Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
The title alone, Don’t Open Your Eyes, hooked me instantly. I was expecting a dark, suspenseful thriller, and this novel absolutely delivered. From the very first chapter, the blend of maternal fear, eerie dreams, and creeping dread created an addictive atmosphere. If you enjoy psychological thrillers that mess with your head in the best way, this one grabs hold and doesn’t let go.

✅ What I Liked:
What truly stood out to me was how Liv Constantine weaved suspense with emotional depth. The main character, Annabelle, is a successful, seemingly put-together woman whose life begins to unravel when her nightmares start coming true. Her panic, fear, and desperation felt entirely believable, which made the stakes even higher as the story progressed. I also appreciated the dual (and at times, triple) perspectives, switching between Annabelle, her teenage daughter Scarlett, and another mysterious woman. This structure added layers to the plot, and it was fascinating to see events unfold through different lenses. The pacing, for the most part, was snappy, with just the right amount of tension and a few perfectly placed twists. As a reader, I was constantly guessing, which is exactly what I want in a thriller.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
That said, the novel wasn’t without its flaws. While the beginning and end were razor-sharp, the middle portion of the book sagged slightly. Some chapters felt like they were circling the same revelations without much forward momentum, which briefly disrupted the otherwise taut pacing. I also found the supernatural elements a little underexplored. The idea of Annabelle’s dreams predicting real events is incredibly intriguing, but I would have liked a bit more explanation or even deeper exploration of how or why this was happening. Lastly, while I connected with Annabelle’s fear and urgency, her emotional distance at times made her a hard character to fully root for.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
Don’t Open Your Eyes is the kind of thriller that’s tailor-made for a weekend binge. It’s fast-paced, emotionally charged, and layered with just enough supernatural intrigue to give it an edge over other domestic thrillers. It’s also a perfect pick for readers who love psychological suspense that centres on motherhood, family tension, and buried secrets. If you’ve enjoyed books like The Silent Patient or The Last Mrs. Parrish, this one will absolutely be up your alley. There’s plenty to discuss, especially around the themes of intuition, trust, and how far a mother will go to protect her child.

💭 Final Thoughts:
Liv Constantine has crafted a sharp, chilling story about fear, perception, and the dangerous power of knowing too much. The novel combines the emotional depth of a domestic drama with the pace and thrills of a classic psychological mystery. While a few slow moments and unanswered questions kept it from being a full five-star read for me, it was still a gripping and satisfying ride. I finished the book in two sittings and found myself thinking about the ending long after I’d turned the final page.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE

Final Rating ★★★★ – A tightly-wound, atmospheric thriller with emotional depth and a compelling premise. Perfect for fans of page-turners that flirt with the supernatural while staying rooted in relatable, real-world fears.