VBT# The Sleepwalker - Ian Blackwood

Review: The Sleepwalker - Ian Blackwood - May 2025

Lately, I’ve been riding a thrilling wave of psychological suspense, and thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours—who specialize in gripping thriller reads—I’ve discovered some absolute gems. One standout is The Sleepwalker by Ian Blackwood, an ARC I couldn’t put down. This intense psychological thriller reminded me of Anna O by Matthew Blake with hints of Megan Goldin’s Stay Awake—a chilling mix of sleep disorders, unreliable perception, and dangerous secrets.

Dr. Ellie Thompson is the kind of protagonist who pulls you in immediately. A successful doctor, Ellie has always battled vivid nightmares. But now, those nightmares are seeping into her waking life. She finds blood on her hands, shards of glass in her bed, and knives under her pillow—without any memory of how they got there. As her grip on reality loosens, Ellie becomes desperate for answers, yet fearful of seeking help. After all, speaking to a therapist could mean suspension from her job—something she can’t risk.

What makes The Sleepwalker so engrossing is the constant sense of dread. Is Ellie losing her mind, or is someone manipulating her into believing she is? The theme of gaslighting is woven expertly through the story, with every chapter deepening the mystery. The dual timeline—shifting between past and present—adds further intrigue, gradually revealing the trauma and choices that shaped Ellie’s life and those around her.

One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is its exploration of the foster care system. Through Ellie’s past, we see the stark contrast between being adopted into a loving family or left behind. The book thoughtfully examines how childhood trauma can haunt us, but also how resilience and mindset determine our future.

And just when I thought I had it all figured out—bam!—Ian Blackwood throws in a twist that completely floored me. I was convinced I knew who the manipulator was, but the real mastermind caught me completely off guard. That reveal alone elevated the book from a solid thriller to an unforgettable one.

If you enjoy thrillers that mess with your mind, question your reality, and leave you breathless by the end, The Sleepwalker is a must-read. With a strong female lead, a gripping descent into paranoia, and a haunting psychological mystery at its core, this is one book that will make you question your own sleep schedules and patterns.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3H25XKR