Don’t Close Your Eyes by P. S. Cunliffe

One missing person. Ten sleepless nights. Whatever happens, don't close your eyes...

Catherine is frantic. It's her husband Simon's turn to take their son to nursery and he's nowhere to be seen. He promised he'd be here. So, where is he? And why isn't he taking her calls?

Her worst fears are soon realised when the police arrive at her door to tell her that Simon is missing, presumed dead. Refusing to accept that he's gone, Catherine spends her days retracing his last steps, and her nights searching the streets in desperation.

She will not rest, she will not sleep, until she's put her family back together.

The days merge into one, and things quickly unravel. Then comes another knock at the door. This time, a young woman. A stranger. Who tells Catherine she doesn't know her husband at all. That their whole life is a lie.

Catherine needs to know the truth. She needs to find Simon more than ever.

The body can't survive for more than 10 days without sleep. Will Catherine find her husband and uncover the truth, before it's too late?

About the author

P S Cunliffe is originally from the North West of England. A musician and artist, as well as a writer, he holds degrees in Fine Art and Creative Writing. He has spent the last twenty years working for some of the world’s biggest websites, and now lives in North London with his wife, Bailey, and his dog, Rufus.

Review

‘Don’t Close Your Eyes’ is a thriller that examines whether you really know someone and their secrets! This was the first time I have read this author but I will be keeping an eye out for what he does next.

Catherine is frantic. It is her husband Simon's turn to take their son to nursery and he isn't there. She woke up to an empty house. Where is and why isn't he answering his phone? Her worst fears are soon realised when the police turn up on her doorstep to tell her that Simon is presumed dead. Refusing to accept this Catherine decides to investigate it herself and begins to retrace his last steps. She will not rest and she will not sleep. Then a young woman turns up on her doorstep saying she doesn't know her husband and that her whole life is a lie. Catherine needs to know the truth. But she can't sleep and the body needs that rest…

The story is told from multiple points of view but the main characters are Catherine and Sara and I really liked them both. Are they both naive? Yes, but it made it entertaining as you were mentally shouting at them to get a grip and wise up! Although there are ‘twists’ throughout the plot they are signposted and I did end up guessing them so they became more ‘reveals’. Maybe a bit more editing would have allowed those twists to hit a bit more dramatically. I did devour this in one evening as I wanted to know how the women’s relationships would develop and if the killer was caught!

Let me know if you pick this one up!