Are You Sleeping: A Novel

Well guys, it’s time for me to officially topple your summer reading list. Sorry, but I’m not sorry! (Not even a little bit, haha) Are You Sleeping is a perfect addition to your TBR, it’s compulsive, engrossing and highly addictive, I loved it!

Two things that always catch my eye in a thriller is sister or twin relationships and a cold case and this gem had both. Josie and Lanie have an extremely complex relationship and haven’t seen or talked to each other in ten years. Both were the kind of character that can frustrate the hell out of you on one page and then the next they’re tugging on your heartstrings. That sense of unease and uncertainty really added to this tale of lies and betrayals. The girls moved in with their Aunt A and cousin Ellen after their father was killed and I really liked Ellen. She’s kind of bossy and overbearing, but she has a huge heart and was super endearing.

My favorite thing about this book was how engaging it was, there is something about Barber’s writing style that just hooked me. There is a great social media addition in the form of podcast excerpts, Reddit threads and updates from Twitter and Facebook feeds that added something really unique and current. If you’ve read Six Stories there is a similarity but not completely the same, this one easily stands on its own feet.

This was one of those reads where I kept thinking I had things all figured out and then Barber would throw in a new twist to shake things up. Ultimately, I did have some aspects worked out but it absolutely did not take away from my enjoyment of this highly entertaining read. This would be perfect for readers who don’t like graphic violence, it’s on the lighter side and has very few truly dark moments, but it’s still very compelling. Pack this one in your bag next time you’re going on vacation, I think it would be ideal!

Josie Buhrman has for the last ten years hidden and trying to escape the dysfunctional and tragic family she grew up in. After her father’s death and her mother’s abandonment to run away and join a cult leaving her and her twin sister Lanie to live with an Aunt, life had never been the same. Lanie, her other half did a one-eighty and spiraled out of control getting int all sorts of trouble, but what truly blew the closeness the twins once had was a betrayal Josie simply could not forgive.

Now, Josie has finally put down roots in New York with the love of her life, best friend and live in partner Caleb. It’s taken a long time for Josie to develop the kind of close attachment she has with Caleb, but when a phone call from her cousin comes thru begging Josie to come home for her long lost mother’s funeral, her first though was that her carefully constructed life of lies was finally going to have to be explained.

An investigative reporter Poppy Parnell was running a ‘True Crime’ episode of the murder and supposedly false imprisonment of the person who was charged with her fathers murder. The podcast had become a hit and in an effort to keep Caleb from learn the truth she again lied and left for the mid-west in order to attend the funeral of the mother who abandoned her and her sister.

*** This was a really great read with characters i found to be pretty much fleshed out and eventually discovering all the secrets both twins had buried deep from the tragic night of their father’s murder. I’m sure a psychiatrist would delight in reading this tome for great examples of how one buries trauma from their mind.

The story was fast paced and very interesting with a plethora of high emotions, blame, betrayals and mental instability. Bottom line is that this was a very enjoyable read .

Marilyn Rondeau

3.5 stars

Are You Sleeping is a predictable psychological thriller. In spite of this, it’s very readable...so much so that I found that I HAD to keep reading, even though I knew how things were going to play out.

10 years ago, Josie Borden nee Buhrman fled her small Illinois hometown to start a new life. She travels the world, changes her last name, and finally settles down with her boyfriend, Caleb, in Brooklyn. What’s she running from? 13 years ago, Josie’s father was murdered. Lanie, Josie’s twin sister, witnessed the murder and identified the killer. As a result of this tragic event, Josie’s mother joins a cult, Lanie becomes a drug addict, and Josie lives in a world of denial.

Josie’s done her best to keep the past at bay, to the point where she even lied to Caleb about her family background. BUT she can’t hide anymore when the podcast Reconsidered starts investigating her father’s murder.

Reconsidered ( ala Making a Murderer ) is hosted by Poppy Parnell, who is unrelenting in her efforts to cast doubt upon the man who was convicted of killing Josie’s father, Warren Cave. In order to sensationalize the podcast, she tears Josie’s family apart, and quetsions their integrity. Did Warren Cave really kill Josie’s father? Or is Poppy Parnell just trying to profit off of one family’s tragedy.

Told through primarily Josie’s POV, but mixed with the podcast, articles about the murder, interviews, discussion threads on Reddit and Twitter, I really enjoyed the format of this book.

Are You Sleeping is flawed (I'm too lazy to go into detail), but as I said above, I got sucked in.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I liked how this author executed this novel. Reliving the past and throwing doubt amongst those listening and those whose past we are reexamining. It’s a past where life was once good but evil crept itself in, entering into more than one place and now to relive it, the pain stabs deep. The truth lies within these individuals and they must encounter some pain for them to be truly free.

A podcast cast doubt on a murder case which had taken place thirteen years ago. The accused is serving his sentence in prison, his mother still shouts his innocence while the victim lays under his tombstone. The viewers begin to wonder if the right person is behind bars after listening to this podcast as Poppy Parnell, investigative reporter sheds light on the case. This is Poppy’s job and as she posts more of her informative podcasts, the attention to this closed case gets hotter. Eager yet hesitant, even those closest to the case tune in to these podcasts to hear what Poppy has uncovered.

Thirteen years ago, twins Josie and Lanie’s father was murdered in their home. This set off a string of events which shattered their family. Josie left three years later. She’s had no contact with her mother or twin sister and now she reluctantly returns home for her mother’s funeral. Josie has lied to her boyfriend about her past which she feels is justified. She returns to her aunt’s home to await the funeral but the podcasts, her twin sister and her past are things which are creeping up on her and need to be addressed. I feel that Josie feels torn between family, the truth, and her current situation. Staying away from her hometown, she only dealt with life and now coming home, she has to deal with her mother and reliving the murder with the podcasts, she finds herself juggling too many things. Lanie, I disliked her from the beginning and the more I read, the more I hated her. I really enjoyed the story, it was more of a mystery to me than a thriller. I wanted to know what really happened thirteen years ago and I wanted to know how the novel would end. Like I said before, I liked the investigated reporter angle of this novel, I liked that doubt being thrown in as it messed with the minds of the masses, the parties involved in the case and us, the readers. It was a good read.

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books for giving me a free e-copy of this novel to read. This review is my own opinion.

In this true crime read, the story follows along Josie Buhrman. A woman that years ago lost her father in a gruesome murder. But in losing her father she also lost her mother who ran away to join a cult and her twin sister became a rebel.

The man that they locked away, their teenage neighbor, may not have actually committed the crime.

This crime is only being dug up again because of an investigative reporter Poppy Parnell. She doesn't believe he committed the crime he is rotting in jail for. So she starts a podcast that goes viral. Everyone wants to be apart of it and set the man they locked away free. In doing this skeletons will be dug up and lives will be put on the line.

Josie who is not to thrilled about the podcast soon finds out that her mother has committed suicide and she has to go back home to attend the funeral. And see too many lingering ghost.

But as Poppy gets closer to the truth...things go very bad for these characters. And this book will keep you guessing until the very end.

I really enjoyed this fast past, who done it crime and was lost to these characters. Barber does an amazing job of keeping you on your toes and looking into everyones lives.

I received this book via NetGalley to give an honest review.

This was a good book! Not sure what is up but the last few books I am getting from NetGalley are turning out to be good. In Are You Sleeping we are introduced to Josie who doesn't really want much to do with her family besides her cousin. She has changed her name, traveled, even has a boyfriend who doesn't know about her past. Her past is not something she is proud of, so when a podcast starts up about the man who murdered her father and could he be innocence Josie has to relive her past. Her mother left them in the care of their aunt and her twin sister Lanie went down her own path. It has always been that Lanie saw who killed their father but what she saw was that correct or is something wrong with the picture? The past will come to haunt Josie and Lanie and it is up to the both of them to remember that night 10 years ago.
I think the author did a great job with the tweets that were within the story, since this was a podcast and it was opened for all to discuss.
This is a great mystery and for the ending to go the way it did I so did not expect that. I like this author's writing style and her ability to pull you in once she has you hooked. I will be looking for more of her work to read!

Great thriller. I'm a bit obsessed with books that use a podcast format. It makes the story so much more readable and interesting and unique, in my opinion. This book isn't podcast format the whole way through, like Matt Wesolowski's Six Stories, but there was still enough. That being said, I would have enjoyed this without the podcast formatting. The story was well thought-out with a mystery I was compelled to keep reading into the night. I didn't love any of the characters (I absolutely HATED Poppy Parnell), which usually ruins a book for me, but I didn't mind Josie and some of the other minor characters. And even though I really disliked Lanie, I wish we had been given her perspective or that her character (and the mother's) had been more developed in depth. I think this would have been a 3-star book if it wasn't a debut. I'm really impressed with the author and am excited to read more of her work as it comes out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Publishers for a free digital ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Are You Sleeping tells the story of the inseparable twins Lanie and Josie. When Lanie was a little girl she witnessed the vile murder of his father and her testimony sends their neighbor to jail. From that moment on her relationship with Josie will change forever as Lanie will fall into the path of drugs and becomes the rebel twin, pushing away her sister with her actions such as sleeping with Josie's boyfriend and his addictions. 10 years will pass without them speaking to each other until something unexpected forces them to face each other. This will re open wounds that Josie believed were already healed, like her ex, her mother and the murder of her father.

When I started this book I could not stop reading it for at least the first 100 pages. Then it becomes a bit tedious, as it goes around and around the climax a little too much. Also as much as I enjoy technology and social media, I didn't enjoy reading full conversations on tweets. Regarding Lanie's attacks, I think they were a little too much for just being high on drugs. I thought she was mentally ill at some point. I wanted to slapped her so bad.

And last, the title! Ugh! Really? You guys know what I mean! I expected more from this story and it turned out a little flat and predictable for me. It is a 3 stars read for me.

Thanks for the publishers for the copy of this book via netgalley.

3.5 stars

** I received an advanced readers copy from Simon & Schuster Canada in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

Josie had a new life far away from the one of her past. She didn't want to remember the murder of her father or how her mother abandoned her for a cult. She really didn't want to remember the betrayal of her twin sister Lanie. When a new and popular podcast called Reconsidered started re-examining her Father's murder her whole world was turned upside down.

In a way this reminded me a recent Netflix series that was all the rave. Opinions and facts were brought forward that had everyone convinced that the wrong person was convicted of the crime. In the case of this book it wasn't a television series but a podcast. The host dug into the past making everyone question the events of that horrific night.

Told through Josie's point of view, excerpts from the podcast, Twitter and other social media outlets, the story began to unfold. What did I think you ask?

I was really enjoying the entire mystery aspect of the story. Was it the young neighbour that committed that brutal crime or was it someone else? I thoroughly enjoyed how it was presented in the book through the different outlets. Josie was beginning to have questions and doubts and so was I. Normally I pride myself in figuring it out early on and although I did eventually get there before it was revealed it did take me a little longer than usual. I kept going back and forth between two different theories.

The one area that I have to say I wasn't one hundred percent satisfied with was the relationship between Josie and Lanie. Being a twin myself, I understand fully the deep connection that comes with that. I guess I felt like the betrayal and the resolve were a little on the weak side. The conflict resolution was way too anti climatic for my liking. I craved more of a story where the twins were concerned.

In the end this book kept me guessing which in turn kept the pages turning. I found the story interesting and the use of the different outlets to tell the story refreshing. Although I felt like the relationship between the twins lacked a little something it wasn't enough to deter me from enjoying the story. I thought it was a solid read.

I really enjoyed reading this book. What knocks my rating down to a 4 is the fact that I have listened to Serial, and it felt like the podcasts in the book were straight from there. Having said that, the podcasts in the book really makes the book. I thought they were fascinating and the online social media aspect the author puts in really gets you thinking about "who done it". One of the strengths is that the book is told completely from Josie's perspective. It would have been very easy to jump back and forth between characters viewpoints and the author doesn't do that. She develops the characters fully and it makes for a solid, exciting, thrilling read. And for me the cherry on top is that there is a big twist I didn't see coming at the end.

Kathleen Barber's new novel Are You Sleeping is a little bit mystery, a little bit thriller, and a lotta bit pop culture--the story is great vacation reading. Or, since the fall and winter are fast approaching, it would also make a good blizzard read! (Does anyone else remember books by winter storms?!)

Twins Josie and Lanie aren't speaking. After their father's murder when they were young teens both Lanie and their mother fell to pieces. Lanie lived life in the fast lane--sex, drugs, and outrageous behavior. Their mother Erin turned in on herself, curled up in bed, and lived in a medicated haze ... until, that is, she joined a cult, the Life Force Collective. The girls' Aunt Amelia steps in for her sister and provides a warm and loving home for the girls, but the trauma plays out in a series of betrayals that separates them. Josie goes so far as to legally change her name, move to New York, and re-invent her backstory to include being an orpahned only child

Lanie was the only witness to the murder and her testimony sent their teenage neighbor Warren Cave to prison for the crime he committed. Or did he?

Enter Poppy Parnell and her podcast Reconsidered. Cast in the same mold as Serial and Sh*t Town, Poppy opens the thirteen-year-old case and interviews the accused, his mother, police officers, the DA--exactly the voices we'd expect to hear from on a podcast like this. The only players who aren't interviewed are the girls and Erin, but Poppy shadows them, even going so far as to show up at the funeral home when their mother dies.

As the podcast plays out (Twitter comments and all!) Josie begins to doubt everything she had believed about her family, their life together, and the horror of the murder. A great exposé into what drives us to remember--and why forgetting might be most difficult thing of all.

Reese Witherspoon posted on her Instagram that she is going to start working on a show that follows the storyline of the book Are You Sleeping, with Octavia Spencer. I saw that post, ordered the book, waited impatiently for it to get to me in the mail, and devoured it in two days. I stayed up much later than I normally do reading this book!

Josie Buhrman has spent many years trying to rip up her roots from Illinois. She’s had a rough life. Her father is murdered, her mom joins a cult, and her twin sister betrayed her. Josie left, and planned on never returning, so much that she lies to her significant other about her past. While Josie is busy trying to forget, Poppy Parnell is busy shaking things up. She starts a podcast on the case of Josie’s father, one that had always been considered open and shut. I mean, there was an eye witness who identified the suspect! The podcast shakes a lot of things up, and eventually causes Josie to have to return home, which brings up the past.

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of books about the past coming back to haunt people. It seems to be a reoccurring theme! I really like the fresh spin that was put in this book with different mediums. Not only is Josie telling her story, but you get to hear the podcast, and dive a bit into Reddit, and Twitter! I thought that was quite a modern spin that I haven’t seen done before, which was nice. It made the story feel really realistic.

Are You Sleeping was definitely a good read! An exciting, twisty, psychological thriller. I am definitely interested to see how the show turns out!

Read more reviews at Amy Reads it, amypauline.com!

Chuck Buhrman was shot and killed by a neighbour's son years ago. It made headline news and followed and the lives of his two daughters and wife. Erin (mother and wife) disappeared soon afterwards to join a Californian group, Life Force Collective. Contact with her daughters was severed.

Jo and Caleb live in New York. She met him in New Zealand whilst on her 5-year travels. He works for a humanitarian charity in Africa and Jo works in a book store. She loves her job and is happy, except when Caleb is away for long periods of time.

She hears about a podcast name Reconsidered which has been released by a journalist Polly Parnell. It is her take on what happened to her father and those who were there. Knowing she would not like it, she couldn't help but listen.

Jo receives a telephone call from her cousin, saying that her mother had died. On the spur of the moment, she tells Caleb (just returned from Africa) that her Aunt A has died and she is going to the funeral. Caleb knows nothing about her past, including her name change.

Laine (her twin) still lives in the town they grew up in. She has had no contact for 10 years. Laine had gone off the rails after her father's death and her mothers' disappearance. Their Aunt A (Ellen's mother) took over their care.

Caleb decides to go to support Jo, for the funeral and stumbles upon her family and her lies. How do they come back from that?

Her name change, not a mention of a twin sister, her father's murder and her mother's vanishing act. Her estrangement from all she knew. Nothing is true.

The truth about their father's murder is finally revealed.

The characters are well described and the plot, sometimes a bit complicated, but kept me focused.

I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.

Synopsis:
This novel was advertised as a mix of the podcast Serial and the thriller In a Dark, Dark Wood. Are You Sleeping introduces Josie's, a woman who has reinvented herself after her father's murder that occurred when she was a child. It is now 10 years later, she lives in New York and has changed her name and her identity. She (mistakenly) assumes that she has left her past behind her. Then, a new hit podcast starts exploring her father's murder, suspecting that the man who is behind bars is innocent. Josie and her twin sister Lanie are thrown back into the investigation, whether they like it or not. Who did kill Josie's father? What really happened that night? And who has known about it? This suspenseful novel explores these questions.

My review:
I was a HUGE fan of Serial, so it’s not surprising that I loved the concept of this book. Sections from the podcast are interspersed with the narrative of the story. Our narrators are not the most reliable, since they were children when the murder occurred and Josie was asleep for the entire episode. Personally, I really enjoyed this novel and flew through it. I read most of it on an airplane ride and then was sneaking time away from my family to finish it up over the next couple of days. While the story isn’t necessarily unique (and its somewhat easy to guess “who did it” early on), I still really enjoyed this one!

Overall, I rate this 4/5 stars. Short synopsis of review.

I received a free e-copy of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review. I highly recommend this book for suspense lovers.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This book follows a girl named Josie whose father was murdered when she was younger. Her twin sister was an eye witness and whose testimony helped lead to a neighbor being convicted of the crime. However, now a new true crime podcast has been released about the murder. As the murder is "reinvented", listeners began to discover that maybe the crime wasn't committed by the person who is doing time in prison! At the same time, Josie begins to question her own sister, who has betrayed her in the past...
I figured I would enjoy this, as I am a sucker for a good true crime podcast. Overall, I liked the book. I liked the format, and it kept me engaged. However, about halfway through the book, I figured "it" out. . I prefer endings that give me a twist and provide me with something that I didn't see coming! Therefore, I was a little disappointed in the ending.

Whoa...talk about suspense!  Twins who grew up together shared a very sad secret for years, but it looks like it has finally caught up to them.  Josie and Lanie's father was murdered, and a man has been in prison for over ten years, due to Lanie's eyewitness account.  But when a woman who runs a podcast begins to question if the right person is serving time, it shakes the remaining family members to the core.  Did Lanie tell the truth?  If she didn't, who killed their father?  

The sad truth too, is that Josie, unable to trust her twin, moved away after the murder and has no relationship with her sister.  When their mother, who had run off to join a cult commits suicide, they are brought together to unravel the lies, determine the truth and shut down the suspicion of the podcast following.  Their interactions are believable (I have a sister) and I was able to relate to Josie very easily.   

I loved the book, enjoyed the characters and appreciated the outcome.  Very well written first book!  I would gladly read another book by Kathleen Barber.

Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery, Threshold and Pocket Books for the advanced reader copy and the opportunity to read and review this book honestly.  It is a privilege and an honor. 

I received an ARC of Are You Sleeping? from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Imagine a reality built on a lie, then take said reality and smash it wide open with a hammer. Once you've done that, be ready to pick up all its broken, jagged, ready-to-cut-you-open pieces ....by hand.

That's what reading Are You Sleeping? was like for me.

Josie has spent the better part of her life trying to hide her past. She did what she felt was necessary to protect herself from whatever version of the truth existed. However, a tragedy pulls her back into the fray of chaos she willingly abandoned.

This book was a page-turner. Even once I felt comfortable that I knew where it was headed, I was so consumed with the characters in the story I simply couldn't stop turning pages.

Kathleen Barber did a wonderful job writing each character and making you intimately aware of their place in the story. Even characters with a peripheral role were given enough space to breathe and move within the action.

While I won't pretend the ending wasn't a bit anti-climactic, the journey to get there was nothing short of a thrill to read.

Actually, I went into this book expecting to hate it but it was for a bookclub so I had to try.
While there were parts of it that drove me nuts (I had the murderer figured out immediately) and Josie was just too much a whiner, I did find myself reading late into the night to finish it so it was better than I expected.
I did find the whole "podcast being a huge hit" thing strange. To me, I would have listened for 3 minutes and shut it off so why was it so important to so many people? I never really did figure that out--it wasn't as if these were famous people that had been killed. I guess I am just too old to understand all of that.
I did like the fact that there wasn't a bunch of rampant sex and while the swearing was there--it was more like the "teenager thinking she sounded cool" type swearing which yes, the person who did it the most was very immature.
All in all, I thought it was OK.

Are You Sleeping by Kathleen Barber was a phenomenal read! It drew me in from start to finish. What happens when everything you ran from comes back to haunt you?

Josie Buhrman has been hiding from her past. Her father was murdered and her mother ran away to join a cult. And her sister, her confidant, betrayed her. She has traveled aimlessly for years trying to find her way. She finally settles down in New York and begins to put down roots.

Just when she starts to feel settled, a reporter opens old wounds around the same time her mother commits suicide. Suddenly the past she has been running from, begins to unravel around her and forces her to return home, the one place she never wanted to come back too. Especially when Caleb, her boyfriend, has no idea who she is.

This was a great story! I was enthralled from start to finish. The suspense flowed well and kept me drawn to the story. What really happened? Was the right man convicted? How will the new podcast affect the future she is trying to build? You will be at the edge of your seat from beginning to end!

Happy reading!

I went into this book blind having never read this author before and having no idea whether it was going to be good or not. Within the first few pages, I knew I was going to love it. I also loved the social media aspect in this book. Who killed Josie and Lanie's father and why? Was Warren guilty or innocent? It was a page turner that I read within two days. I really enjoyed Josie's character as well as Aunt A and Ellen, not too sure about that Poppy Parnell though, haha. Very impressed and looking forward to more books by this author. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book, many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

Can you truly escape your past? This story starts off strong and holds your interest to the end. Lies, deceit, betrayal; Kathleen Barber had me anticipating to the end.

Josie has worked hard to forget her past; that is, until an investigative reporter completely uproots her and her family’s lives; and wow, what a past for them all. As truths are uncovered, old wounds are reopened, and hurt and anguish is endured, this author takes you on a thrilling, emotional journey of uncovering the truth and setting yourself free.

What great characterization of this story, I was captivated by everyone; unsure if some were trustworthy and questioning what could be true. Even thinking I had figured out the truth, I still couldn’t pull away from this story. The plot is fantastic. I truly enjoyed the podcast aspect of this story; it was unique and captivating.

This suspenseful mystery is addicting and will hold you captive to the end.

Are You Sleeping is part suspense, part thriller and a lot family drama all nicely rolled into one fabulously written book. While it is yet another TWIN drama filled with lies and deceit, the plot is unique and the addition of social media via podcasts make the story more interesting as well as more timely.

Josie and Lanie are twins who survived the tragic murder of their father years before. Their mother, in the aftermath, ran off to join a cult! Now, a reporter with a podcast is re-examining the murder and questioning the guilt of the accused. In the process more secrets that have been buried come to light. Is there still a killer running loose? Do the twins know more than they are saying? The podcasts want to know!

Barber has done a great job building suspense and developing her characters but it is her clever use of social media that make this book a must read!

Complex, creative, and satisfying!

Are You Sleeping is a character-driven thriller that takes us on a journey to solve a 10-year-old murder while delving into the intricacies and psychological effects homicide, deception, and abandonment have on surviving family members.

The writing is well done. The characters are scarred, leery, and emotionally distant. The plot has a good mix of mystery, intrigue, conflict, and drama. And the unconventional narration using true-crime podcasts and social media postings adds a unique touch.

Are You Sleeping is ultimately a novel about familial dynamics, twinship, friendship, secrets, lies, murder and the power of media and although it isn't exceptionally fast-paced or unputdownable, it is certainly a strong debut for Barber.

***Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a courtesy copy to review***

This book completely exceeded my expectations! It kept me guessing until the very end. After more than a decade Josie Buhrman's father's murder became the topic of a highly publicized podcast. Poppy Parnell is trying to shed light on Chuck Buhrman's murder and the fact that she thinks an innocent man is behind bars. Josie just wants life to go and not to dredge up the past. However, as she listens to the podcast herself she also begins to wonder if the right person was convicted. I loved the way this book was written as it kept be guessing the whole time. I thought I had it figured out and when it was all revealed I was shocked. If you love a book with twists and turns then, this book is for you. This is the best book I've read so far in 2017!

I am so impressed by Kathleen Barber! So much talent! This book had me riveted from page one. It's a complete page turner. The characters are written so well that they come alive on the pages and made me feel a wide range of emotions. The storyline was so relatable and timely. This generation really loves true crime podcasts with the advent of Serial. Kathleen was so clever to build a story that revolves around a similar podcast, while also giving us a hypothetical inside view of both the victim's family and the family of the accused, and what it must be like to have strangers judging you and living vicariously through your pain! I couldn't put it down. I really look forward to more from Kathleen Barber, and I highly recommend this book!

Finally an original plot! For that fact alone I'm giving this book 5 stars. This is book is told in first person by one of the twin sisters, Josie. I've read some other reviews that complain that the characters are unlikable and unsympathetic. I don't disagree with those observations. The only character I felt connected to was Aunt A but the original plot still makes up for the character's flaws.

This is a great thriller with a very modern plot. I found it very frightening to realise that podcasts can cause so much reaction and impact in people's lives. Investigative reporter Poppy starts a podcast as she wants to find out the truth regarding a murder which took place 13 years ago. Our storyteller is Josie, daughter of the man who was killed. She has a twin Lanie, who still lives in their hometown. Josie left there 13 years ago just after the murder and changed her name, as there was so much publicity at the time. Due to the podcast it appears that her mother has now committed suicide so Josie has to return home, just as the podcast gains popularity.!

This story has such a realistic, plausible and *current* feel that it will make you think twice about what so many of us consider entertainment value (in this case, a viral podcast digging up an old murder case) and how the real people behind these stories are affected by public fascination/intrusion into their personal tragedies. I felt deeply for Kathleen Barber's characters, even when I was unsure who the victims really were, who the accomplices may have been, and who shared the blame. An engrossing, fast-paced read.

Complex, creative, and satisfying!

Are You Sleeping is a character-driven thriller that takes us on a journey to solve a 10-year-old murder while delving into the intricacies and psychological effects homicide, deception, and abandonment have on surviving family members.

The writing is well done. The characters are scarred, leery, and emotionally distant. The plot has a good mix of mystery, intrigue, conflict, and drama. And the unconventional narration using true-crime podcasts and social media postings adds a unique touch.

Are You Sleeping is ultimately a novel about familial dynamics, twinship, friendship, secrets, lies, murder and the power of media and although it isn't exceptionally fast-paced or unputdownable, it is certainly a strong debut for Barber.

Are You Sleeping is about a woman named Josie who has tried to escape her past. Her father was murdered 13 years ago, her mother joined a cult, and her twin sister Lanie betrayed her. After graduating from high school, Josie began traveling where she met her boyfriend Caleb who knows nothing about her past and together they moved to New York. However, following her mother’s death and the podcast started by the investigative reporter Poppy Parnell that re-opens the case of Josie’s father’s murder, Josie must return to her hometown to confront her family and face her past. The story is told from the viewpoint of Josie, and it also includes transcripts of Poppy’s podcast as well as newspaper articles, Facebook posts, reddit discussions, and tweets. I found that including the social media aspect with the story unique and it highlights how people on social media today will do anything to find out the truth. There are not too many characters to keep track of, and the minor characters are often reintroduced with how they are related to the main characters, which is helpful. Josie is a likable character, but at times she can be a bit frustrating. The other main characters have their own personalities which makes them either likable or unlikable. While I was reading the book, I did not want to put it down, but there were a few slow parts. I also did not figure out the truth until the end when it was revealed. After the story ends, Poppy’s last episode of her podcast neatly wraps up everything and does not leave any questions unanswered. I would definitely recommend this book if you like mysteries and family dramas.

***Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a courtesy copy to review***

This book completely exceeded my expectations! It kept me guessing until the very end. After more than a decade Josie Buhrman's father's murder became the topic of a highly publicized podcast. Poppy Parnell is trying to shed light on Chuck Buhrman's murder and the fact that she thinks an innocent man is behind bars. Josie just wants life to go and not to dredge up the past. However, as she listens to the podcast herself she also begins to wonder if the right person was convicted. I loved the way this book was written as it kept be guessing the whole time. I thought I had it figured out and when it was all revealed I was shocked. If you love a book with twists and turns then, this book is for you. This is the best book I've read so far in 2017!

I am so impressed by Kathleen Barber! So much talent! This book had me riveted from page one. It's a complete page turner. The characters are written so well that they come alive on the pages and made me feel a wide range of emotions. The storyline was so relatable and timely. This generation really loves true crime podcasts with the advent of Serial. Kathleen was so clever to build a story that revolves around a similar podcast, while also giving us a hypothetical inside view of both the victim's family and the family of the accused, and what it must be like to have strangers judging you and living vicariously through your pain! I couldn't put it down. I really look forward to more from Kathleen Barber, and I highly recommend this book!

Finally an original plot! For that fact alone I'm giving this book 5 stars. This is book is told in first person by one of the twin sisters, Josie. I've read some other reviews that complain that the characters are unlikable and unsympathetic. I don't disagree with those observations. The only character I felt connected to was Aunt A but the original plot still makes up for the character's flaws.

This is a great thriller with a very modern plot. I found it very frightening to realise that podcasts can cause so much reaction and impact in people's lives. Investigative reporter Poppy starts a podcast as she wants to find out the truth regarding a murder which took place 13 years ago. Our storyteller is Josie, daughter of the man who was killed. She has a twin Lanie, who still lives in their hometown. Josie left there 13 years ago just after the murder and changed her name, as there was so much publicity at the time. Due to the podcast it appears that her mother has now committed suicide so Josie has to return home, just as the podcast gains popularity.!

While well written, this storyline just wasn't ny cup of tea. Most of the characters were unlikable (especially in the audio version) and the booked dragged in places. Why would you hide your past from the perfect boyfriend, one that you have been dating for many years)? And would you really hate your sister more than a decade later over a high school relationship? But, I guess without all of that there wouldn't really be a story. Not a book I cared that much about.

A mega hit podcast that has reopened a murder case threatens to disrupt the lives of the family again. Josie has made a new life for herself after her Father was murdered and her twin sister and her are estranged. Now her Mother has committed suicide after being in a cult since the murder, and she needs to go home for the funeral. Another problem, she has lied to her boyfriend Caleb about who she really is. This is a fast paced read with plenty of twists that keep you guessing until the end.

An engaging and psychologically suspenseful story of a dysfunctional family with more than its share of tragedy. I thought the use of the podcast elements -- tweets, transcripts, Reddit threads --was a brilliant device both to keep the plot moving forward and to convey how trapped and exposed the main character feels, since the Serial-inspired podcast in question is exploring the murder of her own father, a crime that took place some 15 years earlier and has supposedly been solved.

A very current book—particularly for fans of podcasts such as Serial and Missing Richard Simmons, as well as the Netflix show Making of a Murderer. It speaks to our modern obsession with “revisiting” old crimes and discovering something new, as well as the power of social media and “social justice warriors.” But in addition to these trends, it is the story of a family devastated by secrets and betrayal, and how one single act shatters forever their relatively-normal lives.

The characterization and the driving plot kept me interested (long past my bedtime). I don't have a sister, let alone a twin, so I don't know, but the relationship between them seems believable. The author does a good job of making even not-nice characters somehow sympathetic. After I finished the book I thought of some plot holes and some instances where there was no motivation or foreshadowing, so it could have been deeper in that way. But all in all, it was worth my time.

Suspenseful, no. Eloquently written, no. Engaging characters, no. This book is simple with a plot that can be figured out too easily. One of the most boring books I have read in a long time. The character development was so scarce I didn’t even care enough about “who’d done it.”

This was a very compelling story of twin sisters and a dysfunctional family. It’s at times infuriating and then heartbreaking. I don’t usually get teary-eyed over a story, but this one was different, and I did break out the tissues a few times.

It seems like this is Ms. Barber’s first book and I would hope that she will be writing another one. I would love to read it.

Are true crime podcasts just fun entertainment? After all these aren’t fictional characters, these are real people who have suffered real tragedies. Is it fair to families who have lost a loved one to murder and have had closure from the arrest and conviction of the murderer to have these cases re-examined in the public eye? Are You Sleeping examines exactly this situation. The family of the murder victim has moved on after the conviction of the murderer, although not without a lot of traumatic issues arising from the crime. They have been able to rebuild new lives for themselves until a new trending podcast about the murder dredges up the past and blows apart their lives once again. What really struck me as tragic is how the twin sisters who were the daughters of the victim kept pleading with the creator of the podcast, Poppy Parnell, to leave them alone and to let the case rest. Of course it is too popular and lucrative and she keeps at them like a dog with a bone. She’s downright rude and aggressive in trying to get interviews or at least sound bites from the family that she can use to promote her podcast. It’s pretty sickening to think that our fun Sunday afternoon listen might be the result of harassment of the victims. It makes me wonder if true crime should be entertainment at all.

Obviously this book raised a lot of questions for me and made me think pretty seriously about the line between entertainment and ghoulish voyeurism. The story itself is very engaging and I was completely consumed by it. While the characters waited for a new podcast to be released I waited on the edge of my seat for it too. This was a real page turner that kept me up too late for several nights. Even when I wasn’t reading I was thinking about this story. I think it will colour my perceptions of true crime from now on and I will have a lot more compassion for the actual people involved. The characters in this story were not always likeable, quite the opposite really, but they were human and felt like real people going through real issues.

The suspense was intense and I really didn’t want to stop until I reached the end. The conclusion wasn’t shocking but it felt realistic and probable. Readers expecting a big, unexpected twist at the end may be disappointed but I felt the ending fit well with the narrative and made sense for the characters. I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely be recommending it to my friends!

Thank you to Gallery Books for providing an Electronic Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley for review.

Josie Buhrman has been running from her past (the horrific murder of her father and dissolution of her family as a result) her entire adulthood. When it comes chasing to find her in the form of a podcast, she can no longer hide from it. Secrets and regrets collide in this twisty story, keeping you glued to each page. Barber creates such life-like characters that they nearly walk off the page and into your living room. You'll find yourself thinking that the characters really are involved in a true-crime podcast, and you merely have to download the latest installment to find out what happens next. (I found myself wishing - rather guiltily - that this was indeed the case.)

Barber expertly examines the impact true-crime enthusiasts can have (both positively and negatively) on their subjects. A timely and engrossing read that fans of Gillian Flynn's DARK PLACES would thoroughly enjoy.

Barber establishes herself as an author to watch with this top-rate debut. I'm eagerly anticipating her next novel.

Are You Sleeping tells the story of the inseparable twins Lanie and Josie. When Lanie was a little girl she witnessed the vile murder of his father and her testimony sends their neighbor to jail. From that moment on her relationship with Josie will change forever as Lanie will fall into the path of drugs and becomes the rebel twin, pushing away her sister with her actions such as sleeping with Josie's boyfriend and his addictions. 10 years will pass without them speaking to each other until something unexpected forces them to face each other. This will re open wounds that Josie believed were already healed, like her ex, her mother and the murder of her father.

When I started this book I could not stop reading it for at least the first 100 pages. Then it becomes a bit tedious, as it goes around and around the climax a little too much. Also as much as I enjoy technology and social media, I didn't enjoy reading full conversations on tweets. Regarding Lanie's attacks, I think they were a little too much for just being high on drugs. I thought she was mentally ill at some point. I wanted to slapped her so bad.

And last, the title! Ugh! Really? You guys know what I mean! I expected more from this story and it turned out a little flat and predictable for me. It is a 3 stars read for me.

Thanks for the publishers for the copy of this book via netgalley.

Chuck Buhrman was shot and killed by a neighbour's son years ago. It made headline news and followed and the lives of his two daughters and wife. Erin (mother and wife) disappeared soon afterwards to join a Californian group, Life Force Collective. Contact with her daughters was severed.

Jo and Caleb live in New York. She met him in New Zealand whilst on her 5-year travels. He works for a humanitarian charity in Africa and Jo works in a book store. She loves her job and is happy, except when Caleb is away for long periods of time.

She hears about a podcast name Reconsidered which has been released by a journalist Polly Parnell. It is her take on what happened to her father and those who were there. Knowing she would not like it, she couldn't help but listen.

Jo receives a telephone call from her cousin, saying that her mother had died. On the spur of the moment, she tells Caleb (just returned from Africa) that her Aunt A has died and she is going to the funeral. Caleb knows nothing about her past, including her name change.

Laine (her twin) still lives in the town they grew up in. She has had no contact for 10 years. Laine had gone off the rails after her father's death and her mothers' disappearance. Their Aunt A (Ellen's mother) took over their care.

Caleb decides to go to support Jo, for the funeral and stumbles upon her family and her lies. How do they come back from that?

Her name change, not a mention of a twin sister, her father's murder and her mother's vanishing act. Her estrangement from all she knew. Nothing is true.

The truth about their father's murder is finally revealed.

The characters are well described and the plot, sometimes a bit complicated, but kept me focused.

I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.

I was Really Into This book, my friends. I finished it a while back & have been thinking of the best way to review it because there are so many things I enjoyed.

First off, the idea of a podcast looking into a murder is perfectly timed. Everyone I know was crazy about Serial & Jessica & I were totally hooked on S-Town, which has a similar premise. The main character, Josie, hears that a podcast is looking into her father’s murder & re-examining what Really happened & it throws her for a loop. She has spent the last several years running from her family’s complicated history by changing her last name & traveling around the world. Even her live-in boyfriend doesn’t know the truth about her family.

Of course, this is no ordinary murder case. Her twin sister, Lanie, supposedly witnessed the murder & placed their young neighbor as the culprit. He was sent to prison & has always maintained his innocence. After losing their father, their mother ran away and joined a cult and left the twins without parents. Instead of turning towards one another for support, these events placed a wedge between the sisters that is still present years later when they get word their mother has died.

Kathleen does a heck of a job depicting the anxiety & stress that is place on Josie by forcing her to face what she has spent years running from – her family and its sordid history. The novel is ripe with suspense, family secrets, misplaced trust & a longing for closure & understanding. At the heart of the story are the questions of what Really happened that night? What did Lanie actually see? Can Lanie or Josie be trusted? Why did their mother leave them?

This is one of my favorite books of 2017 & y’all know I am Really Into mysteries. Something about this family & these characters are so relatable. I am a 48 Hours love & reading this book from the view of the family changed my perception of how some of these murder stories can be exploited and/or open deep family wounds. Overall, this was an intriguing & satisfying read & I can’t wait to see what Kathleen does next. I am Really Into This!

Special thanks to Kathleen Barber, Gallery Books & NetGalley for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.

Her father was murdered, her mother left her and her twin sister Lanie to join a cult, and she and Lanie haven't talked in ten years, but all of this is in the past for Josie Buhrman. She now lives a quiet and normal life with her boyfriend Caleb in New York until a reporter starts a podcast to investigate the 13-year-old murder of her father. The podcast goes viral and everywhere she goes Josie hears people talking about it. And Josie has never told Caleb the truth about her past that is now catching up with her.

I was addicted to this suspenseful novel from the beginning. The author does an amazing job in keeping the reader glued to the page by creating well-developed characters and a unique and consuming storyline. The transcripts of the podcast along with comments and tweets from the followers are realistic and entertaining and perfectly portray the power of social media in today's society. Unlike many psychological thrillers I have read recently, this novel is not violent because, although the murder of Josie's father is central to the story, most of the novel focuses on her relationship with her family and her boyfriend. A fresh and unforgettable novel that you can't (and won't) put down!

This story has such a realistic, plausible and *current* feel that it will make you think twice about what so many of us consider entertainment value (in this case, a viral podcast digging up an old murder case) and how the real people behind these stories are affected by public fascination/intrusion into their personal tragedies. I felt deeply for Kathleen Barber's characters, even when I was unsure who the victims really were, who the accomplices may have been, and who shared the blame. An engrossing, fast-paced read.