Title: ANNA O
Author: Matthew Blake
ISBN: 978 0008 6078 07
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 447
Source: Private Copy
The world will know her name.
What if your nightmares weren’t really nightmares at all? We spend an average of 33 years of our lives asleep. But what really happens, and what are we capable of, when we sleep? 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.” 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.
As Anna shows the first signs of stirring, Benedict must determine what really happened and whether Anna should be held responsible for her crimes. Only Anna knows the truth about that night, but only Benedict knows how to discover it. And they’re both in danger from what they find out.
Official Summary
17 May 2024
The social media attention this book received convinced me that I simply had to get my hands on a copy of Anna O. I slipped this book to the top of my TBR pile because I had to know what all the fuss was about.
This book is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the mysterious world of sleep and the complexities of the human mind. From the moment I picked up this book, I was drawn into a web of intrigue and suspense that kept me hooked until the very end.
The story revolves around Anna Ogilvy, a young writer whose life takes a terrifying turn when she inexplicably murders two people in her sleep. Dubbed “Sleeping Beauty” by the media, Anna becomes the centre of a high-profile case that captivates the nation. Enter Dr Benedict Prince, a forensic psychologist tasked with unravelling the truth behind Anna’s actions and determining whether she should be held accountable for her crimes.
What sets this story apart is its exploration of the fascinating phenomenon of resignation syndrome—a condition where individuals withdraw into a state of prolonged unconsciousness in response to trauma. Blake weaves together elements of psychology, suspense, and legal drama to create a thought-provoking narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end.
The characters in “Anna O” are richly drawn and multi-dimensional, each with their own secrets and motivations. From Anna, whose inner turmoil and guilt are evident, to Dr Prince, whose professional integrity is tested as he delves deeper into the case, every character feels authentic and compelling.
One of the highlights of the book is Blake’s evocative prose, which vividly brings to life the eerie atmosphere of Anna’s dream world. The pacing is relentless, with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth.
However, while “Anna O” is undeniably a page-turner, it’s not without its flaws. Some aspects of the plot feel slightly contrived, and certain character motivations could have been explored in more depth. Additionally, the ending, while satisfying, left me craving a bit more closure.
“Anna O” is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers. Blake’s storytelling and the gripping plot make this book a must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling ride into the depths of the human psyche. I highly recommend you add this one to your TBR.
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
After discovering that the average person spends thirty-three years of their life asleep, Matthew Blake felt the pull of a story. He began extensive research into sleep-related crimes and into the mystery illness known as resignation syndrome, research that sparked a thrilling question: if someone commits murder while sleepwalking, are they innocent or guilty? And so, his novel Anna O was born.
Before writing fiction, Matthew worked as a researcher and speechwriter at the Palace of Westminster. He studied English at Durham University and Merton College, Oxford and now lives in London.
Thank you to everyone who raved about this book on social media – if you didn’t do such a good job shout about this one, I may never have added a copy to my bookshelf. As always, thank you for visiting and supporting the blog. Until next time…. Happy Reading!
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