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Night Will Find You
In the new thriller from the author of the bestselling We Are All the Same in the Dark , a brilliant young astrophysicist with an uncanny gift is asked to find a girl who vanished. Their story will make you examine everything you believe.
Vivvy Bouchet was only ten when she saved a boy’s life by making an impossible prediction. She doesn’t want to explain it. A wunderkind scientist, she just wants to be left in peace to scan the desert Texas sky with her telescopes in one of the darkest places on earth. But when the boy she saved, now a Fort Worth cop, begs for her help on a cold case, she can’t turn him down.
In the past decade, Lizzie Solomon and the Victorian mansion where she disappeared have taken on almost mythic status. Conspiracy theorists feed the frenzy that Lizzie is still buried in the crumbling walls while her mother, who sits in prison convicted of killing her, loudly proclaims her innocence.
Paired with a skeptical detective, Vivvy falls deeper into the mystery of why Lizzie has never been found. When a vicious podcaster takes aim at Vivvy’s own secrets―and those of the vanished girl―Vivvy’s life unravels like the mysterious galaxies she chases.
Julia Heaberlin delivers a resilient and unforgettable heroine in Vivvy Bouchet, a woman who walks the line between evidence-based science and unexplained phenomenon. Sharply relevant, Night Will Find You explores the mysterious nature of belief―in science, in conspiracies, in a higher power―and the delicate dance with the things we can’t know.
Vivvy Bouchet was only ten when she saved a boy’s life by making an impossible prediction. She doesn’t want to explain it. A wunderkind scientist, she just wants to be left in peace to scan the desert Texas sky with her telescopes in one of the darkest places on earth. But when the boy she saved, now a Fort Worth cop, begs for her help on a cold case, she can’t turn him down.
In the past decade, Lizzie Solomon and the Victorian mansion where she disappeared have taken on almost mythic status. Conspiracy theorists feed the frenzy that Lizzie is still buried in the crumbling walls while her mother, who sits in prison convicted of killing her, loudly proclaims her innocence.
Paired with a skeptical detective, Vivvy falls deeper into the mystery of why Lizzie has never been found. When a vicious podcaster takes aim at Vivvy’s own secrets―and those of the vanished girl―Vivvy’s life unravels like the mysterious galaxies she chases.
Julia Heaberlin delivers a resilient and unforgettable heroine in Vivvy Bouchet, a woman who walks the line between evidence-based science and unexplained phenomenon. Sharply relevant, Night Will Find You explores the mysterious nature of belief―in science, in conspiracies, in a higher power―and the delicate dance with the things we can’t know.
368 pages, Paperback
First published June 8, 2023
739 people are currently reading
27257 people want to read
About the author
Julia Heaberlin
8 books2,586 followersJulia Heaberlin is the internationally bestselling writer of six thrillers, including WE ARE ALL THE SAME IN THE DARK, a #1 Audible bestseller and the winner of Best Novel by the Writers’ League of Texas. In her latest thriller, NIGHT WILL FIND YOU, an astrophysicist and reluctant psychic explores the controversial, conspiracy-laden case of a lost girl. Heaberlin first broke out with the psychologically dark BLACK-EYED SUSANS, which examines the Texas death penalty and the use of high-tech DNA to identify old bones. SUSANS was published in more than fifteen countries and a top five Times of London bestseller. Heaberlin followed that with the creepy Texas road trip, PAPER GHOSTS, a finalist for Best Hardcover Novel by the International Thriller Writers Awards that has also been optioned for television. Earlier in her career, Heaberlin was an award-winning editor at newspapers that include the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The Detroit News, and The Dallas Morning News. She is currently at work on her seventh thriller and lives in Texas, where all her novels are set under its big (and sometimes creepy) sky.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,417 reviews
April 28, 2024
It appears that 2023 holds great excitement for thriller enthusiasts, as the year brings forth a plethora of mind-blowing, intelligent, exquisite, and unique works. Among these extraordinary offerings is a book that has left me utterly captivated with its compelling narrative, multifaceted characters, addictive intensity, and bone-chilling atmosphere that sends shivers down your spine, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
I found myself immersed in the world of Vivvy Boucher, a remarkable fictional character who instantly became the object of my admiration. With her impressive accomplishments as a twenty-eight-year-old astrophysicist and psychic with the ability to see visions through object touch, Vivvy's journey is one that enthralls from the very beginning. A defining moment in her past, where she saved her neighbor Mike's life, sets the stage for their intertwined lives.
Years later, Mike, now a police officer married to Vivvy's sister Brig, seeks her assistance in solving a cold case involving the alleged murder of three-year-old Lizzie Solomon and the subsequent conviction of her mother. Unexpectedly, Vivvy's involvement takes an unprecedented turn when she touches a bloodstained pink bow belonging to the girl, leading her to write a note claiming Lizzie is "ALIVE!" This sparks an interrogation room encounter with the skeptical and imposing police officer, Jesse Sharp.
Reluctantly joining forces, Jesse and Vivvy embark on an investigation that not only challenges Vivvy's abilities but also puts her reputation, personal relationships, and even her own safety at risk. As they delve deeper into the disappearance of Lizzie and confront an array of adversaries, including a supremacist podcaster named Bubba Guns, Vivvy's own inner demons and unresolved emotions complicate matters further. Caught between her attraction to Jesse and the mysteries surrounding the case, Vivvy's quest for truth takes her on a journey filled with unforeseen twists.
From start to finish, this book had me completely engrossed. Vivvy's nerdy yet brilliant mind, her passion for scientific facts, and her unconventional tactics transported me into her world, blurring the lines between science and the supernatural. I couldn't help but yearn for more of her adventures, hoping for future sequels or even a television series based on her compelling character.
While I've had the opportunity to read numerous thrilling ARC copies this year, I can confidently state that this book is my favorite thus far, surpassing some truly formidable contenders. If, like me, you are an avid fan of supernatural thrillers, twisty mysteries, and crime thrillers, I wholeheartedly recommend immersing yourself in this remarkable tale.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for sharing this fantastic book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
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I found myself immersed in the world of Vivvy Boucher, a remarkable fictional character who instantly became the object of my admiration. With her impressive accomplishments as a twenty-eight-year-old astrophysicist and psychic with the ability to see visions through object touch, Vivvy's journey is one that enthralls from the very beginning. A defining moment in her past, where she saved her neighbor Mike's life, sets the stage for their intertwined lives.
Years later, Mike, now a police officer married to Vivvy's sister Brig, seeks her assistance in solving a cold case involving the alleged murder of three-year-old Lizzie Solomon and the subsequent conviction of her mother. Unexpectedly, Vivvy's involvement takes an unprecedented turn when she touches a bloodstained pink bow belonging to the girl, leading her to write a note claiming Lizzie is "ALIVE!" This sparks an interrogation room encounter with the skeptical and imposing police officer, Jesse Sharp.
Reluctantly joining forces, Jesse and Vivvy embark on an investigation that not only challenges Vivvy's abilities but also puts her reputation, personal relationships, and even her own safety at risk. As they delve deeper into the disappearance of Lizzie and confront an array of adversaries, including a supremacist podcaster named Bubba Guns, Vivvy's own inner demons and unresolved emotions complicate matters further. Caught between her attraction to Jesse and the mysteries surrounding the case, Vivvy's quest for truth takes her on a journey filled with unforeseen twists.
From start to finish, this book had me completely engrossed. Vivvy's nerdy yet brilliant mind, her passion for scientific facts, and her unconventional tactics transported me into her world, blurring the lines between science and the supernatural. I couldn't help but yearn for more of her adventures, hoping for future sequels or even a television series based on her compelling character.
While I've had the opportunity to read numerous thrilling ARC copies this year, I can confidently state that this book is my favorite thus far, surpassing some truly formidable contenders. If, like me, you are an avid fan of supernatural thrillers, twisty mysteries, and crime thrillers, I wholeheartedly recommend immersing yourself in this remarkable tale.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for sharing this fantastic book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
medium.com
April 21, 2023
Astrophysicist and psychic, Vivvy Bouchet, is drawn back to her hometown of Fort Worth after the death of her psychic mother. It’s here where she reconnects with Mike Romano. Vivvy saved Mike’s life with one of her predictions when they were children. Now a cop, Mike approaches Vivvy to help with an unsolved missing girl case.
Lizzy Solomon disappeared from her Fort Worth home some years ago - her mother Nicolette was imprisoned for the crime, even though no body has ever been found - and Nicolette is still loudly protesting her innocence.
Vivvy reluctantly agrees to help, but she has no idea exactly what she’s letting herself in for!
Science clashes with the unexplained to produce a unique psychological thriller, with large as life characters, and some great twists and turns - all of which will have you gripped. Definitely recommended.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Lizzy Solomon disappeared from her Fort Worth home some years ago - her mother Nicolette was imprisoned for the crime, even though no body has ever been found - and Nicolette is still loudly protesting her innocence.
Vivvy reluctantly agrees to help, but she has no idea exactly what she’s letting herself in for!
Science clashes with the unexplained to produce a unique psychological thriller, with large as life characters, and some great twists and turns - all of which will have you gripped. Definitely recommended.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
May 3, 2024
It took some time to read this, not because I didn’t find it engaging, but I had some other books I had to finish first. But I absolutely adored this. It was raw and the writing style was hauntingly beautiful. The author really managed to bring the characters and scenes to life.
April 11, 2023
At the age of ten Vivvy Bouchet saves Mike Romano’s life because of a prediction she makes that seems out there and impossible. In the present day, Vivvy is an astrophysicist and just wants to get on with her life but Mike, now a cop, believes she has psychic powers though she dislikes that word intensely. Mike asks for help with a high profile missing girl case, that of Lizzie Solomon who disappears from her locked Fort Worth home in broad daylight. Based on circumstantial evidence Lizzie’s mother Nicolette is convicted and imprisoned but maintains her innocence. Vivvy reluctantly agrees to try to help but when Bubba Guns, a YouTube podcaster discovers her involvement he becomes her nemesis, spouting any number of ludicrous conspiracy theories forcing Vivvy to fight back.
Julia Heaberlin is a truly amazing writer who never fails to enthral me with her powerful storytelling. She pulls me in from the start of this astonishing book which is beautifully written with some of the narrative being quite lyrical. This is a tightly and cleverly plotted novel with multiple Russian doll style layers through which the author explores hype, truth or conspiracy and looks at the boundaries between science and things it cannot explain giving plenty to think about. I’m sure we could all name a barking mad Bubba Guns style character whose views defy logic and fact and who can best be described as a tyrannical bully with a slavishly following which inevitably spells danger. Despite this some of the tensest scenes are when he’s on the pages, it’s inhale your breath suspenseful ‘gold’ albeit fools gold.
The characterisation is outstanding, I love Vivvy’s brilliance, in fact, I love everything about her and she’s part of a complex triangle with Mike and her sister Brig (Brigid). Another great character is cop Jesse Sharp with your views on him swinging like a pendulum. The dialogue is especially good when he’s around and much like Vivvy, he is complex and there’s the added bonus of intensity between those two.
At times, the atmosphere is electric which is heightened by weather conditions or buildings such as the neglected Victorian property where Lizzie once lived. The gripping mystery surrounding her deepens and deepens, there are numerous plot twists some of which are so good my mouth drops open in astonishment! Parts of the finale are not entirely unexpected but you arrive there creatively and cleverly. Some aspects keep you guessing and surprise you right to the end.
Overall, an excellent novel and one I have no hesitation in recommending. It would be great if Vivvy and Jesse appear in future novels as there’s still plenty of mileage there.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Julia Heaberlin is a truly amazing writer who never fails to enthral me with her powerful storytelling. She pulls me in from the start of this astonishing book which is beautifully written with some of the narrative being quite lyrical. This is a tightly and cleverly plotted novel with multiple Russian doll style layers through which the author explores hype, truth or conspiracy and looks at the boundaries between science and things it cannot explain giving plenty to think about. I’m sure we could all name a barking mad Bubba Guns style character whose views defy logic and fact and who can best be described as a tyrannical bully with a slavishly following which inevitably spells danger. Despite this some of the tensest scenes are when he’s on the pages, it’s inhale your breath suspenseful ‘gold’ albeit fools gold.
The characterisation is outstanding, I love Vivvy’s brilliance, in fact, I love everything about her and she’s part of a complex triangle with Mike and her sister Brig (Brigid). Another great character is cop Jesse Sharp with your views on him swinging like a pendulum. The dialogue is especially good when he’s around and much like Vivvy, he is complex and there’s the added bonus of intensity between those two.
At times, the atmosphere is electric which is heightened by weather conditions or buildings such as the neglected Victorian property where Lizzie once lived. The gripping mystery surrounding her deepens and deepens, there are numerous plot twists some of which are so good my mouth drops open in astonishment! Parts of the finale are not entirely unexpected but you arrive there creatively and cleverly. Some aspects keep you guessing and surprise you right to the end.
Overall, an excellent novel and one I have no hesitation in recommending. It would be great if Vivvy and Jesse appear in future novels as there’s still plenty of mileage there.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
June 20, 2023
Beware of the blue horse!
Astrophysicist, Vivvy Bouchet, returns home to Fort Worth, Texas for her mother’s funeral. She plans to stay for just a few weeks, when her cop friend, Mike, asks her to use her psychic abilities to solve a high-profile cold case. When she was ten years old, her own prediction saved his life. But, is she really psychic? She’s not sure she believes in special powers, as her scientific background conflicts with this idea. Ironically, her mother used to make a living through claiming a similar ability. Soon, a Texas conspiracy theorist podcaster, Bubba Guns spreads rumors about the case and about Vivvy. Will Vivvy be able to solve it? Is she really psychic?
This deeply atmospheric, slow-burn mystery drew me into the plot immediately. I love Julia Heaberlin’s writing, and this book is no exception. I enjoyed the suspense, but found the ending slightly lackluster. The book is extremely smart, but unfortunately veered into the “Did she really go there?” territory. Bubba Guns is meant to be a very offensive character, but his politics can also be offensive to those with conflicting viewpoints.
Overall, I mostly enjoyed this book. Julia Heaberlin is a talented writer and I am looking forward to reading her next thriller.
Expected publication date: 6/20/23
4/5 stars
Thank you to Edelweiss and Flat Iron publishing for the ARC of Night Will Find You in exchange for an honest review.
Astrophysicist, Vivvy Bouchet, returns home to Fort Worth, Texas for her mother’s funeral. She plans to stay for just a few weeks, when her cop friend, Mike, asks her to use her psychic abilities to solve a high-profile cold case. When she was ten years old, her own prediction saved his life. But, is she really psychic? She’s not sure she believes in special powers, as her scientific background conflicts with this idea. Ironically, her mother used to make a living through claiming a similar ability. Soon, a Texas conspiracy theorist podcaster, Bubba Guns spreads rumors about the case and about Vivvy. Will Vivvy be able to solve it? Is she really psychic?
This deeply atmospheric, slow-burn mystery drew me into the plot immediately. I love Julia Heaberlin’s writing, and this book is no exception. I enjoyed the suspense, but found the ending slightly lackluster. The book is extremely smart, but unfortunately veered into the “Did she really go there?” territory. Bubba Guns is meant to be a very offensive character, but his politics can also be offensive to those with conflicting viewpoints.
Overall, I mostly enjoyed this book. Julia Heaberlin is a talented writer and I am looking forward to reading her next thriller.
Expected publication date: 6/20/23
4/5 stars
Thank you to Edelweiss and Flat Iron publishing for the ARC of Night Will Find You in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2024
This has all the elements of a book I should’ve loved but I just could not connect with it at all. Felt like there was too much going on, the writing was odd and melodramatic. Also comparing the moon to a clipped yellow toenail three separate times was three times too many I’m so sorry 🥴
July 24, 2025
**3.5-stars rounded up**
Night Will Find You introduces the Reader to Vivvy Bouchet, an astrophysicist with special gifts. Since she was 10-years old, and made a predication that saved a boy's life, Vivvy has been navigating the voices in her head.
Her visions are completely at odds with the science she is trained in, but Vivvy can't deny the validity of either.
The boy she saved all those years ago, Mike, is now a Fort Worth cop. He's never forgotten Vivvy's abilities. Therefore, as he struggles to solve a high-profile cold case of a missing young girl, he reaches out to Vivvy for help.
It's a bit of a last resort, but Mike really believes Vivvy could be able to lead them to the truth behind this girl's disappearance. While Vivvy isn't crazy about the idea, or the potential spotlight it could bring, she reluctantly agrees.
After Vivvy's involvement in the case becomes known to a popular Texas podcaster, Bubba Guns ((read Alex Jones)), known for spewing inflammatory conspiracy theories, he begins talking about her on his show.
He holds nothing back, questioning Vivvy's abilities, her career, her past, and the sanity of the police department for seeking her help in the first place. Bubba's focus on Vivvy unfortunately brings her a lot of unwanted attention.
Unable to stomach the lies being spread about her, Vivvy decides to fight back. Of course this does nothing but get the snowball moving faster down the hill.
Vivvy needs to solve this case and quickly. Will she ever be able to get her normal life back?
This was a bit of mixed bag for me, but overall I did enjoy it. The audiobook is narrated by one of my favorites, Karissa Vacker, and I recommend that format. I think Vacker's narration definitely contributed to my enjoyment and how quickly I was able to finish it.
The MC, Vivvy, in particular, was very interesting. I enjoyed learning about her past and her odd relationships with her family members. If there were more books with her as the main character, I would pick them up. It would be interesting to see where she goes from here.
I wasn't necessarily into the podcaster, or conspiracy theory elements, in this context. I'll admit, my eyes sometimes glazed over in those sections. I wish this could've just focused on the missing person case.
I recognize that is a personal taste issue, however, and many Readers may find that interesting. It just didn't end up working for me.
With this being said, I did think the mystery was well plotted. That's why I am thinking if this were a series, the next book could work even better for me, if it didn't have the podcasting angle.
Overall, I would recommend this to Readers who enjoy stories where people with psychic abilities aid law enforcement with missing persons cases. The mystery itself was its strongest point, IMO.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Karissa Vacker's narration, unsurprisingly, receives two thumbs up!
Night Will Find You introduces the Reader to Vivvy Bouchet, an astrophysicist with special gifts. Since she was 10-years old, and made a predication that saved a boy's life, Vivvy has been navigating the voices in her head.
Her visions are completely at odds with the science she is trained in, but Vivvy can't deny the validity of either.
The boy she saved all those years ago, Mike, is now a Fort Worth cop. He's never forgotten Vivvy's abilities. Therefore, as he struggles to solve a high-profile cold case of a missing young girl, he reaches out to Vivvy for help.
It's a bit of a last resort, but Mike really believes Vivvy could be able to lead them to the truth behind this girl's disappearance. While Vivvy isn't crazy about the idea, or the potential spotlight it could bring, she reluctantly agrees.
After Vivvy's involvement in the case becomes known to a popular Texas podcaster, Bubba Guns ((read Alex Jones)), known for spewing inflammatory conspiracy theories, he begins talking about her on his show.
He holds nothing back, questioning Vivvy's abilities, her career, her past, and the sanity of the police department for seeking her help in the first place. Bubba's focus on Vivvy unfortunately brings her a lot of unwanted attention.
Unable to stomach the lies being spread about her, Vivvy decides to fight back. Of course this does nothing but get the snowball moving faster down the hill.
Vivvy needs to solve this case and quickly. Will she ever be able to get her normal life back?
This was a bit of mixed bag for me, but overall I did enjoy it. The audiobook is narrated by one of my favorites, Karissa Vacker, and I recommend that format. I think Vacker's narration definitely contributed to my enjoyment and how quickly I was able to finish it.
The MC, Vivvy, in particular, was very interesting. I enjoyed learning about her past and her odd relationships with her family members. If there were more books with her as the main character, I would pick them up. It would be interesting to see where she goes from here.
I wasn't necessarily into the podcaster, or conspiracy theory elements, in this context. I'll admit, my eyes sometimes glazed over in those sections. I wish this could've just focused on the missing person case.
I recognize that is a personal taste issue, however, and many Readers may find that interesting. It just didn't end up working for me.
With this being said, I did think the mystery was well plotted. That's why I am thinking if this were a series, the next book could work even better for me, if it didn't have the podcasting angle.
Overall, I would recommend this to Readers who enjoy stories where people with psychic abilities aid law enforcement with missing persons cases. The mystery itself was its strongest point, IMO.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Karissa Vacker's narration, unsurprisingly, receives two thumbs up!
did-not-finish
September 7, 2023No rating. Just couldn't get into this one and leaving this to DNF pile after 2 hours of listening (20%). I love the sound of it - a psychic and a missing girl. Karissa Vacker is also a top-notch narrator, wish I could get into it.
August 7, 2023
Vivvy Bouchet is an astrophysicist with a special psychic gift. As a child, she made a prediction that saved a young boy's life. The boy she saved is now a cop who has called upon her to help solve the cold case of a girl who disappeared from her home. She has not been seen since nor has her body been found. Her mother has been imprisoned for the girl's disappearance but has never wavered in claiming she is innocent. While trying to help with the cold case, Vivvy has garnered the attention of Bubba Guns, a conspiracy theory podcaster.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it. This proved to be an enjoyable yet at times slow-moving psychological thriller. I enjoyed the mystery paired with paranormal aspects. Vivvy was a likeable character who has a love of science, the night sky, and wrestles with her past and abilities.
This book was atmospheric and tense at times. I enjoyed the blending of what is known and can be proven vs. what could not be seen or proven (mainly Vivvy's abilities.) There are quite a few twists and turns in this book which kept me on my toes and invested in the plot. The characters are interesting (especially Vivvy) and fully fleshed out.
This is the second book that I have read by Julia Heaberlin, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Atmospheric, well written, nicely narrated, and enjoyable.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it. This proved to be an enjoyable yet at times slow-moving psychological thriller. I enjoyed the mystery paired with paranormal aspects. Vivvy was a likeable character who has a love of science, the night sky, and wrestles with her past and abilities.
This book was atmospheric and tense at times. I enjoyed the blending of what is known and can be proven vs. what could not be seen or proven (mainly Vivvy's abilities.) There are quite a few twists and turns in this book which kept me on my toes and invested in the plot. The characters are interesting (especially Vivvy) and fully fleshed out.
This is the second book that I have read by Julia Heaberlin, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Atmospheric, well written, nicely narrated, and enjoyable.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
July 3, 2023
Night Will Find You by Julia Heaberlin was an engrossing and suspenseful mystery that kept me guessing to the very end. The characters were well drawn out and it was so well plotted. It was about a twenty-eight year old Astrophysicist, Vivvy Bouchet, who had returned home for her mother’s funeral and was asked to assist with a cold case that involved the disappearance of a young girl that had occurred many years ago. Vivvy possessed psychic abilities. She could see things just by touching a personal object of the person in question. Vivvy recognized these gifts even as a young girl. After all, Vivvy had grown up with a mother who made a living as a psychic.
Vivvy had done her best to bury this part of her life after she earned her Ph.D. from Harvard. She now lived in almost complete solitude and seclusion in Big Bend’s Chihuahua Desert. When Vivvy returned home to Fort Worth, Texas, she was coaxed by her old friend, Mike, to assist him in the reopening of a cold case which involved a then three year old Lizzie Solomon, that had vanished more than ten years ago. Mike was now a cop in Fort Worth and was married to her older sister. Mike and Vivvy had a complicated relationship but Mike strongly believed in Vivvy’s psychic abilities and desperately needed her help with this case. Vivvy decided to prolong her return to the Chihuahua Desert and help Mike. Little had Vivvy anticipated the publicity nor the threats she would encounter and receive after podcaster Bubba Guns made her involvement with the cold case public. Nor had Vivvy welcomed the obvious skepticism she encountered from the handsome Jesse Sharp, another Fort Worth police officer assigned to this cold case with her. Would Vivvy be able to uncover what little Lizzie’s fate had been? Was Lizzie dead? If Lizzie was still alive where had she been all these years? Would Vivvy’s psychic abilities be an asset or a hindrance to solving this case?
I listened to the audiobook that was so well narrated by Karissa Vacker. She has become one of my favorite narrators over the years. Her performance was spectacular. She was able to instill just right amount of emotion, dread and hope into her performance. Karissa Vacker easily distinguished herself from one character to another. Night Will Find You was captivating from the very beginning and I found myself totally immersed in the story. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of Night Will Find You and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Night Will Finf You by Julia Heaberlin through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Vivvy had done her best to bury this part of her life after she earned her Ph.D. from Harvard. She now lived in almost complete solitude and seclusion in Big Bend’s Chihuahua Desert. When Vivvy returned home to Fort Worth, Texas, she was coaxed by her old friend, Mike, to assist him in the reopening of a cold case which involved a then three year old Lizzie Solomon, that had vanished more than ten years ago. Mike was now a cop in Fort Worth and was married to her older sister. Mike and Vivvy had a complicated relationship but Mike strongly believed in Vivvy’s psychic abilities and desperately needed her help with this case. Vivvy decided to prolong her return to the Chihuahua Desert and help Mike. Little had Vivvy anticipated the publicity nor the threats she would encounter and receive after podcaster Bubba Guns made her involvement with the cold case public. Nor had Vivvy welcomed the obvious skepticism she encountered from the handsome Jesse Sharp, another Fort Worth police officer assigned to this cold case with her. Would Vivvy be able to uncover what little Lizzie’s fate had been? Was Lizzie dead? If Lizzie was still alive where had she been all these years? Would Vivvy’s psychic abilities be an asset or a hindrance to solving this case?
I listened to the audiobook that was so well narrated by Karissa Vacker. She has become one of my favorite narrators over the years. Her performance was spectacular. She was able to instill just right amount of emotion, dread and hope into her performance. Karissa Vacker easily distinguished herself from one character to another. Night Will Find You was captivating from the very beginning and I found myself totally immersed in the story. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of Night Will Find You and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Night Will Finf You by Julia Heaberlin through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 20, 2023
3.5 A different type of thriller, but one that I found captivating. Vivvy has a PHD in astro physics and is conducting research into extraterrestral lives, but she is also someone who can sometimes help the search for missing people. Mike, now a cop, who she saved as a young man wants her help to find a missing child. Another cop, Jesse, is out to prove she is a fake. Then she gets on a podcasters radar and her life becomes unbearable.
A little too much romantic angst but handles well. Does warn about the power of the internet and how easy it is to wreck someones life. Definitely held my attention, it was such a mixture of things which kept the plot flowing. Liked the characters of Vivvy and Jesse the best.
Narration by Karissa Vacker which was quite good.
A little too much romantic angst but handles well. Does warn about the power of the internet and how easy it is to wreck someones life. Definitely held my attention, it was such a mixture of things which kept the plot flowing. Liked the characters of Vivvy and Jesse the best.
Narration by Karissa Vacker which was quite good.
July 2, 2023
This was easily a four-star read for me in the beginning, but I found the ending quite messy - that and Sharp meant that by the time I finished, I was torn, but could only honestly say that I liked it.
It all starts with Vivvy Bouchet in a police department, handling objects in an effort to find the missing and the dead. Like her mother, she's got a talent outside of the normal - and I liked the way that was depicted, as murky and sometimes confusing. But the latest case involves a decade-old case of a missing little girl, and Vivvy only has one word - alive.
This novel started with a hiss and a boom - I really like Vivvy and her talents, and the complicated relationship with her sister was managed really well. Sharp didn't land for me as a character - I was never quite sure if I should be annoyed at an antihero type, or worried for Vivvy as she might have been interacting with a killer cop. It didn't feel like the right kind of uncertain either. And as we got closer to the end, there was just one too many threads in the story for me; the radio host and his listeners, Sharp, the central case, the romantic entanglements - by the time of the ultimate trip to the desert, it felt like there was far too much going on. There might have been setup for a sequel in it - some of it should have been saved for that second book.
Ultimately though, there was enough I liked about this that I would come back for a second round if that sequel does eventuate. Maybe we'll click better next time.
It all starts with Vivvy Bouchet in a police department, handling objects in an effort to find the missing and the dead. Like her mother, she's got a talent outside of the normal - and I liked the way that was depicted, as murky and sometimes confusing. But the latest case involves a decade-old case of a missing little girl, and Vivvy only has one word - alive.
This novel started with a hiss and a boom - I really like Vivvy and her talents, and the complicated relationship with her sister was managed really well. Sharp didn't land for me as a character - I was never quite sure if I should be annoyed at an antihero type, or worried for Vivvy as she might have been interacting with a killer cop. It didn't feel like the right kind of uncertain either. And as we got closer to the end, there was just one too many threads in the story for me; the radio host and his listeners, Sharp, the central case, the romantic entanglements - by the time of the ultimate trip to the desert, it felt like there was far too much going on. There might have been setup for a sequel in it - some of it should have been saved for that second book.
Ultimately though, there was enough I liked about this that I would come back for a second round if that sequel does eventuate. Maybe we'll click better next time.
June 22, 2023
Did I read the same book the other reviewers read??
I love Julia Heaberlin's books--Paper Ghosts, and We're All the Same in the Dark were 5-star reads for me. And the premise? A psychic who sees ghosts teams up with police to find a missing child? 100% I'm in.
But I very closely hated this.
First, there are real murder cases referenced in these pages, some by victims' names. It's not to bring awareness of those real-life cases, but to show the reader how hip the characters are when it comes to famous true crime cases. I'm fine when a book mentions a case to bring more awareness to it, but calling a fictional character the "Texas JonBenet" is not okay in my book. Expoliting real families and victims feels gross, and that's what we have here.
Second, the main character. I liked her, at first...but then she likes to think and talk about how smart she is, only second to her sister, who is the smartest in the world. Vivi is also a scientist and hates when people call her a psychic. Okay, that's fair. She's so smart that she can judge everyone, from moms she doesn't know to single mothers of kids with special needs to public figures to people who listen to these figures. She's not part of any of these groups she likes to judge, but is still happy to do so because....science?
Third, the prose. If the first two reasons don't make you nauseous, the purple prose might. Gems like, "I started fading from the public eye like a pastel dream," left me thinking, "What the actual heck?" The book is FILLED with these. Does the author not know what a pastel dream is? Who knows? All I know is if I had a dollar for every time a star was compared to a diamond, I'd have enough to recoup the credit I spent for this book.
If you're still here, you should know the book is also predictable. I'm fine with a predictable story if the writing is strong and the characters are interesting. Spoiler alert: They're not. Another gripe, there's a ton of Texas and conservative bashing here. If that'll upset or bore you, this book isn't for you. Also, if you hate token diverse throw-away characters, pass on this one. I want to read diverse characters in my books. Token characters are easy to identify and forget. Dont include minorities if it's just to check a box, as a minority, I find it insulting. It's very much like the editor said, "You don't have any X characters" and so they inserted one line to check that box off.
Furthermore, this book hasn't aged well. It pokes fun of conspiracies that are, in real life, unfolding to actually having some truth...and it references the Queen of England like she's still alive. It's been almost a year, but they couldn't update that??
**SPOILERS**
THE WORST thing about Vivi is that she's in love with her sister's husband. The relationship she has with her sister is sooo unbelievable (I say this as a sister and understanding every relationship is different). I couldn't stop my eyes from rolling or cringing as Vivi's sister told her how special and wonderful she is, and she should just sleep with her husband. Vivi wants to...even starts making out until she gets caught by a colleague. So gross.
But it gets worse.
Throughout the book, we're told (literally told, no showing here...lots of telling) how dark and possibly evil one character is. Vivi thinks he might be a murderer. A MURDERER. So, of course, she jumps into bed with him when he answers the door in a towel because he's just so...hot? After he leaves his house, she starts to look for evidence that he's a serial killer and thinks she finds it and oh no, not after "making the most perfect love to him." Whaaaat?
It gets even worse after that, but if you're still reading this, I'll let you find out or decide now to save your time and money and skip this one.
Just all around gross.
#bigdisappointment
I love Julia Heaberlin's books--Paper Ghosts, and We're All the Same in the Dark were 5-star reads for me. And the premise? A psychic who sees ghosts teams up with police to find a missing child? 100% I'm in.
But I very closely hated this.
First, there are real murder cases referenced in these pages, some by victims' names. It's not to bring awareness of those real-life cases, but to show the reader how hip the characters are when it comes to famous true crime cases. I'm fine when a book mentions a case to bring more awareness to it, but calling a fictional character the "Texas JonBenet" is not okay in my book. Expoliting real families and victims feels gross, and that's what we have here.
Second, the main character. I liked her, at first...but then she likes to think and talk about how smart she is, only second to her sister, who is the smartest in the world. Vivi is also a scientist and hates when people call her a psychic. Okay, that's fair. She's so smart that she can judge everyone, from moms she doesn't know to single mothers of kids with special needs to public figures to people who listen to these figures. She's not part of any of these groups she likes to judge, but is still happy to do so because....science?
Third, the prose. If the first two reasons don't make you nauseous, the purple prose might. Gems like, "I started fading from the public eye like a pastel dream," left me thinking, "What the actual heck?" The book is FILLED with these. Does the author not know what a pastel dream is? Who knows? All I know is if I had a dollar for every time a star was compared to a diamond, I'd have enough to recoup the credit I spent for this book.
If you're still here, you should know the book is also predictable. I'm fine with a predictable story if the writing is strong and the characters are interesting. Spoiler alert: They're not. Another gripe, there's a ton of Texas and conservative bashing here. If that'll upset or bore you, this book isn't for you. Also, if you hate token diverse throw-away characters, pass on this one. I want to read diverse characters in my books. Token characters are easy to identify and forget. Dont include minorities if it's just to check a box, as a minority, I find it insulting. It's very much like the editor said, "You don't have any X characters" and so they inserted one line to check that box off.
Furthermore, this book hasn't aged well. It pokes fun of conspiracies that are, in real life, unfolding to actually having some truth...and it references the Queen of England like she's still alive. It's been almost a year, but they couldn't update that??
**SPOILERS**
THE WORST thing about Vivi is that she's in love with her sister's husband. The relationship she has with her sister is sooo unbelievable (I say this as a sister and understanding every relationship is different). I couldn't stop my eyes from rolling or cringing as Vivi's sister told her how special and wonderful she is, and she should just sleep with her husband. Vivi wants to...even starts making out until she gets caught by a colleague. So gross.
But it gets worse.
Throughout the book, we're told (literally told, no showing here...lots of telling) how dark and possibly evil one character is. Vivi thinks he might be a murderer. A MURDERER. So, of course, she jumps into bed with him when he answers the door in a towel because he's just so...hot? After he leaves his house, she starts to look for evidence that he's a serial killer and thinks she finds it and oh no, not after "making the most perfect love to him." Whaaaat?
It gets even worse after that, but if you're still reading this, I'll let you find out or decide now to save your time and money and skip this one.
Just all around gross.
#bigdisappointment
September 8, 2023
Vivian, a psychic astrophysicist, returns to her hometown of Fort Worth to lay her mother to rest. However, she finds herself entangled in old relationships, agreeing to assist her longtime friend and brother-in-law, Mike, in solving a cold case.
What distinguishes this one from the typical psychic trope is Vivian's role as a scientist, which adds depth to the story's supernatural elements. Her intelligence and methodical approach make her a compelling character to spend time with. As she collaborates with another officer, Jesse, it becomes clear that he may harbor his own hidden motives. Both characters possess a certain prickliness, creating engaging dynamics between them.
The author skillfully provides readers with a wealth of clues and red herrings that felt a bit much, and I struggled in the beginning with the flow of the story. While the big reveal surprised me, it felt like I should have seen it coming. Nonetheless, it was a satisfying twist, delivering the kind of payoff I seek from a story.
I found myself rooting for the characters and their intricate connections. The way Julia Heaberlin neatly tied up their arcs, in the end, provided yet another gratifying payoff, leaving me wholly satisfied with the story's conclusion.
I listened and read the story and enjoyed both formats. I thought Karissa Vacker did a fabulous job of narrating the story and highly recommended listening to it.
I reviewed a copy of the audiobook from the publisher through NetGalley
What distinguishes this one from the typical psychic trope is Vivian's role as a scientist, which adds depth to the story's supernatural elements. Her intelligence and methodical approach make her a compelling character to spend time with. As she collaborates with another officer, Jesse, it becomes clear that he may harbor his own hidden motives. Both characters possess a certain prickliness, creating engaging dynamics between them.
The author skillfully provides readers with a wealth of clues and red herrings that felt a bit much, and I struggled in the beginning with the flow of the story. While the big reveal surprised me, it felt like I should have seen it coming. Nonetheless, it was a satisfying twist, delivering the kind of payoff I seek from a story.
I found myself rooting for the characters and their intricate connections. The way Julia Heaberlin neatly tied up their arcs, in the end, provided yet another gratifying payoff, leaving me wholly satisfied with the story's conclusion.
I listened and read the story and enjoyed both formats. I thought Karissa Vacker did a fabulous job of narrating the story and highly recommended listening to it.
I reviewed a copy of the audiobook from the publisher through NetGalley
January 5, 2023
Dark, elegant and utterly captivating, Night Will Find You is an unforgettable story written with richly evocative prose and genuine heart. I found myself completely immersed. A lyrical exploration of the fine line between scientific fact and the things we can’t explain.
Vivvy is an astrophysicist, but she’s also a psychic. When she’s unwillingly thrown into the cold case of a young girl who went missing years before, she must put aside her own ghosts to find the kidnapper. Or is it a murderer?
The book weaves in threads of pop culture, as well as the cruel, misinformation campaigns of Bubba Guns (hello, Alex Jones!), while seamlessly exploring Vivvy’s ability to ‘see’ certain things. The characters are well-drawn, realistic and relatable, every one of them seeming to have their own beating heart.
A stunning, pacey thriller that will completely sweep you away. If I could give it 10 stars I would. I have no ability to see into the future like Vivvy, but I really hope a sequel is on the way.
Vivvy is an astrophysicist, but she’s also a psychic. When she’s unwillingly thrown into the cold case of a young girl who went missing years before, she must put aside her own ghosts to find the kidnapper. Or is it a murderer?
The book weaves in threads of pop culture, as well as the cruel, misinformation campaigns of Bubba Guns (hello, Alex Jones!), while seamlessly exploring Vivvy’s ability to ‘see’ certain things. The characters are well-drawn, realistic and relatable, every one of them seeming to have their own beating heart.
A stunning, pacey thriller that will completely sweep you away. If I could give it 10 stars I would. I have no ability to see into the future like Vivvy, but I really hope a sequel is on the way.
November 6, 2024
I absolutely loved the different places this book went. I loved all the science talked about and I loved the stuff that is inexplicable - the psychic feelings and visions. Such an interesting book about a woman who gets visions in her head and a police officer asks for her help in a cold case.
July 9, 2023
My Rating: 4.5 rounded down to 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ right up there for me, love the author, love the writing and unique story!!!
Vivvy Boucher saved a boys life when she was ten by making an impossible prediction. Now Vivvy is grown up and lives her life in the Texas desert as an astrophysicist, still harbouring the same ‘gift’ she has always had trying to be left well enough alone.
But the boy she saved is a Fort Worth cop and has always believed she is psychic - even though that is not the word Vivvy ever wants to be described as. Called in to assist in a cold case of a kidnapped little girl, Vivvy reluctantly comes in to help the boy she has always secretly loved.
Everything is thrown into disarray when Bubba Guns a loud and brash conspiracy theorist podcaster gets hold of the story and turns Vivvy’s already complicated life further upside down.
Ok straight up I am saying… I wanted this early so bad… but NetGalley denied the sh*t out of me and I find that very unfair… moving on!!! I was so excited that I thought it might let me down… because lets preface this review with… it does have supernatural themes. Vivvy is a little psychic.. Does Karly like supernatural NOOOOO however, does Karly love Julia Heaberlin ABSOLUTELY… so the conundrum was solved just like that - I had to have it!!!
I decided that I was going to give this a go and just hope like crazy that ghosts were not solving cases and flying all over the place… I was super delighted to see that the supernatural stuff is very light touch and done really well. Its a lot of feelings and flashes, and Vivvy has instinct and visions but only little bits and pieces… she doesn’t read palms and predict and see dead people… so that was a really good thing for me… the woo woo was kept to a real minimum and in this stories case was actually a real nice change of pace for me. I enjoyed it and I think anyone who doesn’t usually like supernatural themes would be pleasantly surprised by this one.
That said… It wasn’t five stars (almost)… but that was mainly because of two things… Bubba Guns played a much larger part in this for me than I thought was necessary… I don’t love conspiracy theory stuff… and it was fine in this case but the raging mobs… and podcaster out to get Vivvy grated on me a bit… and the other thing that knocked a half star off for me was that there were some plot holes. I thought that we would go back to some things I thought were fairly important but didn’t or it was super light on that I felt it was overlooked a little bit.
And just one more little thing… there is a diary in interspersed in the book and I really really loved it… it was well written, age appropriate (10 year old Vivvy) and added some real mystery and insight… but it wasn’t carried through to the end or even half way of the book. I would have liked to see more of the diary.
Those are my gripes, now for my loves… the writing was ON POINT I love the way Heaberlin tells a story, she really captures a vibe, a feeling, the fear or sadness of a character. I love the way she can describe stuff and make you feel like you are feeling the oppressive heat of Texas (never been there but I live in Queensland Australia so…. Its humid AF out here) or the cold of the night… she has a way with words lets just say that… I struggled to put this one down. I wanted and needed more and more… and no surprises I was finished it in under 3 days.
I also really appreciate the research that went into this book, Heaberlin has acknowledgments at the back of the book and she tells us how she researched the science and that coupled with the excellent writing left me feeling like I was learning, loving and being entertained all in one!! For example:
I’ve had a touch of misophonia since I was a kid, the scientific label for a hatred of sounds. One more thing in my bag of extreme sensitivities. One more thing Sharp is using against me, whether he knows it or not.
Normal sounds, like someone breathing in bed beside me or chewing across a table, can shriek like a howler monkey under my skin. The tapping of a pencil on a desk.
A fingernail on a dashboard.
It’s not all the time, but often enough. My mother always told me I could hear a toenail growing or a star falling. Which one, she declared depended on the romance of her mood.
Right now, Share might as well be crunching a child’s bone in his teeth.
I slide my seat back, feeling cramped.
I AM RIGHT THERE WITH VIVVY, I did not know the term misophonia and honestly I find tapping, chewing and other sounds like that to be something unbearable sometimes…so I not only learnt something… but after that paragraph I could feel Vivvy’s irritation down to the itching of my skin… great writing!!!
The story is told from Vivvy’s POV but doesn’t come across whiny and self indulgent if anything, I felt for Vivvy, she is doing it tough. With the voices in her head, the feelings, the unrequited love, her mothers death, constant fear and OCD to name a few… she is young and super smart but deeply unhappy… and you can feel it…
My mind flits to the bottle with four pink pills left, and not for the first time today. Soon there will be three. Two. One. What will I do then? The same thing I’ve done or the last three years? Slink into a strange psychiatrist’s office for a forty-five-minute conversation that doesn’t scratch the dirty to get a ninety-day prescription?
Maybe I’m more like Sharp than I want to believe. Stare into the abyss, and the abyss stares back. Thank you, Nietzsche, who believed science killed God. I may search for light in the sky, but on Earth, I follow my darkest instincts like a string of muddy footprints.
Just like Sharp does.
My eyes fall to his boots, caked with dirt. I see a flash of a girl’s lost grave. I just don’t know which one.
Overall: I recommend this to most people… it’s not perfect but it was pretty great. Vivvy is a great character, the research done on the science in the book I thought was really well done, the light touch of the supernatural adding an element that was just spot on. The weird and wonderful characters that showed how people suffer in many ways… the nuances that come with being different or considered an outcast. The affect social media and modern media has one people if used against someone… I just found it all really great. I had a couple of gripes as mentioned above but not enough to not recommend.
Now I just wish there was another new Julia Heaberlin book for me to request and be denied for 🤣 Happy Reading Goodreads Friends!!! 🩷
Vivvy Boucher saved a boys life when she was ten by making an impossible prediction. Now Vivvy is grown up and lives her life in the Texas desert as an astrophysicist, still harbouring the same ‘gift’ she has always had trying to be left well enough alone.
But the boy she saved is a Fort Worth cop and has always believed she is psychic - even though that is not the word Vivvy ever wants to be described as. Called in to assist in a cold case of a kidnapped little girl, Vivvy reluctantly comes in to help the boy she has always secretly loved.
Everything is thrown into disarray when Bubba Guns a loud and brash conspiracy theorist podcaster gets hold of the story and turns Vivvy’s already complicated life further upside down.
Ok straight up I am saying… I wanted this early so bad… but NetGalley denied the sh*t out of me and I find that very unfair… moving on!!! I was so excited that I thought it might let me down… because lets preface this review with… it does have supernatural themes. Vivvy is a little psychic.. Does Karly like supernatural NOOOOO however, does Karly love Julia Heaberlin ABSOLUTELY… so the conundrum was solved just like that - I had to have it!!!
I decided that I was going to give this a go and just hope like crazy that ghosts were not solving cases and flying all over the place… I was super delighted to see that the supernatural stuff is very light touch and done really well. Its a lot of feelings and flashes, and Vivvy has instinct and visions but only little bits and pieces… she doesn’t read palms and predict and see dead people… so that was a really good thing for me… the woo woo was kept to a real minimum and in this stories case was actually a real nice change of pace for me. I enjoyed it and I think anyone who doesn’t usually like supernatural themes would be pleasantly surprised by this one.
That said… It wasn’t five stars (almost)… but that was mainly because of two things… Bubba Guns played a much larger part in this for me than I thought was necessary… I don’t love conspiracy theory stuff… and it was fine in this case but the raging mobs… and podcaster out to get Vivvy grated on me a bit… and the other thing that knocked a half star off for me was that there were some plot holes. I thought that we would go back to some things I thought were fairly important but didn’t or it was super light on that I felt it was overlooked a little bit.
And just one more little thing… there is a diary in interspersed in the book and I really really loved it… it was well written, age appropriate (10 year old Vivvy) and added some real mystery and insight… but it wasn’t carried through to the end or even half way of the book. I would have liked to see more of the diary.
Those are my gripes, now for my loves… the writing was ON POINT I love the way Heaberlin tells a story, she really captures a vibe, a feeling, the fear or sadness of a character. I love the way she can describe stuff and make you feel like you are feeling the oppressive heat of Texas (never been there but I live in Queensland Australia so…. Its humid AF out here) or the cold of the night… she has a way with words lets just say that… I struggled to put this one down. I wanted and needed more and more… and no surprises I was finished it in under 3 days.
I also really appreciate the research that went into this book, Heaberlin has acknowledgments at the back of the book and she tells us how she researched the science and that coupled with the excellent writing left me feeling like I was learning, loving and being entertained all in one!! For example:
I’ve had a touch of misophonia since I was a kid, the scientific label for a hatred of sounds. One more thing in my bag of extreme sensitivities. One more thing Sharp is using against me, whether he knows it or not.
Normal sounds, like someone breathing in bed beside me or chewing across a table, can shriek like a howler monkey under my skin. The tapping of a pencil on a desk.
A fingernail on a dashboard.
It’s not all the time, but often enough. My mother always told me I could hear a toenail growing or a star falling. Which one, she declared depended on the romance of her mood.
Right now, Share might as well be crunching a child’s bone in his teeth.
I slide my seat back, feeling cramped.
I AM RIGHT THERE WITH VIVVY, I did not know the term misophonia and honestly I find tapping, chewing and other sounds like that to be something unbearable sometimes…so I not only learnt something… but after that paragraph I could feel Vivvy’s irritation down to the itching of my skin… great writing!!!
The story is told from Vivvy’s POV but doesn’t come across whiny and self indulgent if anything, I felt for Vivvy, she is doing it tough. With the voices in her head, the feelings, the unrequited love, her mothers death, constant fear and OCD to name a few… she is young and super smart but deeply unhappy… and you can feel it…
My mind flits to the bottle with four pink pills left, and not for the first time today. Soon there will be three. Two. One. What will I do then? The same thing I’ve done or the last three years? Slink into a strange psychiatrist’s office for a forty-five-minute conversation that doesn’t scratch the dirty to get a ninety-day prescription?
Maybe I’m more like Sharp than I want to believe. Stare into the abyss, and the abyss stares back. Thank you, Nietzsche, who believed science killed God. I may search for light in the sky, but on Earth, I follow my darkest instincts like a string of muddy footprints.
Just like Sharp does.
My eyes fall to his boots, caked with dirt. I see a flash of a girl’s lost grave. I just don’t know which one.
Overall: I recommend this to most people… it’s not perfect but it was pretty great. Vivvy is a great character, the research done on the science in the book I thought was really well done, the light touch of the supernatural adding an element that was just spot on. The weird and wonderful characters that showed how people suffer in many ways… the nuances that come with being different or considered an outcast. The affect social media and modern media has one people if used against someone… I just found it all really great. I had a couple of gripes as mentioned above but not enough to not recommend.
Now I just wish there was another new Julia Heaberlin book for me to request and be denied for 🤣 Happy Reading Goodreads Friends!!! 🩷
June 19, 2023
When she was ten, Vivvy Bouchet saved a boy's life by making an impossible prediction. Ever since, she has been in a life-long battle between the urgent voices in her head and the science. Now a brilliant young astrophysicist, she wants nothing more than to be left alone with the stars in the Big 'end country of Texas. But the boy she saved, now a Fort Worth cop, has always believed she is psychic - even though she won't say that word out loud. He's begging her to help solve the high-profile cold case of a little girl who disappeared in broad daylight from the kitchen of her old Victorian house. A body was never found, and her mother sits in prison still loudly proclaiming her innocence. Vivvy reluctantly agrees to try.
Vivvy Bouchet is an astrophysicist. She doesn't like the term, but she has the ability to speak to dead people. She once helped to save the life of her best friend Mike. Mike is now a policeman and has asked Vivvy to help solve a high-profile cold case. The pace is on the slow side, but it's filled with well-developed characters. I liked the authors writing style. The story is descriptively written. There's plenty of twists. This is a compelling read that has a haunting atmosphere.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #MichaelJosept #PenguinRandomHouse and the author #JulieHeaberlin for my ARC of #NightWillFindYou in exchange for an honest review.
Vivvy Bouchet is an astrophysicist. She doesn't like the term, but she has the ability to speak to dead people. She once helped to save the life of her best friend Mike. Mike is now a policeman and has asked Vivvy to help solve a high-profile cold case. The pace is on the slow side, but it's filled with well-developed characters. I liked the authors writing style. The story is descriptively written. There's plenty of twists. This is a compelling read that has a haunting atmosphere.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #MichaelJosept #PenguinRandomHouse and the author #JulieHeaberlin for my ARC of #NightWillFindYou in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2023
I listened to the audiobook of this one and I think one of my favorite parts is the narrator. She did an excellent job bringing the main character and the whole story to life. Scientist Livvy has returned to her home town to deal with the death of her mother and her mother’s affairs. Her sisters husband Mike who is a policeman who believes passionately in Livvy’s special paranormal psychic gift and has her using it to help him solve some cases. She’s brought on to solve the case of a missing girl who has been missing for a decade and whose mother is in prison for her murder despite the lack of a body. The mystery was great the first 80ish percent but I didn’t love the way all the things were resolved. I especially didn’t like the way things went with Sharpe. I can live with the romantic story line, but the order of events was not great. I will say all the storylines were wrapped by the end, I just thought the story had so much potential for a better end.
June 6, 2023
"I don't believe you either! I believe your mother was a scammer, and you've put on her robe"
*MC looks at her mother's robe she's been wearing*
This story is about Vivvy Bouchet (pronounced the french way), an astrophysicist who has been trying to hide away from her dramatic childhood. When she ten, she predicted doom to befall a neighbor, and was there to save him.
Vivvy is an interesting character that we don't usually see in stories. She developed OCD compulsions as a child, knocking and counting incessantly on her bedroom wall every night while plagued with fears and unwanted thoughts. Her mother, a known psychic, believed Vivvy to be like her and did not get her help that a regular parent might have. Instead, Vivvy and her sister wound up unearthing something as children that put their family in the public eye. Vivvy had since fled her childhood and now focuses on staring at the stars in her job as an astrophysicist
Unfortunately for Vivvy that neighbor she saved, Mike, is convinced she is a psychic and has gotten her wrapped up in one of the most well known disappearances in Texas. Now Vivvy must solve this case while coming under fire from Mike's boss, her late mother's clientele, and a podcast host with an army of crazed listeners.
While I enjoyed several of the characters, especially Vivvy and Joy, I was annoyed that this story feel into the typical "oops-my-psychic-powers-work-only-~sometimes~-and-for-that-reason-I-didn't-instantly-find-the-killer-even-though-I-can-hear-and-see-a-different-man's-last-thoughts-just-by-holding-something-of-his" trope. I had read "astrophysicist and psychic" and thought those two would intertwine in solving the mystery and was disappointed when it didn't. I think that the book started off strong as a supernatural thriller then veered off into "real world" drama, which is why I got through the first half in like 2 days and the second half in 2 weeks.
June 16, 2023
A solid mystery/thriller novel!
Vivvy is a psychic and a physicist. However, Vivvy tends to shy away from her abilities. It wasn't until her brother-in-law begged her to help him solve a high-profile cold case of a missing girl (Lizzy), that she began tapping back into her abilities again.
The writing was atmospheric and captivating. I love how different and unique the story was. It has a little bit of everything, yet it was done seamlessly.
If you're a fan of mysteries/thrillers and looking for a unique storyline. I would highly recommend checking this one out!
***Thank you to NetGalley, Julia Heaberlin, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
Vivvy is a psychic and a physicist. However, Vivvy tends to shy away from her abilities. It wasn't until her brother-in-law begged her to help him solve a high-profile cold case of a missing girl (Lizzy), that she began tapping back into her abilities again.
The writing was atmospheric and captivating. I love how different and unique the story was. It has a little bit of everything, yet it was done seamlessly.
If you're a fan of mysteries/thrillers and looking for a unique storyline. I would highly recommend checking this one out!
***Thank you to NetGalley, Julia Heaberlin, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
August 27, 2023
A Psychic, a Haunted Mansion, and a Missing Little Girl
SUMMARY
Vivvy Bouchet is a twenty-eight-year-old brilliant astrophysicist who only wants to hang out in the Bid Bend, Texas, desert and stare at the stars. Her psychic mother has just passed away, and Vivvy must attend her funeral and clean out her house in Fort Worth. While there, a Fort Worth cop and friend who believes that Vivvy is also psychic asks for help with a cold case of a missing girl who disappeared ten years ago. Vivvy reluctantly agrees to help.
When a popular Texas conspiracy theorist podcaster, Bubba Guns, discovers Vivvy’s involvement, he delves deep into her past. He begins twisting facts and inciting his rabid followers to take action. Vivvy’s career and life are on the line. She decides to fight back.
REVIEW
Night Will Find You explores the deceptive nature of conspiracy theories and our urge to believe them. It's a fascinating psychological thriller with a psychic, a haunted mansion, and a little girl who's been missing for ten years.
The writing is smart, and the story is riveting. This story has so many parts that we can fill a picnic basket. This book should be on your reading list.
The characters are all unique and well-drawn. Vivvy character is precisely what I love to find in a female protagonist. She is intelligent but humble. She gives as good as she gets, stands her ground, and never plays the fool. The antagonist, Bubba Guns, is quite the ‘doesn’t care if it's a true” sensationalist podcaster. He’ll say whatever it takes to increase his followers. You will love to hate him. Thankfully, other male characters in the book are not so rabid.
I was impressed by author Julia Heaberlin’s writing, plot, and character development and will look forward to reading additional books she has written. I listened to the audiobook for Night Will Find You. Narrator Karissa Vacker's voice was simply perfect for the book. She had to voice both male and female and young and old characters and did a fabulous job with each. Her pacing, tone, and accents were notable.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Macmillan Audio
Published June 20, 2023
Narrated Karissa Vacker
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
Vivvy Bouchet is a twenty-eight-year-old brilliant astrophysicist who only wants to hang out in the Bid Bend, Texas, desert and stare at the stars. Her psychic mother has just passed away, and Vivvy must attend her funeral and clean out her house in Fort Worth. While there, a Fort Worth cop and friend who believes that Vivvy is also psychic asks for help with a cold case of a missing girl who disappeared ten years ago. Vivvy reluctantly agrees to help.
When a popular Texas conspiracy theorist podcaster, Bubba Guns, discovers Vivvy’s involvement, he delves deep into her past. He begins twisting facts and inciting his rabid followers to take action. Vivvy’s career and life are on the line. She decides to fight back.
REVIEW
Night Will Find You explores the deceptive nature of conspiracy theories and our urge to believe them. It's a fascinating psychological thriller with a psychic, a haunted mansion, and a little girl who's been missing for ten years.
The writing is smart, and the story is riveting. This story has so many parts that we can fill a picnic basket. This book should be on your reading list.
The characters are all unique and well-drawn. Vivvy character is precisely what I love to find in a female protagonist. She is intelligent but humble. She gives as good as she gets, stands her ground, and never plays the fool. The antagonist, Bubba Guns, is quite the ‘doesn’t care if it's a true” sensationalist podcaster. He’ll say whatever it takes to increase his followers. You will love to hate him. Thankfully, other male characters in the book are not so rabid.
I was impressed by author Julia Heaberlin’s writing, plot, and character development and will look forward to reading additional books she has written. I listened to the audiobook for Night Will Find You. Narrator Karissa Vacker's voice was simply perfect for the book. She had to voice both male and female and young and old characters and did a fabulous job with each. Her pacing, tone, and accents were notable.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Macmillan Audio
Published June 20, 2023
Narrated Karissa Vacker
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
November 24, 2023
For me, it had such great promise. A scientist with special gifts, helping the police department with cold cases, specifically a missing girl. I found it had too much filler, too much angsty romance that wasn't needed. I saw the ending coming which is unusual for me. The narrator did a good job on this one.
May 26, 2023
Wow, this was a near perfect book. It had a little of everything! Crime, conspiracy, science, police procedures, a little of the unexplained and a lot of heart. I really wasn't sure because it's easy to get too technical or political with a book covering some of these topics, but it was executed wonderfully.
We Are All The Same In The Dark, her last book(girl, work on shorter titles!), was one of my first real audiobooks when I got into them a few years ago and I loved it. I wasn't sure if maybe my taste had changed or I had nostalgic bias for the author but no, she's great. Also, Karissa Vacker is narrating and that's what ended up solidifying my desire to have it because she's one of the best.
Vivvy is an astrophysicist, who while she's home settling her mother's affairs, is moonlighting as a psychic. Her mother was also a psychic so our big question at the start is whether they're real psychics or just have a gift for reading people and clues.
A friend she saved with her abilities, whatever they are, when they were young pulls her into a cold case. He believes in her. The other guy investigating is not.
But while she's trying to help out, she's drawn the ire of a famed lunatic and radio host who's basically like if Alex Jones and Rush Limbaugh had a baby.
The deeper this conspiracy goes, the more dangerous it is for Vivvy but she's ready to get answers once and for all.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to listen and review!
We Are All The Same In The Dark, her last book(girl, work on shorter titles!), was one of my first real audiobooks when I got into them a few years ago and I loved it. I wasn't sure if maybe my taste had changed or I had nostalgic bias for the author but no, she's great. Also, Karissa Vacker is narrating and that's what ended up solidifying my desire to have it because she's one of the best.
Vivvy is an astrophysicist, who while she's home settling her mother's affairs, is moonlighting as a psychic. Her mother was also a psychic so our big question at the start is whether they're real psychics or just have a gift for reading people and clues.
A friend she saved with her abilities, whatever they are, when they were young pulls her into a cold case. He believes in her. The other guy investigating is not.
But while she's trying to help out, she's drawn the ire of a famed lunatic and radio host who's basically like if Alex Jones and Rush Limbaugh had a baby.
The deeper this conspiracy goes, the more dangerous it is for Vivvy but she's ready to get answers once and for all.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to listen and review!
August 7, 2023
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! I really didn’t know what to expect and the complexity of this book just blew me away! The narration was perfect and I was surprised upon learning it was all done by the same woman! The story felt so relevant to the issues and world as a whole that most people experience everyday. I loved not having a clue as to where the story was headed and felt satisfied with the way it wrapped up. If you like suspense, mystery, and thrillers, be sure to check this out!
Wow! I really didn’t know what to expect and the complexity of this book just blew me away! The narration was perfect and I was surprised upon learning it was all done by the same woman! The story felt so relevant to the issues and world as a whole that most people experience everyday. I loved not having a clue as to where the story was headed and felt satisfied with the way it wrapped up. If you like suspense, mystery, and thrillers, be sure to check this out!
August 10, 2023
I have to give Night Will Find You all the stars for the simple reason that once I started reading it I couldn't stop. There are no unimportant characters or pieces of information and the story moves steadily towards the satisfying conclusion. Fans of mystery thrillers should not miss it. I will be reading everything from Julia Heaberlin.
December 12, 2023
3.5 stars
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the gifted alc. This is approx 10.5 hours on audio and narrated by Karissa Vacker. Thumbs up!
For fans of Stacy Willingham books (Flicker in the Dark). Missing people, podcast, science, astrology and a psychic element too.
A slow-burn mystery set in North Texas. Bonus points when a book is set close to home.
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the gifted alc. This is approx 10.5 hours on audio and narrated by Karissa Vacker. Thumbs up!
For fans of Stacy Willingham books (Flicker in the Dark). Missing people, podcast, science, astrology and a psychic element too.
A slow-burn mystery set in North Texas. Bonus points when a book is set close to home.
January 2, 2026
My second 5 star read from Heaberlin. Welcome to the Amy's Favorites pile.
Night Will Find You is one of those novels that I love best—a multi-genre baby. A heavy dose of mystery/thriller, a dash of speculative intrigue, a dollop of romantic tension, a spin of literary fiction style. A lil' bit o' everything, you know?
Vivvy Bouchet is an astrophysicist looking for signs of life in the night sky. She's grounded in science, loaded with reality—but she has a poorly kept secret. Vivvy can also see things she's never been able to explain. From visions to feelings to ghosts impressions, Vivvy has always existed in the contradictory push/pull of science vs. the unexplained.
A boy that she saved grew up into a Texan cop, and he knows about her gift. When the girls are missing or their killers can't be found, he asks Vivvy to help. Vivvy can't say no; it's complicated.
But now, her gifts and relative anonymity are about to go up in smoke—the latest case she's pulled in to unofficially help with is a famous case of a missing little girl that captured the Texas public and remained unsolved.
Jesse Sharp, the dangerous-edged detective in charge, doesn't want Vivvy's help. Vivvy doesn't want Jesse Sharp—he sees things too clearly, and he's pointed right at Vivvy.
Neither Jesse nor Vivvy are going to get their way, as the case unfolds around them both like a death trap. Vivvy's convinced the girl is alive, and now it's time to prove it. Jesse thinks Vivvy is full of B.S., but he's out of options. Time to roll the tape...
When I say I DEVOURED this book, I mean it. I read it in almost one, uninterrupted sitting at the very end of a lackluster reading year where nothing—and I mean NOTHING—held my attention in book form. I was in the slump to end all slumps, and nothing was shaking it. Heaberlin's novel caught me, and I'm thrilled to say it kept me, too. I loved it from the top down.
The writing is gorgeous. The characters are compelling and believably messy. The plot itself is complex, like Heaberlin's other novel I've read (We Are All the Same in the Dark). The Texas setting is richly contextualized for this non-Southern reader. I truly don't have anything negative to say, besides a very small caveat (see below).
Don't miss this one, it's well worth the read.
Small caveat to this review: There are some complicated elements here that exist outside of the story’s ecosystem—the Elon Musk and DeGrasse Tyson references, in particular, are aging badly since its pub date in 2023—but outside of the real world retroactive gate-crashing, this is a novel I would consider near perfect in every way.
Blog | Instagram | Libro.fm Audiobooks
Night Will Find You is one of those novels that I love best—a multi-genre baby. A heavy dose of mystery/thriller, a dash of speculative intrigue, a dollop of romantic tension, a spin of literary fiction style. A lil' bit o' everything, you know?
Vivvy Bouchet is an astrophysicist looking for signs of life in the night sky. She's grounded in science, loaded with reality—but she has a poorly kept secret. Vivvy can also see things she's never been able to explain. From visions to feelings to ghosts impressions, Vivvy has always existed in the contradictory push/pull of science vs. the unexplained.
A boy that she saved grew up into a Texan cop, and he knows about her gift. When the girls are missing or their killers can't be found, he asks Vivvy to help. Vivvy can't say no; it's complicated.
But now, her gifts and relative anonymity are about to go up in smoke—the latest case she's pulled in to unofficially help with is a famous case of a missing little girl that captured the Texas public and remained unsolved.
Jesse Sharp, the dangerous-edged detective in charge, doesn't want Vivvy's help. Vivvy doesn't want Jesse Sharp—he sees things too clearly, and he's pointed right at Vivvy.
Neither Jesse nor Vivvy are going to get their way, as the case unfolds around them both like a death trap. Vivvy's convinced the girl is alive, and now it's time to prove it. Jesse thinks Vivvy is full of B.S., but he's out of options. Time to roll the tape...
When I say I DEVOURED this book, I mean it. I read it in almost one, uninterrupted sitting at the very end of a lackluster reading year where nothing—and I mean NOTHING—held my attention in book form. I was in the slump to end all slumps, and nothing was shaking it. Heaberlin's novel caught me, and I'm thrilled to say it kept me, too. I loved it from the top down.
The writing is gorgeous. The characters are compelling and believably messy. The plot itself is complex, like Heaberlin's other novel I've read (We Are All the Same in the Dark). The Texas setting is richly contextualized for this non-Southern reader. I truly don't have anything negative to say, besides a very small caveat (see below).
Don't miss this one, it's well worth the read.
Small caveat to this review: There are some complicated elements here that exist outside of the story’s ecosystem—the Elon Musk and DeGrasse Tyson references, in particular, are aging badly since its pub date in 2023—but outside of the real world retroactive gate-crashing, this is a novel I would consider near perfect in every way.
Blog | Instagram | Libro.fm Audiobooks
March 5, 2023
When Vivvy Bouchet was only ten years old she saved a boy’s life. An impossible prediction was needed to make this happen. Now, Vivvy is all grown up and has become a brilliant scientist. The boy she saved has become a Fort Worth cop and is begging her to use her “psychic” abilities to help with a high-profile case he is working on. Vivvy agrees to help, but as word of her involvement gets out, she may be in for more than she bargained for.
Julia Heaberlin has created a quirky and engaging story here for your reading pleasure. I really enjoyed it. Vivvy’s character really stuck out to me, I loved her quirky and nerdy personality. Great story and great writing! Thumbs-up!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
Julia Heaberlin has created a quirky and engaging story here for your reading pleasure. I really enjoyed it. Vivvy’s character really stuck out to me, I loved her quirky and nerdy personality. Great story and great writing! Thumbs-up!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
May 24, 2025
I always enjoy an author who is new to me, particularly one whose work taps into the genres I find exciting. Julia Heaberlin delivers a unique thriller that is sure to keep the reader on edge throughout. Vivvy Bouchet has a knack for being able to find missing people, which has her in high demand once more. While she works the case of a missing girl, she runs into a number of people who feel she is a fraud. Vivvy must confront them and try to locate this girl before it’s too late. Heaberlin leaves chills racing up my spine with this novel!
Vivvy Bouchet was able to save a boy by making a shocking prediction when she was ten years of age. Since that point, Vivvy has struggled to come to terms with the voices that helped her and the life in science she pursued. Vivvy is now a renown astrophysicist who wishes everyone would forget her abilities and leave her to the stars up in the skies of Texas.
Years later, the boy she saved has become a police officer in the big city and is sure that she’s a psychic. Vivvy won’t admit her powers but is curious about the high-profile case of a missing girl that has gone cold. There’s been no body found and the girl apparently disappeared in the middle of the day. The mother has been convicted and is screaming her innocence from prison. Vivvy reluctantly agrees to try helping to find a solution.
When a highly-influential podcaster learns of Vivvy’s involvement in the case, he begins pushing conspiracy theories and sullying Vivvy’s reputation. The listeners strike back and put Vivvy in an awkward position. As the case gains momentum, she will no longer stand idly by from the haters who seek to discredit her. Julia Heaberlin keeps the reader on edge as she spins quite the tale!
Julia Heaberlin reaches to the core of the reader’s beliefs to craft this story. She is able to present a strong story about conspiracies and how easily some fall into accepting them. The narrative clips along and presents many wonderful aspects the reader must explore before moving forward. Characters keep the reader on edge and expand the foundation of the story, flavouring things effectively. Plot points stir up troubling portions of the story, but also well worth the twists and surprises that emerge. Heaberlin keeps the reader demanding more in a great psychological thriller.
Kudos, Madam Heaberlin, for keeping me hooked until the final moment.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Vivvy Bouchet was able to save a boy by making a shocking prediction when she was ten years of age. Since that point, Vivvy has struggled to come to terms with the voices that helped her and the life in science she pursued. Vivvy is now a renown astrophysicist who wishes everyone would forget her abilities and leave her to the stars up in the skies of Texas.
Years later, the boy she saved has become a police officer in the big city and is sure that she’s a psychic. Vivvy won’t admit her powers but is curious about the high-profile case of a missing girl that has gone cold. There’s been no body found and the girl apparently disappeared in the middle of the day. The mother has been convicted and is screaming her innocence from prison. Vivvy reluctantly agrees to try helping to find a solution.
When a highly-influential podcaster learns of Vivvy’s involvement in the case, he begins pushing conspiracy theories and sullying Vivvy’s reputation. The listeners strike back and put Vivvy in an awkward position. As the case gains momentum, she will no longer stand idly by from the haters who seek to discredit her. Julia Heaberlin keeps the reader on edge as she spins quite the tale!
Julia Heaberlin reaches to the core of the reader’s beliefs to craft this story. She is able to present a strong story about conspiracies and how easily some fall into accepting them. The narrative clips along and presents many wonderful aspects the reader must explore before moving forward. Characters keep the reader on edge and expand the foundation of the story, flavouring things effectively. Plot points stir up troubling portions of the story, but also well worth the twists and surprises that emerge. Heaberlin keeps the reader demanding more in a great psychological thriller.
Kudos, Madam Heaberlin, for keeping me hooked until the final moment.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
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