Happy Wednesday! Today I have a review of Open Your Eyes, Paula Daly’s newest work of domestic suspense, now available from Grove Press!
My Thoughts:
Open Your Eyes was a different ditty…in a good way!
The main character, Jane Campbell, a creative writing teacher, does not like confrontation. I can relate to that. She is married to a top crime writer, Leon, and she takes the backseat to him. Jane’s focus is on the family, including her two young children; however, she finally submits a manuscript to a publisher only to be rejected. Rather than push her to try again, Leon asks her to let her “hobby” of writing go.
Jane’s idyllic, quiet life comes to an abrupt end when Leon is attacked in the driveway of their home during the day with her children watching.
Leon is now in a coma, and Jane’s eyes are opened to the truth about her life, including some hidden secrets. She is convicted to find the truth, including who attacked Leon.
Leon is living with a traumatic brain injury, and Daly handles his recovery with care and empathy. I enjoyed the presentation of the story as if it were an autobiography written by Jane, since she is a talented writer in her own right. I was on the edge of my seat with the suspense in this one, lots of guessing, and the ending was ultimately satisfying.
In Open Your Eyes, Paula Daly shatters the facade of what, for all appearances, is the perfect marriage. She examines the vices of pride and envy and arranges a masterful whodunit. Open Your Eyes answers that question we ask ourselves all too often: do we ever really know those closest to us?
Thank you to the generous Grove Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
From acclaimed novelist and “master of psychological thrillers” (Library Journal) Paula Daly, Open Your Eyes follows a bestselling crime novelist’s tragic turn from fictional perpetrator into real-life victim.
Jane Campbell avoids confrontation at any costs. Given the choice, she’ll always let her husband, Leon–a bestselling crime writer–take the lead, while she focuses on her two precious young children and her job as a creative writing teacher. After she receives another rejection for her novel, Leon urges Jane to put her hobby to rest. And why shouldn’t she, when through Jane’s rose-tinted glasses, they appear to have the perfect house and the perfect life?
But then Leon is brutally attacked in their driveway while their children wait quietly in the car, and suddenly, their perfect life becomes the stuff of nightmares. Who would commit such a hateful offense in broad daylight? With her husband in a coma, Jane must open her eyes to the problems in her life, as well as the secrets that have been kept from her. Although she might not like what she sees, if she’s committed to discovering who hurt her husband–and why–Jane must take matters into her own hands.
A surprising and gripping thriller of pride, ambition, and envy, Open Your Eyes is an unsettling whodunit about the illusions of a perfect marriage that confirms Paula Daly as a writer at the forefront of domestic suspense.
Have you read Open Your Eyes, or do you plan to? Do you have a favorite book by Paula Daly? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
I haven’t read any books by Paula Daly but this one sounds really good. I love suspense novels, especially when the theme surrounds married couples and secrets. Thx for sharing. ( :
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Thanks, Laurie! This one held my attention. It is well-written and with lots of tension. I hope you are having a great week!
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I haven’t ready anything by this author, but this definitely sounds like a great read. I’m especially curious to see how she illustrates the TBI.
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She had clearly done research on TBI because it felt authentic. It definitely added to the story for me. Happy Wednesday, LP! ♥️
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I have not read any of her books but will have to take a look at this one.
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She’s talented, Marialyce!
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Thanks for recommending this ditty. Pretty picture.
I plan to read this one. Have not read any books by this author.
Happy Wednesday.💕💗🌺📚
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Thank you, Virginia! I hope you enjoy this book if you read it! Also hope your Wednesday was wonderful! ♥️
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Ohhh secrets in a marriage?? This sounds really good Jen! Awesome review my friend!😊🎃💕
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This was a great domestic suspense, Sus! I like this author’s style! Thanks so much, and I hope you’ve had a wonderful day with no 🐒 flashbacks! 💗 xoxo
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I’ve got Trophy Child on my shelf – depends how I get on with that!
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I’ll be waiting to see what you think of Trophy Child, Sheila! I hope you enjoy it!
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I read some of her books before and loved them. This is definitely one for my tbr! Thanks Jennifer for the recommendation.
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You’re welcome, Emma! I hope you love this one, too, and I can’t wait to dig into her backlist!
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I’ve been going back and forth with this one. Sounds like I should pick it up!
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I really enjoyed it, Holls! I need to read more of her backlist now!
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Planning to start this one soon, great review!
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Thanks, Lindsey! I can’t wait to see what you think of it!
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Oooh, intriguing plot!
If find these type of domestic suspense stories sort of comforting. You know how we have the tendency to think other people’s marriage/relationship must be so awesome, and then all the secrets come up. Compared to that my life always seems better 😀
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That’s true, Norrie! It helps us to feel normal! This plot was really well-done. I was impressed with the author.
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Excellent review, Jennifer! I saw this earlier and am hoping it finally lands at my library.
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Thanks, Jonetta! I hope you are able to read it, too! This author is definitely one to watch.
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Wonderful review! I resisted requesting this one and now I’m regretting it! LOL I can always purchase it!
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Thanks, Berit! Yes, I think you’ll want to check this one out! I need to read more of this author’s backlist now!
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This sounds really (!) good!! I’ll look for it!
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I hope you get a chance to read it, Mackey!
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Another beautiful post! Will KIV this book. Love it when it questions who can we or do we really trust…
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Thanks, Jee! I was really impressed with how the author pulled this one off! ♥️
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Paula Daly is wonderful. I’ve recently read this book too. I really enjoyed it.
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I’m so happy you enjoyed it, too, Chrissi! I am excited she has so many other books for me to read!
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I love a good domestic thriller and this sounds perfect. Already curious about the couple and especially the husband. Glad you enjoyed this one, Jennifer. Fab review~!
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Thanks, Diana! I can imagine this one working well for you, too! The author knows how to build tension so well.
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Glad you enjoy it. Great review, Jennifer!
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Thanks, Darinda! It was a captivating read!
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Fantastic review Jenni! I’ve only read one book by Paula Daly but you’ve reminded me I really need to catch up on her works. She’s a brilliant author! 😊
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Thanks, Beth! She truly is! She is on top of her craft for sure! ♥️
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I don’t believe I have read anything by Paula Daly, in fact I do not think I have heard of her. I will definitely have to check out her books now. Great review Jennifer.
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Thanks, Carla! She seems to have a bunch of fans, and I liked her style. I hope you’ve been having a wonderful weekend. We are finally getting a taste of fall here.
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Ahhh! I just got approved for this one and it sounds SO good! Lovely review, as always. 😀
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Thanks, Myndi! And yay! I can’t wait to hear what you think of it!
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