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Hypnotic
IF YOU RUN FROM YOUR PAST, MAKE SURE YOU LOOK BEHIND YOU Trying to outrun his past and save his marriage, Tom is unwittingly drawn into a university experiment which has a hidden objective. Can you hypnotise someone to commit murder? The experiment is led by the obsessive Bethany, who harbours a secret she will do anything to keep safe. The more involved Tom becomes in the experiment, the more he risks everything he holds dear. But is it too late to turn back? Irresistibly captivating, Hypnotic will make you realise that if you run from your past, you'd better keep looking behind you.
312 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2022
21 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Sherry Hostler
5 books10 followersSherry is the author of the psychological thrillers ‘Hypnotic’, 'Free Fall' and 'The Last Train Home' Before this she spent many years ‘living the dream’ in various jobs which have given her plenty to write about.
Sherry enjoys a bit of 90’s dance music and thinks she does her best writing (and dancing) after a few glasses of Rioja but this is possibly not the case. She loves her home in the rural south east of England with her husband and dog, but often hankers for the sunny beaches of Australia where she used to live.
Her short fiction and non-fiction articles have been featured in Writers Forum, Hertfordshire Life, Vale Life, Dogs Monthly and various Cake magazines.
For more info and to follow her blog visit https://sherryhostler.com
Facebook: @sherryhostlerwriter
Insta: @adropofsherry
Twitter: @sherryhostler
Sherry enjoys a bit of 90’s dance music and thinks she does her best writing (and dancing) after a few glasses of Rioja but this is possibly not the case. She loves her home in the rural south east of England with her husband and dog, but often hankers for the sunny beaches of Australia where she used to live.
Her short fiction and non-fiction articles have been featured in Writers Forum, Hertfordshire Life, Vale Life, Dogs Monthly and various Cake magazines.
For more info and to follow her blog visit https://sherryhostler.com
Facebook: @sherryhostlerwriter
Insta: @adropofsherry
Twitter: @sherryhostler
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 12, 2022
I received a gifted advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Random Things Tours.
Hypnotic is a dual POV eery psychological thriller that gives you a sense of unease all the way through.
Tom is trying to outrun his complicated past and trying to save his marriage. He gets drawn into a hypnotherapy experiment which has an unnerving hidden objective to discover if you can hypnotise a person into commiting a murder.
Bethany also has a complicated past and is the person leading the experiment. But Bethany has secrets that cannot be revealed and she will do anything to keep it that way.
This is a slow burn thriller with an ending I didn't expect or forsee. I loved the concept of this book and it was the right amount if creepy and disturbing without being too much or too little. Looking forward to see what Sherry Hostler creates next!
Hypnotic is a dual POV eery psychological thriller that gives you a sense of unease all the way through.
Tom is trying to outrun his complicated past and trying to save his marriage. He gets drawn into a hypnotherapy experiment which has an unnerving hidden objective to discover if you can hypnotise a person into commiting a murder.
Bethany also has a complicated past and is the person leading the experiment. But Bethany has secrets that cannot be revealed and she will do anything to keep it that way.
This is a slow burn thriller with an ending I didn't expect or forsee. I loved the concept of this book and it was the right amount if creepy and disturbing without being too much or too little. Looking forward to see what Sherry Hostler creates next!
June 24, 2022
Very easy to read. Psychological thriller about two individuals, both with psychological issues. The story switches between the two characters of Tom and Bethany a good plot. Some great characters and a bit of a twist. I had guessed the ending before I got there. If you like, Derren brown or interested in hypnotherapy then. This book is for you. A good debut novel I would say
July 25, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed Hypnotic and felt this was a classic psychological thriller. There are two main characters with what felt like two separate stories that came together at the end - which was a really great ending.
No pressure on Sherry but I look forward to more books from her in the future.
No pressure on Sherry but I look forward to more books from her in the future.
April 27, 2022
wow
Did not see that ending coming. I thought Ed I’d sussed it, but turns out I was way off base.
Did not see that ending coming. I thought Ed I’d sussed it, but turns out I was way off base.
September 21, 2022
This book is brilliant! The concept of this book was perfectly executed with the edgy echoes of The Dice Man. You have this sense of unease all the way through reading this book as things feel slightly out of control and uncomfortable as you get to know the two main characters Tom, and Bethany. Both characters are very damaged and have complicated pasts as we gradually get to know more about them but nothing will prepare you for the brilliant ending. Honestly it is one of the best endings I’ve read for a while!
March 13, 2025
I'm not really sure how I feel about this novel, I gave it 5 stars and consider it quite intriguing with some really unexpected twists and turns. I don't think it's your typical mystery or psychological thriller and it wouldn't be the right fit for everyone.
I especially liked the depiction of mental illness and the perspective of obsession and stalking from a female character. I actually ended up feeling the tiniest bit of sympathy for Bethany by the end which I don't think I've ever felt for a character like her before.
I'd recommend it to those who like a bit of emotional depth to their thrillers or mysteries, it has all the aspects of a solid thriller with something more that I really can't describe or do justice to, just give it a try!
I especially liked the depiction of mental illness and the perspective of obsession and stalking from a female character. I actually ended up feeling the tiniest bit of sympathy for Bethany by the end which I don't think I've ever felt for a character like her before.
I'd recommend it to those who like a bit of emotional depth to their thrillers or mysteries, it has all the aspects of a solid thriller with something more that I really can't describe or do justice to, just give it a try!
September 20, 2022
Wow I absolutely loved Hypnotic and the ending omg I did not see that coming at all. The twist was just brilliant. Sherry Hostler writing style is amazing and engaging from the from pg3. I read Hypnotic in a day because it was that good and engaging great storyline. The main characters are Tom and Bethany and the chapters are taken in turns by them both so you hear both sides of there story and life. Tom is trying to change his past but not doing very good job he’s relationship with his wife Gemma is breaking down and is not sleeping then volunteer on experiment to do with hypnosis. Bethany is 21 going through her own traumas and trying to create a new life and then gets involved in hypnosis experiment where she meets Tom. This is Sherry Hostler first book and I can’t wait for her next ones . I strongly recommend this. Book if you love psychology book. You will love this 5 Stars. Thank you Random things your and Sherry Hostler for being part of this tour and reviewing this book.
July 8, 2022
Not my normal 5 star book but a great physiological thriller that i couldn't put down with a great ending
December 12, 2022
Hypnotic is a debut novel with an unusual and clever premise. After a traumatic event, Tom and Gemma move away and try to have a new start but Tom isn't coping and has trouble sleeping, not to mention his problems with the bottle. Drawn into partaking in what initially appears to be a sleep experiment, he finds himself in a quite different experiment.
Bethany is a quite strange young woman and she becomes interested in whether a person can be hypnotised to commit murder. Enter Tom!
The story is told in alternating chapters from Bethany and Tom's points of view. I'm not sure why, but I preferred Tom's sections. I found Bethany just as unsettling as I suspect I was meant to. I rather liked Tom's acerbic thoughts though, especially in the opening chapter.
The storyline itself had me intrigued, particularly the bits where the hypnosis was taking place. It's a fascinating subject and a little bit freaky really when you consider what Bethany was trying to get Tom to do. The ending is clever and although I did guess some of what was going to happen, I thought it was a very cunning finale on the part of the author. Hypnotic felt a bit different to other books that I've read with its focus on the inner workings of the human psyche.
Bethany is a quite strange young woman and she becomes interested in whether a person can be hypnotised to commit murder. Enter Tom!
The story is told in alternating chapters from Bethany and Tom's points of view. I'm not sure why, but I preferred Tom's sections. I found Bethany just as unsettling as I suspect I was meant to. I rather liked Tom's acerbic thoughts though, especially in the opening chapter.
The storyline itself had me intrigued, particularly the bits where the hypnosis was taking place. It's a fascinating subject and a little bit freaky really when you consider what Bethany was trying to get Tom to do. The ending is clever and although I did guess some of what was going to happen, I thought it was a very cunning finale on the part of the author. Hypnotic felt a bit different to other books that I've read with its focus on the inner workings of the human psyche.
September 26, 2022
⏱ The book follows the story of two people Tom and Bethany both running away from their mysterious and disturbing past. Their path crosses when Tom volunteers himself for the hypnotherapy experiment conducted by Bethany. But Tom has no idea that how sinister is the hidden objective behind Bethany’s experiment.
⏱ IF YOU RUN FROM YOUR PAST, MAKE SURE YOU LOOK BEHIND YOU
⚠️ Trigger warnings: Self harm
⏱ Hypnotising someone to commit a murder. Are you kidding me? Can the plot get any better? The concept of this book instantly drew me in. The story was kind of slow paced for my liking but I had a hard time putting the book down. The book alternated between the POVs of Tom and Bethany. Talking about the characters both Tom and Bethany were quite unlikeable keeping secrets. And no matter how much I disagreed with the ending plot twist but I never saw it coming. It came as a total surprise.
⏱ Overall it was quite an enjoyable and a different read. I will definitely be reading more by the author. ✍🏻 Thanks to the author for the ebook in exchange of an honest review.
October 4, 2022
I LOVED this book! When I say I couldn't put it down, that is an understatement - I devoured it in a few hours.
This is the gift that just kept on giving, so many twists and turns. I didn't like either of the main characters, but they were written so well - it fitted perfectly with their personalities. Seeing the story from both Tom and Bethany's point of view rounded everything nicely.
My only minor criticism is that is started off quite mundane (the first chapter) - given how the story progresses I feel like it could give more to show that is certainly isn't another simple story.
I managed to guess two twists, but I was still so off point with the reasons behind things - I didn't see it coming. The ending was such a fun reveal with the breadcrumbs.
Overall, I can't recommend this enough. I will definitely be checking out whatever Sherry writes next.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from RandomThingsTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is the gift that just kept on giving, so many twists and turns. I didn't like either of the main characters, but they were written so well - it fitted perfectly with their personalities. Seeing the story from both Tom and Bethany's point of view rounded everything nicely.
My only minor criticism is that is started off quite mundane (the first chapter) - given how the story progresses I feel like it could give more to show that is certainly isn't another simple story.
I managed to guess two twists, but I was still so off point with the reasons behind things - I didn't see it coming. The ending was such a fun reveal with the breadcrumbs.
Overall, I can't recommend this enough. I will definitely be checking out whatever Sherry writes next.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from RandomThingsTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 16, 2022
This was such a great psychological thriller, it is a slow burn but I was completely engrossed in the story. Told from the POV’s of Bethany and Tom.
This was such a unique plot. I found myself lost in the book and unable to put it down. Bethany was so flawed but I found that I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.
The whole hypnosis storyline got me thinking about how it’s a such scary thought to think that you could actually hypnotise someone to commit murder.
The ending had me shocked I totally didn’t see that coming at all. I thought I had it all sussed out.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for having me on the tour and for my gifted copy of the book.
This was such a unique plot. I found myself lost in the book and unable to put it down. Bethany was so flawed but I found that I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.
The whole hypnosis storyline got me thinking about how it’s a such scary thought to think that you could actually hypnotise someone to commit murder.
The ending had me shocked I totally didn’t see that coming at all. I thought I had it all sussed out.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for having me on the tour and for my gifted copy of the book.
September 17, 2022
Told from dual points of view Hypnotic is a slow burning, highly engaging thriller. I've never thought of whether you could actually hypnotise someone's to commit murder, it's actually quite a scary thought that this could be done to frame someone.
From the unique plot, to the distinct sense of unease throughout the book, the twists, turns and an ending that I didn't see coming, I found myself hypnotised and couldn't put the book down.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
From the unique plot, to the distinct sense of unease throughout the book, the twists, turns and an ending that I didn't see coming, I found myself hypnotised and couldn't put the book down.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 19, 2023
Great read.
I read a lot of Psychological thrillers and this was definitely up there as a great read.
All the characters were believable and each had their demons in their pasts ( which werent revealed until the end) but were alluded to.
This book was a real page turner and very well written, and took the reader on a fab journey which kept ypu guessing, while building up the suspense, and a clever ending. Would highly recommend this book
I read a lot of Psychological thrillers and this was definitely up there as a great read.
All the characters were believable and each had their demons in their pasts ( which werent revealed until the end) but were alluded to.
This book was a real page turner and very well written, and took the reader on a fab journey which kept ypu guessing, while building up the suspense, and a clever ending. Would highly recommend this book
August 27, 2023
Read in two days. Couldn’t put this mesmerising book down. Loved it great story with good twists
Sherry Hostler is a good story teller. Looking forward to many more from her
Sherry Hostler is a good story teller. Looking forward to many more from her
September 14, 2022
Edge of your seat plot line, but just when you think you understand what has happened, it gets ripped to shreds.
There is a dual POV throughout, and both our main characters are fleshed out, and you really get to know their thought processes.
The plot was sitting at a 3.5/4 star throughout, but the final plot twist sky rocketed this, for me. I couldn’t read it fast enough.
There is a dual POV throughout, and both our main characters are fleshed out, and you really get to know their thought processes.
The plot was sitting at a 3.5/4 star throughout, but the final plot twist sky rocketed this, for me. I couldn’t read it fast enough.
November 6, 2024
An intriguing mystery set around a hypnotism plot. The two protagonist, Tom & Bethany, weave the plot from each of their perspectives. Both are damaged personalities with a disaster in their past but the full details drip out slowly. You get another revelation from one story or the other every five chapters or so but you're still left wondering what really happened. By the time it all becomes clear you are very much focused on the current events which are moving swiftly forward. Alcohol, hangovers and feelings of inadequacy loom large. A good yarn with intrigue woven into its fabric.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews