Review: Close My Eyes by Sophie McKenzie

Title: Close My Eyes

Published: St Martins Press July 2013

Status: Read from July 04 to 07, 2013 — I own a copy

My Thoughts:

Close My Eyes is the first adult psychological thriller by Sophie McKenzie who is better known as a YA author.

When a stranger appears on Geniver Loxley’s doorstep claiming that Geniver’s baby did not die at birth eight years ago but was instead kidnapped by the obstetrician that delivered her, Geniver’s husband, Art, and best friend, Hen, dismiss the woman’s claims as a cruel hoax. Geniver knows it is unlikely the story is true but the seed of doubt proves impossible for her to ignore and she begins to question the events she edges closer to discovering a devastating betrayal.

I was expecting to be caught up in this thriller only to find myself largely unmoved. I’m not entirely sure why, given Close My Eyes has a great premise and all the elements of an intriguing mystery.

The slow start doesn’t help but the pace does pick up and though there is a little in the way of red herrings there are a few twists that managed to surprise me, especially in regards of the antagonists motivation.

I think in large part my interest was affected by my indifference to Geniver. Though she inspires compassion I never really warmed to her, frustrated by her self doubt and some of the poor decisions she makes. I also disliked that she abdicated so much responsibility to Lorcan during their investigation, neither did I feel the romantic developments between Geniver and Lorcan was appropriate.

That it is impossible to rely on any of the characters in Close My Eyes, is both a strength and weakness of the novel. Geniver’s sanity, is questionable, Hen is definitely hiding something and Lorcan’s motivation is tainted, not being able to trust any single perception supports the tension that mounts as the story progresses but in my view also prevents any real character development.

I didn’t dislike Close My Eyes but neither did I find it an engrossing mystery. If the premise tempts you I recommend you give it a try but I do think this novel would be best suited to a reader who doesn’t often delve into the psychological thriller genre.