What do you think?
Rate this book
In The Back Of My Head
NIGHTMARES OF A GIRL BEING HELD CAPTIVE.
DREAMS THAT FEEL LIKE MEMORIES.
A DILEMMA THAT SHOULDN’T EXIST.
Seventeen year old insomniac Cole Torsney has had recurring nightmares since he was eight years old. Always the same; of him and a young girl named Grace held captive.
Was any of it real?
According to those he trusts, it wasn't. If so, then why do they feel as vivid as memories?
Determined to learn the truth, Cole starts an investigation of his own. However, the more he learns, the more questions he has. If his dreams are actually real, who kidnapped him and how did he escape captivity? Why did Grace have to die? Why did his mother commit suicide, coincidentally the same time his nightmares began, and why did he and his father flee shortly after her death?
He’s sure of one a girl named Grace died 10 years ago, and she deserves justice.
But what is the price of justice, and is he willing to pay it?
DREAMS THAT FEEL LIKE MEMORIES.
A DILEMMA THAT SHOULDN’T EXIST.
Seventeen year old insomniac Cole Torsney has had recurring nightmares since he was eight years old. Always the same; of him and a young girl named Grace held captive.
Was any of it real?
According to those he trusts, it wasn't. If so, then why do they feel as vivid as memories?
Determined to learn the truth, Cole starts an investigation of his own. However, the more he learns, the more questions he has. If his dreams are actually real, who kidnapped him and how did he escape captivity? Why did Grace have to die? Why did his mother commit suicide, coincidentally the same time his nightmares began, and why did he and his father flee shortly after her death?
He’s sure of one a girl named Grace died 10 years ago, and she deserves justice.
But what is the price of justice, and is he willing to pay it?
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2022
86 people are currently reading
1352 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
February 1, 2022
Cole Torsney has been having the same reoccurring nightmare since he was 8 years old. Always of him and another girl named Grace held captive. His father and psychiatrist keep telling him it is all in his head. Suffering from schizophrenia, Cole has trouble with reality. However, he is sure his dream is a memory and young Grace is dead. He starts his own investigation into his past. The killer is still out there, and he is waiting.
I really liked the plot of this book. My main issue is the huge plot holes and how far I was supposed to suspend belief. A police officer is in no way going to include a teenager in a serial killer investigation. It was a real good read. I was guessing until the end!
I really liked the plot of this book. My main issue is the huge plot holes and how far I was supposed to suspend belief. A police officer is in no way going to include a teenager in a serial killer investigation. It was a real good read. I was guessing until the end!
January 31, 2022
Tons of Trigger Warnings for this book (sexual assault, abuse to minors, death, suicide/murder, etc) but this book was breathtaking. It kept me reeled in the entire time. I couldn't stop turning the pages to read more, I was determined to find out how this book played out. Needless to say, I finished this book in 1 sitting. Absolutely remarkable, I couldn't guess the outcome (even though I tried to a few times and ended up being wrong). An absolutely intense and thrilling book!
March 11, 2022
Any book that starts with a Poe quote at the beginning is off to a good start. I'm happy to say, the story that followed is fantastic. There are lots of twists, the multi-character perspective is a great touch. I can't imagine the story being told in a different way and I love the way the chapters are named. The writing style is different but interesting, and I think it added to the story. I was intrigued throughout the duration of the story, so it was an easy read! I also think that the ending was great!
Overall, great read and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a quick thriller!
Overall, great read and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a quick thriller!
January 12, 2023
Step aside SILENT PATIENT, this book f**ked me up even more! How an 18 YEAR OLD INDIE AUTHOR wrote this book is JUST INSANE and MIRACULOUS QUITE CREATIVE for a debut!! This book, y’all!! I didn’t even see it coming! Seventeen year old insomniac Cole Torsney has had recurring nightmares since he was eight years old. Always the same of him and a young girl named Grace held captive. But was it real? According to those who trust, it wasn’t, but why do they feel as vivid as memories to him? Determined to learn the truth, Cole starts an investigation of his own. However, the more he learns, the more questions he has! A twisty mystery that will leave your jaw open near the end! And you won’t EVER SEE IT COMING! A MUST READ!
February 19, 2022
O. M. G. !!!!! What a story!!!!!! I. Could. Not. Put. This. Book. Down. !!!!! He’s 18 years old with his first novel and it’s out of this world!!!! I couldn’t read fast enough!!!! If I didn’t have to sleep or eat, I could’ve finished this in half a day. The chapters jump around from different characters and at first I was somewhat confused as to who I was reading about. However; I didn’t let that hang nail snag and I just kept going, eventually realizing how each chapter was continuing to flow. Let me tell you, I swear I had it figured out and I was blown away by the ending in too many ways!!! Holy shit!!! You must read this book and let’s talk about it!!!!
March 17, 2022
For this being the first book of a man that is still a teenager, this book was fantastic. But from someone that reads over 200 books a year, there is still room for improvement. The storyline was great, but the chapter titles were confusing. I finally just started ignoring them. A few more years and a couple more books under his belt and he will be a force.
February 5, 2022
This book had so many twists and turns just when I thought I had it figured out, boom something else would happen. I cant believe the author is only 18 years old. If this book is any indication of what his other books will be like in the future, then I cant wait to read them as well. If you haven't read this book yet, you definitely need to.
January 13, 2023
"I wouldn’t be surprised if a book is made from this. Not that it would be any good, I mean all this stuff is highly implausible."
Maslow, I.Y.. In The Back Of My Head (p. 321). Kindle Edition.
I feel bad about writing a negative review (especially after I found out the author is so young and dedicated) but I can't give this book more than two stars.
It does have potential and I was very much engaged for the first half of the book. However, things got completely out of control and I struggled to finish it. The plot was so promising at first; yet I found myself dropping this book to do anything else but get on with it. The second half gets so unbelievably convoluted and farfetched that it's just too difficult to engage with. The dialogues get increasingly out of touch with reality (I mean, Cole and Olivia had such elaborate thoughts and lines it was almost impossible to connect to them as teenagers). I saw the whole psychological reasoning behind the crimes very superficial and the insane sequence of plot twists was just over.
As a side note, this book could've used better editing. There were some words and punctuation missing and this may put some people off. Some parts and attempts at psychological analysis of people and their psyches could have been left out. It felt a bit preachy overall and just too implausible.
Maslow, I.Y.. In The Back Of My Head (p. 321). Kindle Edition.
I feel bad about writing a negative review (especially after I found out the author is so young and dedicated) but I can't give this book more than two stars.
It does have potential and I was very much engaged for the first half of the book. However, things got completely out of control and I struggled to finish it. The plot was so promising at first; yet I found myself dropping this book to do anything else but get on with it. The second half gets so unbelievably convoluted and farfetched that it's just too difficult to engage with. The dialogues get increasingly out of touch with reality (I mean, Cole and Olivia had such elaborate thoughts and lines it was almost impossible to connect to them as teenagers). I saw the whole psychological reasoning behind the crimes very superficial and the insane sequence of plot twists was just over.
As a side note, this book could've used better editing. There were some words and punctuation missing and this may put some people off. Some parts and attempts at psychological analysis of people and their psyches could have been left out. It felt a bit preachy overall and just too implausible.
March 30, 2022
Great plot twist. You can tell that the author is young and that this is the first book but the potential is huge. I really liked the writing and how the chapters were named. The twist was good and I love but hate at the same time how it ended (the last line). Like I wish there was more. I need to know more!!! But that will never happen. Anyways, highly recommend it!
March 19, 2022
An amazing first novel for this 18 year old author! I eagerly await your next book 😉
March 3, 2022
“What is a life worth to you?”
Cole Torsney is a 17 year old boy who has had a recurring nightmare of being held capitve with a girl named Grace. His dad and his therapist have told him that it wasn’t real. He can’t seem to comes to terms with that – his memories are vivid.
He embarks on an investigation as to whether or not the nightmare is real. He quickly begins to have more questions than he does answers. If he was held captive, who did it, and why? How did he escape? Why did Grace die and not him? His nightmares began when his mother committed suicide, but why did she commit suicide? And after all that, the memory of being held captive and his mother committing suicide, why did his dad take him and flee away from the town where they had lived? Cole is determined to find out everything, but at what cost?
This is a brilliant debut novel by this 18 year old author. The plot of the book was refreshing and enjoyable. With so many secrets to reveal, twists and turns, and jaw dropping moments, it was hard to put down! In fact, you won’t put it down because you’ll want to know what is coming next.
One of the things that I loved about this novel is that I was immersed in the story. It really felt like at times, the book was speaking to me, the reader. It kept me very engaged.
For this author to be so young and write such a thrilling book, is amazing. I cannot wait to see what he comes out with next. I just hope he keeps writing these psychological thriller books.
Cole Torsney is a 17 year old boy who has had a recurring nightmare of being held capitve with a girl named Grace. His dad and his therapist have told him that it wasn’t real. He can’t seem to comes to terms with that – his memories are vivid.
He embarks on an investigation as to whether or not the nightmare is real. He quickly begins to have more questions than he does answers. If he was held captive, who did it, and why? How did he escape? Why did Grace die and not him? His nightmares began when his mother committed suicide, but why did she commit suicide? And after all that, the memory of being held captive and his mother committing suicide, why did his dad take him and flee away from the town where they had lived? Cole is determined to find out everything, but at what cost?
This is a brilliant debut novel by this 18 year old author. The plot of the book was refreshing and enjoyable. With so many secrets to reveal, twists and turns, and jaw dropping moments, it was hard to put down! In fact, you won’t put it down because you’ll want to know what is coming next.
One of the things that I loved about this novel is that I was immersed in the story. It really felt like at times, the book was speaking to me, the reader. It kept me very engaged.
For this author to be so young and write such a thrilling book, is amazing. I cannot wait to see what he comes out with next. I just hope he keeps writing these psychological thriller books.
January 29, 2023
chaotic but in a good way
4.5 rating
This book was way more than I expected. This was a roller coaster filled with nonstop action and thrills. The way it laid out each mystery was very well organized and flows well. My one & only negative are the hard to follow POVs. The chapters are labeled as The Defeatist, The Cynic, The Existentialist, & The Stoic. It’s not under 3/4 to almost done that you find out who is who & that’s what gets tricky. But it’s still one of my favorite books so far!
4.5 rating
This book was way more than I expected. This was a roller coaster filled with nonstop action and thrills. The way it laid out each mystery was very well organized and flows well. My one & only negative are the hard to follow POVs. The chapters are labeled as The Defeatist, The Cynic, The Existentialist, & The Stoic. It’s not under 3/4 to almost done that you find out who is who & that’s what gets tricky. But it’s still one of my favorite books so far!
January 21, 2023
Kick ass book! It had me hooked from start to finish. I kept thinking I knew who the killer was at certain points, but then there would be another twist.... and the ending. Poor Finn. I would love to see a follow up story
March 28, 2022
Emotional Thriller
4 stars because the beginning was confusing to me. But I kept going and couldn't put it down. Gut wrenching at times with a twist that brought the whole story together.
4 stars because the beginning was confusing to me. But I kept going and couldn't put it down. Gut wrenching at times with a twist that brought the whole story together.
January 31, 2022
This book was SOOOO GOOD with MANY twist and turns. Sucks you in right from the start. This is a VERY good mystery and a fast read because you won’t want to put it down…but not too fast a read because you really need to pay attention. I’ll be reading this again sometime soon to see what I find now that my eyes are WIDE OPEN. This is this authors first book and to me it was a grand slam. I will be reading more from this author. 🖤🖤
August 30, 2022
I still can't believe that this author is only 18! Yes there are some grammatical errors but the story is so complex and intricate. I was hooked from page one and the ending was completely unpredictable. There were so many unexpected twists and I loved the aspect of the book questioning the main character's dreams versus reality. I read it in 24 hours and hope the author has another book in the works!
March 9, 2022
Everyone need to read this amazing book. My wife and I just finished it and seriously loved every second of it and could not stop. Absolutely insane that a young man at 18 could write such an amazing story with the knowledge of a seasoned writer or a street smart hustler with years in the game. This book is my new number 2 favorite book ever. Do yourself a favor and get this book!!!
March 29, 2022
Okay so this author is 18 years old and a debut novel - that’s just wild!! This book had me guessing until the end - and I was wrong numerous times.
The chapters jump between different narrators and there was a point at which I felt totally lost as to which character was talking - but it all came together the more I read.
If you like thrillers, I recommend!
The chapters jump between different narrators and there was a point at which I felt totally lost as to which character was talking - but it all came together the more I read.
If you like thrillers, I recommend!
July 18, 2022
I read this book in two days and I’m terrible at finding time to read. When I say that this was a riveting page turner, I mean it. The story was captivating from start to finish. It is written from the perspective of four different people but it’s very easy to follow along when you bounce back and forth between them all. Fabulous work and I hope this young author decides to continue to write.
March 2, 2022
Excellent read!!
April 1, 2022
Awful. This was terribly written. Good plot but terrible execution.
March 3, 2022
Great Twists
Well written. It’s sucked me in. I read it in a day. Loved the twists. Kept me guessing the entire novel.
Well written. It’s sucked me in. I read it in a day. Loved the twists. Kept me guessing the entire novel.
June 26, 2022
3.5 stars
Pretty impressive for an 18 year old author!
Pretty impressive for an 18 year old author!
June 7, 2022
This book twisted me one way the took a complete turn in the other direction. To think this book was written by someone young and being his first book is astonishing. I would say some of the chapters seem to stop abruptly and not giving to the details like what did contribute to the plot?
The ending was not what I was expecting and I can say it hurt a little. But overall a fantastic first book. I look forward to more works by this budding writer.
The ending was not what I was expecting and I can say it hurt a little. But overall a fantastic first book. I look forward to more works by this budding writer.
February 10, 2022
I love the reads that have me guessing until the end! Every time “I had it figured out” I was wrong! Love that it kept me guessing. I had a hard time taking breaks from this book because I needed to know what was going to happen next!
Acknowledging the acknowledgements… I hope one day you get your starring role to be Jake Gyllenhaal!
I’ll be expecting more from this young author.
Acknowledging the acknowledgements… I hope one day you get your starring role to be Jake Gyllenhaal!
I’ll be expecting more from this young author.
June 4, 2022
I have read hundreds of books in my life and I have to say this was one of the best books I have ever read, I truly could not put this book down and read it in just a few hours. From the beginning I was hooked. It was such a thrilling read it left me speechless, Heartbroken and just in awe. I highly recommend reading this! You will not be disappointed!
March 1, 2022
This book is incredible. It was written by an 18 year old, and I think we can expect great things from him. I don’t really write book reviews. But this one is deserving. Take a chance on it, you’ll love it. And you may not put it down.
April 19, 2022
First book written by this young man and it is awesome! From the Poe quote at the very beginning until the last page I was hooked. I highly recommend this book, but I also recommend you cancel all other plans for the day because you will not want to put it down!
April 29, 2022
This was an absolutely fabulous book! I couldn't put it down and spent my entire time reading just thinking about who the killer could have been! I thought I had it multiple times but every time I was wrong. Loved this book!
May 17, 2022
Twists and turns!
Crazy read, I had to set it down and process it a few times. This book will be a huge trigger for anyone who was abused as a child. The scary monsters can live in your own house sometimes....
Crazy read, I had to set it down and process it a few times. This book will be a huge trigger for anyone who was abused as a child. The scary monsters can live in your own house sometimes....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews