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 h...

      Review: Anna O - Matthew Blake - January 2024 Thanks to HarperCollins NZ for the ARC. Anna O had captured my attention and I was looking forward to reading it as I had read a few similar titles including A Long Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan and Stay Awake by Megan Goldin. Both books tackled events that caused trauma and the person to either fall into a deep sleep or trouble if they do fall asleep. In Anna O, four years ago Anna was out with her family and friends when a tragedy occurred - two of her friends were murdered and the main suspect was Anna. Shortly after the incident, Anna fell asleep and years later she is still asleep and hasn't awoken. It's like it is stuck in a coma. The police have enlisted the help of the Abbey Sleep Clinic where Dr. Benedict Price works and his mentor Dr. Bloom to try and wake Anna and make her fit for trial. Ben tries various techniques in the present and then in the past timeline, the book from Anna's POV talks about what led up ...

Review: Slow Down, Take a Nap - Marina Oliveira - November 2023 In a world perpetually in motion, where the hustle and bustle of daily life often overshadows the simple joys of slowing down, Marina Oliveira's "Slow Down, Take a Nap: A Celebration of the Siesta" emerges as a charming and insightful tribute to the art of the midday reprieve. With its delightful blend of humor, science, and captivating illustrations, this book serves as a delightful manifesto for the power of the siesta. Oliveira unveils a well-researched and endearing exploration of naps, shedding light on their significance across diverse cultures. While napping may carry an undeserved stigma in the modern world, "Slow Down, Take a Nap" invites readers to embrace this hidden indulgence, not as a guilty pleasure but as an act of self-care. The book's witty and whimsical tone lends an inviting touch, making it accessible to readers aged 10 and above, and even for adults looking to reconnect wit...

Title: Awaken Author: Christy Sloat Genre: YA, Fantasy Series: The Slumber Duology #2 “Happily ever after is hers for the taking.” Once upon a time I found myself locked away in Spindle Ridge Asylum, punished for a murder I didn’t commit. It was all part of Maleficent’s evil plan. I didn’t remember who I was then … now I do. My name is Aurora, and I am the rightful queen of this realm. Armed with my memories, I’m ready to take charge of my kingdom once more. Happily ever after evades me, yet I long to claim it with my true love, Sawyer, beside me. That fairy tale ending seems impossible with him locked in the thralls of a sleeping curse. As much as I’d love to sit by his bedside and eagerly await a cure, I must first travel into the terrifying Dark Woods to stop Raven from stripping me of all that is rightfully mine. I am not only a queen, but a warrior who will fight for her kingdom. Some may die. Blood will be shed. But when this ending comes, I will settle for n...

Shh! (Oxley College #1) by  Stacey Nash   Release Date: 02/23/15 Summary from Goodreads: Nineteen-year-old Olivia Dean has the perfect reputation, the perfect boyfriend, and an increasingly perfect CV. She has it all, until Christian breaks up with her in public, calling her out as a self-gratifying sexoholic: the kind that plays solo. But Olivia doesn’t masturbate all night — the only thing she does is sleep … right? Now all the boys on campus seem to want her attention for the absolutely wrong reason — including resident hottie, Logan Hays. He's pulling out his best moves to gain her attention, so resisting his sexy charm is hard work. With rapidly slipping grades, a disturbingly lurid reputation and demanding parents, Olivia must discover the truth behind her rumoured sleeping problem. If she doesn't, the perfect life she's worked so hard for may slip away, including the one person who has Olivia breaking all her rules — Logan. What do ...