It's been years since Nadja Kulka was convicted of a cruel crime. After being released from prison, she's wanted nothing more than to live a normal life. But when one of those friends, Laura von Hoven—free-spirited beauty and wife of Nadja's boss—kills her lover and begs Nadja for her help, Nadja can't seem to refuse.
... another terrific thriller that will keep you guessing to the very end ... a triangle of secrets, deceit, crosses and double-crosses to the point that your head will be spinning. There is not a wasted word in Sleepless, and Hausmann ties everything up nicely. She also includes a heartwarming bit at the end, which makes the effort of reading this joyfully complex novel all worthwhile.
... a sprawling suspense story that explores the blurry region between what is morally right and legally just as the tale weaves through the crimes and infidelities of its characters ... The details and circumstances of [Nadja's] crime are revealed slowly through the novel, as are the events of the other murders, heightening the suspense as Hausmann drops in enough hints to provoke intrigue and arouse curiosity ... Overall, although Hausmann’s prose is descriptive and engaging, at times, the story is confusing. For example, the opening scene where Nadja has a panic attack in a market. The reader may question where the events are taking place and what is happening. And overall, the dual narratives are only loosely connected, making one question whether the narrative featuring Nelly Schutt was necessary and enhanced the other narrative in any significant way. In spite of this, the suspenseful action and Hausman’s engaging prose make Sleepless worth the effort.
For large parts of the narrative, the connection between both stories, of which I would say Nadja’s is the principal one, remains obscure. Could Nadja and Nelly be the same woman, you’ll wonder? I’m sure Hausmann wants her readers to consider this. When the connection is finally revealed, it feels underwhelming, and I was left wondering about the need for the second narrative at all ... There are great moments in Sleepless, particularly the scenes at the villa, as the double- and triple-crosses are revealed, but I felt Hausmann’s previously unerring compass has led her astray. The balance between intrigue and reader confusion is not correct, and large parts of the book will leave you frustrated.
