Sleepyhead by Mark Billingham, the main plot revolves around a serial killer who induces strokes in his victims, leaving them in a state of locked-in syndrome - conscious but completely paralyzed and unable to communicate.The killer's modus operandi is to drug women in their homes and then skillfully apply pressure to their arteries, causing a stroke that leaves them in this horrifying condition, suspended between life and death.
One of the victims, Alison Willetts, survives in this locked-in state and becomes a key character, able to see and hear everything but unable to move or speak.Detective Inspector Tom Thorne investigates these unusual murders and realizes the killer's intention is not to kill but to leave his victims incapacitated.
As the investigation progresses, Thorne becomes romantically involved with Dr. Anne Coburn, who is treating Alison.
Thorne eventually focuses his suspicion on anaesthetist Jeremy Bishop, a friend of Coburn's, as the prime suspect.The novel explores Thorne's troubled past through flashbacks to a previous case involving a serial killer named Francis Calvert.
Alison's inner thoughts and frustrations at her locked-in state provide a poignant perspective throughout the story.
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