Review: Insomnia by Sarah Pinborough

Publisher: William Morrow

Published: April 12, 2022

Source: Print copy via Publisher

 

Summary:

IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT, MADNESS LIES . . .

Emma can’t sleep.

CHECK THE WINDOWS.

It’s been like this since her big 4-0 started getting closer.

LOCK THE DOORS.

Her mother stopped sleeping just before her own fortieth birthday.

She went mad and did the unthinkable because of it.

LOOK IN ON THE CHILDREN.

Is that what’s happening to Emma?

WHY CAN’T SHE SLEEP?

 

My thoughts:

I definitely consider myself a super fan of Sarah Pinborough’s books because I will read everything and anything she writes and I always end up loving them! I’m not sure how she does it, but she writes the most twistiest, craziest thrillers out there. And I am all for it. Each book is so damn unique and fun that you just have to read them, and this latest one is no exception!

It’s so hard to write reviews of her books, though, because I don’t want to give anything away – my best advice is to go into her books as blind as you can. But what I do feel comfortable sharing is that this one really kept me on edge the entire way through. First, there’s the title – I myself suffer from insomnia from time to time, so I was already intrigued and then when Emma starts having bouts of it, the writing is such that you feel as if you are experiencing it right along with Emma. That sense of paranoia is so palpable that you cannot help but feel for Emma as she goes through all that she does within the book. It’s chilling and nerve-wracking and hooks you further into the story all at once.

I loved all the characters we meet and how you aren’t quite sure if any of them are trustworthy or not. And quite a few of them were not especially likeable. I love when we get a mix of characters like this because it really keeps you on your toes as you try to figure out who the good guys are and who the bad guys are.

This story builds at just the right pace – it might feel a bit slow at the beginning, but it really is just setting the groundwork for all that is to come and I could not have loved it more. I was captivated by this story right from the start and once I finally had time to devout to it – thanks really life for getting in the way! – I could not put it down. This to me is a true psychological thriller and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since I finished reading it.

I have enjoyed all of this author’s books but this might be my new favorite and I definitely recommend it to all thriller fans.