ANNA O, Matthew Blake’s much-talked-about first novel, is the story of a modern-day Sleeping Beauty. However, this one is not a princess but a suspected killer. After allegedly committing a double homicide, Anna Ogilvy fell into a deep sleep and has yet to wake up.

Dr. Benedict Prince is a forensic psychologist who specializes in sleep disorders. He is brought into the “Anna O” case through his mentor, Dr. Virginia Bloom, who introduces him to the real person in charge. Stephen Donnelly, the deputy legal director at the Ministry of Justice, has a proposition for Ben, and a clandestine one at that. He wants Ben to bring Anna to his clinic, so he can attempt to crack through the veil of sleep that surrounds her and have her answer for her crimes. Donnelly also swears Ben to secrecy as no one can know that he has any relationship with the Ministry of Justice.

"Matthew Blake fills ANNA O with clues, red herrings and plot twists, all of which culminate in a finale that is completely unexpected."

Anna has been asleep for four years. In 2019, the then-25-year-old was on a trip with her family and some friends at a farmhouse retreat in the countryside. One night, she grabbed a large kitchen knife and supposedly stabbed to death her two best friends in a neighboring cabin. Anna's fingerprints were the only ones found on the murder weapon, but of course the police have been unable to question her.

We hear from Ben and other supporting characters, and we are presented with some very telling journal entries from Anna. Social media plays a big role here as there are plenty of bloggers and internet trolls with opinions on this infamous case. In fact, one blogger calling themselves Suspect 8 is privy to details that no one else seems to have knowledge of. Their blogs also mention Patient X, who may have played a significant role in the events surrounding the double murder.

As expected, the book remains a potboiler of a mystery with the suspense hinging on the moment when Anna finally opens her eyes. When that happens, Ben is there to witness it. But what transpires next may not be what Ben or any reader would have anticipated, and the case becomes even more complicated once Anna finds her voice.

Matthew Blake fills ANNA O with clues, red herrings and plot twists, all of which culminate in a finale that is completely unexpected. This major thriller debut should be remembered at the end of the year as “Best Books of 2024” lists are being compiled.