I started reading this spine-tingling book, Nightwatching, by Tracy Sierra, alone at night. Not a very smart move. The first act of this book is terrifying. Imagine being a mother, alone with your children in the middle of a blizzard, when you suddenly hear an intruder in your house. What would you do? In this gripping book, the protagonist finds herself in this situation and is forced to make split-second decisions that could mean the difference between life and death for her and her children. And instead of fighting or fleeing, she chooses to hide. And that means they are stuck. Waiting to be discovered. This beginning of the book enthusiastically preys on our deepest fears, making us question just how far we would go to protect our loved ones from harm.
The author's clever tactic of not naming the characters makes it all too easy for us to imagine ourselves in their shoes - a situation we'd rather avoid. The fear and uncertainty in the first act were palpable, leaving me on the edge of my seat.
The first act of the book was quite scary and left some ambiguity, which made me think that the mysterious man might not be present. However, I kept reading ahead to see if the rest of the book would maintain the same tone. Even though I understand that the first act was necessary, I feel that it could have been shorter. But as I delved deeper into the pages, I was pleasantly surprised by the sudden shift in the story's tone. What started as a bone-chilling horror soon transformed into a captivating tale that resonated with me on a personal level. It portrayed the all-too-real struggle of being misunderstood, unheard, and overlooked, an all-too-common woman's experience.
Sierra's intricate plot twists and turns lead to a heart-pounding climax that adds emotional depth to the book. The contrast between the terrifying beginning and the gripping end is simply breathtaking.
Nightwatching is a top-notch thriller with a surprising and original storyline that is sure to send shivers down your spine. This psychological suspense is a must-read for anyone who loves a thrill and wants to be kept on the edge of their seat.
