Are You Sleeping (novel)

Are You Sleeping is a psychological thriller novel written by Kathleen Barber, published in 2017. The story centers around Josie Buhrman, a woman attempting to build a life away from her family's infamy following her father's murder twenty years prior. The case was sensationalized at the time, largely due to her twin sister Lanie's testimony, which resulted in the conviction of Warren Cave.

The novel's narrative revolves around Josie's anxieties being reignited when a true crime podcast, titled "Reclaim Her Story," begins re-examining the murder and questioning Cave's guilt. The podcast exposes previously overlooked details and alternative theories, causing Josie to confront long-buried secrets and re-evaluate her memories of the events surrounding her father's death.

Are You Sleeping explores themes of family trauma, the ethics of true crime media, the power of memory, and the complexities of truth and justice. It delves into the lasting impact of media sensationalism on individuals and their relationships. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including Josie's, Lanie's, and the podcast creator's, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

The novel was adapted into a television series titled Truth Be Told, starring Octavia Spencer, which premiered on Apple TV+ in 2019.