Timely and well narrated, but the focus on Frankie's stridently anti-feminist sentiments early on don't make her seem balanced or objective, just difficult to engage with.

Open Your Eyes by Heather J Fitt
(Narrated by Hilary MacLean)

Frankie was a journalist in Edinburgh and she was assigned to report a crime series of sexual assaults. Her article topic focused on female's safety. After reading few comments, her boyfriend already warned she was in danger. However, her naiveness made her never think herself was one of the victim.

On the other hand, a teenager Liam was rejected and humiliated in the real world about sex and resulted in peer-bully. He found himself being understood on a dark online group. Now, his mindset and the way he treated women were totally twisted.

Surprisingly these two POVs were connecting with each other. very well The author put these two separated characters together according to their current status, what they have experienced and family background. How vulnerable a person could be!

Fast-paced, intriguing and dark! Also the narrator was letting the character alive, especially Liam, his darkness, sadness and loneliness.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Saga Egmont Audio and Heather J Fitt for the thriller!

Format: Audiobook (8h20m)
Pub date: Aug 29, 2023

I had the pleasure of visiting Edinburgh recently and during my trip, I stumbled upon an intriguing audiobook set in the very city I was exploring. The audiobook turned out to be a thrilling experience that left a lasting impression on me. It skillfully blended elements of mystery and suspense, compelling me to constantly ponder the unfolding events.

What stood out to me was the emotional depth the thriller achieved. It evoked a wide range of feelings, from sadness to genuine horror, immersing me fully into the story's atmospheric world. The author's ability to make readers connect with the characters and empathize with their struggles was truly commendable.

While some may argue that the twists and turns in the plot weren't overly shocking, I personally found the subtle approach refreshing. The gradual buildup of tension and the gradual revelation of the story's secrets kept me engaged throughout, without relying on gratuitous shock value.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook. The combination of an atmospheric setting like Edinburgh and the well-crafted thriller narrative made it a captivating experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant journey into the darker corners of the human psyche.

I've seen so many rave reviews for this book, so I jumped at the chance to listen to the Audiobook.

Incels, toxic masculinity, trolls making threats again women.

Todd, an awkward fifteen year boy who finds support in toxic incel chatrooms. Frankie, a young female journalist determined to write headline news who discovers a niche in feminist / equality stories. You know they are on a collision course, you expect it will end badly for at least one of them.

The Introduction (which is a glossary of some of the words) gave an impression that it might not be such a subtle book, but I settled into it. I got into the story. Todd's determined to gain respect from the incels, Frankie's increasingly determined to stand up for and promote women's equality issues.

I was expecting some big twists, there were some hints at possible twists which didn't materialise.

There is definite tension, and some very tense situations along the way.

It is a debut, a fairly original subject, although I have read a few thrillers around incels and toxic masculinity that I've preferred.

Not bad at all, I enjoyed it overall, and I am being quite critical, but I would have liked a few more surprises along the way.

Thanks to Netgalley and Saga Egmont Audio

Possible spoilers



I started off thinking Frankie was a good down to earth character, and I could get on with her.
By midway through, I'm not so sure I'd get on with her BUT that's now become irrelevant, because my whole focus is now on Liam.
How he went from making me cringe for him, to being creeped out the minute his narration starts.
An incredibly realistic tale, that shows how easily people can be swayed.
Really good all the way through, then an Great ending.
I whizzed through this.

Thank you NetGalley and Heather Fitt for this copy!
This is a great debut novel from Heather Fitt.
The story is centred around Frankie who is a reporter in Edinburgh and wants to progress to serious reporting rather than the articles she's been given in the past.
Frankie starts by attending a press conference after several women have been raped and is shocked when the Police warn women not to go out alone at night.
This leads Frankie to meet a group who are fighting for women's rights but also leads her into danger.
A great debut novel that definitely had me hoooked!!!