RJ McGill's Reviews > While You Sleep

2.5 Stars for While You Sleep by Stephanie Merritt (Pegasus Books)

I was anxious t0 read While You Sleep. The creative and inviting cover art had just enough spookiness to grab my attention. The author laid the foundation with the mysterious deaths a century ago. Then upped-the-ante by adding the recent disappearance of a boy acting on a dare. This could have been one-heck-of-a good read. The writing is solid and stylish. But I found it impossible to connect with Merritt's lead character, Zoe. She was self-centered and utterly self-absorbed. It was frustrating and served as a significant distraction from the central narrative.

Then I got to the "Fifty Shades" of what the hell is that doing here? That level of erotica was unnecessary. IMO it felt like a desperate attempt to shock and re-engage the reader, thus luring us to the ending. Unfortunately, I couldn't connect, didn't like, and was often (very often) frustrated with the main character. . .and "Grey" just isn't my cup of tea.

Happy Reading,

RJ