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The Insomniac
Daisy can’t sleep. But the cure is her worst nightmare.
Daisy hasn’t had a good night’s sleep in years. Her chronic insomnia has gotten so bad, it’s affecting her job as a journalist. So she’s delighted when she’s asked to review a new, luxurious sleep clinic - this could be the answer to her prayers.
At first, everything about the clinic seems perfect – the stunning seaside location, the beautiful rooms, the exquisite cuisine.
Clinic owner and chief therapist, Amity, is sure she can cure Daisy’s insomnia by uncovering its root cause. But to do that, she’ll use hypnosis to probe deep into Daisy’s past. And that’s not good – because Daisy has a terrible secret.
As Amity digs into her mind, Daisy feels more and more vulnerable. She begins to think there is something off about the clinic. Is her insomnia making her paranoid or does Amity have her own sinister agenda?
Fearing the past has finally caught up with her, Daisy wonders if she should just leave. But that’s not so easy – because this clinic, which was supposed to offer rest and safety, is the most terrifying place she’s ever been…
Daisy hasn’t had a good night’s sleep in years. Her chronic insomnia has gotten so bad, it’s affecting her job as a journalist. So she’s delighted when she’s asked to review a new, luxurious sleep clinic - this could be the answer to her prayers.
At first, everything about the clinic seems perfect – the stunning seaside location, the beautiful rooms, the exquisite cuisine.
Clinic owner and chief therapist, Amity, is sure she can cure Daisy’s insomnia by uncovering its root cause. But to do that, she’ll use hypnosis to probe deep into Daisy’s past. And that’s not good – because Daisy has a terrible secret.
As Amity digs into her mind, Daisy feels more and more vulnerable. She begins to think there is something off about the clinic. Is her insomnia making her paranoid or does Amity have her own sinister agenda?
Fearing the past has finally caught up with her, Daisy wonders if she should just leave. But that’s not so easy – because this clinic, which was supposed to offer rest and safety, is the most terrifying place she’s ever been…
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2022
1396 people are currently reading
707 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Rijks
43 books874 followersMiranda Rijks is the author of 26 psychological thrillers, many of which have been Amazon bestsellers. She lives in Sussex, England with her Dutch husband and black Labrador.
Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.
Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!
Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.
Her fast-paced, twisty thrillers are inspired by scary things that have happened to her or places she has visited.
Miranda turned to writing after recovering from Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She's so grateful that she's now a full-time author and living the dream!
Visit www.mirandarijks.com to get her FREE novella, The Cheat, and the chance to name characters in her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
April 24, 2024
Daisy McKenzie is a journalist who works for a London magazine. She isn’t doing very well because of her chronic insomnia. Her boss gives her an assignment to go to The Serenity Spa (which is also a sleep clinic). The spa offered an invitation for a week’s stay, expenses paid, in return for a review of the spa. Daisy arrives at the spa and meets the owner, Amity Augustiago, who comes up with a program she is sure will cure Daisy of her insomnia. Daisy is worried about using hypnosis because of a secret in her past. But Amity insists it will help. Or does Amity have a sinister agenda of her own?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I found it hard to put down. I liked the setting of the spa and the secrets that were revealed as the book progressed. The characters were interesting and I was curious to see how everything was going to turn out. An intriguing read by Miranda Rijks.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I found it hard to put down. I liked the setting of the spa and the secrets that were revealed as the book progressed. The characters were interesting and I was curious to see how everything was going to turn out. An intriguing read by Miranda Rijks.
July 15, 2022
Daisy suffers from Insomnia and have struggled with it for the past 12 years. She is invited to a Spa that is a sleep clinic and the wonderful Amity vows she will cure her of her Insomnia. There is so much more to it with terrible secrets and horrible discoveries.
I really liked this book, it has really good thriller vibes, but could have had more creepy moments. I would have loved to see more of Daisy's sleepless nights and the horrors she endures but that was a bit short. Amity comes across as devoted and we get a really shock to uncover what her true agenda is.
Well developed and really fast paced I found this a really enjoyable read.
Thank you Netgalley and Inkubator Books for this ARC copy.
I really liked this book, it has really good thriller vibes, but could have had more creepy moments. I would have loved to see more of Daisy's sleepless nights and the horrors she endures but that was a bit short. Amity comes across as devoted and we get a really shock to uncover what her true agenda is.
Well developed and really fast paced I found this a really enjoyable read.
Thank you Netgalley and Inkubator Books for this ARC copy.
August 2, 2022
After I read “The Second Wife”, I craved more books by Miranda Rijks. She has many that look and sound intriguing. I was excited when I was given the opportunity to join the book tour for “The Insomniac”.
Thank you #ZooLoosBookToursfor the #booktour invite and thanks to #mirandarijks and #Inkubatorbooks for the #giftedbook.
I’ve suffered from annoying bouts of mild insomnia but can’t imagine living with the extreme insomnia that Daisy deals with. It’s so extreme that it’s affecting her job and personal life. Not only is she tired all the time but she’s also extraordinarily paranoid. It’s caused her to become a helicopter mom and irrational.
Through her job as a journalist, she gets the opportunity to review a new and luxurious spa and sleep clinic. She’s not as excited as expected and wants to pass up the incredible offer but feels like that will lead to termination. She reluctantly agrees to the short stay and struggles to be optimistic.
The clinic and surrounding area are beautiful! I’d eagerly jump at the chance if I were her. Her stay starts nicely but then she gets the feeling there is something amiss. Strange therapy and hypnosis sessions, along with her continued lack of sleep, make her paranoia kick into overdrive. She has a secret she can’t share and it’s beginning to surface. As her lavish visit starts to feel like a jail sentence, she decides to leave early.
We discover that the owner—Amity—has a hidden agenda. And part of that is exposing Daisy’s secret.
An eerie atmosphere and fascinating characters make this psychological thriller hard to put down! The author is two for two with me. I see another of her books in my near future!
Thank you to Inkubator Books and Zooloos Book Tours for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
#booktour #booktourhost #ARC #bookreviewer #bookstagrammer
Thank you #ZooLoosBookToursfor the #booktour invite and thanks to #mirandarijks and #Inkubatorbooks for the #giftedbook.
I’ve suffered from annoying bouts of mild insomnia but can’t imagine living with the extreme insomnia that Daisy deals with. It’s so extreme that it’s affecting her job and personal life. Not only is she tired all the time but she’s also extraordinarily paranoid. It’s caused her to become a helicopter mom and irrational.
Through her job as a journalist, she gets the opportunity to review a new and luxurious spa and sleep clinic. She’s not as excited as expected and wants to pass up the incredible offer but feels like that will lead to termination. She reluctantly agrees to the short stay and struggles to be optimistic.
The clinic and surrounding area are beautiful! I’d eagerly jump at the chance if I were her. Her stay starts nicely but then she gets the feeling there is something amiss. Strange therapy and hypnosis sessions, along with her continued lack of sleep, make her paranoia kick into overdrive. She has a secret she can’t share and it’s beginning to surface. As her lavish visit starts to feel like a jail sentence, she decides to leave early.
We discover that the owner—Amity—has a hidden agenda. And part of that is exposing Daisy’s secret.
An eerie atmosphere and fascinating characters make this psychological thriller hard to put down! The author is two for two with me. I see another of her books in my near future!
Thank you to Inkubator Books and Zooloos Book Tours for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
#booktour #booktourhost #ARC #bookreviewer #bookstagrammer
August 12, 2022
Rounded up to 4.5 ⭐️
I read this book in 24 hours. The authors writing style was easy to read. The story was engaging. The characters were well established. Daisy a journalist with insomnia, is invited to a new wellness centre to have treatment for her struggles to sleep. What ensues is the story behind Daisy’s anxieties and how they have resulted in her coming ti the spa. I save 5 stars for my favourite novels and this was so nearly there. I enjoyed the suspense the author built and couldn’t wait to see how the story ended. Will definitely read more books from this author and highly recommend this book. A thrilling day in the sun was spent reading this.
I read this book in 24 hours. The authors writing style was easy to read. The story was engaging. The characters were well established. Daisy a journalist with insomnia, is invited to a new wellness centre to have treatment for her struggles to sleep. What ensues is the story behind Daisy’s anxieties and how they have resulted in her coming ti the spa. I save 5 stars for my favourite novels and this was so nearly there. I enjoyed the suspense the author built and couldn’t wait to see how the story ended. Will definitely read more books from this author and highly recommend this book. A thrilling day in the sun was spent reading this.
July 25, 2023
I LOVED Miranda Rijks' "THE INSOMNIAC!"
There is nothing better than a journalist with a secret past, a spa owner with a plan for revenge, a locked-room luxury spa chilling setting, a funny, creepy stalker, a few more random characters for your surprise, and jaw-dropping plot twists. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Set in London, we meet Daisy McKenzie (a favorite). Daisy is an intelligent journalist with insomnia. Something in her mysterious past haunts her, keeping her awake. This is revealed later in the book, so get ready because it is GOOD.
She is happily married to Haydn with two children. She also has a Facebook Group and blog, "Can't Sleep and Going Crazy' with 243K members. Both she and her husband are very supportive of one another and their careers.
Daisy is not completely satisfied with her current job at a glossy magazine 'Live Life London.' It does not challenge her. She enjoyed her previous career more (higher end) but had to quit. Again we find out more about this later due to a case she was working on as an investigative reporter.
She is constantly tired due to a lack of sleep which has been going on for years. When her editor says he has a new project for her, she thinks it might be just the trick.
The Serenity Spa wants a journalist to try out their new luxury spa and sleep clinic. All expenses are paid in exchange for a review and a week's stay. She is the perfect candidate. It is fully booked for months and run by Amity Augustiago. Daisy's husband thinks it is a great idea and has his mother over to help take care of the kids and house while she is away.
However, when Daisy arrives for this new adventure, little does Daisy know (not forewarned in advance) that she has to turn over her cell phone, car keys, computers, tablets, and any electronics for a week. She is trapped. They say it is part of the process to rid yourself of outside distracting influences.
On top of this, little does she know Amity will be her worst NIGHTMARE. Amity has a hidden agenda to make her life a living nightmare, and she has all the tools at her disposal with the spa. She is out for revenge, but Daisy does not know this woman. How does their past connect?
Hold on, fans, a multi-layered web of deceit that will keep you gripped to the pages!
The horror begins from voices piped in the speakers in her private room, loud noises at all-night hours, locked in the sauna, locked in the floatation tank, violating her privacy, manipulating hypnosis, making her do crazy things, and the list goes on and on. Wow, all these will have your heart pounding. Amity befriends her and convinces her she is helping her with this insomnia by getting to the root of her problem.
However, Daisy has no clue who controls all this manipulation or why. All she wants to do is leave, but her keys are locked up, and no way to get out. Amity wants her to write down her past in a journal, but Amity breaks into her room and reads everything even though she said no one would read it.
She starts getting suspicious and tries to find a way to escape. On top of this, a stalker funny fan girl, Rosemary, on her blog, shows up at the spa, following her around, giving her the creeps, and she thinks she sees the guy from her past that has haunted her out on the beach!
Talk about LOCKED ROOM SUSPENSE! OMG.
As the week winds down, more events from the past and present connect. Amity also has secrets from her past, and she may turn into a victim instead of a predator with the huge brilliant, clever jaw-dropping twist at the explosive ending, which will have your head spinning to the satisfying conclusion. (loved).
This book checked all the boxes for me. The author's writing style is clever, sophisticated, fast-paced, crisp, and relatable characters. The suspense is riveting, the claustrophobia is intense, and the setting and descriptions are vivid. She balances with ease wit and darkness.
It has it all for a locked-room gripping psychological thriller.
Miranda's BEST YET! The author is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. What talent and imagination. Her books are unique, with exciting storylines and topics, unlike any other authors. I devoured EVERYTHING about this book from the first page to the last.
The excellent character development, plot, twists, suspense, and jaw-drops (more than one). Miranda has more twists than you can imagine, and her signature surprise jaw-dropping twist at the end blew me away. I did not see it coming! This is always a special surprise you look forward to in her books.
THE INSOMNIAC is one of the best psychological thrillers I have read and the first set in a spa with a specific target agenda and not a group event. GET THIS ON YOUR LIST!! Top books of 2022. Another locked-room favorite is the upcoming Lisa Unger's Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six (Nov 2022) with a hidden agenda. Both these books are tops.
I am trying to read Miranda's backlist Miranda Rijks between reading all my ARCs and upcoming new books. You will see her books on my forthcoming favorite lists.
Thus far, I have recently read the following and am busy working on my reviews. She has many more.
The Insomniac
The New Neighbour
The Visitors
What She Knew
I LOVE discovering new thriller UK authors (from the other side of the pond) and an author for life when I like their style. Don't you love newfound authors? I owe this to NetGalley and Dreamscape audio, who had some of her recent books that are now out on audio for my introduction. I enjoy her audiobooks and enjoy the inspiration behind the books. If you have not read this author's work thriller fans, get her titles on your TBR list. Thank me later.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #InkubatorBooks for a digital ARC to read, enjoy, and review.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars ++ ✨✨✨✨✨
Pub Date: 24 July 2022
July 2022 Must-Read Books
Top Books of 2022
On a side note: I am an INSOMNIAC and feel Daisy's pain. Not for the same reason, though. One of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much. Sleep is such a luxury I wish I could experience.
There is nothing better than a journalist with a secret past, a spa owner with a plan for revenge, a locked-room luxury spa chilling setting, a funny, creepy stalker, a few more random characters for your surprise, and jaw-dropping plot twists. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Set in London, we meet Daisy McKenzie (a favorite). Daisy is an intelligent journalist with insomnia. Something in her mysterious past haunts her, keeping her awake. This is revealed later in the book, so get ready because it is GOOD.
She is happily married to Haydn with two children. She also has a Facebook Group and blog, "Can't Sleep and Going Crazy' with 243K members. Both she and her husband are very supportive of one another and their careers.
Daisy is not completely satisfied with her current job at a glossy magazine 'Live Life London.' It does not challenge her. She enjoyed her previous career more (higher end) but had to quit. Again we find out more about this later due to a case she was working on as an investigative reporter.
She is constantly tired due to a lack of sleep which has been going on for years. When her editor says he has a new project for her, she thinks it might be just the trick.
The Serenity Spa wants a journalist to try out their new luxury spa and sleep clinic. All expenses are paid in exchange for a review and a week's stay. She is the perfect candidate. It is fully booked for months and run by Amity Augustiago. Daisy's husband thinks it is a great idea and has his mother over to help take care of the kids and house while she is away.
However, when Daisy arrives for this new adventure, little does Daisy know (not forewarned in advance) that she has to turn over her cell phone, car keys, computers, tablets, and any electronics for a week. She is trapped. They say it is part of the process to rid yourself of outside distracting influences.
On top of this, little does she know Amity will be her worst NIGHTMARE. Amity has a hidden agenda to make her life a living nightmare, and she has all the tools at her disposal with the spa. She is out for revenge, but Daisy does not know this woman. How does their past connect?
Hold on, fans, a multi-layered web of deceit that will keep you gripped to the pages!
The horror begins from voices piped in the speakers in her private room, loud noises at all-night hours, locked in the sauna, locked in the floatation tank, violating her privacy, manipulating hypnosis, making her do crazy things, and the list goes on and on. Wow, all these will have your heart pounding. Amity befriends her and convinces her she is helping her with this insomnia by getting to the root of her problem.
However, Daisy has no clue who controls all this manipulation or why. All she wants to do is leave, but her keys are locked up, and no way to get out. Amity wants her to write down her past in a journal, but Amity breaks into her room and reads everything even though she said no one would read it.
She starts getting suspicious and tries to find a way to escape. On top of this, a stalker funny fan girl, Rosemary, on her blog, shows up at the spa, following her around, giving her the creeps, and she thinks she sees the guy from her past that has haunted her out on the beach!
Talk about LOCKED ROOM SUSPENSE! OMG.
As the week winds down, more events from the past and present connect. Amity also has secrets from her past, and she may turn into a victim instead of a predator with the huge brilliant, clever jaw-dropping twist at the explosive ending, which will have your head spinning to the satisfying conclusion. (loved).
This book checked all the boxes for me. The author's writing style is clever, sophisticated, fast-paced, crisp, and relatable characters. The suspense is riveting, the claustrophobia is intense, and the setting and descriptions are vivid. She balances with ease wit and darkness.
It has it all for a locked-room gripping psychological thriller.
Miranda's BEST YET! The author is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. What talent and imagination. Her books are unique, with exciting storylines and topics, unlike any other authors. I devoured EVERYTHING about this book from the first page to the last.
The excellent character development, plot, twists, suspense, and jaw-drops (more than one). Miranda has more twists than you can imagine, and her signature surprise jaw-dropping twist at the end blew me away. I did not see it coming! This is always a special surprise you look forward to in her books.
THE INSOMNIAC is one of the best psychological thrillers I have read and the first set in a spa with a specific target agenda and not a group event. GET THIS ON YOUR LIST!! Top books of 2022. Another locked-room favorite is the upcoming Lisa Unger's Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six (Nov 2022) with a hidden agenda. Both these books are tops.
I am trying to read Miranda's backlist Miranda Rijks between reading all my ARCs and upcoming new books. You will see her books on my forthcoming favorite lists.
Thus far, I have recently read the following and am busy working on my reviews. She has many more.
The Insomniac
The New Neighbour
The Visitors
What She Knew
I LOVE discovering new thriller UK authors (from the other side of the pond) and an author for life when I like their style. Don't you love newfound authors? I owe this to NetGalley and Dreamscape audio, who had some of her recent books that are now out on audio for my introduction. I enjoy her audiobooks and enjoy the inspiration behind the books. If you have not read this author's work thriller fans, get her titles on your TBR list. Thank me later.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #InkubatorBooks for a digital ARC to read, enjoy, and review.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars ++ ✨✨✨✨✨
Pub Date: 24 July 2022
July 2022 Must-Read Books
Top Books of 2022
On a side note: I am an INSOMNIAC and feel Daisy's pain. Not for the same reason, though. One of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much. Sleep is such a luxury I wish I could experience.
July 14, 2022
“𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝟒 𝒂𝒎 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒔.”~𝑷𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝒁. 𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆
I have struggled with sleep issues most of my adult life. There is no worse feeling than being desperately tired and in need of sleep, yet it refuses to come. This is the case for wife and mother Daisy, whose insomnia has raged on for years. It's now threatening her job as a journalist because she can't focus and keeps forgetting deadlines. Salvation comes in the form of an assignment from her boss...an all-expenses-paid stay at Sirinity, a luxury spa that specializes in sleep disorders.
Daisy is unsure about the spa from the moment she arrives. She didn't know she was going to have to relinquish her cell phone and laptop, but the affable spa owner Amity puts all of her fears to rest. Daisy is determined to do whatever it takes to banish her insomnia...everything except confess the real reason why she can't sleep. But Daisy is worried over nothing because someone at the spa already knows her secret and is determined that she continues to suffer.
I was absolutely riveted by this thriller and felt so much empathy for Daisy and her sleep-addled brain. The things that were happening to her at the spa that were shrugged off as accidents or worse, hallucinations, made her feel like she was losing what was left of her grip on reality. I have spent many nights lying awake in the dark feeling like the lone survivor of some apocalypse while every bad decision I've ever made played on a non-stop loop in my head. If you can relate or just love a good twisty thriller, THE INSOMNIAC will be available for purchase on July 24. Thank you to the publisher and the author for my early copy.
I have struggled with sleep issues most of my adult life. There is no worse feeling than being desperately tired and in need of sleep, yet it refuses to come. This is the case for wife and mother Daisy, whose insomnia has raged on for years. It's now threatening her job as a journalist because she can't focus and keeps forgetting deadlines. Salvation comes in the form of an assignment from her boss...an all-expenses-paid stay at Sirinity, a luxury spa that specializes in sleep disorders.
Daisy is unsure about the spa from the moment she arrives. She didn't know she was going to have to relinquish her cell phone and laptop, but the affable spa owner Amity puts all of her fears to rest. Daisy is determined to do whatever it takes to banish her insomnia...everything except confess the real reason why she can't sleep. But Daisy is worried over nothing because someone at the spa already knows her secret and is determined that she continues to suffer.
I was absolutely riveted by this thriller and felt so much empathy for Daisy and her sleep-addled brain. The things that were happening to her at the spa that were shrugged off as accidents or worse, hallucinations, made her feel like she was losing what was left of her grip on reality. I have spent many nights lying awake in the dark feeling like the lone survivor of some apocalypse while every bad decision I've ever made played on a non-stop loop in my head. If you can relate or just love a good twisty thriller, THE INSOMNIAC will be available for purchase on July 24. Thank you to the publisher and the author for my early copy.
July 21, 2022
Daisy hasn't had a good nights sleep in years. Her chronic insomnia has gotten so bad, it's affecting her job as a journalist. So she's delighted when she's asked to review a new, luxurious sleep clinic - this could be the answer to her prayers. At first everything about the clinic seems perfect - the stunning seaside location, the beautiful rooms, the exquisite cuisine. Clinic owner and chief therapist, Amity, is sure she can cure Daisy's insomnia by uncovering it's root cause. But to do that she'll use hypnosis to poke deep into Daisy's past. And that's not good - because Daisy has a terrible secret.
I was pulled into this story from the first page. I liked all the characters in this well written book. The story is told from Daisy and the spas owner, Amity's perspectives. Both women are connected by events that happened in their pasts. The tension and suspense builds with each turn of the page. There's clues along the way to help us realise what's going on. This is a fast paced and twist filled thriller. Loved it.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #MirandaRijks for my ARC of #TheInsomniac in exchange for an honest review.
I was pulled into this story from the first page. I liked all the characters in this well written book. The story is told from Daisy and the spas owner, Amity's perspectives. Both women are connected by events that happened in their pasts. The tension and suspense builds with each turn of the page. There's clues along the way to help us realise what's going on. This is a fast paced and twist filled thriller. Loved it.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #MirandaRijks for my ARC of #TheInsomniac in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2022
The new standalone psychological thriller by author Miranda Rijks is another fast paced page turner that you will struggle to put down.
Miranda Rijks never fails to thrill me with her intriguing plots and interesting characters and she does it again with this one.
Insomniac Daisy is suffering from her lack of sleep and it is starting to affect her performance as a journalist. So when she is asked to stay at a luxurious new sleep clinic by her boss and write a review it seems to be a possible solution to all her troubles.
Daisy is a little reluctant to leave her family but first impressions of the clinic are favourable, luxury rooms and a beautiful location. Daisy is met by the Clinic owner and chief therapist, Amity, who is very positive and assures her that once they know the root cause of her insomnia they can cure it. The only thing is Daisy’s root cause is a terrible secret that she has kept to herself for far too long. Daisy doesn’t want to expose her secret and the more Amity probes her the more vulnerable she feels. Daisy starts to wonder if Amity is just doing her job as a therapist or does she have an hidden agenda.
One of the rules of the clinic is that everyone has to hand over the phones and laptops when they arrive so Daisy feels alienated from her family with no way of contacting them. The more she experiences at the clinic the more she feels she needs to get away. But getting away is not as easy as you would think.
A fast paced thriller that gripped me so much I read it in one sitting.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Inkubator for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Miranda Rijks never fails to thrill me with her intriguing plots and interesting characters and she does it again with this one.
Insomniac Daisy is suffering from her lack of sleep and it is starting to affect her performance as a journalist. So when she is asked to stay at a luxurious new sleep clinic by her boss and write a review it seems to be a possible solution to all her troubles.
Daisy is a little reluctant to leave her family but first impressions of the clinic are favourable, luxury rooms and a beautiful location. Daisy is met by the Clinic owner and chief therapist, Amity, who is very positive and assures her that once they know the root cause of her insomnia they can cure it. The only thing is Daisy’s root cause is a terrible secret that she has kept to herself for far too long. Daisy doesn’t want to expose her secret and the more Amity probes her the more vulnerable she feels. Daisy starts to wonder if Amity is just doing her job as a therapist or does she have an hidden agenda.
One of the rules of the clinic is that everyone has to hand over the phones and laptops when they arrive so Daisy feels alienated from her family with no way of contacting them. The more she experiences at the clinic the more she feels she needs to get away. But getting away is not as easy as you would think.
A fast paced thriller that gripped me so much I read it in one sitting.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Inkubator for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2022
Daisy, a journalist, gets a chance to treat her chronic insomnia in a new luxury spa and wellness.
Daisy has been struggling with insomnia for quite some time. When it starts affecting her work her boss gives her a chance to visit The Serenity Spa, where she will get to try their new insomniac program. Her job is pretty simple, try to get rid of her sleepless nights and then write an honest review for the magazine. The therapy part of recovery focuses on her past and figuring why she started having problems. But Daisy isn't prepared to share her dark secret, especially when she starts to feel like the methods used are questionable.
I saw some of the books written by Miranda Rijks before, but this was the first one that I read. I will be picking some of her other titles as well since I had a great time reading The Insomniac.
Rijsks has a rather simple writing style that works perfectly for this light psychological thriller. The writing flowed nicely and the pacing of the book was well thought of, which made this an easy read.
The plot of the story isn't complicated and twisty which isn't a bad thing in this case, since the writing compels you to stick with Daisy and see what will happen to her.
The story is written in dual POV's - Daisy's and her therapist Amity's. At some moments I wasn't very fond of Daisy and her behaviour but I enjoyed the character of Amity very much.
For my taste (and for those who like psychological thrillers) I would love to see a story that digs deeper in psychological characteristics of characters since there is a great base in this story to do that. Nonetheless I did enjoy this book very much.
I would recommend it to someone looking for a light thriller, someone in a reading slump or for a reader who is just getting into thrillers.
Thank you Miranda Rijks, Inkubator Books and NetGalley for an early copy :)
Daisy has been struggling with insomnia for quite some time. When it starts affecting her work her boss gives her a chance to visit The Serenity Spa, where she will get to try their new insomniac program. Her job is pretty simple, try to get rid of her sleepless nights and then write an honest review for the magazine. The therapy part of recovery focuses on her past and figuring why she started having problems. But Daisy isn't prepared to share her dark secret, especially when she starts to feel like the methods used are questionable.
I saw some of the books written by Miranda Rijks before, but this was the first one that I read. I will be picking some of her other titles as well since I had a great time reading The Insomniac.
Rijsks has a rather simple writing style that works perfectly for this light psychological thriller. The writing flowed nicely and the pacing of the book was well thought of, which made this an easy read.
The plot of the story isn't complicated and twisty which isn't a bad thing in this case, since the writing compels you to stick with Daisy and see what will happen to her.
The story is written in dual POV's - Daisy's and her therapist Amity's. At some moments I wasn't very fond of Daisy and her behaviour but I enjoyed the character of Amity very much.
For my taste (and for those who like psychological thrillers) I would love to see a story that digs deeper in psychological characteristics of characters since there is a great base in this story to do that. Nonetheless I did enjoy this book very much.
I would recommend it to someone looking for a light thriller, someone in a reading slump or for a reader who is just getting into thrillers.
Thank you Miranda Rijks, Inkubator Books and NetGalley for an early copy :)
July 25, 2022
Daisy's life has not gone quite as she planned, she's working on a small magazine rather than her dream of being a journalist reporting on hard hitting stories, but she's happily married to Haydn & they have two children. The only cloud on the horizon (apart from her mother-in-law) is her chronic insomnia, so when she is offered the chance to check out a new sleep clinic, free of charge for a unbiased review, Daisy decides to go for it. At first everything seems great, the clinic is the height of luxury with great rooms & specially tailored diets, & the insomnia course itself looks interesting, but Daisy soon starts to feel that something isn't quite right. It could be that the clinic owner, Amity, is trying to get to the root cause of Daisy's insomnia with hypnotherapy, whilst Daisy is desperately trying to keep her secrets, but other strange things are happening. It could just be coincidence or it could be a hint that the clinic isn't what it seems.
The narrative is told by both Daisy & Amity in alternating chapters so the reader gets to know both characters fairly quickly & it's clear that they're both hiding something. You can work out what is happening fairly quickly, & the ending is a little too neatly wrapped up, but it's very readable. It was also a refreshing change to read a book featuring a supportive husband who wasn't cheating on the main character. A non toxic relationship in a thriller? Will wonders never cease? Overall I enjoyed reading it, it wasn't overly demanding, but it does keep the reader's attention. I plan on checking out some of the author's other books as I do like their writing style.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Inkubator Books, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
The narrative is told by both Daisy & Amity in alternating chapters so the reader gets to know both characters fairly quickly & it's clear that they're both hiding something. You can work out what is happening fairly quickly, & the ending is a little too neatly wrapped up, but it's very readable. It was also a refreshing change to read a book featuring a supportive husband who wasn't cheating on the main character. A non toxic relationship in a thriller? Will wonders never cease? Overall I enjoyed reading it, it wasn't overly demanding, but it does keep the reader's attention. I plan on checking out some of the author's other books as I do like their writing style.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Inkubator Books, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
July 15, 2022
The Insomniac was a fast read, one I read in less than a day. I found the story gripping, scary at times, and well written. I did suspect that certain things would happen, so wasn't as surprised, but all in all I really enjoyed reading this book.
This is the first novel by Miranda Rijks I've read, but I'm definitely open to reading more. I'd recommend this book to fans of psychosocial thrillers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
This is the first novel by Miranda Rijks I've read, but I'm definitely open to reading more. I'd recommend this book to fans of psychosocial thrillers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
August 9, 2022
The subject matter is right up my alley and I love Rijks, so of course I got a copy. And it was soooo good. She really hit this one out of the park. So much tension, twists, A shocking ending. Descents into utter madness are almost always entertaining to read and Rijks did so well. Great read.
September 14, 2022
This one didn't work for me - but other people loved it so I think it's just me!
Without any spoilers, I just didn't get it and therefore found it difficult to go along with what happens.
Without any spoilers, I just didn't get it and therefore found it difficult to go along with what happens.
August 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this book.
It's everything that I wanted Nine Perfect Strangers to be.
It's everything that I wanted Nine Perfect Strangers to be.
July 16, 2022
Daisy is a small time journalist with a deadly secret who also suffers from chronic insomnia. Daisy's secret has left her with deep fears for her family and has security OCD. She is a nervous wreck and her lack of sleep and high anxiety over the safety of those she loves is now affecting all aspects of both her personal and professional life. Daisy is offered a free week at the new Serenity spa and claims to be able to help with her insomnia. Massages, pampering and help with her insomnia and all she has to do is write a good review in return. A win win situation yes? Amity the owner of the spa has been searching for Daisy and now she has found her she is going to make her pay dearly. A psychological thriller and so much more which I found very hard to put down. I was speechless when the truth was finally revealed and definitely not what I was expecting. Another fantastic five star hit from one of my favourite and very talented authors.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
February 8, 2023
Talk about an action packed suspense thriller...
Lets put it this way...
I was never bored or looking to put this book down. Then again, I have never been bored with any of Rijks' previous publications. I have read everything from The Visitors, to The Second Wife, to my all time favorite, The New Neighbour (if you havent read this one yet, what are you waiting for?)
After reading The Insomniac, I can no longer choose between The New Neighbour or this one, as my favorite.
I will warn you, these are not cuddly, wholesome characters. These are more or less characters you will love to hate. You will not want to befriend them, in fact, you will most likely want to do the opposite and stay far far out of reach from these psychos.
When I say, "I have read them all", clearly I have not read anything like this one.
As Rijks, carries us along in this top notch narration of The Insomniac, you will think you have it all figured out to only be surprised with yet another MAJOR twist.
Filled to the brim with secrets that would leave even the toughest aghast, you will not want to miss this one.
Teaser :
Daisy thinks her insomnia is the worst thing in the world. She's wrong.
Daisy hasn’t had a good night’s sleep in years. Her chronic insomnia has gotten so bad, it’s affecting her job as a journalist. So she’s delighted when she’s asked to review a new, luxurious sleep clinic - this could be the answer to her prayers.
At first, everything about the clinic seems perfect - the stunning seaside location, the beautiful rooms, the exquisite cuisine.
Clinic owner and chief therapist, Amity, is sure she can cure Daisy’s insomnia by uncovering its root cause. But to do that, she’ll use hypnosis to probe deep into Daisy’s past. And that’s not good – because Daisy has a terrible secret.
As Amity digs into her mind, Daisy feels more and more vulnerable. She begins to think there is something off about the clinic. Is her insomnia making her paranoid or does Amity have her own sinister agenda?
Fearing the past has finally caught up with her, Daisy wonders if she should just leave. But that’s not so easy – because this clinic, which was supposed to offer rest and safety, is the most terrifying place she’s ever been…
Lets put it this way...
I was never bored or looking to put this book down. Then again, I have never been bored with any of Rijks' previous publications. I have read everything from The Visitors, to The Second Wife, to my all time favorite, The New Neighbour (if you havent read this one yet, what are you waiting for?)
After reading The Insomniac, I can no longer choose between The New Neighbour or this one, as my favorite.
I will warn you, these are not cuddly, wholesome characters. These are more or less characters you will love to hate. You will not want to befriend them, in fact, you will most likely want to do the opposite and stay far far out of reach from these psychos.
When I say, "I have read them all", clearly I have not read anything like this one.
As Rijks, carries us along in this top notch narration of The Insomniac, you will think you have it all figured out to only be surprised with yet another MAJOR twist.
Filled to the brim with secrets that would leave even the toughest aghast, you will not want to miss this one.
Teaser :
Daisy thinks her insomnia is the worst thing in the world. She's wrong.
Daisy hasn’t had a good night’s sleep in years. Her chronic insomnia has gotten so bad, it’s affecting her job as a journalist. So she’s delighted when she’s asked to review a new, luxurious sleep clinic - this could be the answer to her prayers.
At first, everything about the clinic seems perfect - the stunning seaside location, the beautiful rooms, the exquisite cuisine.
Clinic owner and chief therapist, Amity, is sure she can cure Daisy’s insomnia by uncovering its root cause. But to do that, she’ll use hypnosis to probe deep into Daisy’s past. And that’s not good – because Daisy has a terrible secret.
As Amity digs into her mind, Daisy feels more and more vulnerable. She begins to think there is something off about the clinic. Is her insomnia making her paranoid or does Amity have her own sinister agenda?
Fearing the past has finally caught up with her, Daisy wonders if she should just leave. But that’s not so easy – because this clinic, which was supposed to offer rest and safety, is the most terrifying place she’s ever been…
July 18, 2022
Son Of A Willy Wonka's Nerds Candy! 😳😯🤯😳
Well turn me sideways & fluff my stuffing! Being an insomnia suffer myself, not only did this intrigue me but scared the bageezus out of me! The amped up anxiety, tension and my own experience sure made this book damn real enough for me! I was gripped the book like my life depended on it dying to know what was next, what would happen, just how much worse it could get for Daisy!
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: Daisy is a mother, wife and writer and she's been suffering from insomnia for years. However lately it's been getting worse. She's tried everything possible with little to no relief. Until an assignment comes her way to attend a new sleep clinic at a resort and spa for a week, all expenses paid, promising a cure. The owner and chief therapist, Amity, believes she can find the under root cause for Daisy's insomnia but the secret Daisy holds dear, is something she'll never give up. As she progresses day by day, Daisy feels more paranoid and anxious, less sleep than ever when Amity tries to make her more vulnerable for her own purposes.
The one time my insomnia was a welcome was being able to dive into this novel as I didn't want to stop! Holy fluff, this was intense, delish, & I gobbled this up with my late night guilty snack of ice cream while reading. That ending through me for a heckuva spin! This has got to be her best book yet. Fabulously and twistfully done! But, needless to say, I won't be attending any sleep clinics in the near future anytime soon. Thanks Miranda! 😂 @mirandarijksauthor
Thank you to @netgalley for this ARC.
Release Date: July 24, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 4 / 5 Beach Waves! 🌊
Well turn me sideways & fluff my stuffing! Being an insomnia suffer myself, not only did this intrigue me but scared the bageezus out of me! The amped up anxiety, tension and my own experience sure made this book damn real enough for me! I was gripped the book like my life depended on it dying to know what was next, what would happen, just how much worse it could get for Daisy!
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: Daisy is a mother, wife and writer and she's been suffering from insomnia for years. However lately it's been getting worse. She's tried everything possible with little to no relief. Until an assignment comes her way to attend a new sleep clinic at a resort and spa for a week, all expenses paid, promising a cure. The owner and chief therapist, Amity, believes she can find the under root cause for Daisy's insomnia but the secret Daisy holds dear, is something she'll never give up. As she progresses day by day, Daisy feels more paranoid and anxious, less sleep than ever when Amity tries to make her more vulnerable for her own purposes.
The one time my insomnia was a welcome was being able to dive into this novel as I didn't want to stop! Holy fluff, this was intense, delish, & I gobbled this up with my late night guilty snack of ice cream while reading. That ending through me for a heckuva spin! This has got to be her best book yet. Fabulously and twistfully done! But, needless to say, I won't be attending any sleep clinics in the near future anytime soon. Thanks Miranda! 😂 @mirandarijksauthor
Thank you to @netgalley for this ARC.
Release Date: July 24, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 4 / 5 Beach Waves! 🌊
August 7, 2022
Oh wow! When I first saw the title for this book I knew it was as totally fitting for me to read being a fellow insomniac myself… but I did not expect just how incredible this book was going to be.
‘The Insomniac’ was a steady paced thriller which kept me hooked from the very beginning, it was intriguing throughout with no idea where the story was going to lead too, and I must say I absolutely loved that added bit of mystery
Following Daisy, an insomniac journalist who has been given an opportunity to visit a spa with a sleep clinic for a week, free of charge to review for her magazine – seems like a dream come true right? But, like they say, if it’s too good to be true it usually always is – and in Daisy’s case it really was.
I absolutely loved this book, and although I enjoy a fast paced read I loved how this book maintained the steady pace while keeping me completely gripped. As soon as Daisy entered the Spa it gave me major vibes of the Wellness retreat in ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ with the owner Amity reminding me very much of Nicole Kidmans role in the series.
Both the main characters Daisy and Amity were 💯 likeable. Daisy being your average blogger and journalist who has her own stuff going on in her life but is very down to earth and just nice and sweet and Amity being this kind of guru type woman who has a certain elegance to her. Although Amity had her own hidden agenda against Daisy I still couldn’t help but be drawn to her character.
‘The Insomniac’ is definitely as described on the cover and is an incredible psychological thriller which I would 💯 recommend and I look forward to reading more from the author Miranda Rijks.
‘The Insomniac’ was a steady paced thriller which kept me hooked from the very beginning, it was intriguing throughout with no idea where the story was going to lead too, and I must say I absolutely loved that added bit of mystery
Following Daisy, an insomniac journalist who has been given an opportunity to visit a spa with a sleep clinic for a week, free of charge to review for her magazine – seems like a dream come true right? But, like they say, if it’s too good to be true it usually always is – and in Daisy’s case it really was.
I absolutely loved this book, and although I enjoy a fast paced read I loved how this book maintained the steady pace while keeping me completely gripped. As soon as Daisy entered the Spa it gave me major vibes of the Wellness retreat in ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ with the owner Amity reminding me very much of Nicole Kidmans role in the series.
Both the main characters Daisy and Amity were 💯 likeable. Daisy being your average blogger and journalist who has her own stuff going on in her life but is very down to earth and just nice and sweet and Amity being this kind of guru type woman who has a certain elegance to her. Although Amity had her own hidden agenda against Daisy I still couldn’t help but be drawn to her character.
‘The Insomniac’ is definitely as described on the cover and is an incredible psychological thriller which I would 💯 recommend and I look forward to reading more from the author Miranda Rijks.
July 20, 2022
'𝑺𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒑𝒔𝒆𝒖𝒅𝒐 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖.'
A revenge story set in a not-so-relaxing spa retreat, this one was a quick, adventurous read.
Daisy, a journalist who writes fluff pieces for a lifestyle magazine, suffers from chronic insomnia, so much so that it has begun to affect her family life and her job. So when she gets a full-expenses paid trip to a sleep clinic, courtesy of her job, in exchange for a glowing review of the place, she reluctantly welcomes it as a last ditch attempt to cure her sleeplessness. As she entrusts herself into the capable hands of the clinic therapist and owner, Amity, little does she realize that Amity has much more sinister plans for her.
This was my first foray into the subject of insomnia and it had me, a self-confessed clinophile, quite intrigued., The plot was rife with tension right from the first chapter. The suspense reels one in begging to finish the book in a single sitting. Many of the scare tactics used in the book (Eg: locked in an over-heated sauna, etc.) were reminiscent of similar scenes in other spa/cruise themed thrillers and this made certain parts of the plot predictable. However, the plot twist was credible and brilliant.
Overall, a fast-paced thriller. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
A revenge story set in a not-so-relaxing spa retreat, this one was a quick, adventurous read.
Daisy, a journalist who writes fluff pieces for a lifestyle magazine, suffers from chronic insomnia, so much so that it has begun to affect her family life and her job. So when she gets a full-expenses paid trip to a sleep clinic, courtesy of her job, in exchange for a glowing review of the place, she reluctantly welcomes it as a last ditch attempt to cure her sleeplessness. As she entrusts herself into the capable hands of the clinic therapist and owner, Amity, little does she realize that Amity has much more sinister plans for her.
This was my first foray into the subject of insomnia and it had me, a self-confessed clinophile, quite intrigued., The plot was rife with tension right from the first chapter. The suspense reels one in begging to finish the book in a single sitting. Many of the scare tactics used in the book (Eg: locked in an over-heated sauna, etc.) were reminiscent of similar scenes in other spa/cruise themed thrillers and this made certain parts of the plot predictable. However, the plot twist was credible and brilliant.
Overall, a fast-paced thriller. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2022
Daisy has struggled with insomnia for quite some time. She has been having trouble at work, where she is a journalist. One day her boss suggests that should she attend a new luxurious sleep clinic that they need to write an article about. Daisy thinks maybe the clinic will help with improve her insomnia. Well, let's just say Daisy is in for some surprises!
I've read several books by Miranda Rijks now and I've enjoyed them all. This is a fast-paced thriller with some nice twists. I also liked that THE INSOMNIAC was not a very long book, so I was able to read it quickly. I couldn't wait to see how it ended. Highly recommend!
This book is available now on Kindle Unlimited.
This review will be posted to my instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
I've read several books by Miranda Rijks now and I've enjoyed them all. This is a fast-paced thriller with some nice twists. I also liked that THE INSOMNIAC was not a very long book, so I was able to read it quickly. I couldn't wait to see how it ended. Highly recommend!
This book is available now on Kindle Unlimited.
This review will be posted to my instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
November 11, 2022
3.5 Stars
Daisy has been suffering from insomnia for years. It's starting to affect her home life and her job at a lifestyle/luxury interest magazine. So when she gets the chance to review a new luxury spa with a sleep clinic, Daisy thinks this could be a great opportunity to address her issues once and for all. But once she starts the program, led by psychologist Amity, things feel off. Unsure if it's her imagination or if something really is wrong at the clinic, Daisy tries to figure out what's going on before she loses her mind and maybe her life.
The book alternates between Daisy and Amity's points-of-views.
I struggled with what to rate this book, beaus it definitely kept my attention and had a great story and atmosphere - remote clinic with isolated patients who are essentially at the mercy of the people trying to "help" them. But I was able to guess a lot of the twists before they were revealed. However, there were still some surprises, so that was nice. And I did enjoy reading the book overall. Like I said, it had a great storyline overall and the atmosphere really was pretty chilling.
Plus, insomnia and lack of sleep is something that we all understand messes with your mind and can make you feel so sick, so its something that is inherently a little scary. The fact that Daisy is suffering with insomnia adds. another creepy layer to the story and makes you wonder if she's an unreliable narrator.
Overall, I would definitely read more from Miranda Rijks. She's obviously a very talented author who can write deep characters and good storylines. I'll be looking out for more from her in the future.
Daisy has been suffering from insomnia for years. It's starting to affect her home life and her job at a lifestyle/luxury interest magazine. So when she gets the chance to review a new luxury spa with a sleep clinic, Daisy thinks this could be a great opportunity to address her issues once and for all. But once she starts the program, led by psychologist Amity, things feel off. Unsure if it's her imagination or if something really is wrong at the clinic, Daisy tries to figure out what's going on before she loses her mind and maybe her life.
The book alternates between Daisy and Amity's points-of-views.
I struggled with what to rate this book, beaus it definitely kept my attention and had a great story and atmosphere - remote clinic with isolated patients who are essentially at the mercy of the people trying to "help" them. But I was able to guess a lot of the twists before they were revealed. However, there were still some surprises, so that was nice. And I did enjoy reading the book overall. Like I said, it had a great storyline overall and the atmosphere really was pretty chilling.
Plus, insomnia and lack of sleep is something that we all understand messes with your mind and can make you feel so sick, so its something that is inherently a little scary. The fact that Daisy is suffering with insomnia adds. another creepy layer to the story and makes you wonder if she's an unreliable narrator.
Overall, I would definitely read more from Miranda Rijks. She's obviously a very talented author who can write deep characters and good storylines. I'll be looking out for more from her in the future.
July 2, 2024
I have read many of Miranda’s books! She is one of my go-to authors! I enjoyed this book, and read it in one sitting. The poor protagonist can’t get any sleep, and the “insomniac retreat” is doing her no favors! In fact, there’s some revenge actions happening and finding out why is delicious! I loved the satisfying ending!
dnf
August 10, 2024DNF at 42%
I'm not liking this at all.
I'm slightly curious about the ending, but not enough to continue.
I'm not liking this at all.
I'm slightly curious about the ending, but not enough to continue.
September 7, 2022
This is a tough one as there were things I loved in this book but also aspects that really didn’t work for me. We follow Daisy who is a journalist suffering with insomnia who has the opportunity for a weeks stay at a new spa that is running a specialist sleep program but we soon realise that things aren’t as they seem and Daisy is in danger.
I really enjoyed the discussions around insomnia in this book and think the author did a great job of portraying how frustrating and horrifying it is to be desperate for sleep but unable to actually achieve it. I also absolutely loved the the idea of the isolated spa where Daisy is completely vulnerable in the hands of someone who is unhinged. There were some really effective parts of this book that left me feeling so claustrophobic and panicked as Daisy is pushed to her limits but I had a lot of fun with those sections and couldn’t put the book down.
However there were parts of this book that didn’t interest me at all. Daisy’s backstory and the reasoning behind everything that was happening just felt really predictable and I honestly couldn’t have cared less about that whole situation. I also felt the ending was predictable and anti-climatic. It felt as if the story ended really abruptly and then just got tied in a pretty now, it just wasn’t satisfying somehow. Despite this it was still a fast paced, fun read for me hence the 3 stars.
I really enjoyed the discussions around insomnia in this book and think the author did a great job of portraying how frustrating and horrifying it is to be desperate for sleep but unable to actually achieve it. I also absolutely loved the the idea of the isolated spa where Daisy is completely vulnerable in the hands of someone who is unhinged. There were some really effective parts of this book that left me feeling so claustrophobic and panicked as Daisy is pushed to her limits but I had a lot of fun with those sections and couldn’t put the book down.
However there were parts of this book that didn’t interest me at all. Daisy’s backstory and the reasoning behind everything that was happening just felt really predictable and I honestly couldn’t have cared less about that whole situation. I also felt the ending was predictable and anti-climatic. It felt as if the story ended really abruptly and then just got tied in a pretty now, it just wasn’t satisfying somehow. Despite this it was still a fast paced, fun read for me hence the 3 stars.
July 9, 2023
I’m not sure how this was my first read of Miranda J Rijks books but I have a couple more on NetGalley to read and I cannot wait to get to them after finishing The Insomniac. This was excellent, I loved the two POVs of Daisy and Amity, each provided great insights from their perspective but still managed to keep you guessing for a while. I was able to read this in a couple of sittings, thought the pacing was on point, and the ancillary characters were great, namely Daisy’s super fan….
I also would like to side note that I wish this place really existed with these beds, because it sounded like an amazing sleep in them haha.
Thank you to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for the digital copy to review.
I also would like to side note that I wish this place really existed with these beds, because it sounded like an amazing sleep in them haha.
Thank you to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for the digital copy to review.
July 16, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and Inkubator Books for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I really wanted to like this book, but it just kept falling flat for me. I don’t know if it’s because I read a lot of thrillers, but for me this book seemed like so many stereotypical thriller tropes shoved together and ultimately wasn’t unique and just seemed like a bunch of other books I’ve read shoved together. The premise is what really got my attention in the first place, but once I actually got into the book I found the plot predictable and the characters one-dimensional.
I really wanted to like this book, but it just kept falling flat for me. I don’t know if it’s because I read a lot of thrillers, but for me this book seemed like so many stereotypical thriller tropes shoved together and ultimately wasn’t unique and just seemed like a bunch of other books I’ve read shoved together. The premise is what really got my attention in the first place, but once I actually got into the book I found the plot predictable and the characters one-dimensional.
July 16, 2022
This book is a slow starter than soon becomes a gripping page turner! Daisy is a journalist who suffers from insomnia. She runs a Facebook group for fellow insomniacs. As a journalist, she gets invited to a wellness spa for the new sleep program. In return she will write an article featuring her stay at the spa. Amity is a therapist at the spa who has other intentions and unconventional methods. I enjoyed this book! It was very well written!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
August 28, 2022
Being an insomniac myself, I love any insomnia books. I’ve read a few different of Miranda’s books and this one is definitely my favorite by her.
Deviously twisty and I was here for here it. I didn’t see one of the twists coming but I did feel like the ending was a little anticlimactic for my liking but overall an entertaining thriller!
After reading this, I won’t be getting hypnosis done anytime soon. 😂😂
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Deviously twisty and I was here for here it. I didn’t see one of the twists coming but I did feel like the ending was a little anticlimactic for my liking but overall an entertaining thriller!
After reading this, I won’t be getting hypnosis done anytime soon. 😂😂
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 25, 2022
The Insomniac
Miranda Rijks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book took me a couple days to finish ( only because I took a mini vacation) however I could of sat down and read it in a day! The suspense kept me wondering what was going to happen, and I definitely didn’t see that ending coming! I absolutely loved it!
Miranda Rijks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book took me a couple days to finish ( only because I took a mini vacation) however I could of sat down and read it in a day! The suspense kept me wondering what was going to happen, and I definitely didn’t see that ending coming! I absolutely loved it!
August 15, 2022
The Insomniac is a gripping novel of psychological suspense. Miranda Rijks is an accomplished writer and, for me, her stories never disappoint.
The protagonist, Daisy, dreamed of becoming an investigative journalist, but her career has floundered due to her chronic insomnia. She is reduced to writing lightweight pieces for a lifestyle magazine.
When her editor, Garth, sends her to the therapeutic Serinity Spa, he hopes her insomnia will be cured and his magazine will be able to publish a first person evaluation of the spa, written by Daisy.
Serinity Spa and its owner, Amity, are complicated and both are imbued with a creepy vibe. Daisy feels increasingly uneasy and fearful for her safety.
The tension ramps up inexorably, secrets are revealed, and the ultimate twist is excellent! The chapters are told in alternating POVs of Daisy and Amity, which adds to the drama as the reader is treated to their inner thoughts and motivations. This story kept me engaged from beginning to end!
I highly recommend this book to readers who like psychological suspense with strong female characters and well-developed plots.
Thank you to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my unbiased review.
The protagonist, Daisy, dreamed of becoming an investigative journalist, but her career has floundered due to her chronic insomnia. She is reduced to writing lightweight pieces for a lifestyle magazine.
When her editor, Garth, sends her to the therapeutic Serinity Spa, he hopes her insomnia will be cured and his magazine will be able to publish a first person evaluation of the spa, written by Daisy.
Serinity Spa and its owner, Amity, are complicated and both are imbued with a creepy vibe. Daisy feels increasingly uneasy and fearful for her safety.
The tension ramps up inexorably, secrets are revealed, and the ultimate twist is excellent! The chapters are told in alternating POVs of Daisy and Amity, which adds to the drama as the reader is treated to their inner thoughts and motivations. This story kept me engaged from beginning to end!
I highly recommend this book to readers who like psychological suspense with strong female characters and well-developed plots.
Thank you to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my unbiased review.
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