In Her Eyes by Sarah Alderson

At last everything is going well for Ava. She and her husband Robert are financially secure and they live an enviable life in a large house in California with their 12-year-old daughter June and Gene, Ava’s stepson, while their eldest daughter Hannah is doing well at university in NYC. But most importantly of all, June is now free from cancer. It’s been a terrible time and now they’re emerging on the other side. Then one night thieves break into the house, they hurt Robert and Ava and, devastatingly, leave June fighting for her life in a coma. Ava is determined to find out why these men attacked her family, believing it has to be about more than money. The police are inclined to believe her, especially as the clues begin to mount. It seems that everyone has secrets and it doesn’t help matters that the detective in charge of the case, Matt, is an old school flame of Ava’s. It’s all about to get very complicated indeed.

These days, having read an awful lot of them, I’ve very fussy about the psychological thrillers that I read and there was something about In Her Eyes that really appealed to me and I read it as soon as I could. It didn’t disappoint at all and in fact was one of those rare beasts – a psychological thriller that I really did not want to put down.

A thriller such as this depends on the reader knowing as little as possible about it before they start turning those pages and so I’m not going to say any more about the plot. Suffice to say there are some very interesting characters, pleasingly unreliable but also likeable. I really liked Ava and it’s hard not to feel for her as she sits by June’s bedside at hospital. Ava is vulnerable but she’s also tough, whereas June to Ava seems to be the most delicate and precious being in the world. There are lots of extremely intriguing characters in this novel – I was especially interested in the depiction of the stepson – but the heart of the novel belongs to Ava and June and Ava’s determined pursuit of the truth, wherever it takes her.

In Her Eyes is the first novel by Sarah Alderson that I’ve read but I’ll be looking out for more in the future. It’s so well-written and it moves along at such a fast pace. It’s full of surprises. I might have guessed one or two but this didn’t lessen the impact of what is an excellent psychological thriller. It’s compelling and it is also enormously enjoyable. I couldn’t have asked for more.

This is definitely a fast paced thriller which kept me reading long into the night. I am glad I did not read the blurb at the front because it gave too much information. The story starts with a home invasion and spirals from there with everyone in the family losing trust in each other and the history of the family unfolding. Well written, well-paced and compulsive reading.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Sarah Alderson/Hodder & Stoughton for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

Ava's life is the kind other people envy: loving husband; great kids; beautiful house. Until the night a violent home invasion turns the dream into a nightmare, and leaves her beautiful daughter fighting to survive.

And then things get worse. Ava realises that the attack wasn't random. Someone is targeting her family. Why? Who could hate them enough to kill?

Ava must find out what really happened that night, to save those she loves from even greater danger. But when everyone around you has been lying, how do you decide who to trust?

And Ava has secrets of her own...

I was really looking forward to reading this book as it sounded great. It was an enjoyable read and the plot was decent with a few twists along the way. However, I didn’t think there was anything particularly remarkable about it and I’m not sure I will remember this book in a few months time...It captured my attention while reading it though.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for providing an advance copy in return for my honest opinion. I have shared this review on Goodreads.

*I received an ebook copy of this novel for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I rated this novel 4/5 as I could not put it down, it was packed full of twists and just when I had made my mind up on what happened, the good and the bad characters, it all shifted. Leaving me constantly questioning, just what did happen? The ending certainly surprised me, as did a few of the secrets too. 

Despite enjoying this novel I did not find the main character Ava likable at all, I could not relate to her and the choices she had made, yet I found the plot so compelling even written through the eyes of a character I disliked. This novel explores the flaws in all of us, the mistakes we make and the lengths we have to go to in order to fix them or cover them up. 

Overall this was a very well written novel, it stood out to me as one of the best adult thrillers I have read so far.

It’s amazing how we focus on only what we want to see and what we want to believe, even when the truth is staring us right in the face.”
This is definitely the basis of many psychological thrillers and ‘In her eyes’ is no exception. The Walker family seem to be living a normal, privileged life when one evening their home is invaded by masked men and June, Ava and Robert’s youngest daughter is shot.
As the family then come together (eldest daughter Hannah returning from college) the race is on to find the culprits. The storyline unfolds at a steady enough pace as it appears everyone in the Walker household has secrets to hide. If you can’t trust the people you live with then who can you trust??
Nate Carmichael is the sheriff in charge of the investigation and one time boyfriend of Ava. Will he manage to uncover the truth or is it so deeply buried under a mountain of secrets and lies? Can Ava trust him to keep her family safe from further harm?
None of the characters in this thriller are guilt free; the author cleverly casts aspersions on many so that as a reader you only see what you want to see! Robert is hiding a massive secret and Gene, Ava’s grown up step son is a dubious character from the start, a layabout sponging off the family. I can’t say I particularly liked any of them although I suppose my sympathies lay most with Ava, the central figure in this storyline. Having coped with June successfully battling cancer, the events of that night are a huge curveball she really couldn’t see coming. Now the lid of Pandora’s box is open, revelations come thick and fast so that the poor woman doesn’t know who or what to believe. The plot thickens when a couple of attempts are made on June’s life whilst in hospital, making you wonder what exactly is going on in the sheriffs department. Is it down to Ava instead, fiercely protective of June, to stop these men before it’s too late?
I found this thriller very easy to read and was quickly engrossed in the storyline. Just in time, the pace really picked up, with so many twists and turns I was rapidly turning the pages to reach the conclusion. That is what you want and expect from any psychological thriller so I don’t think readers will be disappointed. ‘In her eyes’ is definitely worth a read.
Thanks as always to the author and publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review.

There was a lot going on in this book.  It was interesting and a quick read, but I did feel like there were a lot of characters and they were all intertwined and I’m still not sure how they all fit together. 

It was interesting seeing Ava figure out what was going on.  As a reader, I really enjoyed seeing all the family secrets slowly come to light.  And I have to say I didn’t expect most of them, this one really kept me on my toes. What was missing for me was a connection to the characters.  I really didn’t care for Ava or her family. Because of that, it was difficult for me to really get into the books. I think perhaps a little more back story would have helped.  

The mystery part was great, but the character connection was not so much.

I am a Sarah Alderson novice and I was so impressed with this outstanding psychological thriller, although I have had another of this fabulous author’s books - Friends Like These - on my Kindle for a while. The premise of In Her Eyes beckoned to me and I knew that I had to read this novel!

In Her Eyes definitely did not disappoint. It had everything I would expect from a psychological thriller - a great plot, well-drawn characters and terrific pacing.

Even though I have read quite a few books with a similar premise to this one - a 'perfect' family, unexposed secrets, compulsive lies, domestic drama and several twists, so I began this book in the knowledge of what was to come. This novel has also been a great delight, full of fracas, melodrama, tension, to-do and fascinating characters, whether they were loved or hated and unexpected outcomes. There was oodles of suspense and it was definitely an enthralling reading experience that had me hooked throughout.

I loved the shock factor and twisting plot, making this extremely difficult to put down. I really appreciated the smooth writing style of Sarah Alderson and it was easy to connect with the characters - to imagine them, sympathise with them, love or hate them.

The great reveal was astounding, fulfilling and unexpected. In Her Eyes was everything I wanted in what was a pretty special psychological thriller and I am already looking forward to my next read by this gifted author.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Mulholland via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

An absolute mystery . . . even when I thought I knew what was going on, Bam! Another plot twist. I was so sure I had the ending figured out (I usually do). I was so wrong.

How could one night go so wrong?! Ava reaches home after a night on the town with her youngest daughter, Jane. Ava was supposed to have an anniversary date with her husband, Robert, and Jane was spending the night with her friend, Abby. But plans often go awry. This time it puts both of them in the path of armed robbers. Will her family survive the robbery? Each has something they are keeping to themselves. Will their secret help or hurt them in the long run. You will need to purchase this outstanding book to learn for sure. But don’t get too comfortable, things are about to change on the next page.

This book is very well-written. The twists and turns are carefully planned so the reader doesn’t see them coming. I knew Sarah Alderson was a good writer but I am still wowed to realize her flair for the unexpected.


I received an ARC from Hodder & Stoughton; Mulholland Books through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review.

With thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Staughton for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

Ava lived a life of luxury with husband Robert, daughter June and stepson Gene. A year earlier June had been diagnosed with cancer, after being given a trial drug she recovered and returned to school. Gene had taken drugs as a teenager until Ava and Robert found out. After showing an interest in cooking, Ava was surprised when Gene got a job working in a kitchen.

One evening Robert and Ava were supposed to be going out to celebrate their wedding anniversary. However Ava cancelled at the last minute, June asked her to pick her up after a heated row during a sleepover with her friend.

That night Robert and Ava`s house was burgled by two armed intruders. Robert was badly beaten, Ava was seriously injured during a struggle with one of the burglars, and June was left in a coma close to death.

I found the burglary scene very disturbing, and had to check my doors were locked every time I picked up my Kindle. I liked Ava although I I thought she was reckless and foolhardy.. When the burglars were
Uncovered, I was shocked I did not see that coming.

Sadly I was disappointed with the final 10% of the book. it was a shame because the overall plot was gripping. However I thought the final part was over the top and was unnecessary.

I look forward to reading Sarah Alderson`s next book.
I

WOW!! What a brilliant psychological thriller! I absolutely loved this book!
The pace was very fast and it keeps you wanting to turn just 1 more page.

It is everyone's nightmare. Home is the place where we should all feel safe and secure.

Ava is living the dream. After years of struggling she is living in the perfect house and all is well with her family. Her husband is very successful in his job, her eldest daughter is away at university and her youngest daughter is cancer free. Even her stepson is starting to take responsibility. Then 1 evening her life is shattered to pieces when there's a home invasion. It leaves both her and her husband injured and June her; youngest daughter; fighting for her life. From there everything spirals out of control.

I absolutely loved this book and will definitely read more from this author.

Thank you to #netgalley and #HodderBooks for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Absolutely fantastic thriller which had me longing for more.

The premise was so different. The beginning chapter blew me away. Ava apparently led a great life with family, children, stepson. A home invasion changed it all. Daughter went into coma and the family destroyed. Ava needed to get to the truth. Secrets were revealed which broke her trust.

My first book by this author, and I was simply enthralled with the writing. I had to get to the truth so tapping on my kindle was at a rapid pace. Twists were aplenty, and the writing style was smooth, increasing the tension across the scenes.

A compelling thriller, I would say. My kinda read!!

Sarah Alderson had me hooked from the moment I picked up “In Her Eyes”.

What a cast of characters this novel had…From Ava to Robert to June to Hannah and so many more….. they were all instrumental in the story. I truly couldn’t tell you my favorite.

I was in awe of the books ending! The twists and turns along the way we’re immense, so many I just never saw coming.

This was my first novel by this author.

If you want to read a thriller that you will not be able to put down, then this book is perfect for you!

I highly recommend “In Her Eyes”! Looking forward to the next Sarah Alderson Book! Sign me up!

I received the ARC of this book from the author in exchange for fair and honest review.

Definitely a page-turner. A great thriller I would surely recommend!

I liked the storyline and it had all the elements to keep up the intrigue level of the plot - action, suspense, secrets, betrayals and what not. The twists were good but I could guess how they were going to turn up and I think with the amount of thrillers, it can get really difficult to come up with unpredictable twists.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through Netgalley.

My thanks to Hodder & Stoughton/Mulholland Books for an eARC via NetGalley of Sarah Alderson’s latest domestic thriller, ‘In Her Eyes’, in exchange for an honest review.

Last winter I was completely enthralled by her ‘Friends Like These’ and so I was very keen to read this.

My policy with thrillers is to read ‘cold’ with little details of the plot in advance to avoid being spoiled. Here a shocking opening chapter indicates that this novel is going into very dark territory.

Sure enough after a brief flashback to earlier in that same day that establishes the details of Ava’s current life, it is completely shattered by a violent home invasion.

The shocks come fast with plenty of twists and turns. I was completely caught up in it from the start and ended up reading in a single sitting.

An amazingly tense thriller that delivers on all counts.

A home invasion in a house which is properly secured. An excellent location, a fabulous house, nice family - when the robbery goes wrong and Ava's daughter is hurt badly Ava's whole world is turned upside down.

Her husband whilst taking out the trash had not re-armed the security device which led to the invasion. Detectives unraveling the case turn up clues which devastate Ava. Her husband is bankrupt, he has swindled her out of all her inheritance, they are going to be left homeless, her daughter is in critical care, her step son who is always zonked out is in a worse place than before and above all her husband refuses to even talk to her whilst in prison.

A vicious cycle of debt, drug deals gone bad, a home invasion that was not supposed to go the way it had and will Ava ever get her life together again. The family is split and even Hannah her elder daughter in college seems to be going away from her for reasons of her own.

Finding out who is responsible in a series of connected events if heart breaking for Ava. Whom to trust in her life is limited as everyone around her has proved to be lying.

Ava, her husband, and her teen daughter are home one night during a home invasion. The burglary turns violent, leaving Ava's daughter fighting for survival in the hospital. Ava soon realizes the attack was not random. She delves into her family's lives to find out who the attackers were. It seems everyone in the family has been keeping secrets, including Ava.

A fast-paced and exciting mystery. What started as a night out, ended with a violent home invasion. Ava soon realizes she needs to find out what has been going on with her family to solve the mystery of why they were targeted. Everyone is lying and keeping secrets, including Ava. As more secrets are revealed, the story gets more complex and intriguing.

A well-written and twisty thriller. I enjoy books that keep me turning the pages, and this one was so gripping I stayed up late to finish reading it. Addictive, suspenseful, and clever.

I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ava seems to have it all! A successful husband, three kids and a beautiful home. Surprise...not everything is as it seems. Secrets and irresponsible behavior come with consequences...some of which cannot be rectified.
I enjoyed this one! It definitely had a few parts that are difficult to imagine in real life but that’s why we read books, right? To leave this world and let our minds frolic in the imaginary for a short break. Well, at least that’s why I read fiction.
**I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through Netgalley.

Wow .. just, WOW! I wasn't sure about this one at the beginning but what a read it turned out to be!

Ava leads a charmed life and is the envy of many - in particular, her best friend who is struggling with money worries and concerns about her husband. Returning home one evening, Ava is shocked to the core when her home and family are subjected to attack, in their own home, by masked men. Horrifying as this is, it's only the beginning . . .

What a story! Lulling me into a false sense of security that made me think this was going to be a straightforward thriller, it wasn't long before I was plunged into a terrifying, heart-pounding state. I kid you not, my heart thudded throughout this one as the book twisted first this way and then turned another. Absolutely packed full with non-stop events, I was almost afraid to put it down even when I was totally shattered and more than ready to sleep. It's a gripping and very exciting read (I dread to think what it did to my blood pressure) and I could never have seen where it was going to end up! Shocking and thrilling, this has put Sarah Alderson very firmly in my sights for future releases. Stunning! Earning every one of the five shiny stars I'm more than happy to give.

My thanks to Mulholland Books for my copy via NetGalley; as always, this is my honest, original and unbiased review.

First book that I read by Sarah Alderson but it probably won't be the last one.

I liked "In Her Eyes" from the very first page. It gripped me straight away and I got through it in just a couple of days.

The writing style was superb. It was written in a way that, for me, was impossible to put down. I wanted to know more and more.

I liked the storyline. It was packed with action, mystery, secrets, betrayals... Everyhting I need in a book!

I liked Ava, the main character and how she narrated the book. I found her life quite interesting as well as her deepest secrets.

I also liked all the troubles that there were going on at her home. A house with three kids is always hard to control but, OMG, that was something else!

I liked how the story developed itself. I liked how all the pieces matched as we were told both present and past events.

Regarding the twists, I wasn't too surprised by them. I read a lot of thrillers and I can see twists and turns come easily and that's what happened with this book.

I still enjoyed reading it. I thought it was a wild ride packed with emotions and suspense, but it didn't shocked me as much as I would have liked to!

I have to admit I couldn’t put this book down and I read it in one sitting, which is a first for me.

Ava and her husband, Robert, live in a large house with their 12 year old daughter, June and Robert’s son Gene. Ava and Robert also have another daughter, Hannah, who is away at college. One evening Ava hears a scream in the house and realises it’s her daughter June. She runs downstairs to find two armed men in the house threatening her family. They want access to the safe and things suddenly take a nasty turn which results in Ava waking up in hospital and June fighting for her life.

Ava is scared for her family and decides the police aren’t doing enough to find out what happened at her home so she takes it upon herself to find out exactly why her family were attacked. Not everything is as it seems and soon Ava realises this is not a straightforward burglary gone wrong.

A great thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat and ensures you are sucked in right until the very last page.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book.