

Quick take
This novel isn’t just a who-dun-it. This novel is a what-the-f*ck-even-got-dun.
Good to know
Psychological
Marriage issues
Now a movie
Mama drama
Why I love it

Cristina Arreola
BOTM Judge
Every time I read a thriller, I imagine myself in a race against the author. I ask myself, "Can I guess the big twist before the author reveals it?" always confident that the answer is yes. Still, I stay up late into the night finishing these books. I read until daylight breaks. I read until I know for certain that my theory is correct.
I was dead wrong about the ending of Behind Her Eyes.
When I shut the pages of Sarah Pinborough’s novel, I experienced a peculiar sense of terror, admiration, and satisfaction. I closed the book, clenched my eyes, and tried mightily to fall asleep. But just as I began to retreat to the safety of my dreams, I remembered: it’s not safe there either.
You’ll find out what I mean.
So with sleep out of the question, I flipped the novel to the front cover and began to read again; this time, I savored each clue, each character, each turn of phrase. I saw then that the author had wasted absolutely nothing. Each and every sentence inches the story closer to its intoxicating ending.
Read our exclusive Q&A with Judge Cristina Arreola
Behind Her Eyes begins as domestic thrillers often do: at a breaking point between a husband and wife. David is a handsome, successful psychologist, and Adele is his lovely, troubled wife. The pair have abruptly moved to London, and in their new home, David strikes up an affair with his receptionist, a single mother named Louise. There is, of course, more to the story—much more—which I won’t mention at this point. But I will say that the tension builds steadily, page after page.
Behind Her Eyes stumped and electrified me. What I failed to see is that Sarah Pinborough is playing an entirely new game. This novel isn’t just a who-dun-it. This novel is a what-the-fuck-even-got-dun.
My advice for reading this novel? Don’t rush it. Don’t read it alone. Don’t spoil the ending for your friends.
Member ratings (14,269)
Mary P.
Austin, TX
This book gives up too much too soon. It feels like this author just said, “Know what? Screw this, I'm doin' itâ€, and then went for it. Seriously. She WENT for it. Sickeningly delicious storytelling!
Nicole G.
Island Park, NY
Incredible page turned—holy cow that last paragraph! I couldn’t put it down!! Pinborough does an excellent job bouncing around from different POV’s and characters—from first to third person and back.
Taylor A.
Waxahachie , TX
I read a book over 15 years ago with a similar “dream” premise as this one and I never forgot it. A page-turner, this ending was so unexpected and shocking that I know I won’t forget this one either.
Claire W.
Westminster, CO
This book came with a note that said “you think you know how it ends? You’re wrong. Trust me.” And that was 100% true - the ending absolutely shocked me! I read this book in two evenings. Very good!!
Sofia G.
San Francisco, CA
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ What an amazing ride!! Great story-telling and imagination from this author. I zipped right through this book! And the ending had the plot twists of all plot twists! ????