Monday, July 13, 2020

Book Review: Closer Than You Think

I know that normally I read thrillers and such in the fall, and there isn't a reason for it, it's just how the books come in. I saw this one come up and I just had to read it early. Not sorry. 

Closer Than You Think - Darren O'Sullivan
He’s watching. She’s waiting.

Having barely escaped the clutches of a serial killer, Claire Moore has struggled to rebuild her life. After her terrifying encounter with the man the media dubbed The Black-Out Killer, she became an overnight celebrity: a symbol of hope and survival in the face of pure evil. And then the killings stopped.

Now ten years have passed, and Claire remains traumatised by her brush with death. Though she has a loving and supportive family around her, what happened that night continues to haunt her still.

Just when things are starting to improve, there is a power cut; a house fire; another victim found killed in the same way as before.

The Black-Out Killer is back. And he’s coming for Claire…

Before I even get started I have to tell you that this isn't my first rodeo with Darren O'Sullivan. I've read and reviewed Close Your Eyes and Our Little Secret. One I really liked and one that was just meh for me. I felt like I had to read this one to see if it the great one was a fluke, or maybe the meh one was just me. 

I'm happy to report that I think it was just me or I was just off because I really liked this one! I'm not going to lie it started a little weird, this is the kind of book where you aren't sure if everyone in Claire's life is a suspect or if this is going to be just some random murderer, like a barista who likes her hair or something. I so badly want to tell you who the killer ends up being and I'll tell you full stop, I had no idea. Somewhere on IG I had mentioned I was reading this book and the author replied and said I was either going to LOVE the ending or HATE it so I got a little bit worried. 

I can't spoil it for you but.... its a little bit of both but I can't really tell you why. 

How's that for suspense?!

So much about this book I really liked and I had such a hard time putting it down! The book begins with the killer and its clear he has his sights on Claire. We learn that she is literally the one that got away, but her husband was murdered. He tried ten years earlier and (I can't tell you why/how) she escaped that fate. He never gave up killing though, he honed his skills on several victims over the decade and avoided capture. She may have escaped being murdered but she hasn't lived an easy life since then. Claire has struggled in all aspects of her life. She's relied heavily on her family to get her through and, understandably, her anxiety is pretty awful. She feels as if she is being stalked but its hard to know if its a trauma response or if she is actually being stalked. Of course people think its in her head. 

I am torn on the ending. First, I basically screamed when I found out who the killer was. Screamed because I didn't see it coming at all and that is basically my favorite thing in a thriller. Second, I then had a wave of a MILLION questions that aren't answered. I get that we are supposed to either fill in what we think happened/happens but man..... an epilogue? Could we get an epilogue? Haha!

It has been a long time since I've had a book that made me equal parts proud of a character but absolutely terrified for her. I honestly can't remember the last time I have had a book end quite in that way so because of those? I have to give this one 5 stars. I really enjoyed this one and I really can't wait to read what Darren O'Sullivan gives me next. 

A huge thank you to HQ, Harper Collins, and Darren O'Sullivan for having me on the tour and sending me a copy for review. 

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3 comments:

Why Girls Are Weird said...

I've been really into suspense lately, this is going on my list!

Shooting Stars Mag said...

okay, I need to read this. I am so curious who the culprit is, and the ending! I need to know more - even if I'm left with questions. LOL I love a great mystery.

-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net

R's Rue said...

Love the cover.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com