Sleep No More
by Jayne Ann Krentz
The Lost Night Files - Book 1
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: January 3, 2022
Reviewed by PJ
Seven months ago, Pallas Llewellyn, Talia March, and Amelia Rivers were strangers, until their fateful stay at the Lucent Springs Hotel. An earthquake and a fire partially destroyed the hotel, but the women have no memory of their time there. Now close friends, the three women co-host a podcast called the Lost Night Files, where they investigate cold cases and hope to connect with others who may have had a similar experience to theirs—an experience that has somehow enhanced the psychic abilities already present in each woman.
After receiving a tip for their podcast, Pallas travels to the small college town of Carnelian, California, to explore an abandoned asylum. Shaken by the dark energy she feels in the building, she is rushing out when she’s stopped by a dark figure—who turns out to be the women's mysterious tipster.
Ambrose Drake is certain he’s a witness to a murder, but without a body, everyone thinks he’s having delusions caused by extreme sleep deprivation. But Ambrose is positive something terrible happened at the Carnelian Sleep Institute the night he was there. Unable to find proof on his own, he approaches Pallas for help, only for her to realize that Ambrose, too, has a lost night that he can’t remember—one that may be connected to Pallas. Pallas and Ambrose conduct their investigation using the podcast as a cover, and while the townsfolk are eager to share what they know, it turns out there are others who are not so happy about their questions—and someone is willing to kill to keep the truth from coming out.
PJ's Thoughts:
Sleep No More may be the title of this newest Jayne Ann Krentz novel but it was also what happened to me once I turned to the first page and began reading. Krentz plunged me straight into the heart of the pulse-pounding action of this story and had me completely hooked before I reached page ten. And then she kept me hooked, guessing how it would all turn out, through unexpected twists and turns right up until the final scene. There would be no sleep for me until all of my questions were answered!
There are many things I enjoy about a Jayne Ann Krentz book. Her characters are complex and multi-layered; it usually takes me an entire book to figure them out. Her plots are twisty and, again, rarely do I guess the final outcome before the reveal. Her attention to detail is superb, creating an atmosphere that highlights both the suspense and romance. But what I find most fascinating about these novels is the fine line the author navigates between fact and fiction, between reality and possibility. The psychic/paranormal elements of these romantic suspense novels, while clearly fiction (Are they, though? Really?), walk that line, leaving me swinging between thoughts of "This could never happen" and "Whoa, what do I really know about that sleep clinic I made an appointment with?" She creates an immersive reading experience where it's all too easy to place myself in the positions of Pallas and Ambrose, thereby heightening both my enjoyment and my reader anxiety as I navigate the murky, murderous waters of Sleep No More.
Sleep No More is the first book in Krentz's new trilogy and a great place to begin if you're new to her writing. The romantic (and mystery) portion of Pallas and Ambrose's story is completed with this first book though there is an overarching mystery which will continue through the next two books in the series. I can't wait to find out how it will all play out.
Have you read Jayne Ann Krentz?
Do you enjoy romantic-suspense books with a paranormal/psychic twist?
One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, January 14 will receive a hardback copy of Sleep No More.
*U.S. only
*Must be 18
*Void where prohibited
I read Jayne Ann Krentz books and enjoy them greatly. Romantic suspense is a favorite genre of mine and with a paranormal/psychic twist is even better.
ReplyDeleteI have been reading Jayne Ann Krentz since she was new to publishing. (a lot of her earlier books would not be considered politically correct now) And I have loved all her writing personas. Just as you have described in your review, her books pull me in and give me a wonderful experience. I like the fact that her heroines are always strong women. No matter what their situation, they work hard to overcome difficulties. And I love her humor. She can put humor in books which are so exciting and it is terrific. I have ambivalent feelings about paranormal with some authors, but never with Ms Krentz. She makes me believe. Thanks for the wonderful review. I look forward to reading this book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for featuring a Jane Ann Krentz book. She is one of may favorite authors. Her novels are captivating, intriguing and unique. I have been reading Romantic suspense books for many years and combining with a paranormal and psychic twist is very special and an added dimension.
ReplyDeleteYes and yes! I enjoy her stories and love all the twists and turns.
ReplyDeleteI also read JAK under all of her names. She's an auto-buy for me.
ReplyDeleteI've read a couple of her books and loved them! I do enjoy the paranormal and/or psychic twists when they're included in suspense - or other TBH - books.
ReplyDeleteHope you are continuing to improve health wise PJ!
I have not read anything by Jayne Ann Krentz before. I do enjoy romantic suspense and the addition of a paranormal or psychic twist is definitely a plus for me.
ReplyDeleteI have read many books by JAK. She does know how to tell a story. And I've read some books with psychic twists. I like when it is so close to normal that you think it could actually be real. I had an aunt that could tell you things were going to happen before they did. Used to creep me out when I was a child. Lol. I'm excited for the new trilogy.
ReplyDeleteI have read Miss Krentz's books for years!! No matter if it's Jayne Ann Castle, Amanda Quick or Jayne Ann Krentz, I love, love them all. I do love romantic suspense with paranormal elements. Her books never disappoint. Thanks for the chance to win this one.
ReplyDeleteI have read a few of her books, and as you say, great character development and plot twists that will keep you guessing until the very end. I always make sure I have time to get lost in her books and finish them in just a day or two. Romantic suspense if a favorite. My first love in reading was suspense novels before I discovered romance. Pairing them up works great. The addition of a bit of paranormal always makes it interesting. I have a sleep study coming up, so maybe I'll leave this one until afterwards.
ReplyDelete