Don’t Wake Me – Book Review

This thriller keeps you guessing right to the end. Jasmin and her five-year-old son are alone at their holiday cottage on Minsøy island, and while Jasmin tries very hard to uncover the truth behind an accident she had, she finds herself drawn into a shocking long-held secret by the locals on the island. She discovers that there is no-one she trusts enough to turn to for help and when the treats start piling up, she understands that her life might be at risk.

I am not usually a fan of translated works, but this book is beautifully written, and the translator did a great job ensure nothing was lost in translation. The characters are lively and realistic, and the scenic descriptions transport you to the island as you are reading.

Jasmin experiences a lot of flashback and dreams and at times it was a little difficult to keep track of what was real and what was memory or dream, but as you keep reading you start understanding the difference.

Don’t Wake Me tells the story of a mother, Jasmin, who after being in a serious car accident is convinced that she killed a man. However, her husband and doctor insist that she hit a deer. She keeps seeing the face of a man in her dreams which leaves her feeling haunted. She is determined to uncover the truth and regain her memory. This leads her the island of Minsøy and soon she uncovers long-held secrets that put her and her son in danger.

The author draws you into the story very quickly, and you feel Jasmin’s confusion and desperation for the truth. I was rooting for her to get to the bottom of all the uncertainty. I doubted everybody as much as she did and was convinced I understood what was coming – only to be surprised by the ending – I was completely wrong and shocked by what turned out to be the truth.

Jasmin was depicted perfectly. Her doubt, fear and confusion at every turn was written so beautifully you shared her experience on every page. She is without a doubt my favourite character and by the end of the book, while she left you a little confused at times, you simply cannot help but love her. When reading Don’t Wake Me, expect to be left surprised – it does not go where you anticipate it too.

This was one of those books that kept you guessing all the way. The final plot twist comes as a surprise. While my opinion shifted between love and hate from one chapter to the next – my final opinion must be – loved it!

This is a mystery thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat and if you enjoy a mystery that packs a punch with its final twist then this is a book you are going to love!

Go ahead, get yourself a copy of Don’t Wake Me – it is a quick read that will not leave you disappointed.