This was a disturbingly dark and twisted thriller, and I loved every minute of it. I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator also did a fantastic job! All the stars from me.

This was a tough read…or listen, rather. It felt very repetitive and dragged on. I do feel it shed some good light on a very real issue for some women, but more extreme. An unreliable narrator is hard for me. It wasn’t easy to follow. I also felt like the story for a little erratic towards the end, which makes sense for the story, I guess. I listened with my husband, we sort of guessed at what was happening. I didn’t however, see the final twist coming. We enjoyed that.

I enjoyed this book even though there are lots of these books around right now following the same genre. It kept me interested and the narration worked.

I enjoyed the narration of this book and it was well done and easy to listen to. I felt sometimes this book was a bit drawn out and repetitive in alot of the chapters but then picked up a bit & was wrapped up well. Not my favourite thriller but still worth a listen. Rated this one 3.5 stars. Thanks to netgalley & the publisher for this audio arc.

This high quality audio book was told from the pov of Lou. Full of twists and turns and moments of I saw that coming this was an entertaining enjoyable listen. The narrator did a fab job of trying to get the pov across. , often with a difficult inner monologue. I did guesse the twist , but it was still enjoyable and worth it for the way in with the story and twists were revealed alongside the ultimate twist I did not see coming . The pace felt a bit off in places. It was told in a clever way as the pov of Lou gave different meaning to everything was detailed and once you got your head around that it was entertaining and unique . I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good mystery felt like the ending was a bit rushed and because a to b in places. Thank you netgallery, publisher, author and narrator for this entertaining listen.

I quite liked the narrator, I think she did a good job at capturing the emotions of our MC. As for the story, I thought it was fun! The twist was pretty predictable but still interesting to not know what each chapter will bring. The characters were all so flawed, and none of them were very likable. I do like an unrealiable narrator, though! All in all, pretty fun read, very tense.

Thank you Netgalley, Natali Simmonds and Bookouture Audio for the audio Arc of While My Baby Sleeps
Narrated by Sofia Zervudachi

While My Baby Sleeps is packed Domestic Psychological Thriller with some great twists and turns. The direction of the book. maybe picked up by the subtle foreshadowing and the characters are well rounded and human ( with plenty of faults and flaws ) Half way through, you are felt wondering whether we have a unreliable narrator or whether the people that surround our FMC are gaslighting. It keeps you on your toes until the very end.

Natali's writing style is perfect for this sort of psychological thriller, bringing into perceptive of Post Natal Depression (Uk/ Europe term ) or Post Partum Depression ( US and other countries ) and just how people acknowledge ( or not ) this mental health condition. Having being a sufferer myself years ago, I completely bonded with our FMC and can completely get what Natali wanted to achieve and she did.

Sofia narrated this book and she was easy to listen to and perfect for this kind of book.

4.25 stars for Storygraph and 4 for other Review sites

While My Baby Sleeps is a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat audiobook that delivers suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists from start to finish. With a gripping plot and compelling characters, this psychological thriller keeps listeners hooked throughout, making it the perfect pick for those who love suspenseful, mind-bending stories.

The audiobook follows the story of a mother, whose seemingly peaceful life with her newborn baby takes a dark turn. As secrets unravel and hidden motives come to light, the tension builds in a way that is both captivating and unsettling. The twists are well-timed, keeping you guessing with every chapter, as you’re drawn deeper into the web of deception and lies.

The narration is top-notch, enhancing the tension and emotion of the story. The voice actors expertly capture the nuances of each character, bringing their fears, doubts, and inner conflicts to life. The pacing is just right, with moments of quiet suspense followed by intense action that leaves you wanting more.

Simmonds masterfully constructs a narrative that pulls at your emotions, while also keeping you on the edge of your seat with shocking developments. The portrayal of motherhood is both authentic and unsettling, with the protagonist’s sense of vulnerability and paranoia resonating deeply. The sense of isolation and the psychological strain on the main character make for a chilling listen.

In conclusion, While My Baby Sleeps is an unputdownable psychological thriller that is perfectly suited for audiobook listeners. With its fast-paced plot, well-crafted characters, and plenty of unexpected twists, it’s sure to keep you engaged and second-guessing everything until the very last moment. If you’re looking for a suspense-filled thriller that will leave you breathless, this is definitely one to add to your list.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Audiobook)

Are you looking for a story that keeps you on your toes?

Check out While My Baby Sleeps. A new book by Natali Simmonds

What happens when you are so tired you can't think straight? When you can't tell the difference between reality and fantasy? This author has written a new book about a young mother who is so exhausted and overwhelmed with her almost one year old baby that still doesn't sleep the night in a story that will keep you totally intrigued.

Anyone that has ever had a baby knows how tired and overwhelmed a mother feels but just imagine if she gets absolutely a minimum of help from her partner and he ignores almost completely what she is dealing with. Well that's the premise of this book.

Ever wonder what happens when your body gets no sleep? Well this author in her new psychological thriller examines this thru the eyes and mind of the mom.

We get to see the entire experience from her point of view . And its a wild ride.

It's Post partum depression on steroids .

Warning this audio book took me much longer to read than most books. At times the intensity of the protagonist was so strong it made me step back a bit to catch my breath. It is one of those books that completely takes you inside her mind where you feel her emotions. Do have to say the the narrator Sofia Zervudachi did an excellent job at bringing the story to life.

Altho some parts were predictable. The twists and turns made the book a very different and exciting reading experience and I recommend it for those looking for a true psychological thriller.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

We’re introduced to Lou, the main character who is a new mum, in a new home with her partner at his new job who works nights. Very early on there is a murder on the street and Lou has hazy memories of the evening, her only true recollection is being covered in blood and locked out her home.

The major twist was not a surprise to me however it did not detract from the story which I felt was well written. There were moments of real sorrow for Lou and she’s a character I think a lot of people could relate to in new motherhood. I can’t lie, I was a little disappointed with the ending and felt it had so much more potential. None the less this was a good story and overall I would say a 3.5.

The narrator was an excellent choice, she covered the characters well and I felt her voice really suited the role of Lou. I’d listen to further narrated novels by her.

Lu and Tony are the parents of almost 1-year-old Riley. While Tony goes to work to provide for the family, an exhausted Lu cares for Riley in their new home - feeling very alone and isolated. Though Lu adores her son, she is dealing with memory gaps and strong feelings of rage.

One night, Lu finds herself locked out of her house and covered in blood - eventually being let in by a neighbors sister, Maggie. The next day, the police are on her street questioning the neighborhood about a neighbor being murdered. Unsure what happened, Lu's anxiety continues to rise, and Maggie begins to help Lu take care of Riley and herself.

The beginning of this book was a bit repetitive and drawn out for my taste. I understand how the author was trying to describe and portray Lu to get the reader to think a certain way, but it felt like that section could have been more condensed. But towards the end, the book really started to get good and pick up. There were a few revelations at the end that I felt were coming, but not what caused them. The very end had me surprised at how the events all unraveled. The hard thing about thrillers is that you have to be vague in the descriptions, or else the end will be spoiled.

On a side note, as a mother, it was nice to see some of the mental health things brought up that may occur in the first few years of a child's life. Many things in the story I could not relate to, but there were also some brutal honest truths about being a mom that I didn't expect.

Thank you to Bookouture Audio, NetGalley, and Natali Simmonds for the audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.

** Possible Spoiler Alert ** 3.8 Stars - Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC of 'While My Baby Sleeps' audiobook.

At first, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to finish this book. As a new mom myself, it became painfully clear by the second chapter that Lu was struggling with severe PPA/PPD. Her boyfriend, Tony, was infuriatingly oblivious—so much so that I lost count of how many times I rolled my eyes. Her mother and brother weren’t much better, offering absolutely no support.

Despite my frustration, I pushed through, and I’m glad I did. The story turned into a gripping, unpredictable ride that kept me hooked until the very end (I even had a dream last night that I, myself, was pregnant again lol). I had plenty of theories along the way—including guesses about the big twist—but not all of them were correct. What stuck with me most was how desperately Lu needed help and how no one around her recognized the signs or stepped in.

By the final chapters, I was relieved to see things settle down and for the family to finally take action—though their apologies felt a bit underwhelming. Overall, it was an intense and engaging read. However, I’d recommend including content warnings for those who may be sensitive to themes of PPA/PPD.

While My Baby Sleeps is an addictive thriller. The story is fast paced and unpredictable which is how I like my books to be. I'll definitely be reading more of Natali Simmond's novels. Thanks so much for my gifted audiobook. My review will be shared on my tour date. @coffee.break.book.reviews

Lou is a new mom and she is severely sleep-deprived and is struggling with the challenges of caring for her newborn, Riley.
Her exhaustion leads to memory lapses and heightened irritability, and her partner seems to be working all the time and not available when she really needs help!
One night she finds herself locked out of the house and covered in blood, she somehow ends up being saved by her neighbor Maggie. The plot intensifies when Lou becomes entangled in a murder investigation after waking up with no recollection of the previous night’s events. As she tries to do it all she starts questioning her own sanity, and the story unfolds with unexpected twists and turns.

Overall this was a good book, but personally I felt it was a bit dragged when the author was explaining the struggles of Lou - like we get the point, no need to repeat it in every chapter that Lou was tired!

Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture Audio and Natali Simmonds for approving the audibook ARC in exchange for honest review

This book took me on a wild ride through the messy, emotional, and utterly exhausting reality of new motherhood. It dives deep into postpartum depression, the overwhelming struggles of a new mom, and just how crucial support is in those early days. Honestly, I felt like I was right there with Lu, running on fumes, questioning everything, and wondering if she could even trust her own mind.
It kept me on my toes the whole time—I had a theory about halfway through, but I kept second-guessing myself. Even when I thought I had it figured out, there were still dots to connect, and the story threw in some surprises I didn't see coming. The unreliable narration was done so well that I started feeling like I was losing grip on reality along with Lu.
Also, shoutout to the audiobook narrator—she absolutely nailed it! I can only imagine how tough it must have been to bring Lu’s fragile, unraveling mindset to life, but she did it brilliantly. This was one of those books that had me hooked from start to finish, making me feel just as disoriented, paranoid, and emotionally invested as the main character.

While My Baby Sleeps is one of the best books I've listened to in ages! I recommend the audio as it gives the drama to feel it best. The author is fantastic at weaving and twisting the tale so well. I haven't read Natali Simmons before this book but I definitely want to read more by this author. Narrator Sofia Zervudachi is amazing giving the story life and action!
Lou has a 10-month-old baby, just moved to a smaller, less safe area and the love of her life Tony is working or sleeping all the time. Her parents are no help and her only sibling is too far away to help. With all the unpacking, cooking, cleaning, and baby care, it's just too much. She knows no one and is totally overwhelmed. She has a blinding rage about things and nightmares plus exhaustion and wonders if she is going crazy. She visualizes killing people and doesn't know how she got locked out of her house with blood on her hands and clothes. Lou is doubting her ability to do all that needs doing but her family is not listening. Luckily her neighbor steps in to help, but is it help?
What a talented writer! You must read this book! So many twists you will not be able to turn it off (or put it down if you have the book). I could not stop listening, I had it on audio in my car, while cooking, and when I went to bed. I had to listen and find out what was next. I kept guessing, was sad then glad then scared for her. What a rollercoaster ride this book is. I loved it I will be looking for more by Natali Simmons.
I personally do not think the title is perfect for the story but it did get me to try it.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this audio. This is my honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley, Natali Simmonds, and Bookouture Audio for the audiobook.a great listen narrated by Sofia Zervudachi. As someone who is postpartum, this book was incredibly emotional. The portrayal of postpartum and its progression into psychosis was masterfully done. It’s a gripping thriller with shocking twists at the end that will leave you speechless.

While I enjoyed this story, I found it to be extremely predictable and so I found myself zoning out towards the end because nothing was surprising. It was pretty obvious who was behind everything going on, so some more suspense would've made this a more enjoyable read to me. That being said, the reader for the audiobook was clear and easy to understand, and overall I felt it was enjoyable. Reminded me somewhat of a Frieda McFadden in that it was easy to digest and fast paced.

Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about this one! 😮😮

For most of the book I was thinking that this was a VERY DARK, Very Disturbing Book... presented as a sleep deprived woman with a relatively newborn baby boy, and trying to be a loving Mom....
That was really NOT the case AT ALL....

Lu is a single Mom to Riley. She does have a significant other, Tony, but they are not married... and, he seems to care more about taking care of HIMSELF, than anything at all about her...
She is EXTREMELY sleep deprived, and basically ***SCREAMING*** for help...but no-one, and I do mean absolutely NO-ONE hears her!! Not her love. Not her brother or sister-in-law. Not even her Mom.
Lu is basically all on her own. All of the time....

To add gasoline onto the fire... Tony works at night!
So, when she's supposed to be sleeping...she can't.. because Riley wakes up...pretty often...pretty much every...single...night...

In addition, they have just moved into a new place.... and, there's a guy a few houses down who insists on BLASTING his music at the highest level possible, until all hours of the night. Not helping at all with her sleep deprivation...

OH...and she's also noted to have vivid daydreams of murder! Murdering the people who annoy her the most! In horrible ways, and with horrible attention to details...

So one night, when she finds herself locked out of her home, AND covered in blood...
Well, to say the least, she's not sure what happened....
Amazingly, her neighbor's sister comes to the rescue...as she said her brother always had a spare key for the old neighbors, and well, it still works....
And so this neighbor, Maggie, and Lu ... well, they bond. And, they become very close. And, Maggie allows her to get...some...sleep!

Lu is BEYOND thrilled! She's made a new friend. She's getting some sleep! Things are definitely getting better... UNTIL .....more people start disappearing!

This was a Psychological Thriller on steroids! It was scary. It was dark. And the more you read, the more things seemed to be spinning out of control!!!

I'm going to 🛑🛑 STOP RIGHT HERE! 🛑🛑 If this sounds like something you'd like, please KEEP YOUR EYES 👀 OPEN for it!!
It will be released in a few days on 2.7.25 !!!

#WhileMyBabySleeps by #NataliSimmonds and narrated perfectly (through a psycho's mind...) by #SofiaZervudachi.

4 Big, Dark, Moody ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!!!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for an ARC of the audiobook!
**** Again, Please Note: RELEASE DATE IS FEB 7 th !!! ****

As for me… You can always find my reviews on: Goodreads.
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Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

While My Baby Sleeps by Natali Simmonds.

Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC. Sofia Zervudachi is the perfect narrator for this book, she has an (in a good way) almost hypnotic way of speaking that you can just hear how tired the main character is.

The first part of the book seems to be repetitive but it’s done for a reason. We meet Lu who has a 11-month-old boy, Riley, and her partner Tony. They have recently moved to a new place and Lu is always exhausted. She is trying to unpack boxes and keep her little boy entertained but she is just bone tired. Tony works night shifts all the time so she doesn’t get any help from him. She is always exhausted. She just wants to sleep but the idiot a couple of doors away keeps playing his music so loud that she can’t sleep.

One night she finds herself locked out of her house– she has no recollection of how she got there and she has blood all over her hands. She remembers her neighbour has a spare key to their home and even though it is the middle of the night, she knocks hoping for some help. Maggie, the neighbour's sister answers and helps Lou inside to get cleaned up. The next day the street is full of police as the body of the man who plays the loud music was found in the alley.

She’s a sleep deprived mom, not a killer, right?

But she has this rage building up, she imagines killing people – the impatient person in the line behind her at the grocery store, the woman at the baby group, even her partner! Could she be the one who killed Dave?

A wonderfully twisty story.

Trigger warning: Deals with mental health and postpartum depression.