About The Book
Book: The Eyewitness
Author: Naomi Williams
Standalone or Series: Standalone
Publisher: Headline
Publication Date (UK): 16th July 2026
My Review
This is my first Naomi Williams book, who also writes under Lisa Timoney and Kate Storey. I have (eye)witnessed the love for her previous psychological thriller, The Woman in Ward 9, so I was really looking forward to reading my first one.
Rachel Cartwright is experiencing issues with blepharospasm, an issue that causes her eyelids to clamp shut for 48 hours. She is referred to respected ophthalmologist Beth. Beth is empathetic and concerned about the condition. She visits her patient at home to perform more investigations, due to Rachel being unable to travel when her eyes are shut during the condition’s active stage.
It’s as Beth is taking in Rachel’s home that a shiver runs down her spine. Rachel has confided in her that she feels watched when she is in this vulnerable state. But it’s not just paranoia, she can see different degrees of light and shadows. Only, Rachel’s home is a flat – she’s stories up and opposite is water. So how on earth could someone be passing her window?
I loved the premise of this, it’s a great hook and ‘the Watcher’ prologue, and interspersed POV sections, set it off nicely. I loved the ophthalmology angle, it’s a refreshing and horrifying idea to play out in a crime novel and helps give the book the edge. Add in some delicious twists and I can see why Williams’ work is so loved by my friends. Let alone the fact the author happens to be lovely. I cannot wait to go back and read The Woman in Ward 9 now!
Thanks to Headline for sending me a finished copy.
Beth Reads Crime 
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