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No One Knows You're Here
Three weeks out of cancer surgery, crime reporter Syeeda McKay is in the pursuit of Los Angeles’s most active serial killer. Over the last twenty years, the Phantom Slayer has hunted African-American prostitutes working in one of the worst parts of South Los Angeles, killing eight victims in the alleys off Western Avenue, and then disappearing into the shadows. But Syeeda doesn’t know that the killer has turned his sights on her.
Detective Adam Sherwood, a hotshot investigator with the Robbery-Homicide Division of the LAPD, has been handed the Phantom Slayer cases, and together, he and Syeeda must figure out who is doing the killing . . . before Syeeda becomes his next victim.
Detective Adam Sherwood, a hotshot investigator with the Robbery-Homicide Division of the LAPD, has been handed the Phantom Slayer cases, and together, he and Syeeda must figure out who is doing the killing . . . before Syeeda becomes his next victim.
307 pages, ebook
First published November 21, 2011
277 people are currently reading
807 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Howzell
4 books17 followersSee Rachel Howzell [Hall]'s Goodreads author page here
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 3, 2020
3 1/2 stars
I enjoyed this one and I hope that there will eventually be more stories featuring Syeeda in the future. I had to read this in stops and starts because of traveling and real life and I'll probably reread this at some point down the line. I'm glad to be working my way through Howzell Hall's back list.
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
I enjoyed this one and I hope that there will eventually be more stories featuring Syeeda in the future. I had to read this in stops and starts because of traveling and real life and I'll probably reread this at some point down the line. I'm glad to be working my way through Howzell Hall's back list.
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
March 11, 2012
I was irritated while reading No One Knows You're Here by Rachel Howzell, not with the book, but with my family. This was one of those high demand family weeks where there are lots of needs that have to be met, and none of them include being left alone to read a good book and then write its glowing review. Every time I had to set it down I could feel my inner tiger growling just a little louder, until finally this morning it just about ate my husband whole.
With that note, let's take a look at another violent tale of a serial killer stalking the streets of Los Angeles. Syeeda McKay is a crime reporter who has been investigating said serial killer. Syeeda has a little help along the way from Detective Adam Sherwood, Medical Examiner Spencer, her friend Lena, and her sister and FBI profiler Eva.What Syeeda doesn't know is that because of her investigation she's been brought to the attention of the very person she's hunting.
This story was extremely entertaining, but also so realistically done that it was an absolute joy to read. There's no over-dramatization with the serial killer, he was well researched and fabulously profiled. (In case you didn't know I have a degree in Criminology, and a little unknown fact, it's because I'm fascinated with the kind of mind that's this twisted.) But the psychological accuracy doesn't stop there, her characters reactions and subsequent actions were also extremely real. Howzell does a fantastic job of showing how not black and white most relationships are, how we have certain blinders for some people, our own insecurities regardless of our status in the world, and how easy it is to judge standing outside of it all.
Howzell also does her job to keep your mind inside the story, keeping you guess as to who the bad person really is, throwing plot twists that you never see coming. Oh you may get a whiff of something, but the way she twists it on you is mind blowing. There was one moment where the thought was, "No, she is not trying to pull that off as the bad person. That doesn't even make any sense." (Reading more, because I have to know) Oooooh, I seeeeeee! Wow!" I wish I could explain what really happened, but no spoilers!
She also balances quite nicely on that tightrope of calm scenes with intent scenes and background story with character history. As for pace, think of this as a steady jog. It's the perfect pace to keep you going, won't leave you gasping for air, and definitely won't make you feel as if you're asleep with your eyes open.
Then the ending? What do you mean "a weird thing happened a few days ago"? What??? You're not going to explain that? Fishhook! Howzell just reeled you in baby! It was great!
*Disclosure: I received this book for free in exchange for a review*
With that note, let's take a look at another violent tale of a serial killer stalking the streets of Los Angeles. Syeeda McKay is a crime reporter who has been investigating said serial killer. Syeeda has a little help along the way from Detective Adam Sherwood, Medical Examiner Spencer, her friend Lena, and her sister and FBI profiler Eva.What Syeeda doesn't know is that because of her investigation she's been brought to the attention of the very person she's hunting.
This story was extremely entertaining, but also so realistically done that it was an absolute joy to read. There's no over-dramatization with the serial killer, he was well researched and fabulously profiled. (In case you didn't know I have a degree in Criminology, and a little unknown fact, it's because I'm fascinated with the kind of mind that's this twisted.) But the psychological accuracy doesn't stop there, her characters reactions and subsequent actions were also extremely real. Howzell does a fantastic job of showing how not black and white most relationships are, how we have certain blinders for some people, our own insecurities regardless of our status in the world, and how easy it is to judge standing outside of it all.
Howzell also does her job to keep your mind inside the story, keeping you guess as to who the bad person really is, throwing plot twists that you never see coming. Oh you may get a whiff of something, but the way she twists it on you is mind blowing. There was one moment where the thought was, "No, she is not trying to pull that off as the bad person. That doesn't even make any sense." (Reading more, because I have to know) Oooooh, I seeeeeee! Wow!" I wish I could explain what really happened, but no spoilers!
She also balances quite nicely on that tightrope of calm scenes with intent scenes and background story with character history. As for pace, think of this as a steady jog. It's the perfect pace to keep you going, won't leave you gasping for air, and definitely won't make you feel as if you're asleep with your eyes open.
Then the ending? What do you mean "a weird thing happened a few days ago"? What??? You're not going to explain that? Fishhook! Howzell just reeled you in baby! It was great!
*Disclosure: I received this book for free in exchange for a review*
March 30, 2014
It's hard not to admire the bravery of an author that opts to write a crime novel in a strong, first person voice. A lot of a reader's enjoyment of that novel may then be hanging on their like, or dislike, of the central character. In the case of crime reporter Syeeda McKay we have a very upfront woman, despite her recent breast cancer surgery; her on again, off again relationship with Detective Adam Sherwood; and odd friendships and encounters with old school friends.
Part of what works about McKay's voice is a hint of self-doubt, and humour. Which is particularly useful as she does seem to be prone to jumping off the deep end, straight into the mouths of sharks when it comes to her investigative technique. I suspect if her voice, and her personality is at all jarring to any reader, the number of times she seems to close her eyes, whack on the most inappropriate shoes (so to speak) and launch herself into the shark enclosure will drive you utterly bats. Somehow, luckily, for this reader, her voice worked, and whilst there were times when a good slap around the ears seemed warranted, at the same time it made sense that she'd be leading the charge of the well-intentioned but mildly daft.
Whilst elements of the plot revolve around another one of those "mad / bad / lunatic serial killer / targeting women / probably because he hates his mum or his aunt made him eat his sprouts or whatever" scenarios, NO ONE KNOWS YOU'RE HERE does manage to bring some new angles to that well raked patch. There's enough there to make you wonder whether it is the serial killer striking always, or whether there's a copycat, or even an opportunistic villain out there. And whilst we do have some concentration on the killer, there's nothing voyeuristic or uncomfortably intense about it. As McKay is the central figure, the action always comes back to her viewpoint, and she does a particularly good line in the poking a hornet's nest style of investigation, all the while dealing with her own personal issues in a rather matter-of-fact and refreshing manner. Although you do wonder what she did in a previous life as everything seems to happen to Syeeda McKay. Which leads us onto what appears to be the major downside of this book. The ending is just too unbelievable and yet somehow, sadly, very predictable.
But, even allowing for the odd wobble, if you'd like to read something which has a really strong, unique central female character then NO ONE KNOWS YOU'RE HERE has more than enough good to balance it all out. Certainly left me hoping that McKay makes another appearance.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
Part of what works about McKay's voice is a hint of self-doubt, and humour. Which is particularly useful as she does seem to be prone to jumping off the deep end, straight into the mouths of sharks when it comes to her investigative technique. I suspect if her voice, and her personality is at all jarring to any reader, the number of times she seems to close her eyes, whack on the most inappropriate shoes (so to speak) and launch herself into the shark enclosure will drive you utterly bats. Somehow, luckily, for this reader, her voice worked, and whilst there were times when a good slap around the ears seemed warranted, at the same time it made sense that she'd be leading the charge of the well-intentioned but mildly daft.
Whilst elements of the plot revolve around another one of those "mad / bad / lunatic serial killer / targeting women / probably because he hates his mum or his aunt made him eat his sprouts or whatever" scenarios, NO ONE KNOWS YOU'RE HERE does manage to bring some new angles to that well raked patch. There's enough there to make you wonder whether it is the serial killer striking always, or whether there's a copycat, or even an opportunistic villain out there. And whilst we do have some concentration on the killer, there's nothing voyeuristic or uncomfortably intense about it. As McKay is the central figure, the action always comes back to her viewpoint, and she does a particularly good line in the poking a hornet's nest style of investigation, all the while dealing with her own personal issues in a rather matter-of-fact and refreshing manner. Although you do wonder what she did in a previous life as everything seems to happen to Syeeda McKay. Which leads us onto what appears to be the major downside of this book. The ending is just too unbelievable and yet somehow, sadly, very predictable.
But, even allowing for the odd wobble, if you'd like to read something which has a really strong, unique central female character then NO ONE KNOWS YOU'RE HERE has more than enough good to balance it all out. Certainly left me hoping that McKay makes another appearance.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
December 19, 2011
I struggled with scoring this book a 4 or 5. I wish that Goodreads allowed me to split the difference.
This fine mystery novel with a message is set in the African American culture of Los Angeles. The author has obviously lived in the world of which she writes. She is articulate and easily bounces between the have and have-nots.
I found the storyline and characters to be engaging. I did not want to put the book down but I find life is better with occasional sleep. Give this indie author a chance. I, for one, am awaiting her next book.
This fine mystery novel with a message is set in the African American culture of Los Angeles. The author has obviously lived in the world of which she writes. She is articulate and easily bounces between the have and have-nots.
I found the storyline and characters to be engaging. I did not want to put the book down but I find life is better with occasional sleep. Give this indie author a chance. I, for one, am awaiting her next book.
January 1, 2019
I recently finished the Detective Elouise Norton series and wanted to check out the authors other books. I was looking forward to this one as Syeeda was a friend of Lou's. Sadly this one didn't work out for me. I didn't care for Syeeda, nor for Adam, although I did like that Adam was there for Syeeda when she needed him. In the end this one wasn't for me.
Read
January 14, 2024I’ve read a lot of Howzell-Hall’s books. This is the first where I hated nearly every character. I wanted McKay to make just one good decision. Just one. I’d also prefer to have at least one character to like, but that’s not a deal breaker either. Anywhoo, it’s still a page turner. Still a gritty thriller that keeps you engaged. And I’m grateful for all authors who make chapters short. Worth it!
March 2, 2014
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
READ IN ENGLISH
I received a free copy from Beyond the page Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I've got mixed feelings about this book. There were moments I really enjoyed reading it, but at times I didn't like it at all. The writing is OK, and the story sounded really interesting, but it had its flaws. The story is based on (but not a description of) a real Los Angelos murder case, where Afro-American women (mostly prostitutes) have been murdered over a long time, without people paying a lot of attention to the case. Of course, it's very good that these things are brought to our attention.
My biggest problem was with the main character, and more specific with all the melodrama surrounding the main character. The list is almost endless, discovering bodies, stalkers, hate-mail, an it's-complicated boyfriend, breast cancer (and her sister has probably cancer as well). Oh, and she's a best-selling author/journalist, but actually she's just doing the job the police should do: investigating the murders. Her it's-complicated boyfriend, who's running the investigation (sleeping with the author who's going to write a book on your case seems a bit, uhmm, unprofessional?), even asks her to run some errands for him on the case; could he not ask his police-minions to do those kind of things for him? And besides, they keep her updated on every aspect of the case as well, even though the case is still open and she's a reporter! It's not just the it's-complicated boyfriend, the pathologist happily joins in and shares even more information with her.
There were a number of chapters with the POV of the serial killer, but I had some trouble understanding what they added to the story. It was obviously a way of creating more suspense by foreshadowing what was going to happen, I can see that. But it was an opportunity to give the serial killer character a body, and some character development other than him just being the big bad guy. (Not that serial killers aren't bad, of course they are). Unfortunately, the only things that becomes clear trough these chapters is that he's clearly mad and delusional. And that's the end of the explanation we get on why he does these things? (But why does he only murder one person a year if he is so mad and delusional?)
Overall, I really thought it has a good theme, but I've read a lot of detective stories, so obviously I've become more critical, especially when it comes to details like the ones I described above.
READ IN ENGLISH
I received a free copy from Beyond the page Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I've got mixed feelings about this book. There were moments I really enjoyed reading it, but at times I didn't like it at all. The writing is OK, and the story sounded really interesting, but it had its flaws. The story is based on (but not a description of) a real Los Angelos murder case, where Afro-American women (mostly prostitutes) have been murdered over a long time, without people paying a lot of attention to the case. Of course, it's very good that these things are brought to our attention.
My biggest problem was with the main character, and more specific with all the melodrama surrounding the main character. The list is almost endless, discovering bodies, stalkers, hate-mail, an it's-complicated boyfriend, breast cancer (and her sister has probably cancer as well). Oh, and she's a best-selling author/journalist, but actually she's just doing the job the police should do: investigating the murders. Her it's-complicated boyfriend, who's running the investigation (sleeping with the author who's going to write a book on your case seems a bit, uhmm, unprofessional?), even asks her to run some errands for him on the case; could he not ask his police-minions to do those kind of things for him? And besides, they keep her updated on every aspect of the case as well, even though the case is still open and she's a reporter! It's not just the it's-complicated boyfriend, the pathologist happily joins in and shares even more information with her.
There were a number of chapters with the POV of the serial killer, but I had some trouble understanding what they added to the story. It was obviously a way of creating more suspense by foreshadowing what was going to happen, I can see that. But it was an opportunity to give the serial killer character a body, and some character development other than him just being the big bad guy. (Not that serial killers aren't bad, of course they are). Unfortunately, the only things that becomes clear trough these chapters is that he's clearly mad and delusional. And that's the end of the explanation we get on why he does these things? (But why does he only murder one person a year if he is so mad and delusional?)
Overall, I really thought it has a good theme, but I've read a lot of detective stories, so obviously I've become more critical, especially when it comes to details like the ones I described above.
February 16, 2013
The author sent me this book asking for a review a little over a year ago. I recently was browsing through my kindle and came across it and decided to give it a shot. I'm glad that I did. It's a really good story and it's well written. It's also a fast read, but took long enough that I was able to escape into it, which frankly is half the battle some days. Especially during tax season. *twitch*
My problem with it was that it was really "busy". There was a LOT going on in this book and it took a few turns that it could have probably done without. I can forgive that, but for the genre and the story I think it was just too much at times. I know others have compared it to James Patterson and that's pretty fair, only it wasn't as easy of a read, if that makes sense.
I'm not dissing the book at all. I really did enjoy it. Just giving you fair warning. I still highly recommend this for Patterson and other light mystery/thriller readers. I'll be looking for other books by this author for sure. It was a great stress relief and "get away from it all" book.
My problem with it was that it was really "busy". There was a LOT going on in this book and it took a few turns that it could have probably done without. I can forgive that, but for the genre and the story I think it was just too much at times. I know others have compared it to James Patterson and that's pretty fair, only it wasn't as easy of a read, if that makes sense.
I'm not dissing the book at all. I really did enjoy it. Just giving you fair warning. I still highly recommend this for Patterson and other light mystery/thriller readers. I'll be looking for other books by this author for sure. It was a great stress relief and "get away from it all" book.
June 12, 2014
It was a great fast engaging read. It definitely sends up the creepy red flag. It also made me wonder how much information I share and who I friend on certain social media platforms. I liked how you got inside both the head of the main character and the serial killer. The twists and turns were terrific. There was a lot going on but you never got dragged down by too many details, it was just right. I also liked the fact it was inspired by a real cold case serial killer and brought to life the injustice of nameless/faceless victims of horrific crimes that go unsolved because no seems to really care. All life should be valued and their killers should be pursued.
January 9, 2016
Awesome
I love a book written in my hometown. This book described the streets so well. I read the pages and thought of these streets and places I knew. There were twists and turns. I was reading and couldn't stop. When I read the author's inspiration for the story, it wrenched my heart because I went to school with one of the serial killer's victims. I had heard about it before, but never put a face to the victim or learned of the details. In the middle of the night, I looked the story up. That is what a great story does - it makes you think. I wish peace for the Grim Reeper's victims and their families.
I love a book written in my hometown. This book described the streets so well. I read the pages and thought of these streets and places I knew. There were twists and turns. I was reading and couldn't stop. When I read the author's inspiration for the story, it wrenched my heart because I went to school with one of the serial killer's victims. I had heard about it before, but never put a face to the victim or learned of the details. In the middle of the night, I looked the story up. That is what a great story does - it makes you think. I wish peace for the Grim Reeper's victims and their families.
June 8, 2015
I was intrigued by the story line of a black journalist breaking a serial killer case. I like my thrillers to move fast, though and this one was a slow read for me. Pages and pages about her former college friends and sorority issues that I am less interested in when I'm reading a serial killer book.
June 7, 2022
So glad I found her
I first read THESE TOXIC THINGS and found it so good, I downloaded all of Rachel's books. This was my second Rachel read. And I love her style, her humor, her vocabulary and her riveting plots. This ending caught me by surprise; I thought I'd reached the solution only to discover a new layer.
I first read THESE TOXIC THINGS and found it so good, I downloaded all of Rachel's books. This was my second Rachel read. And I love her style, her humor, her vocabulary and her riveting plots. This ending caught me by surprise; I thought I'd reached the solution only to discover a new layer.
February 1, 2023
Kept me in suspense the whole time.
Very smooth and gripping story line, one that kept me guessing who the murder was the whole time. Tell the true I was glad that Adam was a good guy and not the bad guy, was starting to have a bad feeling about him.
Very smooth and gripping story line, one that kept me guessing who the murder was the whole time. Tell the true I was glad that Adam was a good guy and not the bad guy, was starting to have a bad feeling about him.
May 21, 2023
Fast paced thriller
Enjoyed learning about the stories that inspired this thriller. I encourage other white readers to pick up a copy and think critically about the themes Rachel Howzell Hall is exploring here.
Enjoyed learning about the stories that inspired this thriller. I encourage other white readers to pick up a copy and think critically about the themes Rachel Howzell Hall is exploring here.
Read
January 11, 2012First, brilliant title.
Second, great, fast paced plot.
This is my first book by this author, but ready to search for more.
Second, great, fast paced plot.
This is my first book by this author, but ready to search for more.
November 25, 2015
Lots of twists and turns. Enjoyed reading this book ti the last page!
April 26, 2024
I enjoyed the book overall. This is my 3rd book by the author. I enjoy the writing style and can relate to the language and the topics. This one upset me some because I wanted more for the ending. I needed to know more information how Adam found Sy. It felt rushed. I sort of predicted the other subplot involving Toni and her husband. That was fleshed out well but the phantom killer felt rushed at the end. Overall this is my 2nd favorite of the books I have read so far. I will try to read some of the others.
January 26, 2019
3.5 stars. I liked it, but there were some parts where it felt like it was missing transitions and I got confused. Having read Land of Shadows first, I appreciated the shout-out to Lou - would have loved a cameo.
Didn't expect the ending, but it didn't really feel earned. I'm not a fan of a twist just for the sake of having one. Otherwise, I'm Team Sy because yay Black female reporters - even if they are fictional.
Didn't expect the ending, but it didn't really feel earned. I'm not a fan of a twist just for the sake of having one. Otherwise, I'm Team Sy because yay Black female reporters - even if they are fictional.
March 24, 2022
A good, worthwhile read
In my opinion, this was a good read. While other readers may have judged some components and language as racist, I found it to be a real portrayal of life, a description of realistic people. Interesting and informative, with enough plot twists to keep the reader engaged.
In my opinion, this was a good read. While other readers may have judged some components and language as racist, I found it to be a real portrayal of life, a description of realistic people. Interesting and informative, with enough plot twists to keep the reader engaged.
December 25, 2022
Several plots rolled into one. Reporter, Sy McKay, has been on the track of the Phantom Killer for some time. She has an on again, off again relationship with detective Adam. She has also suddenly been reacquainted with some college friends that figure into the story. The Phantom Killer wants her to write HIS STORY, but he has to hold her captive to do it..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2017
Left me in the middle of nowhere
Love this author and her writing style. Her storylines are captivating, but this novel just stopped.... feels like someone tore out the last chapter.
Love this author and her writing style. Her storylines are captivating, but this novel just stopped.... feels like someone tore out the last chapter.
March 27, 2023
Awesome Read!
This was a nonstop 'whodunit!' Constant twists and turns, action and 'aha' moments! It showed how the past when not resolved can literally come back and bite you. Kudos to the author!
This was a nonstop 'whodunit!' Constant twists and turns, action and 'aha' moments! It showed how the past when not resolved can literally come back and bite you. Kudos to the author!
April 17, 2024
Missing the umph
This book was lacking a lot of suspense and the story line was bland. This is the 3rd book I’ve read by this author it it’s lacking the “can’t put this book down” cliche quote.
This book was lacking a lot of suspense and the story line was bland. This is the 3rd book I’ve read by this author it it’s lacking the “can’t put this book down” cliche quote.
May 6, 2017
Great read
This was fast paced read that kept my attention. Great characters and plot twists. I have found a new favorite author.
This was fast paced read that kept my attention. Great characters and plot twists. I have found a new favorite author.
December 10, 2018
Couldn't put it down!
January 22, 2023
Enjoyable
Great story and wonderfully written, but I would’ve loved to read about how Adam found Syeeda. Would’ve made for a perfect ending
Great story and wonderfully written, but I would’ve loved to read about how Adam found Syeeda. Would’ve made for a perfect ending
March 24, 2023
3.5 stars
June 18, 2024
need more
Love the suspense
Love the contents, the ups the downs.
I did not like the ending, too abrupt needed more satisfaction.
Love the suspense
Love the contents, the ups the downs.
I did not like the ending, too abrupt needed more satisfaction.
July 9, 2024
I quite liked this book. Recommended for mystery and thriller fans.
November 27, 2024
Not as good as some of her books, but really like the author's style and voice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews