What do you think?
Emily Swanson #4
Watch You Sleep
"I am The Witness. I am watching you all."
When Jessica's husband is arrested for fraud, her family’s future is thrown into jeopardy. Then the letter arrives. At first it seems like a sick joke - someone called The Witness claims to be watching Jessica and her children through the windows of their home.
But as more unhinged letters and disturbing events follow, it’s clear that The Witness is real and means to do them harm. Yet is everything as it seems?
Private eye Emily Swanson is hired to debunk Jessica’s claims. It’s the kind of case that could boost her career, but as Emily draws closer to the vulnerable family, she soon finds her loyalty questioned…and her life in grave danger.
Now Emily must race to uncover the identity of The Witness before Jessica and her children pay a fatal price...
Inspired by the chilling real life case of the “Watcher” House, Watch You Sleep is the latest nerve-shredding suspense thriller from Malcolm Richards.
Revised edition: Originally published as Fatal Lies.
When Jessica's husband is arrested for fraud, her family’s future is thrown into jeopardy. Then the letter arrives. At first it seems like a sick joke - someone called The Witness claims to be watching Jessica and her children through the windows of their home.
But as more unhinged letters and disturbing events follow, it’s clear that The Witness is real and means to do them harm. Yet is everything as it seems?
Private eye Emily Swanson is hired to debunk Jessica’s claims. It’s the kind of case that could boost her career, but as Emily draws closer to the vulnerable family, she soon finds her loyalty questioned…and her life in grave danger.
Now Emily must race to uncover the identity of The Witness before Jessica and her children pay a fatal price...
Inspired by the chilling real life case of the “Watcher” House, Watch You Sleep is the latest nerve-shredding suspense thriller from Malcolm Richards.
Revised edition: Originally published as Fatal Lies.
Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2019
About the author
Malcolm Richards
24 books111 followersMalcolm Richards crafts stories to keep you guessing from the edge of your seat. He is the author of several crime thrillers and mystery novels, including the PI Blake Hollow series, the award-nominated Devil’s Cove trilogy, and the Emily Swanson series. Many of his books are set in Cornwall, where he was born and raised.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Malcolm worked for many years in the special education sector, teaching and supporting children with complex needs. After living in London for two decades, he has now settled in the Somerset countryside with his partner and a cat named Sukey.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Malcolm worked for many years in the special education sector, teaching and supporting children with complex needs. After living in London for two decades, he has now settled in the Somerset countryside with his partner and a cat named Sukey.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 1, 2020
This is book four in the Emily Swanson Thriller series and sees Emily now fully trained as a Private Investigator (P>I>) and gaining work experience with the owner of Braithwaite Investigations. She has been plucked out from her training course and the owner, Erica Braithwaite, has her serving her apprenticeship working on lots of insurance claim fraud cases. Emily is finding these incredibly boring and wishes she was doing more for people rather than finding evidence of fraud for the big companies. Her friend Jerome also has a job as a secretary for the firm and is over trying out for acting spots, after his near death experience and the scars on his hands, from their last investigation, before she underwent her training.
After a few months of insurance fraud cases, she is finally given a case on behalf of a friend of the owner, Meredith Fisher and her husband John, who are being sued by the recent purchasers of the house they just moved out of. The young family that moved into the home had a load of police attention brought to the street the house was on, as the husband Wesley, was arrested quite publicly and put on remand in prison. This leaves his wife Jessica Harris, their seventeen year old son Ethan and a younger daughter Georgia aged only eight. If Jessica tries to sell the house then the police will take the money for proceeds of crime for her husband’s crimes. The Fishers have a civil case being taken out on them, blaming them for everything that is happening to the Harris family and prior knowledge of someone calling themselves The Watcher!
Jessica has received three letters from this character called The Watcher, each letting her know that they are watching her and they know the names of her children and even describe some of the things they have done as a family. It also warns of the horrific things they will do to her and her children if she stops them watching her, especially as she now tries to keep all her blinds shut and has kept her daughter off school of the last few weeks, as she starts to fall apart from the stress of these letters. Emily is given the case of trying to stop the case from Jessica Harris, and stop the stress it is giving to Meredith Fisher and her husband who has had a stroke.
Jessica does her normal gung-ho approach, which ends up getting her seen by those who shouldn’t and she has to adapt her investigation to work with this. The police don’t seem to have much interest in the threatening letters, especially since Jessica is the wife of a criminal! Emily goes off on a tangent that she really isn’t supposed to do and isn’t exactly following the rules that her boss gave her for working the case. It may end up with her being sacked, but Emily has to do what she feels is right. There is far more to this tale than you can ever expect, but this is one of the talents of this author, waiting for readers to discover in all its shock and horror!
Another amazing read from this author and having read their Devil’s Cove series and a couple of the previous Emily Swanson books, I was eager to read this one and see what Emily was up to now. There was the hint of her becoming a P.I., so not completely unexpected, but the dark twists in this story, of the contentious house in question and its previous dark history, all adds to the suspense. I can’t wait to read another book by this author, in whatever series it may be. If you liked the Emily Swanson series, then this will let you see what has happened to Emily and Jerome, and is well worth a read. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
After a few months of insurance fraud cases, she is finally given a case on behalf of a friend of the owner, Meredith Fisher and her husband John, who are being sued by the recent purchasers of the house they just moved out of. The young family that moved into the home had a load of police attention brought to the street the house was on, as the husband Wesley, was arrested quite publicly and put on remand in prison. This leaves his wife Jessica Harris, their seventeen year old son Ethan and a younger daughter Georgia aged only eight. If Jessica tries to sell the house then the police will take the money for proceeds of crime for her husband’s crimes. The Fishers have a civil case being taken out on them, blaming them for everything that is happening to the Harris family and prior knowledge of someone calling themselves The Watcher!
Jessica has received three letters from this character called The Watcher, each letting her know that they are watching her and they know the names of her children and even describe some of the things they have done as a family. It also warns of the horrific things they will do to her and her children if she stops them watching her, especially as she now tries to keep all her blinds shut and has kept her daughter off school of the last few weeks, as she starts to fall apart from the stress of these letters. Emily is given the case of trying to stop the case from Jessica Harris, and stop the stress it is giving to Meredith Fisher and her husband who has had a stroke.
Jessica does her normal gung-ho approach, which ends up getting her seen by those who shouldn’t and she has to adapt her investigation to work with this. The police don’t seem to have much interest in the threatening letters, especially since Jessica is the wife of a criminal! Emily goes off on a tangent that she really isn’t supposed to do and isn’t exactly following the rules that her boss gave her for working the case. It may end up with her being sacked, but Emily has to do what she feels is right. There is far more to this tale than you can ever expect, but this is one of the talents of this author, waiting for readers to discover in all its shock and horror!
Another amazing read from this author and having read their Devil’s Cove series and a couple of the previous Emily Swanson books, I was eager to read this one and see what Emily was up to now. There was the hint of her becoming a P.I., so not completely unexpected, but the dark twists in this story, of the contentious house in question and its previous dark history, all adds to the suspense. I can’t wait to read another book by this author, in whatever series it may be. If you liked the Emily Swanson series, then this will let you see what has happened to Emily and Jerome, and is well worth a read. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
January 11, 2023
Watch You Sleep is the fourth book in the Emily Swanson series.
Emily has finally decided on a career, PI, only it is not the glamorous venture she imagined. Having followed people for months to prove they are committing fraud Emily is ready for something more dangerous.
Taking on another fraud case Emily fails to see how this will be more exciting then previous ones but she is wrong. A family that sold a house is being sued because they are mentioned in threatening letters that are being written to the family that bought the house. Unsure who to believe Emily has to wade through lies, misadventure, and deceit as she attempts to find out what is really happening with The Watcher.
I really like the idea of a crime writer basing their story on an unsolved modern day crime. It was interesting to see another take on the story. Plus it had me intrigued enough to see if any updates had occurred on the real life story. The writing was once again paced well with enough suspense to keep me reading. The characters continue to grow, have flaws, and real life issues. While no shock it was disappointing to see Jerome take a back seat on this case. I like the banter between Jerome and Emily and hope to see more of him in Kill for Love. Once again the three libraries I have cards to lacked the last book in the series so I bought it on my tablet.
Emily has finally decided on a career, PI, only it is not the glamorous venture she imagined. Having followed people for months to prove they are committing fraud Emily is ready for something more dangerous.
Taking on another fraud case Emily fails to see how this will be more exciting then previous ones but she is wrong. A family that sold a house is being sued because they are mentioned in threatening letters that are being written to the family that bought the house. Unsure who to believe Emily has to wade through lies, misadventure, and deceit as she attempts to find out what is really happening with The Watcher.
I really like the idea of a crime writer basing their story on an unsolved modern day crime. It was interesting to see another take on the story. Plus it had me intrigued enough to see if any updates had occurred on the real life story. The writing was once again paced well with enough suspense to keep me reading. The characters continue to grow, have flaws, and real life issues. While no shock it was disappointing to see Jerome take a back seat on this case. I like the banter between Jerome and Emily and hope to see more of him in Kill for Love. Once again the three libraries I have cards to lacked the last book in the series so I bought it on my tablet.
March 8, 2020
"I am The Witness. I am watching you all."
When Jessica's husband is arrested for fraud, her family’s future is thrown into jeopardy. Then the letter arrives. At first it seems like a sick joke - someone called The Witness claims to be watching Jessica and her children through the windows of their home.
But as more unhinged letters and disturbing events follow, it’s clear that The Witness is real and means to do them harm. Yet is everything as it seems?
Private eye Emily Swanson is hired to debunk Jessica’s claims. It’s the kind of case that could boost her career, but as Emily draws closer to the vulnerable family, she soon finds her loyalty questioned…and her life in grave danger.
Now Emily must race to uncover the identity of The Witness before Jessica and her children pay a fatal price...
Inspired by the chilling real life case of the “Watcher” House.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action but the fact that this is based on true story is what adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Jessica's husband is arrested for fraud, her family’s future is thrown into jeopardy. Then the letter arrives. At first it seems like a sick joke - someone called The Witness claims to be watching Jessica and her children through the windows of their home.
But as more unhinged letters and disturbing events follow, it’s clear that The Witness is real and means to do them harm. Yet is everything as it seems?
Private eye Emily Swanson is hired to debunk Jessica’s claims. It’s the kind of case that could boost her career, but as Emily draws closer to the vulnerable family, she soon finds her loyalty questioned…and her life in grave danger.
Now Emily must race to uncover the identity of The Witness before Jessica and her children pay a fatal price...
Inspired by the chilling real life case of the “Watcher” House.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action but the fact that this is based on true story is what adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2019
Wow, Malcolm Richards never fails to amaze. This is a real nail biting, truly psychological thriller that you will not want to put down. Be prepared to stay up all night as once you start, it's impossible to put down. There are so many suspects but will it be those you suspect. Just as you think the right culprit has been apprehended, the tale twists again. In true Malcolm style the twists, turns and sudden shocks will have you on the edge of your set right up to the very last chapter. Another Masterpiece by the King of psychological Crime Thrillers. I didn't think this Author could beat the first two in his Devil's Cove Series but I think he just has. Can't wait for Book 3 in that Series. And what will Emily Swanson do next! This could very well be my book of the year for 2019. Such a suspenseful novel. Well worth a read. Highly Recommend.
May 19, 2020
Another gripping chilling thriller by the incredible talented Malcolm Richards... Emily does have a way of walking into the most complex of situations, but using her abundance of natural talent and tenacity she has a way of getting through these. Not necessarily with ease but certainly with a way that will make you want to carry on reading and will her to succeed.
Watch you sleep has a hold your breath ending.. just when you think it's all over, theres a twist in the tale and Malcolm has completed this perfectly.
Whats next for Emily? although I'm routing for her to have a peaceful easy life after all she has been through, I am sure that would not be sufficient for Emily..
Watch you sleep has a hold your breath ending.. just when you think it's all over, theres a twist in the tale and Malcolm has completed this perfectly.
Whats next for Emily? although I'm routing for her to have a peaceful easy life after all she has been through, I am sure that would not be sufficient for Emily..
October 19, 2025
I did enjoy this book however due to studying it took me around 3 weeks to read it- the book was gripping and I loved seeing the characters grow even more - I liked that we got to see more of carter and Emily and the final scenes between these too makes me want to know more
The plot of this story was enjoyable and I didn’t really suspect what was coming - especially with Ethan - since reading this book I am going to rewatch the watcher or Netflix which this story is based on - I liked the version that Malcom took on this true crime story
Excited to read the next book in the series and wondering if Erica will warm up to Emily again it will she be a possible hindrance
The plot of this story was enjoyable and I didn’t really suspect what was coming - especially with Ethan - since reading this book I am going to rewatch the watcher or Netflix which this story is based on - I liked the version that Malcom took on this true crime story
Excited to read the next book in the series and wondering if Erica will warm up to Emily again it will she be a possible hindrance
April 23, 2019
This is Malcolm Richards at his best. Emily Swanson lands a job at a prestigious private investigating firm. One with rules and orders, but Emily is very human and as usual, her compassion wins. So she disobeys the order and disregards the rules, and finds herself in a case where it seems as if no one is who they are. Who is The Witness? Could it be a teenager? A father or a mother?
As the "letters" get more and more vicious, a little girl is in deep trouble, her brother seems haunted by his emotions and a wife is desperately looking for answers.
The characters are very real, the writing... Ah, this is one of my favourite authors in this genre of psychological thrillers so I am happily biased.
Just a warning - make time to finish this book, because you won't be able to put it down.
As the "letters" get more and more vicious, a little girl is in deep trouble, her brother seems haunted by his emotions and a wife is desperately looking for answers.
The characters are very real, the writing... Ah, this is one of my favourite authors in this genre of psychological thrillers so I am happily biased.
Just a warning - make time to finish this book, because you won't be able to put it down.
June 14, 2021
Jessica's story from the beginning of this lures us in with the events going on in her life. With not one but several things along with some wacky letters we are all eyes. When Emily is hired and gets involved she will find she too is in the crosshairs of some that has her in their sights so that puts her in danger. Not part of what she was hoping for at any rate. She will also have to be quick too or someone perhaps could get killed. This author certainly has us turning the pages to see if she can take care of this one.
January 1, 2025
Watch You Sleep
Malcolm Richards
A thrilling page-turner!
This story was gripping and brilliantly written. It has twists and turns you couldn't imagine. I loved it and recommend it to anyone who likes thrilling page-turners.
Malcolm Richards
A thrilling page-turner!
This story was gripping and brilliantly written. It has twists and turns you couldn't imagine. I loved it and recommend it to anyone who likes thrilling page-turners.
April 23, 2019
What a cracker of a read!! Fabulous and a true Malcolm Richards instalment! It had be me gripped from beginning to end and just as you think you know the conclusion he throws in more twists and turns! Well done utterly fab!!
April 24, 2019
An awesome spellbinding thriller, couldn’t put it down! One of his best works yet, give it a go you won’t be sorry you did.
April 25, 2019
Best Emily Swanson book
Your best book ever
Spellbinding could not stop reading
Love love loved it
Thankyou
Your best book ever
Spellbinding could not stop reading
Love love loved it
Thankyou
May 3, 2019
The best Emily Swanson thriller to date. Her reckless, daring, intuitive approach to investigating a case reminds me of Lynda La Plante's young Jane Tennison learning the ropes.
March 31, 2024
Good as the rest of the series! All the turns these books take. Love it!
May 30, 2019
Another great read from Malcolm Richards.
After having read the The Devil's Cove series, I was really excited to try one of his other books. Absolutely loved the main character Emily and the dark twisted story she gets caught up in.
Even until the very end, I had no real idea of what was going to happen.
This book had me turning pages and sitting on the edge of my seat. Richards does psychological thrillers like no-one else. Will definitely have to go back and read his others in the Emily Swanson series.
After having read the The Devil's Cove series, I was really excited to try one of his other books. Absolutely loved the main character Emily and the dark twisted story she gets caught up in.
Even until the very end, I had no real idea of what was going to happen.
This book had me turning pages and sitting on the edge of my seat. Richards does psychological thrillers like no-one else. Will definitely have to go back and read his others in the Emily Swanson series.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews