"Anna O" delves into complex themes of identity and mental health, but its pacing and character development can feel uneven, leaving readers wanting more depth.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this.

I have mixed feelings about this book. While very compelling at some parts, there are other parts that just fell short to me, which as a result, I found myself skimming through some parts.

While I did overall enjoy this read, I did not enjoy the convoluted resolution

As soon as I read the blurb for this book, I didn’t hesitate. With a tap on the download button and a quick hunt for snacks, off I went to a quiet corner of the house to get lost in this exciting psychological thriller.

Anna Ogilvy hasn’t opened her eyes for four years. Not since she was found asleep with a knife in her hands, blood on her clothes and the bodies of her two best friends close by. Dr Benedict Prince, a ground-breaking expert in sleep psychology, is assigned to Anna’s case. Only she knows the truth, and only he knows how to discover it, but the sequence of events that is triggered when he finally rouses her from her sleep will shock the world and blow his life apart.

Such an intriguing premise that had me hooked from page one. It was giving major The Silent Patient vibes, and for the first half, I was all in. The short, punchy chapters were wrapped in scheming and mystery, and I was fascinated to learn about the psychology of sleepwalking. But the excitement I started out with had faded considerably by the end. I finished Anna O thinking I needed to read it again to properly digest all that had occurred. I don’t actually intend to do that, but I do wish I’d jotted down a few notes along the way. I don’t know about you, but that’s not how I like to read books. But this was a lot! In the end, the maze of characters, fake online personas and interconnecting relationships between key people became too complex for me to navigate easily, which impacted the enjoyment factor.

Loved the plot. Loved the setting. Loved the characters. Didn’t love the story’s convoluted resolution.

I Googled the author afterwards and was amazed to learn that Anna O became a global sensation on submission, with a record-breaking 16 international offers within two days. The author went on to secure three separate seven-figure deals in the US, the UK and Germany, plus another multiple seven-figure total elsewhere. I have no doubt this book will become the global phenomenon publishers expect and I can't wait to see what others think. After reading some early Goodreads reviews, I was relieved to find I wasn’t alone in my reaction.

Matthew Blake's Anna O is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of the human psyche. The novel centres around the character of Anna O, whose life becomes a labyrinth of intrigue and suspense as the narrative unfolds.

Blake masterfully constructs a suspenseful plot, weaving together elements of mystery and psychological drama. Anna O’s character is intricately developed, her experiences and emotional depth adding layers to the story. The portrayal of her struggles and interactions is both compelling and thought-provoking, drawing readers into her world.

The writing is evocative and immersive, creating a palpable sense of tension and uncertainty throughout the book. Blake’s attention to detail and his ability to craft unexpected twists keep the reader on edge, ensuring a page-turning experience.

Anna O is a compelling read for fans of psychological thrillers and contemporary fiction. Its intricate plot and well-drawn characters make it a noteworthy addition to the genre.

I absolutely loved this book, twists and turns throughout, and every time I thought I had it worked out something happened to make me question if I had.

If you enjoy twisty suspense then you will thoroughly enjoy this book, highly recommended.

I absolutely loved Anna O. What a twisty turny psychological mystery. Anna O is a famous patient that has been in a “sleep” since murdering her 2 friends/business partners/house mates. Benedict is tasked with waking Anna up but he is embroiled in the case, feeling sympathy for Anna, and wanting to protect her from the trial that will happen when she wakes. We see the present and the past unfold simultaneously to unravel the mystery. I definitely picked some of the twists early on but I didn’t see that final end coming. What a well written psychological thriller.

Thanks to Harper Collins Australia for a review copy.

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
This was a mind bending and carefully crafted book with a mix of psychological suspense and crime fiction.
I found the psychological aspect really interesting, I'm always drawn to this.

"The average human being spends thirty-three years of their life asleep. But what really happens when we sleep? And, more importantly, why can't we remember what happened when we wake...?"

Anna Ogilvy was a budding twenty-five-year-old writer with a bright future. Then, one night, she stabbed two people to death with no apparent motive - and hasn't woken up since. Dubbed "Sleeping Beauty" by the tabloids, Anna's condition is a rare psychosomatic disorder known to neurologists as "resignation syndrome."

"The Mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven out of hell, a hell out of heaven."

Dr. Benedict Prince is a forensic psychologist and an expert in the field of sleep-related homicides. His methods are the last hope of solving the infamous "Anna O" case and waking Anna up so she can stand trial. But he must be careful treating such a high-profile suspect-he's got career secrets and a complicated personal life of his own.

"I study people who commit crimes when they sleep." "As sleepwalking behaviours occur without volition sleepwalking can be used as a legal defense."

"Fear starts in the head and infects the body... The mind either fails to recognise enough danger or fails to stop recognising danger."

The chapters were short and sharp and often left you on a cliffhanger. It was a very different writing style that took a bit to get used to, short thought-like sentences, delivered in a more factual than story-like way, but once used to I enjoyed the style. But by the last quarter of the book it kind of annoyed me

"Anxiety, the besetting vice of modern industrial societies, emerges in that crossover between survival mode and the stresses of life in the twenty-first century. We feel hunted."

It dragged out in parts and was a bit repetitive. It could have done without a lot.

I did guess the end, but the twists did fool me for a lot of the way. But in the end I was disappointed that l picked it.
If you like a twisty book, you'll enjoy this, I don't think you could fit more twists in a second half of a book!

Anna O by Matthew Blake was a book I had wanted to read as I had heard good things about it. However it fell short to me. The idea and the story was interesting but I found the way it was told lost my interest and I really had to push through to the end.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Anna O is a well known for being accused of killing her friends and then falling asleep for more than 4 years. The crown now wants to determine whether she is medically fit and if she can be woken from her sleep. This is when sleep specialist and forensic psychologist Benedict Prince is approached to either wake Anna so she can face court or prove that she can not be woken. But all is not as it seems and is Dr Benedict able to solve this case before it is too late.
Okay so I was hoping that I would love this book but although I didn’t hate it I did struggle to get to the end and I struggled at times to follow the story as it seemed to jump in places and I had to go back and read previous pages to make sure I didn’t miss something…I didn’t.
The beginning and the end were the most engaging. The middle was where I struggled to stay engaged. The twists at the end was worth sticking with the story.

,

Anna O is famously known by the world for suspected double murder while sleepwalking. Truth is, no one actually knows if she did it, because she's been asleep for 4 years. Nothing wakes her.
Dr Benedict Prince is given a chance to wake Anna Ogilvy using experimental methods in a last-ditch effort, so she can stand trial for the murders of her two friends.

Told by multi POV's, with past and present timelines, it's a race to figure out if Anna O, did in fact commit double murder knowingly, or was she sleepwalking, with no knowledge of what she has done?
Dr Benedict Prince's carer is on the line. Dr Prince, will do anything to ensure, waking Anna O is a success.


I was fortunate to receive an ARC of Anna O by Harper Collins. Thank you also to Matthew Blake and NetGalley for allowing me access to this book.

Anna O, is confounding, with a deliberately evading storyline.
Fill with surprising twists and turns - Matthew Blakes suspense thriller, leaves you guessing till the very end.
Just when you think you know what's happening, the rug is pulled out from under you, and your left untying all the strings, that lead you back to Anna O.
Was Anna sleepwalking when she killed her two business partners that were planning to double cross her? Or, did she kill them in cold blood?

Anna O
Matthew Blake

Wow. That ending is something. I really loved the concept, “Anna O, Sleeping Beauty, a figure of myth and reality.” The technicalities of the Anna O case pull me right in hook, line and sinker.

“Was she guilty? Did she really get away with murder?”

The subterfuge is the brilliance in Anna O. Blake utilizes short, snappy chapters with cliffhangers and reveals that propel you forward. It was engaging however often filled with details and information that I can see some may find distracting, but ultimately is necessary for the mike drop conclusion. Anna O is the dark horse thriller that will stay with me.

“The mind is it’s own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.”

This appeals to fans of The Silent Patient.

Anna is found in a deep sleep accused of murdering her two best friends, “I’m sorry. I think I’ve killed them.” Four years pass and Anna still hasn’t woken. Doctor Benedict Prince, a forensic psychologist is tasked with waking her. As an expert in sleep, he knows all about the darkest chambers of the mind, the secrets that lie buried in the subconscious. And the legal ramifications that this particular crime pose; can we be held criminally responsible when sleeping? When does sleep take over and consciousness end?

“What made you realise that hope could be as powerful as heroin?”

Anna O by Matthew Blake was a wild ride. Let me start by saying this is a solid 4 star thriller. I have an undergrad degree majoring in forensic psychology and a postgrad in psych so I was nerding out over this book. Yes, administer the Glasgow Coma Scale, oh yeh score it! More! More!
There were a few 🤔 not sure about that moments with the psych info, but overall I loved it. I predicted some but not all of the ending and I still thought it was really well done. The pacing was confusing and sometimes the prose was overly repetitive but I highly recommend this book for fans of The Silent Patient (I liked this one more 😜).

Easily one of my favourite thrillers I’ve read recently, I’m picking Anna O to be one of 2024s most popular mystery books. It’s twisty and will keep you guessing to the very end.

Synopsis: Anna O’s case has fascinated the world for 10 years. After stabbing her two best friends, Anna goes into a deep sleep from which no one can wake her. Enthralled by her story, sleep psychologist Dr Benedict Prince is determined to try.

I sped through this book, it follows dual timelines and the perspectives of several characters, which meant it kept a strong pace throughout. The characters and their motives were well thought out and the unreliable narration gives the entirety of the book an unsettling air.

I enjoyed this one from start to finish and would recommend to fans of The Silent Patient!

4 ⭐️

Anna O
By Matthew Blake

Description:
Thriller

🔪 Sleep related homicide
🔪 Murders
🔪 Multiple Points of View
🔪 Diary Entries

Anna commits murder while sleepwalking, then falls asleep for four years.
It’s up forensic psychologist Dr Prince to wake her up so she can go to trial.

Really enjoyed the story. Slow at the start but then gets fast with plenty of twists to have you guessing.

If you enjoy crime and suspense thrillers, then check this book out.

My rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Thanks, NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia for a digital ARC copy of this book.

#netgalley #annao #matthewblake #harpercollinsaustralia #thriller

Thank you Harper Collins Publisher Australia, Matthew Blake and Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

This book captured me from the start. Such an addictive plot - a dark story and some great unexpected twists along the way. Blake did a brilliant job at creating suspense, telling the story in multiple POVs to keep me guessing and ending in such a shocking way!

Can't wait to read more from the author!

Wow... what a novel!! Such an original premise and kept me guessing right to the very last page. Just when you think it is worked out, there is another twist. Absolutely recommend!

3.5 stars
I have mixed views on this one. I enjoyed it to start with but I felt it dragged on longer than it needed to. I enjoyed the multiple POV but found the mix between first person and third person a little confusing. There are also diary entries from Anna scattered throughout which I found great. Many twists along the way as Dr Ben Price, a sleep expert, tries to get to the bottom of if Anna murdered her 2 best friends, and if so was she conscius when she did it or asleep and why. I didn't particularly like the final twist in the ending and thought this was rushed and left me feeling a little flat, rather than engaged. Overall it was an enjoyable mystery - but not particularly thrilling.

Anna O by Matthew Blake borrows its title from the pseudonym of a patient who inspired (or at least influenced) Freud's origins of psychoanalysis. Of course the character in this book is referenced thus as she either has resignation syndrome (a withdrawal from life - which IS a real thing), or is faking it to avoid murder charges. Also... her name is Anna (Ogilvy).

This book has been pretty hyped so my expectations were heightened. I received an early copy while at the Theakston Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate last July. I'd expected big things as a result so held off reading it until just before the Australian publication date in early February 2024. And it has to be said my thoughts on it changed many times over the course of its 440-ish pages.

Although Ben is ostensibly our main character, chapters are also narrated by his wife (a cop who was the first on the scene following the murders in 2019) and someone called Lola (aka Suspect #8 who was present at the murders). We learn more about Anna via her diary (held by Lola) and also dip into Broadmoor Psychiatric Hospital case files from over twenty years earlier.

The study of sleep (and what we're capable of while sleeping) is Ben's passion so he's the perfect therapist for Anna O. Essentially he believes resignation syndrome patients will wake if there's a reason to do so. He talks about giving them hope, so showers Anna with music, scents, books and pleasant memories from her past. And... #spoileralert she wakes up. Of course that's when Ben is supposed to hand her over for trial.

However things start to go wrong even before Anna wakes. There's a fresh murder and the past, gurgling beneath the surface, rears its ugly head.

At times I found it hard to know if the unfolding plot was far too obvious, or meant to be misleading red herrings. Ben starts working with Anna on the assumption she's innocent, and that any murderous act was committed while sleepwalking - something that's troubled her since childhood. But Anna's diary entries (in the lead-up to the murders) reference her increasing anger towards her two friends and colleagues (the victims); and then there's her interest in Ben and his work... a long time before (coincidentally) becoming his patient. And then there's the unaccounted-for surviving teenage child of a famous child-killer held in Broadmoor.

I enjoyed the opening of this book and then it stalled a little as Ben looks into Anna's past and though there were moments of interest and plot progression, I eventually felt frustrated by its direction. I can't articulate why but I was dissatisfied in a way. Perhaps it was because of Anna's thoughts being revealed through her diary entries.

Although, things then look up again as we move into the present (set a year after Anna wakes). I enjoyed Ben's narration here - knowing Anna has an agenda, but playing along anyway. Although that game of cat and mouse drags on for a while, we're offered two stories and have to decide which to believe. Because both cannot be true. Or can they?

"I can still sense the darkness in this. My head tells me to get up, walk away, get on the next plane out of here and find a new hiding spot. But my heart tells me it would be futile. That we are stuck, the two of us, in this loop. We are compelled by the mystery of each other. I have made my choice. This only ends when one of us is left standing." p 402

And then I was disappointed by the conclusion. Saddened perhaps. But not surprised. I think I would have preferred something open-ended... keeping us hanging. Never sated.

This is Blake's debut and although not gasp-out-loud twisty, it's clever. A mix of brilliance and disappointments. And though there were a few threads left untethered it's certainly a book I'll remember (a rarity as there are many that blur into one another), so I'm looking forward to what he writes next.

Clever and intriguing. I highly recommend Anna O.
Matthew Blake has served up a well-written, psychological thriller that kept me guessing til the last twist!
If this is the authors debut novel, I am excited to see what comes next!!

Anna Ogilvy has spent the the past four years asleep, following a brutal double murder she is accused of committing. But did she?

Forensic sleep psychologist Ben Prince has been tasked by the Ministry of Justice to coax Anna out of her sleep and prepare her to face court for her crimes. But as he delves further and further into the case and the possible reasons for her lengthy slumber, he unearths murky plots that go back 20 years and raises more questions than answers and puts a target on his own back.

This was a mindblowing ride with twists, trails, red herrings and misdirection throughout the book. It was a thriller, a whodunnit, a rollercoaster story within a story with an ending I didn't see coming.

It's a compelling tale from the outset, with an introduction that lures you in, and an ending that leaves you stunned.
I'm not going to say much more that that as I don't want to risk spoilers, but this is a fantastic story of deception, redemption, tabloid media, armchair detectives, psychology and so, so much more.

Read it.

~ Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~