Teresa Driscoll, a former BBC journalist turned novelist, brings her understanding of crime reporting to bear in her latest psychological thriller, Close Your Eyes. Known for previous bestsellers like I Am Watching You and The Promise, Driscoll once again demonstrates her ability to craft suspense while exploring the psychological impact of crime on families.
Plot Analysis
The story centers on Matthew Hill, a private investigator and former police officer, whose eight-year-old daughter Amelie disappears during a shopping trip with her mother, Sally. The disappearance awakens old fears stemming from a threat made years ago by Dawn Meadows, a grieving mother who blamed Matthew for her son’s death during his police career.
The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives and timelines, weaving together:
- The immediate aftermath of Amelie’s disappearance
- The investigation led by Matthew’s former colleague, DI Melanie Sanders
- The parallel story of Olivia Miles and her controlling father
- The resolution that connects these seemingly separate threads
Writing Style and Structure
Driscoll employs a sophisticated narrative structure that alternates between different characters’ perspectives and time periods. This technique generally works well to build suspense, though occasionally it can feel disorienting. The author’s background in journalism is evident in her precise, detailed descriptions of police procedure and investigative techniques.
Strengths:
- Authentic portrayal of police work and investigation
- Well-crafted tension and pacing
- Strong character development, particularly of the main protagonists
- Effective use of multiple perspectives to reveal information gradually
Areas for Improvement:
- Some subplot transitions feel abrupt
- Certain coincidences strain credibility
- Secondary character development could be deeper
- Resolution might feel too neat for some readers
Character Development
The author excels in creating complex, flawed characters whose actions feel authentic under extreme stress. Matthew’s guilt over past events and his struggle to balance professional detachment with personal anguish is particularly well-rendered. Sally’s character arc from shock to determination is convincing, though her emotional journey could have been explored more deeply.
Psychological Depth
One of the novel’s strongest aspects is its exploration of psychological themes:
- Parental guilt and responsibility
- The impact of past trauma on present relationships
- Religious fanaticism and mental illness
- The complex dynamics between control and protection
Police Procedural Elements
Driscoll’s attention to investigative detail lends authenticity to the story. The portrayal of police work feels realistic without becoming tedious, striking a good balance between technical accuracy and narrative flow.
Tension and Pacing
The novel maintains suspense effectively through:
- Time pressure of the investigation
- Multiple potential suspects
- Parallel storylines that gradually converge
- Strategic revelation of information
However, some readers might find the pacing uneven in the middle sections where various subplots are developed.
Thematic Analysis
The book explores several interconnected themes:
- The vulnerability of children in modern society
- The thin line between protection and control
- How past trauma shapes future behavior
- The impact of secrets on family relationships
Social Commentary
Driscoll weaves in thoughtful commentary on:
- Media influence on criminal investigations
- The role of social media in missing persons cases
- Mental health awareness and treatment
- The balance between public safety and personal freedom
Technical Execution
The author’s handling of police procedure and investigative techniques demonstrates thorough research. However, some plot points rely heavily on coincidence, which might challenge readers’ suspension of disbelief.
Comparative Analysis
While Close Your Eyes shares elements with other psychological thrillers like Lisa Jewell’s The Family Upstairs or Clare Mackintosh’s I Let You Go, Driscoll’s journalist background gives her work a distinctive procedural authenticity.
Impact and Resonance
The novel succeeds in creating a visceral sense of parental fear while exploring broader themes about family, responsibility, and redemption. The epilogue, set eight years later, provides necessary emotional closure while avoiding excessive sentimentality.
Critical Assessment
Strengths:
- Strong procedural elements
- Complex, believable characters
- Effective build-up of tension
- Satisfying resolution of multiple plot threads
Weaknesses:
- Some coincidental plot elements
- Occasional pacing issues
- Certain character motivations could be clearer
- Some subplots feel underdeveloped
Reader Appeal
This book will particularly resonate with:
- Fans of psychological thrillers
- Readers who enjoy police procedurals
- Parents (though the subject matter may be triggering)
- Those interested in family dynamics under stress
Final Verdict
Close Your Eyes is a solid psychological thriller that successfully combines procedural elements with emotional depth. While not without flaws, it delivers a compelling story that keeps readers engaged while exploring meaningful themes about family, protection, and redemption.
Recommended with some reservations – the strong prose and compelling plot outweigh the occasional narrative conveniences and pacing issues.
Author Background
Teresa Driscoll’s experience as a journalist covering crime stories lends authenticity to her fiction. This novel builds on themes explored in her previous works while pushing into new emotional territory.
Reading Experience
Best approached as both a thriller and a character study, Close Your Eyes rewards careful reading and attention to detail. While some plot elements may require suspension of disbelief, the emotional core of the story rings true.
Close Your Eyes ultimately succeeds more as a psychological study of family under pressure than as a pure thriller, though it satisfies on both levels. It’s a thoughtful addition to the genre that will leave readers contemplating its themes long after the final page.