“‘The average human spends thirty-three years of their life asleep.’ She leans closer, enough for me to catch a gust of expensive perfume. This is usually the moment when I know. ‘And that’s what you do?’
‘Yes.’
‘A sleep doctor?’
‘I study people who commit crimes when they sleep.’ I have ‘Dr’ before my name on business cards. Dr Benedict Prince, The Abbey, Harley Street. I am an expert in sleep. Nowhere do I claim to be a medical doctor.
“Anna O” presents an intriguing and original premise that immediately grabbed my attention. The story revolves around Anna Ogilvy, infamous for stabbing two friends in her sleep five years ago. Now dubbed the “Sleeping Beauty,” she suffers from psychosomatic disorder resignation syndrome. Dr. Benedict Prince, an expert psychologist, is tasked with awakening Anna to face trial. As she gradually emerges from her slumber, Ben struggle with the weighty decision of whether she should be held accountable for her past actions.
The novel cleverly combines elements of psychology, mystery, and suspense. The clever ending twist adds depth to the narrative, leaving readers contemplating its implications long after they’ve turned the final page.
The book goes into a lot of detail about psychological concept, which can be both interesting and mentally stimulating. The author’s dedication to realism is shown by the large number of references, which some readers may find jarring.
Not all characters come across as likeable right away, but there are times when I felt more connected to them. These views of flawed people make the story more interesting.
There are some interesting lost ends in the book that make you want to know more, so don’t stop reading after the last chapter. Sometimes, the questions that haven’t been answered are the ones that stick out the most.
The book has a good beginning that stays strong, but the second half could have been shorter. A more focused story could have made the effect stronger.
“Anna O” is a captivating crime read for fans of slow burn mysteries. The exploration of sleep psychology within a murder mystery context is commendable, and despite minor flaws, the novel kept me engaged and guessing. With a touch of editing, it could become an even more compelling experience.
Thanks to Exclusive Books for the opportunity to read this book.
About the book: Anna O – Exclusive Books Online
About the author: Matthew Blake (matthew-blake.com)
