So disappointing

I had high hopes for Sophie McKenzie's first adult novel but unfortunately found it very disappointing. My son has read and loved many of her books for teenagers and I really enjoyed her novel 'Girl Missing'. I am not sure what she is trying to do with this novel, it reads like a teenage novel and yet the subject matter seems far more suited to the adult psychological fiction market. It starts off pretty well and I was really intrigued by the plot and two main characters. Sophie Mackenzie does write well but the drama is too forced, there is too much melodrama, unanswered questions and not enough real tension.

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3 people found this helpful

Amazing story!

Absolutely loved this book, it was amazing. An amazing storyline, with some shocks and scandals along the way mixed in with liars and cheaters and you have an amazingly enjoyable read. This story truly touched me as I know these sorts of things could happen in real life which for me made me more interested. I would recommend to all over 14, and for those who have read it, wasn't the very ending a bit scary?

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no don't waste credit. ridiculous unbelievable non

irritating voice, just got worse and worse, it was a stupid story, weak ridiculous main character. I have more wrinkles from my frowning at how ridiculous the story got. the husband character is completely unbelievable like the story. what a waste of few hrs in my life. really don't bother.

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Really?? Far fetched and then some!

The narration I found ok and the book started off well but while its ok in part it is so far fetched to be unbelievable. I could say so much and give so many examples but suffice to say it would reveal some of the plot and I do not wish to do that.
I work in the Obstetric field so reading this in so many places makes me cringe with disbelief. However if you wish a light summer read where you abandon all that could possibly happen and substitute it with all that could not then this story will work. I think Ms McKenzie should listen to her characters who said several times that this whole thing was too far fetched. They were so right.
I am going to ring Audible to give this one back.

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6 people found this helpful

Ridiculous premise

The actual storyline was daft and unrealistic. However, I wanted to know what happens next, so continued to turn the pages (which says something, I suppose). As for the narration? Candida Gubbins voice is way to twee for a thriller, which made the premise even more laughable. Maybe children's books?

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2 people found this helpful

Silly and annoying

Which is worse? The annoying narration voices (particularly Hen!) or the silly, circuitous storyline? Possibly the pathetic protagonist who kept second guessing herself. Agh. Don’t bother!

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far fetched

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

a better story

Has Close My Eyes put you off other books in this genre?

no

Have you listened to any of Candida Gubbins’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Yes and she is always excellent

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Close My Eyes?

I would cut parts of most scenes. The scenes are dragged out and this doesn't add to the suspense, it's just irritating.

Any additional comments?

The story is far fetched and doesn't suspend reality.

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2 people found this helpful

Far fetched and over rated

If this book wasn’t for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?

This book is probably more for a fantasist rather than a realist. The storyline is very far fetched with a fair few holes within, as if the scenario that happened could ever actually realistically come about.

What could Sophie McKenzie have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

The concept of a baby being stolen at birth could be believable if the storyline had been toned down slightly. It felt very much more of a detective novel whereas I think some of the elaborate scenes needn't have arisen.

What didn’t you like about Candida Gubbins’s performance?

The narrator was good, although the child's voice was a bit creepy, I suppose it was meant to be.

You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?

The beginning was good and I enjoyed the relationship between Lorcan and Gen.

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1 person found this helpful