Find out how Mumsnetters reacted to psychological thriller Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough

Thanks for the book. It started off well and had some interesting characters. It threw up questions - about affairs, loyalty and I wanted to know what would happen next.

But it started going downhill for me then. The characters weren't really likeable enough or developed for me to care about them.
The ending was preposterous. True - I didn't predict it. I won't give anything away, but I wouldn't recommend this book. Didn't help that I read it straight after reading an excellent novel.

Terrible book. I really do not understand the hype behind it. It's the most disappointing book I've read this year. It's more akin to a year 6 effort. The author got to the required 300 pages and didn't know how to end it. The ending is along the lines of the Dallas shower scene , for those old enough to know what I'm talking about. It actually made me angry that I'd invested my time on it. It's not clever and it's certainly not of the fantasy or psychological genre worth spending any money on. There are many many superior novels in this category that are overlooked. In summary it's crap!

-What did you think of the characters?

I thought the characters were based on sterotypes. Someone like Louise who reminds us of someone we work with. A typical lady of a certain age, who has a kid, divorced, working at a job she needs rather than love. Trying to re-gain her youth, good looks, and find a new lease of life.

Adele- Again starts as the typical glamorous other women. The one who appears perfect, but has secret issues. The one who's issue lead her to become friends with Louise.

David- The confused hard done by husband. who is so over-whelmed by his wifes "issues" that he commits an affair. The normal characteristics of good "david" wanting to do outreach versus bad David the drunk.

Rob- The character that is most of the book. But who's character is never revealed. (No spoilers here)

They all weave through the story of the book.. On the surface it appears to be a common enough story of an affair. How the Wife makes friends with the lady hee husband is having the affair with.

When reading the story you do think the author is trying to deal with certain themes i,e How an affair can question how you regard people. Who can you trust, who is really a friend. How events can be manipulated to make you rethink your perception of people.

It is a very easy to read book, and there are little hints throughout the story that lead to the ending. But they are not clear enough to really pick up on. Perhaps that is to the authors credit.

-What was your reaction to the ending? -Did you expect the ending?

If I am being very honest I was surprised by the ending. I thought the storyline was strong enough without going off in that direction. I can see why the author has added it in- sort of a surprise element. And it did drawn in the little clues throughout the book together.

But honestly I just disappointed with the ending. You had a book with a decent story line, that was believable. Then around the last few chapters the author goes off in this direction. So for me it went from being a story that had drama, and you wanted to follow, to a story set in fantasy land. It did spoil the book for me.

If you can, please no spoilers. Happy reading!

Thanks for my copy mumsnet. Great read messes with your mind as every good psychological thriller should. I did find it hard to believe but intricate
characters and plot make this well worth a few hours of your time.

Thanks for my free copy of Behind Her Eyes. Not read any of Pinborough's work before and not a big thriller reader but thoroughly enjoyed this book. I liked the way it was written with chapters by the different characters and going back to events in the past. I liked all the characters but found it hard to understand how Louise came to the decision to take things further with David. One minute she was going to stop seeing both Adele and David. And then the next she seemed to fall into bed and in love with David with no thought process or expansion as to why she was suddenly in love with him. I guess that's how affairs and love can be, but I would have liked to know what was going through Louise's mind to have a change of heart.
I felt like the ending had 2 twists. I admit that I saw the first 1 coming as it was hinted at and was similar to a film I've seen. The final twist was a shocker which I enjoyed immensely. I already thought this book was a good read, but the ending raised my opinion to another level. I agree that it went from thriller to fantasy, but so what. It's a good story. I may have a look at some of pinborough's other work.

I'm about 20 pages from the end and decided to write my review before I reached the end so as not to be tempted to give anything away. This is a great thriller. The characters have enough flaws to be believable and I felt invested in their story. Its set in England which is always nice I think. It's a book that unveils its secrets slowly and keeps you interested as you await the next glimmer of info that will help you piece the story together, although in the way of good thrillers every time you think you've got it sorted there is another little twist. A great book that I'd recommend to anyone that likes a good psychological thriller.

Thanks to Mumsnet for sending me a proof copy of the book. The author has drawn some great characters here - Louise is particularly likeable - and the book is a fast, pacy read. I felt the ending had crossed over into another realm, though, from psychological thriller to fantasy, and for me it was a twist too far. Would probably work better in a film or TV series than a novel.

I really enjoyed this book.. but it did leave me a little cold at the end. Yes it was a great twist that I hadn't seen coming but it was completely out of the realms of believability. Apart from that it was a real page turner and had good characters, I didn't like Adele but I guess that was the point as she was manipulative and demanding.
I will be padding this on to my friend with the note that's it's not your normal thriller ending!

Looking forward to reading this one!

I did enjoy it but there were parts that were difficult, it's hard to explain without spoilers though. I'd recommend to some but I know it'll be a bit "Marmite"!

Enjoyed the book as an easy read page turner. I dont usually read this type of book and i have recently read Girl on the Train and The Widow so maybe a bit of overkill for me of thrillers like this.

Having said that, I didnt expect the ending and cant decide if i liked it or not! I think it worked!

I thought the characters were well developed and wide ranging. I would definitely recommend it to others.

Thanks for sending me it .

Only just started this and am already gripped!

i love psychological thrillers so i am really looking forward to reading this.

Thanks for the chance to read this thriller as probably would not have picked it up to buy.
Tha characters are all have their flaws but were very believable, which I found unsettling as could easily be any ordinary person in my life. Probably put me off as my daughter is called Louise!
I like the way each chapter is by a character.
Can't comment on end as not there yet.

Absolutely fantastic book. It did take me a while to get into it, but once I did it seemed to flow and get more intriguing as the story went along. Although quite bizarre at times. The way the story was separated into each character was great as it meant I could keep track of who it was and see the story from their side. Their lives also seemed relateable and 'every day' rather than something that logically wouldn't occur . The ending wasn't what I expected at all. Will definitely be re-reading again!!! Can't wait for future books from the author!

sounds good

This was a great thriller with plenty of twists, it certainly kept me gripped and personally I found the characters very real and engaging. I did not expect the ending at all, I found myself thinking about it for days after finishing the book!

Great read - book of the year contender

It certainly kept me on the edge of my seat.

This is an odd book because i still don't know how i feel about it. Not had this with a book before. I usually like thrillers but the wrting was very flat and i just couldn't find any positive emotions towards any of the characters. An affair and all the twists and turns that entails. A paranormal edge to it with a twist that still didn't draw me in. Not a book i enjoyed.

I havent actually read this book yet but it sounds likeit would be right up my street . Im loving the sound of it and cant wait until i can buy it

Haven't read it yet but sounds a great read.

i loved it! Believable, interesting characters- solid plot! Thumbs up from me! x

Fantastic, tense, psychological thriller with a mysterious love triangle scenario that unravels more questions than answers. I've never read anything quite like this before and no surprise that Netflix are to adapt this for television. I cant wait. It's going to be good.

A good thriller I did not predict the ending, full of secrets and mystery!