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Behind Blue Eyes
The perfect man.
The perfect life.
The only problem is the dead body on the beach.
Investigative reporter Ellie has just given up her life in London to be with the man of her dreams in Sweden when she stumbles across a half decomposed skeleton on Midsummer’s eve.
She’s flung into a murder investigation in a country where she doesn’t speak the language and doesn’t know a soul.
Except Johan.
The love of her life.
Who she is beginning to suspect knows a lot more about the body than he is admitting.
Is he the perfect man, or has Ellie uncovered the perfect crime?
A psychological suspense thriller with a twist of Scandi noir - perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
Grab your copy now!
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2019
46 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Duffy
30 books56 followersC.S. Duffy writes psychological suspense thrillers with a healthy dose of black humour.
Her background is in film and TV. She has several projects in development in Sweden and the UK, and her thriller feature Guilty will be shot in April 2018 in Canada. She is the author of Life is Swede, a psychological thriller that was originally written as a blog - leading several readers to contact Swedish news agencies asking them why they hadn’t reported the murder that features in the blog.
Claire also runs Hollywoodland, a series of podcasts about the pioneering female filmmakers of 1910s/20s Hollywood.
Her background is in film and TV. She has several projects in development in Sweden and the UK, and her thriller feature Guilty will be shot in April 2018 in Canada. She is the author of Life is Swede, a psychological thriller that was originally written as a blog - leading several readers to contact Swedish news agencies asking them why they hadn’t reported the murder that features in the blog.
Claire also runs Hollywoodland, a series of podcasts about the pioneering female filmmakers of 1910s/20s Hollywood.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
May 12, 2019
Ellie is an investigative reporter who has given up everything ... he job, her apartment, her friends, her family ... all for a man she calls the love of her life.
She's moved to Sweden where she knows no one except her boyfriend, doesn't know the language, and his friends don't seem overeager to welcome her to their clique.
At a barbecue, she decides she's had enough and leaves to go stroll the beach. What she finds is a body ... or the skeleton of one.
That is freaky enough, but then she starts suspecting that Johan and his friends know more about the body than they are saying.
Rumors are running rampant ... is Johan a killer? What is in his past that he doesn't want Ellie to know?
This is a worthwhile novel, very suspenseful, filled with secrets and lies and surprises that kept me glued to the very first page and held me there until the final revelation.
Many thanks to the author / BooksGoSocial / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
She's moved to Sweden where she knows no one except her boyfriend, doesn't know the language, and his friends don't seem overeager to welcome her to their clique.
At a barbecue, she decides she's had enough and leaves to go stroll the beach. What she finds is a body ... or the skeleton of one.
That is freaky enough, but then she starts suspecting that Johan and his friends know more about the body than they are saying.
Rumors are running rampant ... is Johan a killer? What is in his past that he doesn't want Ellie to know?
This is a worthwhile novel, very suspenseful, filled with secrets and lies and surprises that kept me glued to the very first page and held me there until the final revelation.
Many thanks to the author / BooksGoSocial / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 12, 2019
Behind Blue Eyes is a story revolving around a very small group of friends. And one of them is a killer. From the cover text it is obvious that Ellie is not the killer, but who then? Ellie will find out, and we, the readers, have an advantage because there are short chapters in which the killer speaks to us, explaining what an how, although it took me until almost the end of the book to discover the killers' identity.
This is a great book, with great characters, a good plot and very well written. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. But before that, I think I'm going to re-read this one, because now I know who the killer is, I can interpret the information that is given better.
Thank you Netgalley for this digital review copy.
This is a great book, with great characters, a good plot and very well written. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. But before that, I think I'm going to re-read this one, because now I know who the killer is, I can interpret the information that is given better.
Thank you Netgalley for this digital review copy.
November 28, 2019
Back in February I reviewed the first Glasgow Kiss (Dark of Night) instalment and I enjoyed Claire’s writing style and sense of humour a lot so I could not pass up the opportunity to read her latest novel. I’m happy to report that I got exactly what I thought I would get: that wicked sense of humour, despite the rather dark events.
Behind Blue Eyes is the story of Ellie, who is from England and stumbles (quite literally) over a Viking on a beach somewhere and falls madly in love with him. His name is Johan and he’s from Sweden. Before she knows it, she’s leaving her whole life behind to move in with him. In Sweden. Where she knows precisely one person and doesn’t understand much more of the language than “hej”. But she reckons that as a reporter she can work from anywhere, she can learn the language, and she’ll get to know Johan’s friends, she’ll be fine! Except that soon after their arrival at Johan’s friends’ cottage to celebrate Midsummer, she starts feeling like the odd one out. So much so that she needs a break and talks a walk, only to find a dead body who turns out to be someone Johan knew very well…
And so, only a few chapters in, I started to doubt everyone and their goldfish! I suspected everyone of having ulterior motives, except perhaps the other expats with whom Ellie has become acquainted. I loved Ellie as a character, she’s hilarious, and I really wanted her to have a happily ever after with her prince charming but the cynical side of me kept telling me fairy-tales don’t exist and Johan was too good to be true. Part of Ellie fears that too, she thinks he’s keeping secrets so she’s desperate to find out what they are and before she knows it, she’s in over her head.
Behind Blue Eyes is such a fun, quick read! It has everything: a main character you can’t help but root for, murder mystery, intrigue and secrets galore, … Trying to figure out what goes on (behind blue eyes) has never been this much fun! Recommended!
Behind Blue Eyes is the story of Ellie, who is from England and stumbles (quite literally) over a Viking on a beach somewhere and falls madly in love with him. His name is Johan and he’s from Sweden. Before she knows it, she’s leaving her whole life behind to move in with him. In Sweden. Where she knows precisely one person and doesn’t understand much more of the language than “hej”. But she reckons that as a reporter she can work from anywhere, she can learn the language, and she’ll get to know Johan’s friends, she’ll be fine! Except that soon after their arrival at Johan’s friends’ cottage to celebrate Midsummer, she starts feeling like the odd one out. So much so that she needs a break and talks a walk, only to find a dead body who turns out to be someone Johan knew very well…
And so, only a few chapters in, I started to doubt everyone and their goldfish! I suspected everyone of having ulterior motives, except perhaps the other expats with whom Ellie has become acquainted. I loved Ellie as a character, she’s hilarious, and I really wanted her to have a happily ever after with her prince charming but the cynical side of me kept telling me fairy-tales don’t exist and Johan was too good to be true. Part of Ellie fears that too, she thinks he’s keeping secrets so she’s desperate to find out what they are and before she knows it, she’s in over her head.
Behind Blue Eyes is such a fun, quick read! It has everything: a main character you can’t help but root for, murder mystery, intrigue and secrets galore, … Trying to figure out what goes on (behind blue eyes) has never been this much fun! Recommended!
September 13, 2025
Lire En eaux troubles de CS Duffy, c’est accepter de plonger dans un univers qui, de prime abord, semble familier. On croit entrer dans une enquête banale, un énième thriller où, dès les premières pages, se devine l’identité du meurtrier. Et pourtant, n’est-ce pas justement cela la littérature ? Réussir à transformer une évidence en mystère, un chemin balisé en voyage inattendu.
J’ai été surpris, non par la révélation finale, mais par l’intensité du trajet. CS Duffy possède ce talent rare : écrire comme on respire, donner l’impression que les événements se forment sous ses yeux au moment même où elle les couche sur le papier. Le lecteur n’est plus extérieur à l’histoire, il devient témoin, complice, parfois même victime de cette atmosphère oppressante. J’ai tourné les pages sans pouvoir m’arrêter, comme si je cherchais moins à savoir « qui » qu’à comprendre « comment » et « pourquoi ».
Il y a dans ce roman une force d’immersion qui rappelle que les intrigues policières ne sont pas seulement des devinettes mais des miroirs. Ellie, l’héroïne, n’est pas qu’une journaliste égarée dans un pays qu’elle ne connaît pas : elle est le reflet de chacun d’entre nous, confronté à l’étrangeté du monde, à l’opacité des êtres que l’on croit aimer. La Suède, avec ses paysages glacés et ses silences lourds, devient la métaphore de nos propres incertitudes.
Bien sûr, je pourrais exprimer un léger reproche. Non pas à l’autrice, mais à l’éditeur : au moment où je croyais poursuivre ma lecture encore une heure, le mot « FIN » s’est imposé, et les pages restantes n’étaient qu’une succession interminable d’extraits publicitaires. Le charme se brise, et l’on quitte l’histoire trop brutalement, comme un rêve interrompu par un réveil mal programmé.
Mais que ce détail ne masque pas l’essentiel : En eaux troubles réussit ce que l’on demande à un roman, à tout roman — nous entraîner ailleurs, nous troubler, nous retenir prisonniers d’un univers jusqu’à ce que, malgré nous, nous finissions par lâcher prise.
Benjamin L. Urbanski – Le Parfum des Mots
13 septembre 2025
J’ai été surpris, non par la révélation finale, mais par l’intensité du trajet. CS Duffy possède ce talent rare : écrire comme on respire, donner l’impression que les événements se forment sous ses yeux au moment même où elle les couche sur le papier. Le lecteur n’est plus extérieur à l’histoire, il devient témoin, complice, parfois même victime de cette atmosphère oppressante. J’ai tourné les pages sans pouvoir m’arrêter, comme si je cherchais moins à savoir « qui » qu’à comprendre « comment » et « pourquoi ».
Il y a dans ce roman une force d’immersion qui rappelle que les intrigues policières ne sont pas seulement des devinettes mais des miroirs. Ellie, l’héroïne, n’est pas qu’une journaliste égarée dans un pays qu’elle ne connaît pas : elle est le reflet de chacun d’entre nous, confronté à l’étrangeté du monde, à l’opacité des êtres que l’on croit aimer. La Suède, avec ses paysages glacés et ses silences lourds, devient la métaphore de nos propres incertitudes.
Bien sûr, je pourrais exprimer un léger reproche. Non pas à l’autrice, mais à l’éditeur : au moment où je croyais poursuivre ma lecture encore une heure, le mot « FIN » s’est imposé, et les pages restantes n’étaient qu’une succession interminable d’extraits publicitaires. Le charme se brise, et l’on quitte l’histoire trop brutalement, comme un rêve interrompu par un réveil mal programmé.
Mais que ce détail ne masque pas l’essentiel : En eaux troubles réussit ce que l’on demande à un roman, à tout roman — nous entraîner ailleurs, nous troubler, nous retenir prisonniers d’un univers jusqu’à ce que, malgré nous, nous finissions par lâcher prise.
Benjamin L. Urbanski – Le Parfum des Mots
13 septembre 2025
May 18, 2019
Behind Blue Eyes by C.S. Duffy is the first installment of the Stockholm Murders Book series and its one helluva start! I've not read any of C.S. Duffy's previous works but now I think I must get started on that list. I found this book to be fast-paced, suspenseful and ultimately very unputdownable. I finished this in one day because I really needed to get the bottom of this gripping whodunnit.
Ellie James, an investigative reporter has given up her life in London to follow her one true love Johan to Sweden and start afresh. During a midsummer's party at one of Johan's friend's house, she stumbles across a half decomposed skeleton setting into motion a murder investigation. Ellie soon comes to doubt Johan who clearly knows more than what he's letting on.
There's so much more going on, but I can't without giving out spoilers. I found all the characters in the book to be well-defined. I found Ellie to be super witty. The plot itself is fresh, twisty and very compelling. This is a psychological thriller with healthy doses of black humor. The setting of the book in Stockholm and its neighboring picturesque islands is also something I enjoyed very much. I look forward to reading the next in the series - Broken Mirrors.
Thank you, NetGalley, BooksGoSocial & C.S. Duffy for an arc!
Ellie James, an investigative reporter has given up her life in London to follow her one true love Johan to Sweden and start afresh. During a midsummer's party at one of Johan's friend's house, she stumbles across a half decomposed skeleton setting into motion a murder investigation. Ellie soon comes to doubt Johan who clearly knows more than what he's letting on.
There's so much more going on, but I can't without giving out spoilers. I found all the characters in the book to be well-defined. I found Ellie to be super witty. The plot itself is fresh, twisty and very compelling. This is a psychological thriller with healthy doses of black humor. The setting of the book in Stockholm and its neighboring picturesque islands is also something I enjoyed very much. I look forward to reading the next in the series - Broken Mirrors.
Thank you, NetGalley, BooksGoSocial & C.S. Duffy for an arc!
May 24, 2019
Well, well, well this book makes for a rollercoaster of a ride. This book throws you around like washing in a tumble dryer. Throwing twist and turns at you until right at the very end. When the author is ready to lay out what has exactly been happening in this book and then boom everything makes sense. Wonderful.
September 22, 2020
Our story begins with Ellie, who is an investigative reporter flung into a murder investigation where she doesn’t speak their language and cooperate correctly. The only person she knows is Johan, the man she believes to be the love of her life. She begins to question Johan and her belief in him begins to wane. She starts to wonders if he is telling her the whole truth. I found myself really enjoying this book, especially the setting. This novel is full of lots of secrets and surprises. I definitely recommend it 2 lovers of thriller and mystery novels.
I would like to thank C.S. Duffy, BooksGoSocial Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I would like to thank C.S. Duffy, BooksGoSocial Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 16, 2019
Behind Blue Eyes is book one Stockholm Murders by CS Duffy. Having not sampled this authors work, I went in with a curiously open mind. I wasn't let down. This story was quality and quantity.
Mystery and suspense is what surrounds Ellie when she finds herself in the thick of a murder investigation. I am a fan of thrillers, and Ellie and Johan provided me with everything I could wish for in a mystery. These characters have an edge that is captivating and the story captures the essence of suspense perfectly. The story moves along and a reader cannot help but be swept along for the ride. A thrilling read that ended too quickly. 4 stars.
Mystery and suspense is what surrounds Ellie when she finds herself in the thick of a murder investigation. I am a fan of thrillers, and Ellie and Johan provided me with everything I could wish for in a mystery. These characters have an edge that is captivating and the story captures the essence of suspense perfectly. The story moves along and a reader cannot help but be swept along for the ride. A thrilling read that ended too quickly. 4 stars.
July 3, 2019
The blurb says it all so I won't repeat it here.
Having read all five books in her Dark of Night (aka Glasgow Kiss) series, but not being a Nordic Noir lover .... I left this one. But the author recently added a second in the series so it tweaked my interest cos I love a series! Got the second one but had to read the first one first.
Glad I did. I love the way this author writes. So easy and flowing. And her protagonists are just normal people so easily relatable. Very creatively interwoven characters, taking in you in one direction only to be switched to another later. I read psycho thrillers all the time and normally see the ending coming a mile off. As with her Dark of Night (aka Glasgow Kiss) series, this wasn't the case until late in the book. For me about 80-85% into the book. Up until then, it's anyone's guess.
No graphic blood, guts and gore details either for those who don't like that (her first series was a little more descriptive but not overly so either).
There are still some typos and printing mistakes as there were in the first series and I'm totally unsure as to why. They don't detract AT ALL from the story though (but the author definitely needs a better proof readers).
I read it quickly and looked forward to my next free time to continue. AND, always a good sign .... I'm straight on to the second one and happy to see familiar characters continue. I hope this is going as long and far as her first series did. I was really disappointed when the first series ended but this has been a welcome replacement. Brava!
Having read all five books in her Dark of Night (aka Glasgow Kiss) series, but not being a Nordic Noir lover .... I left this one. But the author recently added a second in the series so it tweaked my interest cos I love a series! Got the second one but had to read the first one first.
Glad I did. I love the way this author writes. So easy and flowing. And her protagonists are just normal people so easily relatable. Very creatively interwoven characters, taking in you in one direction only to be switched to another later. I read psycho thrillers all the time and normally see the ending coming a mile off. As with her Dark of Night (aka Glasgow Kiss) series, this wasn't the case until late in the book. For me about 80-85% into the book. Up until then, it's anyone's guess.
No graphic blood, guts and gore details either for those who don't like that (her first series was a little more descriptive but not overly so either).
There are still some typos and printing mistakes as there were in the first series and I'm totally unsure as to why. They don't detract AT ALL from the story though (but the author definitely needs a better proof readers).
I read it quickly and looked forward to my next free time to continue. AND, always a good sign .... I'm straight on to the second one and happy to see familiar characters continue. I hope this is going as long and far as her first series did. I was really disappointed when the first series ended but this has been a welcome replacement. Brava!
June 12, 2019
4.5 stars
I love this book so much for many reasons. I've never been in Sweden and was such an interesting experience to read this book where our heroine, a Brit was trying to adapt to her new life and boyfriend in Sweden, but found it a bit difficult as they are different from what she was used to in England.
Being a journalist, her brain can't stop thinking about founding the real stories behind some cold cases of mysterious disappearance of a few local people.
I was so invested in the story that I haven't even realised that I've read it in one sitting and would definitely recommend this story to my book friends.
I love this book so much for many reasons. I've never been in Sweden and was such an interesting experience to read this book where our heroine, a Brit was trying to adapt to her new life and boyfriend in Sweden, but found it a bit difficult as they are different from what she was used to in England.
Being a journalist, her brain can't stop thinking about founding the real stories behind some cold cases of mysterious disappearance of a few local people.
I was so invested in the story that I haven't even realised that I've read it in one sitting and would definitely recommend this story to my book friends.
July 2, 2019
3.5⭐️
I was gifted this book In exchange for an honest review!
Overall I enjoyed it, it had a good story and good development. I grew to have strong feelings towards all the characters (for better or worse).
It was a little slow to build up in the beginning and the very ending was a little too quick for my liking! I’m not entirely satisfied with how it was all fired up! However I didn’t predict the killer, which is always good!
There were some minor spelling omissions which I picked up on but overall the book was good. I read it fairly quickly and I enjoyed it!
I was gifted this book In exchange for an honest review!
Overall I enjoyed it, it had a good story and good development. I grew to have strong feelings towards all the characters (for better or worse).
It was a little slow to build up in the beginning and the very ending was a little too quick for my liking! I’m not entirely satisfied with how it was all fired up! However I didn’t predict the killer, which is always good!
There were some minor spelling omissions which I picked up on but overall the book was good. I read it fairly quickly and I enjoyed it!
May 27, 2019
Behind Blue Eyes is a psychological thriller full of suspense and twists.
The book takes place in Sweden and features Ellie, a smart investigative reporter, who has given up everything for the love of her life, Johan. She moved from London to Sweden she had never been before and where she knows no one and doesn't speak the language. There, she tries to be part of the group of Johan’s childhood friends, not without difficulties. Each of them drags his own secrets which they did not want Ellie to know. Rumours suggest that Johan is the murderer of his former girlfriend.
A little bit lost in this new environment, Ellie is sometimes wondering whether she may have made a huge mistake leaving London! Smart and skilful, she will do everything to clear her friend.
Behind Blue Eyes is a well written crime novel and easy to read. The characters are well designed and seem realistic. It is a gripping thriller full of twists that holds you in a state or feeling of anxious uncertainty about what may happen. The author also made a great job describing Sweden lifestyle and some places; personally I recognise that I learned a little bit about these topics reading this book.
I highly recommend this book to those who like Scandinavian thrillers.
Read: May 2019
Source: NetGalley and the Publisher: BooksGoSocial
I received an eARC via Netgalley with no requirements for a review.
The book takes place in Sweden and features Ellie, a smart investigative reporter, who has given up everything for the love of her life, Johan. She moved from London to Sweden she had never been before and where she knows no one and doesn't speak the language. There, she tries to be part of the group of Johan’s childhood friends, not without difficulties. Each of them drags his own secrets which they did not want Ellie to know. Rumours suggest that Johan is the murderer of his former girlfriend.
A little bit lost in this new environment, Ellie is sometimes wondering whether she may have made a huge mistake leaving London! Smart and skilful, she will do everything to clear her friend.
Behind Blue Eyes is a well written crime novel and easy to read. The characters are well designed and seem realistic. It is a gripping thriller full of twists that holds you in a state or feeling of anxious uncertainty about what may happen. The author also made a great job describing Sweden lifestyle and some places; personally I recognise that I learned a little bit about these topics reading this book.
I highly recommend this book to those who like Scandinavian thrillers.
Read: May 2019
Source: NetGalley and the Publisher: BooksGoSocial
I received an eARC via Netgalley with no requirements for a review.
July 16, 2019
I was walking around in Stockholm when I accidentally stumbled upon this book's presentation in the local English bookstore. It was so intriguing to hear from a British lady in Stockholm presenting her book about a British lady in Stockholm, together with the description of how being a stranger in a new culture can give rise to a psychological thriller. I simply had to buy this book, and I was not disappointed.
Not to give too much away -- it is a romantic crime story in the Nordic Noir setting. Yet, it somehow avoids the feeling of misery you have after reading Mankell or Larsson or Yrsa or Nesbø. It does not overwhelm you with pointless details as Galibraith. It is an enjoyable read from start to end. Maybe I would have wanted to give this book 4,5 stars, but then I learnt that it was self-published by the author, so I give the extra 0,5 stars for courage :)
Not to give too much away -- it is a romantic crime story in the Nordic Noir setting. Yet, it somehow avoids the feeling of misery you have after reading Mankell or Larsson or Yrsa or Nesbø. It does not overwhelm you with pointless details as Galibraith. It is an enjoyable read from start to end. Maybe I would have wanted to give this book 4,5 stars, but then I learnt that it was self-published by the author, so I give the extra 0,5 stars for courage :)
June 16, 2019
Behind Blue Eyes (Stockholm Murders Book 1) by CS Duffy
5 ++++++++ Stars
WOW!! And Holy Crap….
I just finished this and my heart is still racing...What a book!!
I don’t even know where to start with this review, I do know that this book sits among my favorites so far in 2019, and in this genre definitely in my tops of all time.
There were times while reading I had to slow down and work through some things, this author plotted this story so perfectly and even when I’d get confused for some reason I knew it was for a reason and that it was building something I wasn’t aware of yet. I have whiplash of the brain, I had it all figured out so many times and then just like that I knew nothing.
I knew when I started this book that Ellie was going to be one of those characters you will never forget. I tried to imagine how she felt moving to a place where you know nobody and can't even understand half of what is being said around you, and she did it all for love. I'll admit Johan was awesome at times, but he more than ticked me off through most of this book and when you read it you will probably know the exact times Im talking about.
I worked hard right alongside Ellie in this book but the last quarter of this story I felt like a bulldozer running through these words. Good Lord this author even had me questioning the one person that couldn't have had anything to do with it. I was a hot mess, and still kind of am.
That ending ...cliffhanger but then not a cliffhanger...All I know is I must have the next book as soon as possible...I have a feeling Ellie is going to need me even more in the next book LOL
And I have to know what the future holds for these people..ALL of them!
AMAZINGLY AWESOME!!
5 ++++++++ Stars
WOW!! And Holy Crap….
I just finished this and my heart is still racing...What a book!!
I don’t even know where to start with this review, I do know that this book sits among my favorites so far in 2019, and in this genre definitely in my tops of all time.
There were times while reading I had to slow down and work through some things, this author plotted this story so perfectly and even when I’d get confused for some reason I knew it was for a reason and that it was building something I wasn’t aware of yet. I have whiplash of the brain, I had it all figured out so many times and then just like that I knew nothing.
I knew when I started this book that Ellie was going to be one of those characters you will never forget. I tried to imagine how she felt moving to a place where you know nobody and can't even understand half of what is being said around you, and she did it all for love. I'll admit Johan was awesome at times, but he more than ticked me off through most of this book and when you read it you will probably know the exact times Im talking about.
I worked hard right alongside Ellie in this book but the last quarter of this story I felt like a bulldozer running through these words. Good Lord this author even had me questioning the one person that couldn't have had anything to do with it. I was a hot mess, and still kind of am.
That ending ...cliffhanger but then not a cliffhanger...All I know is I must have the next book as soon as possible...I have a feeling Ellie is going to need me even more in the next book LOL
And I have to know what the future holds for these people..ALL of them!
AMAZINGLY AWESOME!!
May 11, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the eARC.
Having read a couple of Ms. Duffy's Glasgow-set series and not liking them much (unlike most other enthusiastic readers), as a Scandi Noir fan I was curious to read her new one set in Sweden.
Ellie, an investigative journalist in London, moves to Sweden to be with her new love, Johan. Despite his flaws (which includes lying), she decides to give him a chance. She's a smart, rational woman, but it's tough to admit you might have made a huge mistake - isn't it much easier to just ignore any suspicious signs things may not be perfect?
Being in a strange country, not speaking the language and suddenly involved in a murder investigation when you've just stumbled on a skeleton...how much more can a woman take?
The setting is lovely and the mystery a good one; this is a book I'm happy to recommend.
Having read a couple of Ms. Duffy's Glasgow-set series and not liking them much (unlike most other enthusiastic readers), as a Scandi Noir fan I was curious to read her new one set in Sweden.
Ellie, an investigative journalist in London, moves to Sweden to be with her new love, Johan. Despite his flaws (which includes lying), she decides to give him a chance. She's a smart, rational woman, but it's tough to admit you might have made a huge mistake - isn't it much easier to just ignore any suspicious signs things may not be perfect?
Being in a strange country, not speaking the language and suddenly involved in a murder investigation when you've just stumbled on a skeleton...how much more can a woman take?
The setting is lovely and the mystery a good one; this is a book I'm happy to recommend.
June 3, 2019
I received this review copy by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley.
Review
Behind blue eyes by C.S Duffy is the first book in the Stockholm murders series. It is a psychotic thriller with abundance of suspenses, surprises, twists and thrill which increases the anticipation of the readers to the peak with every passing page. There are books which will take an avatar of a page turner towards the end but this book fires up right from the very beginning. It is undoubtedly captivating and compelling for the readers. The plot has been pragmatically fabricated and it urges the readers to keep guessing till the very end. The character of Ellie was strong and daring as any investigative journalist would be and Johan’s was selectively naive and suspicious. Even the characterization of the supporting characters too have been developed diligently with extra care and sensibility. The ethos of Swedes and life at Sweden has been brought into the mind’s eyes of the readers scintillatingly. The way in which the author has describe the surroundings of Stockholm was extraordinary and remarkable because making the readers enter a place they have never been to is the greatness of an author and C.S Duffy has mastered it like a pro. The only disappointment was the mild cumber in the writing style and typos, but ultimately the hypnotic plot makes up for the minute flaws. This author has a phenomenal skills in writing these kind of psychotic thrillers and obviously reading her is worth it.
My views
Even though reading e-books was not my cup of coffee, I finished it in no time. It was definitely a fast read. I liked the book a lot since I have a special place in my heart for psychotic thrillers. I was suspecting one person to another frantically throughout the book but failed to find the killer, which means the author has won and it’s a great success for a thriller writer and the readers. I’m eagerly looking forward to read the sequel of this book “Broken Mirrors” and sincerely hope it will be as good as this one. There is lot I wanted to say but I'm afraid of giving away spoiler, so I'll better stop here.
And of course I would like to recommend this book to all the thriller readers, you will definitely love it. If you haven’t read any books in this genre then I highly suggest you to start with this.
Review
Behind blue eyes by C.S Duffy is the first book in the Stockholm murders series. It is a psychotic thriller with abundance of suspenses, surprises, twists and thrill which increases the anticipation of the readers to the peak with every passing page. There are books which will take an avatar of a page turner towards the end but this book fires up right from the very beginning. It is undoubtedly captivating and compelling for the readers. The plot has been pragmatically fabricated and it urges the readers to keep guessing till the very end. The character of Ellie was strong and daring as any investigative journalist would be and Johan’s was selectively naive and suspicious. Even the characterization of the supporting characters too have been developed diligently with extra care and sensibility. The ethos of Swedes and life at Sweden has been brought into the mind’s eyes of the readers scintillatingly. The way in which the author has describe the surroundings of Stockholm was extraordinary and remarkable because making the readers enter a place they have never been to is the greatness of an author and C.S Duffy has mastered it like a pro. The only disappointment was the mild cumber in the writing style and typos, but ultimately the hypnotic plot makes up for the minute flaws. This author has a phenomenal skills in writing these kind of psychotic thrillers and obviously reading her is worth it.
My views
Even though reading e-books was not my cup of coffee, I finished it in no time. It was definitely a fast read. I liked the book a lot since I have a special place in my heart for psychotic thrillers. I was suspecting one person to another frantically throughout the book but failed to find the killer, which means the author has won and it’s a great success for a thriller writer and the readers. I’m eagerly looking forward to read the sequel of this book “Broken Mirrors” and sincerely hope it will be as good as this one. There is lot I wanted to say but I'm afraid of giving away spoiler, so I'll better stop here.
And of course I would like to recommend this book to all the thriller readers, you will definitely love it. If you haven’t read any books in this genre then I highly suggest you to start with this.
April 26, 2019
Yet another great read from this author. Well written and kept me engaged right from the start. Very cleverly written to ensure that you are not sure who is responsible until the end; I wonder if this is going to be another series? I sincerely hope so.
May 26, 2019
I absolutely enjoyed this book and I was immediately hooked from the first page. The story flowed well and kept me guessing until the very end. The characters were likeable and relatable. I recommend to anyone looking for a fun read full of suspense.
Thank you to Claire Duffy, BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
Thank you to Claire Duffy, BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
July 10, 2019
Literally could not put this book down. I had bought it to read by the pool on holiday, thought I would take a sneak peak, and ended it up finishing it before I even got on the plane. Funny and gripping, it’s like your best mate recounting a story when you’re on a night out, that is so thrilling that you can’t bring yourself to go home as you want to hear more. CS Duffy transports you to life on Södermalm and the Swedish archipelago, with a healthy dose of realism about what it’s like to move to Sweden as a foreigner. Netflix or HBO has to snap this up. In my mind, Alexander Skärsgård was playing Johan the whole time, just in case you’re after casting suggestions!
July 18, 2019
Ellie's a reporter, and she gives up her life in London to move to Sweden with Johan. Shortly after arriving, she discovers a partially decomposed body on the shore. Turns out it's Johan's former girlfriend, who went missing last year. Even though there is no evidence to tie him to Sanna's death, a lot of people still believe that he murdered her. The Johan they all describe is not the Johan that Ellie knows. But every once in a while, a little bit of doubt creeps in. She can't work yet, so she starts to investigate Sanna's death, and believes it may be the work of a serial killer. Holy crapoly - I never saw what was coming and who was behind the murders! I loved this book, and can't wait for the next one. There were some words/phrases that I didn't always grasp but was able to figure out in context. The characters were interesting, and well developed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2019
This story is a thrilling mystery that grabbed my attention from the get-go. It’s a definite page-turner and a must read if you enjoy a good mystery. It’s fast-paced and enthralling, so grab a copy, make a cuppa and get ready for one brilliant read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this mystery. I found it suspenseful and one of those books that was hard to put down. CS Duffy did an outstanding job on the story and characters. Can’t wait to read more from this author. I highly recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2019
This is a wonderfully put together murder mystery. The author does a good job of laying the false and true tale at the same time. They characters were interesting, likable and unlikable at the same time. The story flowed fairly well. It kept me wanting to know more so i read this fairly quickly.
This had to be tough on Ellie. Moving to a new place, learning their customs and not really having the support of her main squeeze. I agreed with many of her actions but I would not put up with the rudeness that followed. It would have been “London here I come!” The other characters were the likable and unlikable kind. Maybe aloof would be a better term. Cool to Ellie but super friendly to Johan. While I didn’t love them they added to the story moving along at a good pace.
The ending was stuff nightmares are made of. I was cringing and, OK I’m am just going to say it....shocked. I am definitely “in” for the next book because who knows what will happen now.
My only complaint would be at the beginning chapters is to say who is giving their POV of the story. The first few chapters were a struggle for me because I wasn’t sure who was talking and what tense (present, past) we were in. I guess as the book moved on it became mostly clear who was telling the story.
This had to be tough on Ellie. Moving to a new place, learning their customs and not really having the support of her main squeeze. I agreed with many of her actions but I would not put up with the rudeness that followed. It would have been “London here I come!” The other characters were the likable and unlikable kind. Maybe aloof would be a better term. Cool to Ellie but super friendly to Johan. While I didn’t love them they added to the story moving along at a good pace.
The ending was stuff nightmares are made of. I was cringing and, OK I’m am just going to say it....shocked. I am definitely “in” for the next book because who knows what will happen now.
My only complaint would be at the beginning chapters is to say who is giving their POV of the story. The first few chapters were a struggle for me because I wasn’t sure who was talking and what tense (present, past) we were in. I guess as the book moved on it became mostly clear who was telling the story.
July 5, 2019
There is nothing like reading a book and while you are reading all of the hair on your neck is standing on end the entire time. C.S. Duffy’s Behind Blue Eyes is just that, a supreme psychological thriller. The story had me turning the pages so fast because I could not wait to see what was coming next. I went on so many twists and turns that I needed to anchor myself because I did not want to miss what was coming up on the next twist. The story is about Ellie who left London to follow the man of her dreams. She gets involved in a murder investigation by accident and cannot speak the language in Sweden. She uses caution as she is not sure who to trust. What appears one way may only be on the surface and not apart of the meat of the situation . Will Ellie figure out what is going on? Will the man of her dreams has a different side to him? Hang on to your seats as you read Behind Blue Eyes.
July 12, 2019
3.8/5
As far as murder mysteries go, Behind Blue Eyes is a reasonably unique entry to the genre.
Read my full review here.
As far as murder mysteries go, Behind Blue Eyes is a reasonably unique entry to the genre.
Read my full review here.
July 1, 2019
This is the first book I've read by C.S. Duffy and what a read it was!
"Behind Blue Eyes" is the first in the 'Stockholm Murders' series, and it had a soupçon of Scandi noir to it. Utterly compelling, intriguing and mysterious, I was hooked from the very beginning.
The story centres on Ellie James, an investigative reporter from London, who moves to Sweden after an intense, whirlwind romance with her true love, Johan. The author, C. S. Duffy's descriptions of Stockholm were beautifully written and the setting was refreshing and vibrant, though there was a dark netherworld alluded to as well, adding to the tone of the tale.
The story is told from Ellie's viewpoint with smaller chapters from the killer. "Behind Blue Eyes" was immensely thrilling, thought-provoking and tense. Dashes of humour broke down the tension only for it to soar again a few minutes later. I loved the many cover-ups that effected all of the twists and turns.
This was an extremely worthwhile read, very suspenseful and filled with secrets, lies and so many surprises that kept me glued and held me there until the final revelation.
I'm looking forward to the next book now, and I will be following this 'new to me' author.
"Behind Blue Eyes" is the first in the 'Stockholm Murders' series, and it had a soupçon of Scandi noir to it. Utterly compelling, intriguing and mysterious, I was hooked from the very beginning.
The story centres on Ellie James, an investigative reporter from London, who moves to Sweden after an intense, whirlwind romance with her true love, Johan. The author, C. S. Duffy's descriptions of Stockholm were beautifully written and the setting was refreshing and vibrant, though there was a dark netherworld alluded to as well, adding to the tone of the tale.
The story is told from Ellie's viewpoint with smaller chapters from the killer. "Behind Blue Eyes" was immensely thrilling, thought-provoking and tense. Dashes of humour broke down the tension only for it to soar again a few minutes later. I loved the many cover-ups that effected all of the twists and turns.
This was an extremely worthwhile read, very suspenseful and filled with secrets, lies and so many surprises that kept me glued and held me there until the final revelation.
I'm looking forward to the next book now, and I will be following this 'new to me' author.
July 3, 2019
Behind Blue Eyes was a good 4 star read and book one in the Stockholm Murders series. Once I started I was pulled right in.
Ellie has an interesting job, she is an investigative reporter. She decides to move to Sweden with her boyfriend, leaving everything behind.
While at a barbeque she decides to go for a walk on the beach. This is where things take a twist and she comes across a body. Ellie’s boyfriend acted a little mysterious about the body, was he involved? If not, does he know who was? Will Ellie be able to solve the mystery?
There is so much more to this great read, but I don’t want to give anything away.
I love a book that keeps you guessing until the very end, this one didn’t disappoint. All of the secondary characters added a great element to the story. We also get to see what the killer is thinking at times. We get lots of suspense, mystery and so much more. Ellie was a strong character, I really enjoyed her. This was a great start to the series and I can’t wait to read more.
Ellie has an interesting job, she is an investigative reporter. She decides to move to Sweden with her boyfriend, leaving everything behind.
While at a barbeque she decides to go for a walk on the beach. This is where things take a twist and she comes across a body. Ellie’s boyfriend acted a little mysterious about the body, was he involved? If not, does he know who was? Will Ellie be able to solve the mystery?
There is so much more to this great read, but I don’t want to give anything away.
I love a book that keeps you guessing until the very end, this one didn’t disappoint. All of the secondary characters added a great element to the story. We also get to see what the killer is thinking at times. We get lots of suspense, mystery and so much more. Ellie was a strong character, I really enjoyed her. This was a great start to the series and I can’t wait to read more.
July 4, 2019
Behind Blue Eyes by CS Duffy is the first book in the Stockholm Murders series. I love a good mystery every now and again to change things up and I'm glad this was the one I picked. There were twists and turns and it kept me guessing until the very end.
Ellie's new life in Sweden ends up being so much more than she could have ever anticipated. She expected to get settled with her boyfriend Johan, meet people, find friends and get a job. That wasn't exactly what happened. She discovers a bunch of random deaths and needs to know more.
I really had a hard time putting this book down, especially the last third of the book when the mystery really started to heat up and caused me to second guess myself several times.
I will be keeping up with this series, I'm already trying to figure out when I will be reading the second book. Ms. Duffy is a new to me author, but now that I have found her I plan on reading more.
Ellie's new life in Sweden ends up being so much more than she could have ever anticipated. She expected to get settled with her boyfriend Johan, meet people, find friends and get a job. That wasn't exactly what happened. She discovers a bunch of random deaths and needs to know more.
I really had a hard time putting this book down, especially the last third of the book when the mystery really started to heat up and caused me to second guess myself several times.
I will be keeping up with this series, I'm already trying to figure out when I will be reading the second book. Ms. Duffy is a new to me author, but now that I have found her I plan on reading more.
July 5, 2019
The perfect man.
The perfect life.
The only problem is the dead body on the beach.
Investigative reporter Ellie has just given up her life in London to be with the man of her dreams in Sweden when she stumbles across a half decomposed skeleton on Midsummer’s eve.
She’s flung into a murder investigation in a country where she doesn’t speak the language and doesn’t know a soul.
Except Johan.
The love of her life.
Who she is beginning to suspect knows a lot more about the body than he is admitting.
Is he the perfect man, or has Ellie uncovered the perfect crime?
The book follows investigative reporter Ellie on her move to Stockholm after meeting her ideal man.
I absolutely loved this book.
Fast paced and thrilling.
Full of suspense and twist to keep you guessing til the end.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The perfect life.
The only problem is the dead body on the beach.
Investigative reporter Ellie has just given up her life in London to be with the man of her dreams in Sweden when she stumbles across a half decomposed skeleton on Midsummer’s eve.
She’s flung into a murder investigation in a country where she doesn’t speak the language and doesn’t know a soul.
Except Johan.
The love of her life.
Who she is beginning to suspect knows a lot more about the body than he is admitting.
Is he the perfect man, or has Ellie uncovered the perfect crime?
The book follows investigative reporter Ellie on her move to Stockholm after meeting her ideal man.
I absolutely loved this book.
Fast paced and thrilling.
Full of suspense and twist to keep you guessing til the end.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2019
This is the 1st book I've read written by CS Duffy; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
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