. It's unfathomable that the police was allowed to get away with such means for so long.
Finn's journal was a spine tingling standout. His ordeal with a stalker plus knowing he was about to be murdered gave me chills. Would love to see this written as a short story as it's that brilliant.
Overall, whilst not his best work, Jordan has delivered a satisfying and engaging thriller with Night by Night.
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫/5
Four years on, Rose is a prisoner in her own home. With no career or friends and the rejection of her family, Rose spends her time wallowing away. On her way home one evening, a man collides into Rose. The item he was carrying drops onto the ground: a journal containing information about a man who is about to be murdered. Rose picks up this journal and takes it home with her.
Becoming overly concerned over a man she has never met, Rose contacts the police. However, she is turned away and told that there is nothing that they can do. Not convinced, Rose becomes somewhat obsessed with the victim, putting herself in danger and those close to her.
I struggled with my overall impression of Rose. On one hand, it's easy to feel compassion for her. On the other though, she has little respect for herself, her husband and remaining daughter. Rose is totally reckless throughout and her insomnia card is played a lot.
The brutality towards the LGBTQ community made me very uncomfortable and extremely angry. It's unfathomable that the police was allowed to get away with such means for so long.
Finn's journal was a spine tingling standout. His ordeal with a stalker plus knowing he was about to be murdered gave me chills. Would love to see this written as a short story as it's that brilliant.
Overall, whilst not his best work, Jordan has delivered a satisfying and engaging thriller with Night by Night.
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫/5
May 4, 2019
Yay a new Jack Jordan novel and what a thoroughly absorbing thriller “Night by Night” is! When I read Jordan’s first novel My Girl, I was impressed with its intensity and how it made me ‘feel’. Night by Night did very much the same thing, and took me much by surprise. I was expecting a pretty straightforward mystery but it turned out to be such an emotional read, it nearly broke me in the end.
In the first chapters the author already sets the tone by making me feel very, very sorry for Rose who suffers from a tragedy she really didn’t deserve. I already choked up there for the first time and I wasn’t even 50 pages in. Rose feels alone and lonely and one night she bumps into a man who drops his journal at her side. She doesn’t know who he is but at the very first page she reads a startling message. It turns out that even though he’s in an entirely different situation, he’s feeling frightened and lonely as well and the community isn’t welcoming him either. Rose knows what she has to do, what she can’t do for herself she’s determined to do for this man called Finn Matthews. Even though she doesn’t know him she cares and wants to know he’s ok, she doesn’t want him to be all alone and is determined to help. The police don’t take her missing person’s report serious though and Rose feels forced to make her own inquiries. She’s treading on very thin ice.
There were a few tough issues included in this novel, homophobia being the most prominent one I might say and I think the author handled this brilliantly. It was at times tough to read about the things that happened and call me a fool but I really wanted Rose to find Finn in time and see that he had escaped the hardships of his peers and the stalking and that he was leading a good life somewhere else. Some little voice inside of me warned me not to expect too much though and protect my little heart. I also absolutely had no idea who he was afraid of, it was such a mystery and I really didn’t have any suspect in mind, it kept my mind whirring when I should have been asleep.
The novel really amps up the tension towards the end and I didn’t only fear for Finn but for Rose too! I couldn’t turn those pages in the final chapters fast enough, I felt the danger coming closer and it was so emotional to hear the truth and see what happens. I tell you, when you reach those final chapters you better hold on to your hats and hope to finish it unscathed! Night by Night holds an unbelievably tense ending in store. Jack Jordan is a wonderful author and this novel is definitely one of his best works!
In the first chapters the author already sets the tone by making me feel very, very sorry for Rose who suffers from a tragedy she really didn’t deserve. I already choked up there for the first time and I wasn’t even 50 pages in. Rose feels alone and lonely and one night she bumps into a man who drops his journal at her side. She doesn’t know who he is but at the very first page she reads a startling message. It turns out that even though he’s in an entirely different situation, he’s feeling frightened and lonely as well and the community isn’t welcoming him either. Rose knows what she has to do, what she can’t do for herself she’s determined to do for this man called Finn Matthews. Even though she doesn’t know him she cares and wants to know he’s ok, she doesn’t want him to be all alone and is determined to help. The police don’t take her missing person’s report serious though and Rose feels forced to make her own inquiries. She’s treading on very thin ice.
There were a few tough issues included in this novel, homophobia being the most prominent one I might say and I think the author handled this brilliantly. It was at times tough to read about the things that happened and call me a fool but I really wanted Rose to find Finn in time and see that he had escaped the hardships of his peers and the stalking and that he was leading a good life somewhere else. Some little voice inside of me warned me not to expect too much though and protect my little heart. I also absolutely had no idea who he was afraid of, it was such a mystery and I really didn’t have any suspect in mind, it kept my mind whirring when I should have been asleep.
The novel really amps up the tension towards the end and I didn’t only fear for Finn but for Rose too! I couldn’t turn those pages in the final chapters fast enough, I felt the danger coming closer and it was so emotional to hear the truth and see what happens. I tell you, when you reach those final chapters you better hold on to your hats and hope to finish it unscathed! Night by Night holds an unbelievably tense ending in store. Jack Jordan is a wonderful author and this novel is definitely one of his best works!
April 11, 2019
Though this is a definitely a thriller (and definitely thrilling!) it was also a super emotional read. Rose's heartbreaking predicament, and what happens to Finn and other young men - it all really touched me. The characters are what really make this book - so real, they pulsate off the page. And the plot is expertly weaved, beginning slowly, and picking up a breath-stopping pace by the end. Highly highly recommend.
May 9, 2019
3.5 stars
Jack Jordan is a talented writer, there is no doubt about that. Night by Night is far from perfect, but it was a gripping, fast-paced read.
The book started off well, doing a great job detailing the horrors of insomnia that the protagonist, Rose, faces. Rose is not likable at all (at least, to me she wasn't), but you still manage to get caught up in the story and move through it very quickly.
The book starts to stumble when it falls into the trap of exaggerating to make a point. The gratuitous violence and homophobia of 99% of the characters in the book felt overdone.
Moreover, if this was the track the Jordan wanted to take, he should have prepared the ground a bit better for it. Had he spent a bit more time developing the background - describing the town which forms the setting of the story, weaving in general attitudes of the town's inhabitants - it would have helped to create a more organic build up to the homophobia arc the story eventually takes.
On a side-note, Gillian Flynn does a great job of this in her books, especially in Sharp Objects - "atmospheric" would be an appropriate word to describe the quality of her writing.
Another issue is Rose herself. At the start of the book she is so debilitated by her insomnia, barely qualifying as a functioning adult.
The discovery of Finn’s journal miraculously jolts her out of her stupor, making her a completely different person – highly motivated, and nauseatingly (and often hypocritically) righteous.
Overall, none of the characters are especially likeable and the narrative often strays into the realm of “difficult to believe”. Nevertheless, it was a decent thriller and worth one very quick read.
Jack Jordan is a talented writer, there is no doubt about that. Night by Night is far from perfect, but it was a gripping, fast-paced read.
The book started off well, doing a great job detailing the horrors of insomnia that the protagonist, Rose, faces. Rose is not likable at all (at least, to me she wasn't), but you still manage to get caught up in the story and move through it very quickly.
The book starts to stumble when it falls into the trap of exaggerating to make a point. The gratuitous violence and homophobia of 99% of the characters in the book felt overdone.
Moreover, if this was the track the Jordan wanted to take, he should have prepared the ground a bit better for it. Had he spent a bit more time developing the background - describing the town which forms the setting of the story, weaving in general attitudes of the town's inhabitants - it would have helped to create a more organic build up to the homophobia arc the story eventually takes.
On a side-note, Gillian Flynn does a great job of this in her books, especially in Sharp Objects - "atmospheric" would be an appropriate word to describe the quality of her writing.
Another issue is Rose herself. At the start of the book she is so debilitated by her insomnia, barely qualifying as a functioning adult.
The discovery of Finn’s journal miraculously jolts her out of her stupor, making her a completely different person – highly motivated, and nauseatingly (and often hypocritically) righteous.
Overall, none of the characters are especially likeable and the narrative often strays into the realm of “difficult to believe”. Nevertheless, it was a decent thriller and worth one very quick read.
May 14, 2019
When we meet Rose, I didn’t envy her one bit. An insomnia sufferer who is struggling to function. Her life seems to be on a downwards spiral with her husband and daughter hardly talking to her and she is literally just existing.
Well that all changes when she comes into possession of a journal. Like Rose, I was very intrigued when reading what was inside and Rose finds herself getting a purpose in life and making it her mission to solve the disappearance of a complete stranger to her.
I thoroughly enjoyed the direction that the author takes the reader in the story. Dealing with homophobia and bigots among other things. Sadly it is something that is very much about today and it actually made for some quite emotional reading in part. It also tackles dealing with grief and trying to mend bridges. There was so much that kept my attention and had me turning those pages, dying to know more.
Rose is an unreliable narrator, adding to the suspense and intrigue and I didn’t have a clue who to trust. The author totally had me hoodwinked and I was blinded by Rose’s opinions and thoughts and felt bad by the end for thinking bad of certain characters.
Night By Night is a truly gripping read. It is deliciously dark, taking unexpected turns that ensured I wasn’t putting my Kindle down anytime soon as I had to know the mystery surrounding Finn. For me it was a very refreshing story line, not having really read anything along the same lines. Another brilliant offering by the author that I would highly recommend to anyone and everyone.
Well that all changes when she comes into possession of a journal. Like Rose, I was very intrigued when reading what was inside and Rose finds herself getting a purpose in life and making it her mission to solve the disappearance of a complete stranger to her.
I thoroughly enjoyed the direction that the author takes the reader in the story. Dealing with homophobia and bigots among other things. Sadly it is something that is very much about today and it actually made for some quite emotional reading in part. It also tackles dealing with grief and trying to mend bridges. There was so much that kept my attention and had me turning those pages, dying to know more.
Rose is an unreliable narrator, adding to the suspense and intrigue and I didn’t have a clue who to trust. The author totally had me hoodwinked and I was blinded by Rose’s opinions and thoughts and felt bad by the end for thinking bad of certain characters.
Night By Night is a truly gripping read. It is deliciously dark, taking unexpected turns that ensured I wasn’t putting my Kindle down anytime soon as I had to know the mystery surrounding Finn. For me it was a very refreshing story line, not having really read anything along the same lines. Another brilliant offering by the author that I would highly recommend to anyone and everyone.
April 3, 2020
Night by Night was an addictive read, one I was happy to power through in a single sitting. Although it was addictive, I had wished for a little bit more.
There was plenty included in Night by Night, with there being more than just the mystery to this one. I certainly enjoyed the many layers included in the book, but the fact I easily worked out the mystery left me disappointed. I had hoped for a large twist to surprise me, I had hoped for something a bit more shocking, and I was left wanting more once finished.
I’ll certainly be reading more of the author’s work in the future, as this one had me hooked. As for Night by Night, it wasn’t quite strong enough for me to round my three-point-five-star rating up.
There was plenty included in Night by Night, with there being more than just the mystery to this one. I certainly enjoyed the many layers included in the book, but the fact I easily worked out the mystery left me disappointed. I had hoped for a large twist to surprise me, I had hoped for something a bit more shocking, and I was left wanting more once finished.
I’ll certainly be reading more of the author’s work in the future, as this one had me hooked. As for Night by Night, it wasn’t quite strong enough for me to round my three-point-five-star rating up.
May 12, 2019
Jack Jordan is back with a fantastic read with Night by Night.
Rose is struggling. Her life has changed and not for the better. Struggling to sleep she finds herself walking the streets. On one such occasion a man running collides with her. Unbeknown to him he dropped a book which Rose picked up. When she gets home curiosity gets the better of her and she opens the book.
It’s a journal that starts with....
If you’re reading this, I’m dead’.
Who is Finn Matthews?
Rose can’t forget him and tries to find him even though everyone advises her to stop searching.
This is a gripping and twisted read that will stay with me for a long time.
Sitting on the edge of my seat, holding my breath. Yep Jack pulled me through the wringer reading this. I’m so looking forward to reading more from this author.
Rose is struggling. Her life has changed and not for the better. Struggling to sleep she finds herself walking the streets. On one such occasion a man running collides with her. Unbeknown to him he dropped a book which Rose picked up. When she gets home curiosity gets the better of her and she opens the book.
It’s a journal that starts with....
If you’re reading this, I’m dead’.
Who is Finn Matthews?
Rose can’t forget him and tries to find him even though everyone advises her to stop searching.
This is a gripping and twisted read that will stay with me for a long time.
Sitting on the edge of my seat, holding my breath. Yep Jack pulled me through the wringer reading this. I’m so looking forward to reading more from this author.
May 4, 2019
A must read. I loved every minute of this book.
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