I Am Watching You

This was a solid suspense novel and definitely my favorite book out of the ones I have read in the Kindle First program. The mystery itself was great because it took many twists and turns. I loved how some of the characters held secrets that made you question their innocence and then something else would pop up and then you would have a new suspect. I also loved the role Ella played in the story. Although not to this extreme, I think most people can relate to being in a position where you question whether or not to say something or stay quiet and mind your own business. Overall, this was one of the better suspense novels I have read.

I really enjoyed this book and loved that it kept me guessing until almost the last chapter. The “big reveal” was a genuine surprise that I did not see coming. The two main reasons I didn't give it 5 stars were: 1) it took a little bit too long to get to the reveal (some of the chapters, such as those with Ella in the flower shop, started becoming a bit redundant), and 2) there was an entire side story about the detective's newborn baby that was completely unnecessary and added nothing to the main plot.

I picked up this book totally on a whim because it was gifted to me during a recent RAOK (Random Act of Kindness giveaway) and it was calling my name after I finished my last read, which was extremely disappointing and which I had the hardest time getting through. Some people were saying that they liked this one and it was a shorter read so I decided to give this a try and am so glad I did! It was everything I needed to get my reading mojo back- action, fast pace, quickly flowing writing...etc. Teresa Driscoll is not an author I have heard much about before, even on Bookstagram, and after this book I will definitely be checking out all her other books because this one was a winner in my eyes!

To begin with, I Am Watching You is about a woman, Ella, who witnesses an exchange between two young girls and two boys who just got out of prison on a train and even though she is concerned, she decides not to inform anyone or go to the police because she reasons that it's not business. However, when one of the young girls goes missing, she is forced to reevaluate her decision and try to find out the truth. I really liked this plot, it wasn't the most unique premise but it was enacted beautifully and moved at a very nice pace, so I was not bored and couldn't stop reading. This is a great fast-paced, quick and exhilarating thriller and if that's what you're looking for I don't think you will be disappointed.

Further on, the characterization was not bad by any means. We got a good look into the witness', Ella's, psyche and her love for running her own flower shop and making flower arrangements really came through loud and clear. The other characters were also shown deeply but not as deeply as Ella. It's usually hard to get a sense of who the characters are as people in quick, fast paced thrillers so I was pleasantly surprised. They didn't quite jump of the page but I was very curious to find out what would happen to them and the route their lives would take. Very nice!

Finally, the writing style was one I was able to enjoy once I got used to it and got into the book a little bit. It's not my usual writing style of preference but I came to really like it. That is definitely partially why I am excited to check out Driscoll's other books. The writing flowed really well and got across what was happening without being too oversimplified or too lengthy. Some of the phrases and terms used were not ones I was familiar with but it was easy to understand what was being talked about in the context of the story. Definitely a very unique yet enjoyable style!

In conclusion, this book took me pleasantly by surprise even though I had no idea what to expect whatsoever going into it. I would recommend this to all of my thriller lovers who are looking for a quick read that is easy to get into and follow through to the end. Would definitely recommend, can't beat a simply stable and good thriller!