Eyes Like Mine starts off with Nora Watts learning that her daughter Bonnie that she gave birth to 15 years ago, but didn't keep has gone missing. Has Bonnie run away, or have she been kidnapped? For Nora is Bonnie just an awful reminder of something traumatic that happened to her years ago, but still, she can't help, but try to find out the truth about what happened to Bonnie.

Eyes Like Mine is a bleak thriller about a woman that has been through so much since she was a child that it's amazing that she has the strength to keep going. Her mother left her and her younger sister and her father killed himself when they were very young and they ended up in foster care. Then, years later she ends up pregnant with a child she doesn't want. And, now she has to face the past and through the book, we learn the truth about what happened to her that made her give up her daughter.

It's not hard to feel sorry for Nora Watts, she has been through so much and not with not much support through her life. Her sister is a real bitch. She does, however, have the greatest bosses, a gay couple and she also has a dog that, despite Nora's pessimistic nature seems to like her more than Nora thinks. She also has a strained relationship with her ex-sponsor.

The book is engaging to read, you get pulled into the story and it doesn't let you go. I did, however, feel that I wanted to know more when the story ended, not that the ending was bad, just that I wanted to know what would happen next.

Dark and atmospheric, this is a new voice in crime fiction and one that merits praise and close attention. Norah Watts is the flawed heroine as she seeks her missing daughter who has been abducted after being put up for adoption.

Well written, taut and credible, Norah is a fascinating character who I look forward to reading about again in the next book in what is sure to become a series.

Eyes Like Mine AKA The Lost Ones is a story about a woman named Nora who lived a troubled life and gave up her daughter for adoption. Many years later the adoptive parents come to Nora and tell her that their daughter, Nora's Bio daughter had disappeared and they were hoping she had come to find Nora. At first Nora isn't in the least bit interested in helping to find her daughter until she starts finding little clues that indicate her daughter is in great danger.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this book. You have to pay attention or you may get lost.

Regret that I lost access to this book when I had to replace my broken kindle. Many thanks for the opportunity and apologies.

I could not finish this book. Hated the characters and had to make myself read what I did try to read.

This novel has two titles "Eyes Like Mine" (UK) and "The Lost Ones"

I read the description of this novel and was immediately intrigued.

I have noticed recently that I hate hearing the phone ring. The sound instantly puts me on edge.....especially at night. So I can only imagine how Nora Watts feels when her phone rings at 5AM and a man named tells her she may know something about a missing girl. She agrees to meet Everett Walsh and his wife at a local diner. They are well-groomed and driving an expensive car. They are obviously an affluent couple.

Nora asks them who referred them to her. They tell her that they hired someone to find HER. Nora is very confused now.... the man repeats what he told her on the phone, that their daughter is missing. Then his wife drops a bomb on Nora with her next statement.....

"HER daughter is missing. Did you tell her that?"

Nora is in shock. They are talking about the baby she gave up for adoption fifteen years ago. But that was a sealed adoption. No one should know who she is. Before she can dwell on that, they thrust a picture at her. Nora instantly sees she's looking at a picture of her daughter. The unique eyes are identical to her own. She analyses the picture and can see that the girls smile doesn't reach her eyes. It looks like she's only pretending to be happy.

Her name is Bronwyn (Bonnie) and she's been missing for two weeks. She lied and said she was going camping, stole money and has not been heard from since. She's done this before so the police won't do much to find her. They call her a chronic runaway.

But she has ALWAYS come home before. Nora can see that Everett is an emotional wreck. His wife is cool and patronizing... she insinuates that it is Nora's fault their daughter is acting this way. The whole Nature vs. Nurture....that Nora's nature is influencing Bonnie even though they've never met.

Nora tells them she hasn't heard from Bonnie and walks out. Everett follows her, still wanting her help. Nora is hesitant to get involved. She wonders how they know so much about her. How did they know that she looks for missing people for a living?

Will Nora help find their/her daughter?

Next, a girl is sitting by a lake. She has been attacked. She has no idea what to do but knows she needs to get moving. She hopes that soon "They" will think she's dead and stop looking for her.

My first thought is that the girl is Bonnie...but is it?

Nora's bosses call her their "expert bullshit detector" She locates witnesses and then sits in on the interviews to see if the people are lying. She sees the stuff that people are trying to hide. It's her specialty.

"There's a feeling I get when a lie is told. A disgust that creeps up when a liar is doing her best to muck things up or, more likely, save her own ass. Oftentimes, I can't put my finger on it; I can only tell when I see it. And years in foster care honed this skill to an art"

Her bosses are good to her. They don't pry into her life or push into her personal space. However, they don't realize she's been living in the basement of the office building with her dog, Whisper.

I really enjoyed this novel. It was chock full of interesting characters, suspense, twists and even humor. Nora is an unlikely hero. She's not always likeable....not by a long shot, but she has a strength and resilience that I admire. The things she has been through would have broken most people. The voice she hears every night in her nightmares. Nora has many secrets and to say that she has trust issues is putting it mildly. Right away you can understand why she has those trust issues and why her only real companion and confidant is her dog, Whisper.

Oh I LOVED Whisper! The personality of this dog was written so well. I could visualize this mutt and Nora walking the streets of Vancouver. Whisper and Nora were perfect together and many of the funniest moments included the dog.

Sheena Kamal did a wonderful job of bringing her characters to life. Characters I loved and the some I didn't. Oh I really disliked some. Nora's sister, Lorelei for one. Nora says "She has an angel's face but the tongue of a shrieking harpy". But Nora understands why her sister is the way she is. However, that didn't stop me from wanting to jump into the book and throttle Lorelei.

There was a lot of action in this novel but it wasn't really hard to keep up. Although I will say that the reader should be prepared to suspend belief now and then as there were a few things that didn't seem entirely plausible. However, it really didn't dampen the story for me. I was caught up in what was happening and what was going to happen next.

Did I say how much I loved the dog?

An extremely interesting, well-written debut novel. I'm happy to hear that there will be a sequel to this book as I really want to know what happens next!

Thank you NetGalley and Zaffre, for providing an advanced readers copy of this book for me to read in exchange for my honest review

I’m afraid I couldn’t finish this book. That’s a rare thing for me. And very disappointing.

Nora's character was so cold. And I appreciate her past shaped her character, she was ridiculously robotic. I found all the characters to be very clichéd.

I was interested to find out where her daughter Bonnie was but once Nora had escaped from a shady security company’s henchmen by using her belt to swing down a stairs, I was out.

I came across this book via blogfriend and author Sarah Ward (see her books on the blog here) – she reviewed Eyes Like Mine over at Crimepieces and I was immediately sold on the idea, especially as it is set in British Columbia in Canada, an area I know somewhat.

This is a debut novel, the first of a planned series, and features Nora Watts as a life survivor, getting over a terrible backhistory and trying to make her way in the world, or at least keep afloat. The book starts with an instant and very winning setup: Watts is consulted about a missing girl, and quickly realizes that the lost young woman is her own daughter, given up for adoption 15 years before. After that I couldn’t put it down: I so wanted to know what was going on here, and so hoped Nora would be able to find Bonnie.

The plot is complicated, and full of surprises, so can’t say too much about what’s happening. It is quite violent at times, and Nora herself is not the most likeable person. She is violent, dishonest and untrusting, but also strangely endearing. Mind you, there is one thing she does in the book that is probably the most shocking non-violent moment I have ever read… I kept thinking about it afterwards and shaking my head. That scene concerns a semi-friend she has:
We sigh, almost in unison. I remember the time when we were just silent alcoholics, without weapons and dangerous bathroom encounters between us.
The publicity describes the book as being ‘as dark and gripping as the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’. I suppose that will sell a lot more copies – it would be no recommendation to me (can’t tell you how much I hated GWTDT) and I think there is no comparison, and I would never be in any doubt that this book was written by a woman, and Dragon’s Tattoo by a man. That said, this is NOT a book for the faint-hearted – there are some very gruesome scenes. But it takes a clear line on its violence and morals.

And actually it is very funny and entertaining, in the same way Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Milhone books are (although a lot bleaker).

At one point Nora is mistaken for a new cleaner at a fancy skiing resort:
The man frowns. ‘They usually hire younger with bigger…’ He trails off, then looks to the lady behind the counter for support.
‘Tits?’ she ventures.
‘Hair?’ offers the other man.
‘Both?’ I say, when it’s my turn… The man shuffles his feet and mutters something inaudible.


This is a very accomplished and confident debut. There were a few weird jerky transitions between scenes, where I was checking to see if I’d missed something - I think an editor could have asked a few questions, suggested that the author add a few bridging sentences here and there. But overall the book is a knockout. I most certainly will be reading the next in the series.

Nora Watts is a brave but troubled woman. She gets a phone call from a man who says her daughter is missing. Nora has enough problems as it is, but when she sees a photograph of a girl with eyes like hers, it's bound to move her. Is Nora ready to face her past in order to find the girl she gave up fifteen years ago?

Another day, another book review! Today I want to share my thoughts on Sheena Kamal's debut novel 'Eyes Like Mine'.

The book got off to a strong start, I was actually worried if Kamal would be able to keep up the action and twists throughout the book. I can sincerely say that she managed to keep it up and make the reader not want to put the book down. The detail in the book is just right and that makes for easy reading as you can imagine the setting and characters. It's not a short book but Kamal's way with words will make you race through it!

You can't help but like the character of Nora, even though she may be hard to relate to. She is flawed but a unique character. I really enjoyed getting to know her background which has given her thick skin. Though, what stole my heart where the moments with her dog Whisper! With Whisper, Nora didn't have to mask her vulnerability; a relationship with a pet isn't something I came across in a book before but it was one of the strongest points of this novel! The other characters were well written and likeable but I'm not going to talk about them because Nora deserves all the spotlight!

Although they weren't necessary, the few chapters we get from Bonnie's (Nora's daughter's) perspective were a nice touch, in fact I think I would have liked to read some more of them!

I have to say the ending was a bit underwhelming but there'll be a sequel so that gives me a bit of consolation. I'll for sure read the next book, I can't wait to read about what's next for Nora Watts

I admire how Kamal teachers the reader of the book about homelessness and the struggles of mixed-raced people in Canada. For someone who doesn't really know much about Canada and the people there, it's a real eye-opener.

I gave this book a rating of 4 stars because although Kamal's story-telling lived up to my expectations, the ending was slightly underwhelming after so much action throughout. Kamal's writing and intertwining of important issues into the story was fantastic. I am very excited for the sequel and I can't wait to learn more from Kamal!

Rating: 4/5


I truly recommend you give this book a read!

Unusual to find a book set in Canada and this was not the only different thing about this taut thriller. I thought I wouldn't like the main character who is best described as flawe but I did grow to feel more empathy for her. I was a little lost at the end but that was down to the complexity of the plot which held my interest and attention throughout.

This is an action-packed novel. Nora is the perfect bad-ass anti-hero you could wish for. To me, the story had its lengths, but overall it is a good novel.

I was really excited to read this book after hearing Sheena Kamal read at the Edinburgh Noir@TheBar event.

The cover is beautiful, the burnt orange lettering really pops against the black and white background.

Nora is the main character and she’s had such a horrendous past which has shaped her into who she is today. I have to say from the start I didn’t connect with her. She really is a loner to the deepest extent. I had more emotion and connection to her little dog Whisper. I did like the bond between Whisper & Nora. It made Nora a tiny bit human. However, Nora’s consequential actions made me really annoyed and frustrated with her. For myself, I like to emotionally connect with the characters it’s very important for me.

The pace of the book was up and down for me. I felt some of the events in the book were a bit over the top and far fetched. Other times Sheena Kamal set the scene perfectly. I can liken the book to a James Bond Movie. I think the book would make a super screenplay.

As this is a debut novel Sheena Kamal did a good job and I think this is just the beginning of what she can give the world.

I found this a little clichéd and overworked. Plot was OK.

This book initially starts with the story of a missing teenage girl, Bonnie. Her parents turn to Nora Watts for help as the police believe she just took off. What Nora learns is that Bonnie is HER daughter ...the one she gave up for adoption 15 years earlier.

The book becomes more about Nora and her life, both past and present. Nora has a gift of sorts ... she can tell when people are lying. So far, it's never let her down. And she knows that Bonnie's parents are both lying about something ... she just doesn't know what.

Nora has a horrific past. To go into detail here would be spoiler. But trust me ... that she has even survive is a testament to her strength. She's an alcoholic but she's been on the wagon for several years. She holds a job in which her gift comes is handy. On the flip side, she hates to be touched. Her sister thinks she's a hooker. She doesn't trust anyone at all. She has contacts but no friends .... unless it's Whisper. Whisper is a four-footed Heinz 57 dog that's been abandoned.

Despite wanting to walk away, she sets out to find a daughter she's never known. What she finds on this journey is a past that comes roaring into the present.

Nora is not a very likeable character. I felt sympathy and sadness for her, but I didn't like how she treated others. She often said hurtful things to people who were trying to help her. I did admire how she did the hard things ... I liked that she was a survivor who had no help from anyone. It was her own guts and determination to make a life for herself.

There are secondary characters that I disliked nearly as much. Nora's sister is a hateful person .... Nora's AA Sponsor has a history with her. He used to be a cop before alcohol took over his life. Now he has said he will help Nora ... but he has secrets. And he will be sorry when she learns what it is.

The book is powerfully written. I did like the Canadian setting. ... local flavor on steroids. This is a new author to me, and I look forward to following future books.

Many thanks to the author / Bonnier Zaffre / Netgalley for the digital copy of EYES LIKE MINE. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Unfortanately i found Eyes Like Mine a disappointing read and i just felt the story dragged on with no direction.Nora is a likeable character who i think can be developed further but the story for me never had me wanting to turn the pages.Nora is seaching for her daughter who she gave up for adoption after she is approached by the couple who adopted Bonnie when she is thought to have run away.Along the drawn out way Nora is thrown into the world of mining companies and cord blood selling.As i said the story for me just seemed to drag on and even the ending seemed pretty predictable.If Nora was to appear again in another instalment my interest has been piqued enough to give her another try but for Eyes Like Mine only 3 stars from me.Whisper the dog was good though !!

I really wanted to like this book and worked hard to get to like the main character, Nora. I really like 'bad' characters and thought this one would be up my street.

Unfortunately, it didn't work for me. I found her mixture of alcoholism and general aggressiveness a bit too much and her abuse of another character in the book (Bradzuca), really turned my stomach.

I also found the final scenes unbelievable. Sorry, this wasn't for me.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. I loved the character of Nora, she had been in foster care, raped, an alcoholic but more than anything she was a survivor. I just loved this character I totally believed her and was rooting for her all the way. I cannot wait for another book about Nora she is just a brilliant read. And I want my own Whisper a nyphomaniac dog who got depressed after her hook ups. I cant wait to read more about Seb, Leo and Brazuca. This book could make my top ten of 2017. Loved it.

A great debut novel from Sheena Kamal. From the start you can't but like Nora. I loved the way in which Sheena gave us a look into Nora's life and all that she had to struggle through and the fact that she didn't give up. I loved the twists and most of the characters. It seems as if Nora would make a good PI and I wonder if there will be a sequel with Nora as the main character again.

If you are thinking of reading this book, don't think just pick it up and read it, you wouldn't be disappointed.
Thank you to Bonnier Zaffre and Netgalley for the copy.

A smart and well written debut with a fascinating and unique protagonist. I'm looking forward to the next one. There's no too perfect to be real characters here. Everyone is damaged and flawed. The lead character won't be sauntering around in heels and designer clothes anytime soon. She's gritty and badass, not always likeable but always interesting.

The phone rings early in the morning, and there's a desperate voice on the other line. He wants Nora to meet him. He needs her help. She agrees because she's intrigued, thinking it's work related. She works as an assistant of sorts for a PI. To her surprise, the man was calling about the baby she gave up for adoption fifteen years ago. She's gone missing... and she had been expressing interest in finding her birth parents before she disappeared. They are disappointed when Nora knows nothing... and Nora is shaken by the news. They show her a photograph... and she's struck by her eyes. The same unusually dark pools she sees when she looks in the mirror.

From there she begins on a journey that will have her chasing ghosts, trying to come to terms with her past, and find the daughter she didn't want. It's all very dark, bleak, and intense. Nora is an unforgettable character... sometimes violent and unpredictable but always a survivor.

I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Bonnier Zaffre, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.