Wow!… Tense and captivating… Full of twists and turns and shocks!… Raced through it, eager to find out the ending – which was just brilliant!’

Emoji synopsis: 🏬 + 👗 + 📱 = 👮 + ⏱️ + 🔒

Review: Close Your Eyes is a tense story about every parent’s worst nightmare; losing a child. The story follows the disappearance of 8 year old Amelie and the panicked efforts as her loved ones try to uncover the truth. The clock is ticking.

Told through multiple perspectives, the narrative alternates between:
Sally (Amelie’s mother)
Matthew (her father, a private investigator who has recently returned to the force)
Melanie (Matthew's best friend and detective assigned to the case)
Olivia (a woman trying to track down her missing mother).

Each character's POV adds depth and complexity to the investigation. But will their secrets and fears impact their success?

While the main storyline revolves around the disappearance of Amelie, there’s a subplot involving Olivia that initially seems disconnected. However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that Olivia’s troubled past is inextricably linked to the mystery surrounding Amelie’s case.

The twist at the end of Olivia’s story actually made me say “oh, no way”. It’s a shocking revelation that not only ties everything together but also leaves a sense of unease. I’ll certainly be checking under patios on my next walk…

Rating: 2.3/5

This is my second experience of Teresa Driscoll's work, having previously read the impressive "Her Perfect Family". Although it has its merits, "Close Your Eyes" did not make the same positive impression on me.

One thing that both books have in common is that the author immediately cuts to the chase, rather than easing the reader gradually into the central plot. Unfortunately, that same sense of urgency is not consistently maintained throughout the remainder of the novel. Although I am sure that the writer was aiming for growing tension, there were too many occasions when it comes across as treading water instead. Similarly, some sections intended to be dramatic fail to hit the mark and err on the side of melodrama. The book contains dark themes such as abduction, imprisonment and coercive control. I have read a number of other novels that have dealt with similar subject matter and succeeded in producing psychological thrillers that genuinely keep the reader on the edge of their seat, but, by comparison, "Close Your Eyes", in spite of its potential, falls a bit flat.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.

My first Teresa Driscoll novel but most definitely not my last! Fabulous characters that kept me flipping pages long past my bedtime. This story gave no alternative to being 100% invested. Packed with unwavering tension. Loved it!
Thank you NetGalley, Teresa Driscoll and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review this cracker of a book. Big 5 stars from me.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for my honest review. It was a fun read but not that rememberable.

"Close Your Eyes" is a masterful thriller that expertly weaves psychological tension with a gripping narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. From the outset, the author immerses us in a web of suspense that had me biting my nails, unsure of how the story would unfold.

The pacing is expertly crafted, with the suspense building steadily as the plot progresses. The introduction of multiple potential suspects adds layers to the mystery, making the experience even more engaging. Each character is well-developed, prompting readers to question their motives and complicity, which heightens the overall intrigue.

The author’s skillful storytelling ensures that the twists are both surprising and plausible, keeping the reader invested until the final revelation. The psychological elements enhance the emotional stakes, drawing you deeper into the characters’ minds and their dilemmas.

In summary, "Close Your Eyes" is a thrilling ride that will satisfy fans of the genre. With its well-executed suspense and a cast of intriguing suspects, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a gripping psychological thriller that will keep them guessing until the very end.

3⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for an advanced copy of Close Your Eyes.

Sally is out running errands with her daughter Amelie when she takes a phone call and when she looks back Amelie is gone. She is in a panic looking everywhere for her. She calls her husband Matthew who is a PI and he fears this could be a retaliation for previous cases he has worked. Can they find her before it is too late?

This book was just okay for me. It drug on way too long in my opinion. The twists were good and I did not see them coming but it was just not my favorite thriller.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Teresa Driscoll’s Close Your Eyes is a heart-pounding psychological thriller that delves into every parent’s worst nightmare. The story follows private investigator Matthew Hill, whose life is turned upside down when his own daughter, Amelie, goes missing. Known for his expertise in finding missing children, Matthew now faces the harrowing task of locating his own child, a journey that is as emotionally charged as it is suspenseful.

Driscoll’s narrative is a masterful blend of tension and emotion. The alternating timelines between past and present weave a complex tapestry of secrets and guilt, gradually revealing the layers of the characters’ lives. This structure not only keeps the reader engaged but also deepens the emotional impact of the story. The past haunts the present, and every revelation feels like a punch to the gut.

The characters in Close Your Eyes are richly developed and relatable. Matthew Hill is a compelling protagonist, driven by a mix of professional duty and personal desperation. His wife, Sally, is equally well-drawn, her anguish and determination palpable on every page. The supporting characters, including friends and colleagues, add depth to the narrative, each bringing their own perspectives and secrets to the unfolding drama.

Driscoll excels at creating an atmosphere of dread and uncertainty. The small, seemingly insignificant details she includes—like the creak of a floorboard or the flicker of a shadow—add to the overall sense of unease. The setting, whether it’s the Hill family home or the various locations Matthew visits in his search, is vividly described, making the reader feel as if they are right there, experiencing the tension first-hand.

The pacing of the novel is relentless. Driscoll knows exactly when to ramp up the action and when to slow down for moments of introspection. This balance keeps the reader on edge, never quite sure what will happen next. The twists and turns are expertly plotted, with each new piece of information adding to the suspense. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Driscoll throws in another curveball that leaves you reeling.

Close Your Eyes explores the trust and the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones. Driscoll delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of past traumas on present actions.

The moral ambiguities faced by the characters force the reader to question their own assumptions and judgments, making for a thought-provoking read.

Close Your Eyes is a gripping, emotionally charged thriller that will keep readers hooked from the first page to the last. Teresa Driscoll has crafted a story that is thrilling and deeply moving.

For fans of psychological thrillers and anyone who enjoys a well-told tale of suspense, this book is a must-read.

Note: Trigger warnings for emotional and physical abuse, the relentless stress in this is so taunt, it is similar to a horror novel.

★★★★

Matthew Hill’s world shatters when his wife, Sally, calls to tell him that their 8-year-old daughter, Amelie, has disappeared. Now a private investigator specializing in missing persons, Matthew had once sworn never to have children after a traumatic case ended his career in the police force. Although he was never found guilty, the circumstances—and the victim’s family’s anguish, compounded by a curse from the victim’s mother—led him to believe that avoiding fatherhood would be the safest path. But then he met Sally, and everything changed. Despite his fears, he was thrilled when their little family grew.

Now, as he grapples with Amelie’s disappearance, he’s forced to ask himself: Should he have stuck to his original vow? Is his past finally catching up to him? Could his decision to return to police work have somehow triggered this nightmare?

But Matthew isn’t the only one with a dark history. As the police work to piece together what happened to Amelie and who might have a motive, the list of suspects continues to grow and some of them are uncomfortably close to the Hill family.

The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, enriching both character development and narrative tension. Melanie Sanders, Matthew’s former partner and the lead investigator, offers an outsider’s view of the case, balancing the parents’ accounts against the evidence. Meanwhile, Sally and Matthew’s viewpoints delve into their shared history and complex personal ties. Lastly, there’s Olivia, who steps in to narrate on behalf of Amelie—at least for a while.

This was my first book by Teresa Driscoll, and I really enjoyed her writing style. She is very descriptive, which immerses the reader fully into the story. Compared to other books with a similar storyline, this one places a heavier emphasis on police procedures. From what I understand, although this novel is a standalone, Matthew Hill and Melanie Sanders are well-established characters in Teresa Driscoll’s universe. Several other books detail their early careers and past cases.

Although there were some hints leading up to the final reveal, the twist still came as a surprise. I noticed an alarming number of disappearances linked to one individual, but the true scope of the case was staggering! Thank you to NetGalley and Teresa Driscoll for providing an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fabulous read from Teresa Driscoll. A parents torment as their daughter goes missing on a shopping trip. Sally feels guilty as she was on the phone for a few minutes and turned her back, Matthew feels guilty as he's not sure if it's linked to a previous case. A case that's bothered him for years, the grieving mum cursing him at the inquest of her deceased son.
This was a fast paced novel, you feel the anguish of all the characters as they race to find Amelie, knowing that every hour counts. This is the perfect book to begin the new year
I'm grateful to Netgalley and Thonas and Mercer for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. I will share my review on Goodreads, Storygraph and Bookmory immediately and on Amazon UK on publication day

Teresa Driscoll has done it again! The ultimate on the edge of your seat thriller.

From the first chapter you are absolutely hooked on this heart breaking story and I seriously had to read this in one sitting because I could not put it down. I have always loved Teresa Driscoll’s writing because I am so immersed in the book and I feel like I am right alongside these characters as they live through this heart wrenching moments. It’s not your normal thriller with a tough detached detective. Every person in her books has a backstory and an emotional reaction to what is going on around them and it makes the story that much better.

Overall, this book was such an amazing thriller and I could not recommend it enough!! The ending was perfectionnnnnnnnn I will be thinking about this for a while.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the early copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions. CLOSE YOUR EYES releases January 1st, 2025!

I very much enjoyed this book. This is the first book by this author that I have read. Although some of the characters appear in other books by this author, you did not need to read those to enjoy this story. She does a great job of summarizing anything you need to know in a quick and entertaining way. Looking forward to reading more from this author!

Close Your Eyes by Teresa Driscoll is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps you hooked from the very first page. The story masterfully alternates between past and present, weaving a tale of buried secrets and haunting guilt. The characters are deeply layered, and the suspense builds steadily, leaving you guessing until the final twist. Driscoll’s writing is crisp and atmospheric, making it impossible to put the book down. If you love a well-paced, twisty mystery, this one is a must-read. Five ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for its tension, emotional depth, and unexpected reveals!

Thank you so much to #NetGalley for this #ARC. #CloseYourEyesByTeresaDriscoll will keep you guessing until that very end.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a refreshing read, especially after finishing two underwhelming books. It felt like a breath of fresh air, though I did find some sections a bit lengthy. With several narrative perspectives, I often found myself just wanting to hear more from Olivia, Sally, and Matthew Hill.

The story centers around the aftermath of an abduction—8-year-old Amelia is snatched by a man from a shop, and her father, Matthew Hill, a private investigator and retired cop, is suddenly under intense scrutiny as everyone wonders if the abduction was an act of revenge against him. The plot unfolds through multiple viewpoints, though I have to admit, I felt Melanie's perspective(police) could have been cut. I found myself skimming through her chapters to get back to Olivia, who plays a key role as the adult daughter of the kidnapper, and a teenage mother to her 4-year-old daughter, Chloe as well as Sally and Matthew (the parents)

The writing was gripping, especially with the kidnapper’s delusional, god-like mentality, and I couldn’t put the book down. The ending was fantastic, and I’m eager to read more by this author. However, for me personally, I think the book would have been even better without some of the police procedural elements.

Overall, a compelling and thrilling read!

Close your Eyes has been a captivating read but still slow somehow. The investigation concentrated a lot on Matthews past - which after some time became repetitive. The different POV's though were nice to read and the ending was also nice. All in all I quite enjoyed it!

Initially, I had no idea this book is a continuation of a series involving the two main characters Matthew and Melanie. I don’t believe you have to read any of the previous books to understand what happened in the past. If anything, this book spends an enormous amount of time rehashing the backstory. However, once I started reading, I realized I had read a previous book with these characters. It was fast paced what I could remember of the plot was it had an interesting plot. I don’t remember a lot about it but didn’t have any major complaints. With that said, this book will fall in the “probably won’t remember much at all” category and thus made it pretty forgettable within hours of reading it. Just a strange motive for the crime and a far fetched ending. Unlikely in so many ways that the crime is so unsolvable for so many days in an area with so much CCTV. Again, the things I’ll remember are things that were distractions from a well thought out thriller.
An average thriller that will be easily forgotten.

Sally and Matthew's daughter, Amelie has been taken from a shop while Sally was on the phone.
It is suspected that she was taken by a woman whose son died when Matthew was a policeman.
He is now a PI, but has applied to become a policeman again.
Melanie, the detective on the case is desperately looking for clues as to who has taken the eight year old child.


This is the second book I have read by Teresa Driscoll, and I was not disappointed. It is a mix between a psychological thriller and a police procedural.
And there is a character who is a real psycho.

I started the book in the evening, and read over 50% of it. Bad habit of mine when I get engrossed in a good book, as the suspense just carries on from one chapter to the next!
I really needed to know the motive of the abductor, and didn't get an answer to that until the end of the book.
There were twists that made me gasp out loud, and I really did like the three different POV's, Sally, Matthew, and Melanie.
It is the first time that I have read a book with two epilogues, but can see exactly why it had to be done that way. To keep the suspense going!
I highly recommend this book, and give it a 5 star rating.

Eight year old Amelie goes missing while out shopping with her mother. The police have no leads, but Amelie’s father, private investigator Matthew Hill, was a police officer, and had received threats from the family of a youngster Matthew had killed when on the force. Close Your Eyes gets off to a promising start, as there’s a frenzy of activity when Amelie disappears. But the story gets excruciatingly slow, as Matthew’s past is dissected, and prior books involving him are also rehashed. The police investigation is also repeatedly recapped, and the slow pace prevents any sense of suspense from building. The big finale is anticlimactic, and just didn’t sync with the buildup. I’m a fan of this author’s prior books, but this one misses the mark. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A good read
I didn’t want to put this book down
Looking forward to the next book by this author
Thanks NetGalley

A most excellent read 📚

A synopsis of this novel is readily available so not included here.

The good news for anyone unfamiliar with Teresa's writing is that as the publication date is 01 January 2025 you have time to read her earlier works. That said this is a standalone novel so although you will meet Mathew in earlier works you can enjoy this as a totally separate work.

The is a gripping thriller, not in a high octane car chase way but in how our minds can completely let us down with devastating consequences.

The mix of police procedural work along with the analysis of human behaviour works brilliantly. This was a book I wanted to constantly find a quiet few minutes to read the ubiquitous one more chapter.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC, it was much appreciated. I can only suggest you pop this onto your pre-order list so that it is your new year treat.