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Detective Annalisa Vega #5
Gone in the Night
Detective Annalisa Vega hasn’t forgiven her brother for his role in a murder, and he hasn’t forgiven her for turning him in, so she’s surprised when he asks her to visit him in prison. Turns out, he has a possible case for her: one of his fellow inmates, Joe Green, may be innocent of the murder that landed him behind bars.
Joe is doing hard time for killing his ex-wife’s lawyer, but an anonymous letter sent to the prison warns that the eyewitness in Joe’s trial made up her story. With her private investigation business foundering, Annalisa is desperate enough to start poking around into Joe’s meager case. She immediately finds two problems: One, the eyewitness definitely lied about what she saw the night of the murder, and two, Annalisa’s husband Nick was the cop who arrested Joe in the first place.
Faced with correcting Nick’s mistakes, Annalisa digs deeper into Joe’s past and discovers he has two ex-wives with nothing good to say about him. The women may have orchestrated an elaborate frame to put Joe in prison, but one wife has completely disappeared since then. Did Joe somehow kill her? Or is he the real victim? Annalisa’s search for the truth tests the bounds of her marriage, her family, and her own sense of justice. Meanwhile, a devious killer keeps sending men to a watery death in the vastness of Lake Michigan. If Annalisa doesn’t figure out the truth about Joe soon, her husband might be next.
Joe is doing hard time for killing his ex-wife’s lawyer, but an anonymous letter sent to the prison warns that the eyewitness in Joe’s trial made up her story. With her private investigation business foundering, Annalisa is desperate enough to start poking around into Joe’s meager case. She immediately finds two problems: One, the eyewitness definitely lied about what she saw the night of the murder, and two, Annalisa’s husband Nick was the cop who arrested Joe in the first place.
Faced with correcting Nick’s mistakes, Annalisa digs deeper into Joe’s past and discovers he has two ex-wives with nothing good to say about him. The women may have orchestrated an elaborate frame to put Joe in prison, but one wife has completely disappeared since then. Did Joe somehow kill her? Or is he the real victim? Annalisa’s search for the truth tests the bounds of her marriage, her family, and her own sense of justice. Meanwhile, a devious killer keeps sending men to a watery death in the vastness of Lake Michigan. If Annalisa doesn’t figure out the truth about Joe soon, her husband might be next.
313 pages, Hardcover
First published August 12, 2025
47 people are currently reading
5303 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Schaffhausen
12 books1,222 followersJoanna Schaffhausen wields a mean scalpel, skills she developed in her years studying neuroscience. She has a doctorate in psychology, which reflects her long-standing interest in the brain―how it develops and the many ways it can go wrong. Previously, she worked as a scientific editor in the field of drug development. Prior to that, she was an editorial producer for ABC News, writing for programs such as World News Tonight, Good Morning America, and 20/20. She lives in the Boston area with her husband, daughter, and an obstreperous basset hound.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
August 3, 2025
Another winning entry in the Annalisa Vega series, Book 5 takes us into a topic that may be triggering for some readers: domestic abuse.
The book opens with the first victim - lawyer Cyrus Merriman - being led unsuspectingly to his death by a mystery woman whose idea of a lakeside walk ends up with his body in it. Jump thirteen years later and a now pregnant Annalisa is visiting her imprisoned brother Alex who introduces her to the person convicted of his death, a man named Joe Green.
When Joe shows Annalisa an anonymous note he received claiming the sole witness who put him behind bars lied, she agrees to take his case, but there’s one wrinkle: her husband - detective Nick Carelli - is the one whose investigation put him in prison. Things are about to get very awkward between these two!
The story leads us to a women’s shelter run by a woman named Charlotte Higgins who, along with her two employees Layla and Karma, is clearly holding secrets that connect her to Joe’s ex, Vanessa, as well as another ex named Jessica. Also in the mix is Gwen Beaufort, the lone witness connecting Joe Green to Cyrus Merriman’s death.
Why are all these women so intent on keeping Joe in prison? When the count of men’s bodies pulled out of the lake starts adding up, Annalisa and Nick realize this case may be bigger than they thought. Is there another serial killer on the loose?
There’s much more to the story, including a mystery surrounding a young girl’s abduction years before and a sweet side story for Annalisa involving an elderly woman and a missing ring, but the heart of the story is the mystery of who is killing all these men and why.
Because of the topic of domestic abuse, it was important for the author to handle it sensitively, and I thought she did a great job of allowing the reader to see the experience of victims, particularly where the justice system fails them, while also keeping the guilty parties accountable. The story isn’t heavy, but it is potent.
I really liked this one and found the story pretty riveting. The multiple mysteries were well done, there were a couple excellent twists, well-written characters and a clever satisfying ending. There was even an adorable cat named Jack. Schaffhausen knows the way to my heart! 🐈
Where this book really worked for me was the relationship between Annalisa and Nick. In some ways, Annalisa’s investigation is cleaning up Nick’s past mistakes, and he takes a lot of flack from his peers for that. Ultimately, though, they’re working together for the same purpose and it’s nice to see their support for each other, even when things occasionally get tense. Speaking of this, there’s a scene between them that for a split second had me questioning if I could continue to enjoy the series. I understand its purpose in the context of the story, but it was shocking. I’m sure many others who read it were equally surprised!
All-in-all, another excellent addition to a series that I’m always excited to read! Considering the ending of this one, I’ll be so curious to see what direction Schaffhausen takes Annalisa next. I can’t wait!
★★★★ ½
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and author Joanna Schaffhausen for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out on August 12, 2025.
The book opens with the first victim - lawyer Cyrus Merriman - being led unsuspectingly to his death by a mystery woman whose idea of a lakeside walk ends up with his body in it. Jump thirteen years later and a now pregnant Annalisa is visiting her imprisoned brother Alex who introduces her to the person convicted of his death, a man named Joe Green.
When Joe shows Annalisa an anonymous note he received claiming the sole witness who put him behind bars lied, she agrees to take his case, but there’s one wrinkle: her husband - detective Nick Carelli - is the one whose investigation put him in prison. Things are about to get very awkward between these two!
The story leads us to a women’s shelter run by a woman named Charlotte Higgins who, along with her two employees Layla and Karma, is clearly holding secrets that connect her to Joe’s ex, Vanessa, as well as another ex named Jessica. Also in the mix is Gwen Beaufort, the lone witness connecting Joe Green to Cyrus Merriman’s death.
Why are all these women so intent on keeping Joe in prison? When the count of men’s bodies pulled out of the lake starts adding up, Annalisa and Nick realize this case may be bigger than they thought. Is there another serial killer on the loose?
There’s much more to the story, including a mystery surrounding a young girl’s abduction years before and a sweet side story for Annalisa involving an elderly woman and a missing ring, but the heart of the story is the mystery of who is killing all these men and why.
Because of the topic of domestic abuse, it was important for the author to handle it sensitively, and I thought she did a great job of allowing the reader to see the experience of victims, particularly where the justice system fails them, while also keeping the guilty parties accountable. The story isn’t heavy, but it is potent.
I really liked this one and found the story pretty riveting. The multiple mysteries were well done, there were a couple excellent twists, well-written characters and a clever satisfying ending. There was even an adorable cat named Jack. Schaffhausen knows the way to my heart! 🐈
Where this book really worked for me was the relationship between Annalisa and Nick. In some ways, Annalisa’s investigation is cleaning up Nick’s past mistakes, and he takes a lot of flack from his peers for that. Ultimately, though, they’re working together for the same purpose and it’s nice to see their support for each other, even when things occasionally get tense. Speaking of this, there’s a scene between them that for a split second had me questioning if I could continue to enjoy the series. I understand its purpose in the context of the story, but it was shocking. I’m sure many others who read it were equally surprised!
All-in-all, another excellent addition to a series that I’m always excited to read! Considering the ending of this one, I’ll be so curious to see what direction Schaffhausen takes Annalisa next. I can’t wait!
★★★★ ½
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and author Joanna Schaffhausen for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out on August 12, 2025.
April 5, 2025
Gone in the Night: A Detective Annalisa Vega Novel has all the mysterious vibes! It is the fifth book in the Detective Annalisa Vega series. I have not personally read the other books in this series yet. Reading this one definitely has me intrigued in reading her other books! It is about the brother of Annalisa asking to come visit him in prison because he has an interesting case for her. She is desperately looking for a case, so her going there was the perfect opportunity. Her brother tells her about a guy in prison named Joe who thinks is innocent. So, Annalisa goes into Joe’s past and discovers a lot of secrets. So, is this guy innocent or not? As the story continues to unravel, we find out if her brother’s thinking was right or wrong.
This fictional book flowed well, had a clear thesis and was full of mystery! It was well written and full of character development! Be sure to read the content warnings before reading this book. I really enjoyed this book! I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars rating!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Joanna Schaffhausen and
St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review!
This book is expected to be published on August 12, 2025!
This fictional book flowed well, had a clear thesis and was full of mystery! It was well written and full of character development! Be sure to read the content warnings before reading this book. I really enjoyed this book! I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars rating!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Joanna Schaffhausen and
St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review!
This book is expected to be published on August 12, 2025!
September 8, 2025
Wherever Annalisa Vega goes, I‘ll follow.
Chicago detective-turned-PI Annalisa Vega reluctantly agrees to look into a fellow inmate’s conviction after her estranged brother asks for help. Joe Green swears he was framed for murdering his ex-wife’s lawyer, and a suspicious letter suggests the key eyewitness may indeed have lied. But the case is tangled with Annalisa’s own past, seeing as how her husband Nick was the cop who arrested Joe. As Annalisa digs deeper, she uncovers dark secrets, a string of watery deaths in Lake Michigan, and moral dilemmas that threaten her family and her sense of justice.
Five books in, Annalisa Vega remains one of my favorite crime-solvers: smart, grounded, and a heroine I’d happily follow anywhere - and it doesn’t hurt that she’s living in Chicago, my second home. In „Gone in the Night“, Annalisa is juggling pregnancy, a PI business that‘s not exactly thriving, and a case that hits painfully close to home.
While this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone, and there is enough background info about the central characters so even new readers won‘t get lost.
As in earlier book, Annalisa is trying to solve two cases at once. The central mystery revolving around Joe Green‘s possibly wrongful conviction is gritty, full of twists, and layered with unsettling questions about justice and truth. If anything, one or two fewer twists might have made the story breathe more, but Joanna Schaffhausen manages to keep the suspense high and never steers the case into ridiculously overblown territory. The second(ary) case feels more like background noise this time, but it‘s also a breath of fresh air compared to the heaviness of the main case.
There were some twists in the relationship between Annalisa and her husband Nick that had me terrified, and the moral dilemmas Annalisa faces give the story extra weight. I especially appreciated how the book handles difficult themes like domestic violence and child abuse with sensitivity, restraint, and respect, while still spotlighting the flaws in the system meant to protect victims.
The book’s ending is satisfyingly ambiguous, hinting at potential changes to come, and I can’t wait to see where Annalisa goes next.
Chicago detective-turned-PI Annalisa Vega reluctantly agrees to look into a fellow inmate’s conviction after her estranged brother asks for help. Joe Green swears he was framed for murdering his ex-wife’s lawyer, and a suspicious letter suggests the key eyewitness may indeed have lied. But the case is tangled with Annalisa’s own past, seeing as how her husband Nick was the cop who arrested Joe. As Annalisa digs deeper, she uncovers dark secrets, a string of watery deaths in Lake Michigan, and moral dilemmas that threaten her family and her sense of justice.
Five books in, Annalisa Vega remains one of my favorite crime-solvers: smart, grounded, and a heroine I’d happily follow anywhere - and it doesn’t hurt that she’s living in Chicago, my second home. In „Gone in the Night“, Annalisa is juggling pregnancy, a PI business that‘s not exactly thriving, and a case that hits painfully close to home.
While this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone, and there is enough background info about the central characters so even new readers won‘t get lost.
As in earlier book, Annalisa is trying to solve two cases at once. The central mystery revolving around Joe Green‘s possibly wrongful conviction is gritty, full of twists, and layered with unsettling questions about justice and truth. If anything, one or two fewer twists might have made the story breathe more, but Joanna Schaffhausen manages to keep the suspense high and never steers the case into ridiculously overblown territory. The second(ary) case feels more like background noise this time, but it‘s also a breath of fresh air compared to the heaviness of the main case.
There were some twists in the relationship between Annalisa and her husband Nick that had me terrified, and the moral dilemmas Annalisa faces give the story extra weight. I especially appreciated how the book handles difficult themes like domestic violence and child abuse with sensitivity, restraint, and respect, while still spotlighting the flaws in the system meant to protect victims.
The book’s ending is satisfyingly ambiguous, hinting at potential changes to come, and I can’t wait to see where Annalisa goes next.
August 15, 2025
Oh yes….another good one!!
Annalisa Vega is back - pregnant and with no cases to solve until she hears from her brother who is serving prison time.
Annalisa was the one who put her own brother in prison, and he wants to see her.
She has no idea why he wants to see her but visits him out of curiosity.
Her brother Alex asks Annalisa to investigate a murder his fellow prisoner is accused of but is innocent. They all say that, don't they?
Annalisa finds out he may be right about his innocence, but the only problem is that her husband Nick is the one who put him away.
She takes the case and finds out more than she really wants to. Did Nick make a mistake?
Meanwhile there is a serial killer running rampant and throwing grown men into Lake Michigan along with MANY connected things happening.
Will Annalisa risk ruining her marriage again by discrediting Nick? She knows that's a possibility, but she has to do her job.
We follow Annalisa as she doesn’t give up and as we see how she takes care of everything as usual.
Things get tense as the book wraps up, and fans of Annalisa won't be able to put the book down.
GONE IN THE NIGHT can be read as a standalone. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Annalisa Vega is back - pregnant and with no cases to solve until she hears from her brother who is serving prison time.
Annalisa was the one who put her own brother in prison, and he wants to see her.
She has no idea why he wants to see her but visits him out of curiosity.
Her brother Alex asks Annalisa to investigate a murder his fellow prisoner is accused of but is innocent. They all say that, don't they?
Annalisa finds out he may be right about his innocence, but the only problem is that her husband Nick is the one who put him away.
She takes the case and finds out more than she really wants to. Did Nick make a mistake?
Meanwhile there is a serial killer running rampant and throwing grown men into Lake Michigan along with MANY connected things happening.
Will Annalisa risk ruining her marriage again by discrediting Nick? She knows that's a possibility, but she has to do her job.
We follow Annalisa as she doesn’t give up and as we see how she takes care of everything as usual.
Things get tense as the book wraps up, and fans of Annalisa won't be able to put the book down.
GONE IN THE NIGHT can be read as a standalone. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
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August 13, 2024It's Annalisa #5!
Detective Annalisa Vega hasn’t forgiven her brother for his role in a murder, and he hasn’t forgiven her for turning him in, so she’s surprised when he asks her to visit him in prison. Turns out, he has a possible case for her: one of his fellow inmates, Joe Green, may be innocent of the murder that landed him behind bars.
Joe is doing hard time for killing his ex-wife’s lawyer, but an anonymous letter sent to the prison warns that the eyewitness in Joe’s trial made up her story. When Annalisa starts poking around into Joe’s case, she immediately finds two problems: One, the eyewitness definitely lied about what she saw the night of the murder; and two, Annalisa’s husband Nick was the cop who arrested Joe in the first place.
Annalisa discovers Joe has two ex-wives with nothing good to say about him. The women may have orchestrated an elaborate frame to put Joe in prison, but one wife has completely disappeared since then. Did Joe somehow kill her? Or is he the real victim? Annalisa’s search for the truth tests the bounds of her marriage, her family, and her own sense of justice. Meanwhile, a devious killer keeps sending men to a watery death in the vastness of Lake Michigan. If Annalisa doesn’t figure out the truth about Joe soon, Nick may be next.
Detective Annalisa Vega hasn’t forgiven her brother for his role in a murder, and he hasn’t forgiven her for turning him in, so she’s surprised when he asks her to visit him in prison. Turns out, he has a possible case for her: one of his fellow inmates, Joe Green, may be innocent of the murder that landed him behind bars.
Joe is doing hard time for killing his ex-wife’s lawyer, but an anonymous letter sent to the prison warns that the eyewitness in Joe’s trial made up her story. When Annalisa starts poking around into Joe’s case, she immediately finds two problems: One, the eyewitness definitely lied about what she saw the night of the murder; and two, Annalisa’s husband Nick was the cop who arrested Joe in the first place.
Annalisa discovers Joe has two ex-wives with nothing good to say about him. The women may have orchestrated an elaborate frame to put Joe in prison, but one wife has completely disappeared since then. Did Joe somehow kill her? Or is he the real victim? Annalisa’s search for the truth tests the bounds of her marriage, her family, and her own sense of justice. Meanwhile, a devious killer keeps sending men to a watery death in the vastness of Lake Michigan. If Annalisa doesn’t figure out the truth about Joe soon, Nick may be next.
August 12, 2025
**Happy Publication Day!**
At the heart of the fifth novel in this mystery series is spousal abuse and a battered women's shelter called Ruby's Place. Annalisa Vega has left the Chicago Police Department and become a private investigator. She's six-month pregnant so she hasn't been attracting many clients. Now her brother Alex, who is in prison for murder, has asked her to look into the case of Joe Green, a fellow inmate who he's convinced is innocent. The man was convicted of murdering his wife's divorce lawyer who worked pro bono at Ruby's Place. As it happens, Vega's husband, Nick Corelli, is the CPD detective who investigated the murder, becoming convinced of Joe's guilt because of an eye-witness's statement. Was it all a lie? Digging deeper now could make Nick look bad and put pressure on their marriage.
There are many layers to this story which makes it very intriguing. I enjoy this series, especially the characters and its Chicago setting. This one can be read as a standalone but I can highly recommend the entire series. Note that they all have the word 'gone' in their titles.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new mystery via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
At the heart of the fifth novel in this mystery series is spousal abuse and a battered women's shelter called Ruby's Place. Annalisa Vega has left the Chicago Police Department and become a private investigator. She's six-month pregnant so she hasn't been attracting many clients. Now her brother Alex, who is in prison for murder, has asked her to look into the case of Joe Green, a fellow inmate who he's convinced is innocent. The man was convicted of murdering his wife's divorce lawyer who worked pro bono at Ruby's Place. As it happens, Vega's husband, Nick Corelli, is the CPD detective who investigated the murder, becoming convinced of Joe's guilt because of an eye-witness's statement. Was it all a lie? Digging deeper now could make Nick look bad and put pressure on their marriage.
There are many layers to this story which makes it very intriguing. I enjoy this series, especially the characters and its Chicago setting. This one can be read as a standalone but I can highly recommend the entire series. Note that they all have the word 'gone' in their titles.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new mystery via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
April 24, 2025
Pregnant Annalisa has left the force and is now a PI. Her brother Alex, the one that she turned in for murder, is still in prison and requests a visit. One of his fellow prisoners wants to hire Annalisa to prove his innocence. Joe was convicted of murdering a wealthy lawyer and the case was originally solved by her husband Nick. Could Joe's ex wives have framed him for the murder? Was Joe an abuser, or perhaps something even worse? Is a serial killer involved? There are many plot twists and revelations; Annalisa is determined to find the truth, even though others are equally determined to stop her. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
January 14, 2026
Love this author! Never disappoints!
August 15, 2025
Gone in the Night
Joanna Schaffhausen
Detective Annalisa Vega #5
OUT NOW by Minotaur Books
320 pages
"Gone in the Night" is the fifth book in a series, but you can jump in without missing a beat. I jumped in after only reading book one and easily followed along. Now I’m itching to binge the rest. The story delivers with unexpected, satisfying twists that hit you out of nowhere, just how I like my crime fiction.
Annalisa Vega, formerly a detective with the Chicago Police Department, has traded her badge for a Private Investigator license (and prenatal vitamins—she’s about to become a mom). Annalisa and her brother aren’t exactly on speaking terms since she turned him in for murder. Still, he’s reached out from prison with a case he wants her to tackle. A fellow inmate, Joe Green, claims he’s been wrongly convicted of killing a lawyer. Yeah, yeah, they all say they’re innocent, right?
Annalisa is doubtful until she learns the key witness lied at trial. But here’s where it gets juicy. The arresting officer was her husband, Nick. Awkward. Annalisa is suddenly knee-deep in a case where loyalty, justice, and her own marriage are all on the line. Joe has two ex-wives, and one has vanished. Oh, and there are eerie drownings in Lake Michigan.
This book has murder, family drama, marital tension, a possible murderer, and more red herrings than a fish market. If you love mysteries with layered characters, messy moral choices, and a “trust no one” vibe, this one’s for you.
Thanks to the author and Minotaur Books for the #GiftedARC provided via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Joanna Schaffhausen
Detective Annalisa Vega #5
OUT NOW by Minotaur Books
320 pages
"Gone in the Night" is the fifth book in a series, but you can jump in without missing a beat. I jumped in after only reading book one and easily followed along. Now I’m itching to binge the rest. The story delivers with unexpected, satisfying twists that hit you out of nowhere, just how I like my crime fiction.
Annalisa Vega, formerly a detective with the Chicago Police Department, has traded her badge for a Private Investigator license (and prenatal vitamins—she’s about to become a mom). Annalisa and her brother aren’t exactly on speaking terms since she turned him in for murder. Still, he’s reached out from prison with a case he wants her to tackle. A fellow inmate, Joe Green, claims he’s been wrongly convicted of killing a lawyer. Yeah, yeah, they all say they’re innocent, right?
Annalisa is doubtful until she learns the key witness lied at trial. But here’s where it gets juicy. The arresting officer was her husband, Nick. Awkward. Annalisa is suddenly knee-deep in a case where loyalty, justice, and her own marriage are all on the line. Joe has two ex-wives, and one has vanished. Oh, and there are eerie drownings in Lake Michigan.
This book has murder, family drama, marital tension, a possible murderer, and more red herrings than a fish market. If you love mysteries with layered characters, messy moral choices, and a “trust no one” vibe, this one’s for you.
Thanks to the author and Minotaur Books for the #GiftedARC provided via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
September 4, 2025
1.5 stars rounded up
Every time a book has an agenda "let's hate this group of people", it looses my interest.
Here we have this general and major hate against men and policemen. And this sentiment is clearly expressed throughout the book. For instance the book not so subtle emphasis how all men are idiots, brutes, violent, cheaters, liars and so on. And, of course, not only the policemen are not punishing any of them, they always let them go free.
Annalisa Vega, with the foggy brain of a 7 month pregnant person, was able in 5 min to prove the innocence of a convicted murderer who was serving time and demolished what an entire police workforce missed (including her husband)....
Actually she consistently undermines and borderline belittles her husband throughout the entire book under the premise that she wants to help. She shares nothing, she acts as if she's alone and not pregnant...
In addition, there are things that some women are doing that the author tries to pass them as justified because "the have been through a rough patch". Which makes me wonder, if a man would have acted in a similar fashion, would the author have seen it as justified or that only goes for women?
Every time a book has an agenda "let's hate this group of people", it looses my interest.
Here we have this general and major hate against men and policemen. And this sentiment is clearly expressed throughout the book. For instance the book not so subtle emphasis how all men are idiots, brutes, violent, cheaters, liars and so on. And, of course, not only the policemen are not punishing any of them, they always let them go free.
Annalisa Vega, with the foggy brain of a 7 month pregnant person, was able in 5 min to prove the innocence of a convicted murderer who was serving time and demolished what an entire police workforce missed (including her husband)....
Actually she consistently undermines and borderline belittles her husband throughout the entire book under the premise that she wants to help. She shares nothing, she acts as if she's alone and not pregnant...
In addition, there are things that some women are doing that the author tries to pass them as justified because "the have been through a rough patch". Which makes me wonder, if a man would have acted in a similar fashion, would the author have seen it as justified or that only goes for women?
July 9, 2025
“Gone in the Night” is Joanna Schaffhausen’s fifth installment in her Detective Annalisa Vega series. Since I’ve read all of the books in the series, I was again excited to read this one early.
Annalisa’s brother, Alex, requests she come visit him in prison. When Annalisa arrives, she discovers Alex may have a case for her. Alex’s fellow inmate, Joe Green, received a letter saying the eyewitness to his supposed crime was lying. The eyewitness’s testimony was largely the reason he was convicted of murder.
Annalisa knows before she leaves the prison visit that her husband, Nick, was the investigator who arrested Joe Green. After she begins revisiting Joe’s case and its evidence, she quickly determines the eyewitness lied in her statement. The question then becomes why would she lie?
A large part of the storyline around Joe’s case involves a women’s shelter for women and children who have been abused. A smaller storyline involved Annalisa being hired to find a woman’s missing ring. The ring was given to the woman, Effie, by her late husband. It has a lot of sentimental value, but is also apparently worth a lot of money.
Overall, I recommend this book. This was a solid entry in the series. It had a couple of twists that made sense. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.
Annalisa’s brother, Alex, requests she come visit him in prison. When Annalisa arrives, she discovers Alex may have a case for her. Alex’s fellow inmate, Joe Green, received a letter saying the eyewitness to his supposed crime was lying. The eyewitness’s testimony was largely the reason he was convicted of murder.
Annalisa knows before she leaves the prison visit that her husband, Nick, was the investigator who arrested Joe Green. After she begins revisiting Joe’s case and its evidence, she quickly determines the eyewitness lied in her statement. The question then becomes why would she lie?
A large part of the storyline around Joe’s case involves a women’s shelter for women and children who have been abused. A smaller storyline involved Annalisa being hired to find a woman’s missing ring. The ring was given to the woman, Effie, by her late husband. It has a lot of sentimental value, but is also apparently worth a lot of money.
Overall, I recommend this book. This was a solid entry in the series. It had a couple of twists that made sense. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.
June 15, 2025
Annalisa’s life is a bit complicated. Her persistence in an earlier case resulted in the arrest of her brother who is still incarcerated. She has left the police department where her ex and now current husband, Nick, was her partner to open her own PI business and she is pregnant with their first child.
Her brother reaches out to her to take the case of a fellow inmate, Joe, convicted of a murder that he insists he didn’t commit and supports his assertion with a letter he received claiming the eyewitness to the killing lied. To further muddle the situation, her husband was the arresting officer.
As she unravels the tangled web of Joe’s history, similar murders are discovered and a missing person is somehow involved. Annalisa’s unwavering determination to uncover the truth puts her relationship with Nick at risk.
Joanna Schaffhausen has become one of my favorite writers. Well written, this was a great read. There is an intriguing plot and strong character development. The suspenseful and engrossing narrative keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Annalisa is a strong female protagonist, laser-focused on finding the truth, even if it strains her relationship with family members.
The fifth in this series, this would work well as a standalone. Schaffhausen provides valuable background information that enhances the reader’s understanding of the story. If you enjoy this book, be sure to check out the first four installments, as well as the author’s Ellery Hathaway series.
Trigger Warnings: Domestic and child abuse (non graphic).
Thanks to #NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for the DRC.
Her brother reaches out to her to take the case of a fellow inmate, Joe, convicted of a murder that he insists he didn’t commit and supports his assertion with a letter he received claiming the eyewitness to the killing lied. To further muddle the situation, her husband was the arresting officer.
As she unravels the tangled web of Joe’s history, similar murders are discovered and a missing person is somehow involved. Annalisa’s unwavering determination to uncover the truth puts her relationship with Nick at risk.
Joanna Schaffhausen has become one of my favorite writers. Well written, this was a great read. There is an intriguing plot and strong character development. The suspenseful and engrossing narrative keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Annalisa is a strong female protagonist, laser-focused on finding the truth, even if it strains her relationship with family members.
The fifth in this series, this would work well as a standalone. Schaffhausen provides valuable background information that enhances the reader’s understanding of the story. If you enjoy this book, be sure to check out the first four installments, as well as the author’s Ellery Hathaway series.
Trigger Warnings: Domestic and child abuse (non graphic).
Thanks to #NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for the DRC.
August 15, 2025
Gone in the Night is book 5 in the Detective Annalisa Vega series by Joanna Schaffhausen. This book is a twisty thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end! I loved reading and trying to guess who did it. This series just gets better and better. Annalisa's brother has requested to see her in jail even though he hasn't forgiven her for turning him in. Annalisa is shocked at the request, but decides to go see him. Alex doesn't want to see her for him, he wants to tell Annalisa about an inmate. Joe Green is serving a sentence for killing his ex-wife's lawyer, but he got a letter saying that the eyewitness to his supposed murder, had lied. The letter way anonymous, but someone out there knew the truth.
Annalisa is now a private investigator and business hasn't been great with her being very pregnant. Annalisa decides to look into the case after speaking with Joe. As Annalisa is investigating, she finds out that the eyewitness definitely lied, and that's the main reason that Joe was found guilty.. Unfortunately, she finds out that the arresting officer was her husband, Nick. Will Nick understand her re-opening one of his old cases and questioning what he did? Annalisa decides to take the case and go through Nick's old investigation piece by piece. While she turns up some new twists in the case, Nick is busy working a current case in which men are being killed and thrown into Lake Michigan. Is Joe really innocent? Did his ex-wives scheme to put him away? This case will test Nick and Annalisa's marriage in ways that no other case has. Will the marriage survive this case? I rate Gone in the Night 5 stars with my highest recommendation. I don't want to say much more to give any part of the story away, because there are things you won't see coming. Gone in the Night can be read as a standalone if you haven't read others in the series. Gone in the Night is out now and should not be missed! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advanced copy of Gone in the Night in exchange for a fair review. #GoneInTheNight
Annalisa is now a private investigator and business hasn't been great with her being very pregnant. Annalisa decides to look into the case after speaking with Joe. As Annalisa is investigating, she finds out that the eyewitness definitely lied, and that's the main reason that Joe was found guilty.. Unfortunately, she finds out that the arresting officer was her husband, Nick. Will Nick understand her re-opening one of his old cases and questioning what he did? Annalisa decides to take the case and go through Nick's old investigation piece by piece. While she turns up some new twists in the case, Nick is busy working a current case in which men are being killed and thrown into Lake Michigan. Is Joe really innocent? Did his ex-wives scheme to put him away? This case will test Nick and Annalisa's marriage in ways that no other case has. Will the marriage survive this case? I rate Gone in the Night 5 stars with my highest recommendation. I don't want to say much more to give any part of the story away, because there are things you won't see coming. Gone in the Night can be read as a standalone if you haven't read others in the series. Gone in the Night is out now and should not be missed! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advanced copy of Gone in the Night in exchange for a fair review. #GoneInTheNight
August 7, 2025
Another stellar mystery/thriller in the fantastic Annalisa Vega series. Annalisa’s latest case has personal ties when a criminal that her husband convicted years ago is claiming innocence. Schaffhausen has the perfect blend of suspense and personal stories relevant to this very exciting series. Her writing is above and beyond enjoyable and intelligent. For fans of Edwin Hill and Julie Clark.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Minotaur Books and Joanna Schaffhausen for my complimentary e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Minotaur Books and Joanna Schaffhausen for my complimentary e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 22, 2025
3.5 Stars rounded up to four.
In Joanna Schaffhausen’s Gone in the Night, Detective Annalisa Vega gets hired by the wealthy widow of a deceased man to track down the woman’s engagement ring. At the same time, her brother Alex, who is in prison, calls Annalisa and asks her to visit him. A man in prison wants to hire Annalisa to prove his innocence. There are MANY twists, turns, and red herrings in that part of the book! However, the results became rather unbelievable once it came to the lost engagement ring.
Thank you, #MinotaurBooks, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Gone in the Night has an expected publication date of August 12, 2025.
#Prison #StrongFemaleProtagonist #Series #Mystery #Suspense
In Joanna Schaffhausen’s Gone in the Night, Detective Annalisa Vega gets hired by the wealthy widow of a deceased man to track down the woman’s engagement ring. At the same time, her brother Alex, who is in prison, calls Annalisa and asks her to visit him. A man in prison wants to hire Annalisa to prove his innocence. There are MANY twists, turns, and red herrings in that part of the book! However, the results became rather unbelievable once it came to the lost engagement ring.
Thank you, #MinotaurBooks, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Gone in the Night has an expected publication date of August 12, 2025.
#Prison #StrongFemaleProtagonist #Series #Mystery #Suspense
February 15, 2026
Another excellent mystery from Schaffhausen, as always.
In book #5 featuring Detective (now PI) Annalisa Vega, we have incredibly well-developed characters and an excellent plot that ties disparate threads together so well while still keeping you guessing until the end. By now, Annalisa and Nick are married (again) and expecting their first child. Annalisa takes on a new case, a client recommended by her brother (who is in jail, as is her new client). But the new case drudges up an old one Nick worked as a cop. Joe claims he's in jail for something he did not do; Annalisa agrees, but soon realizes the situation is far more complicated than it seems.
While investigating on Joe's behalf, Annalisa meets the crew at Ruby's Place, a shelter for abused women. Did Joe abuse his wife? How about his first wife, Jessica? Schaffhausen does an excellent job tying together intricate plot pieces about Joe's life, Nick's past investigation, and Annalisa's current case, giving us an intense and moving story of spousal abuse and family ties (and, of course, murder). We also get to see Nick and Annalisa emotions, as they feel forced to compete against one another, with Annalisa's investigation into Nick's old cases not exactly helping the couple's relationship.
This is a great mystery, and it gives us more insight into Annalisa and Nick as well. Such a good series.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books in return for an unbiased review.
In book #5 featuring Detective (now PI) Annalisa Vega, we have incredibly well-developed characters and an excellent plot that ties disparate threads together so well while still keeping you guessing until the end. By now, Annalisa and Nick are married (again) and expecting their first child. Annalisa takes on a new case, a client recommended by her brother (who is in jail, as is her new client). But the new case drudges up an old one Nick worked as a cop. Joe claims he's in jail for something he did not do; Annalisa agrees, but soon realizes the situation is far more complicated than it seems.
While investigating on Joe's behalf, Annalisa meets the crew at Ruby's Place, a shelter for abused women. Did Joe abuse his wife? How about his first wife, Jessica? Schaffhausen does an excellent job tying together intricate plot pieces about Joe's life, Nick's past investigation, and Annalisa's current case, giving us an intense and moving story of spousal abuse and family ties (and, of course, murder). We also get to see Nick and Annalisa emotions, as they feel forced to compete against one another, with Annalisa's investigation into Nick's old cases not exactly helping the couple's relationship.
This is a great mystery, and it gives us more insight into Annalisa and Nick as well. Such a good series.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books in return for an unbiased review.
April 4, 2025
Another 5 star installment in the Annalisa Vega series! This could be read as a standalone but you would be missing out on one of the best series out there. Annalisa is contact by her estranged brother Alex. One of his fellow prisoners has been convicted of a crime he didn’t do. If anyone is going to find out the true story it’s Annalisa! The ending of this book makes me think it’s the end of the series. I look forward to what’s next whether it’s another installment or a brand new series from Joanna Schauffhausen, she can do no wrong! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
January 9, 2026
GONE IN THE NIGHT, the fifth book in author Joanna Schaffhausen's Detective Annalisa Vega series, opens with the titular detective dealing with the impending arrival of her child with husband Nick.
The pregnancy has caused a massive downturn in her private detective business with clients not wanting to hire someone in her "state". But when a case does come her way, she can hardly refuse it.
And that's how she ends up tackling the case of convicted murderer Joe Green. Vega's imprisoned murderer of a brother (who pays lip service to owning up to his crime) ambushes her on a visiting day by introducing Green to her. His story about being framed for murdering his ex-wife's lawyer may sound like any convict's story but there's a catch: The detective on the case was her husband Nick.
(The self-satisfied smirk on her brother's face over this fact made me want add another life sentence to his time in prison)
The friction between Annalisa and Nick comes fast and leaves both furious. Her zeal for the truth regardless of the cost is part of the issue, but when she quickly disproves two key aspects that put the man in prison, Nick looks like he blew the case. Which would be a blow to anyone's ego.
Along the way, Vega has to deal with the continued family issues that have come up due to her putting her brother in prison and her destroying her father's reputation as a cop for his part in the brother's crime. And there's the case of a missing ring to occupy her time when she's not tracking down witnesses and answers to the Joe Green case.
All roads in that case seemingly lead to a women's shelter and here's where the plot really amps things up because bodies keep dropping and Vega and Nick now have to track down a serial killer who has had decades to hide their trail amidst a swath of dead bodies. It will take their combined talents to track down and end a killer's reign of terror and restore a sense of justice to the world.
But that could be any thriller in modern day. What makes GONE IN THE NIGHT rise to epic level is how Schaffhausen continually sets the reader up for a finale, only to shake up the status quo and give you another incredible (and most importantly, believable) plot twist.
As you're reading, you find yourself amazed by each turn of the plot (and of the page). And you have an incredible lead character in Annalisa Vega. I like the way she's not only a damn fine detective but at the same time she has to deal with the inner and outer turmoil that comes along with her quest for the truth. It has cost her plenty, yet she cannot simply set aside that need for the truth even if the end result might cost her even more of that turmoil. And since Schaffhausen has you in Vega's head throughout the book, you know just how she is feeling with each new turn in the case.
And the case itself...well is it giving away too much to call it a master class in how to tell a compelling, tightly plotted mystery that will leave you so deeply enveloped in the story that you feel you have to make the same decision as Annalisa does...to decide just how far you want to see the search for truth and/or justice (which are not always the same as we all know) take these characters.
GONE IN THE NIGHT is the fifth book in the Detective Annalisa Vega series. I've been a fan right from the start and let me say that Vega has definitely become one of my favorite detectives! The book has got all you could ever want in a mystery novel and just when you think you have it all figured out...WAIT THERE'S MORE!
For five successive books, author Joanna Schaffhausen has given readers a detective that should be seen as offering a blueprint for how to creatively craft the kind of investigator we'd all want working a case for us.
So get your copy, get your beverage of choice and set up in your favorite reading nook because GONE IN THE NIGHT is one of the best mysteries you will read all year!
The pregnancy has caused a massive downturn in her private detective business with clients not wanting to hire someone in her "state". But when a case does come her way, she can hardly refuse it.
And that's how she ends up tackling the case of convicted murderer Joe Green. Vega's imprisoned murderer of a brother (who pays lip service to owning up to his crime) ambushes her on a visiting day by introducing Green to her. His story about being framed for murdering his ex-wife's lawyer may sound like any convict's story but there's a catch: The detective on the case was her husband Nick.
(The self-satisfied smirk on her brother's face over this fact made me want add another life sentence to his time in prison)
The friction between Annalisa and Nick comes fast and leaves both furious. Her zeal for the truth regardless of the cost is part of the issue, but when she quickly disproves two key aspects that put the man in prison, Nick looks like he blew the case. Which would be a blow to anyone's ego.
Along the way, Vega has to deal with the continued family issues that have come up due to her putting her brother in prison and her destroying her father's reputation as a cop for his part in the brother's crime. And there's the case of a missing ring to occupy her time when she's not tracking down witnesses and answers to the Joe Green case.
All roads in that case seemingly lead to a women's shelter and here's where the plot really amps things up because bodies keep dropping and Vega and Nick now have to track down a serial killer who has had decades to hide their trail amidst a swath of dead bodies. It will take their combined talents to track down and end a killer's reign of terror and restore a sense of justice to the world.
But that could be any thriller in modern day. What makes GONE IN THE NIGHT rise to epic level is how Schaffhausen continually sets the reader up for a finale, only to shake up the status quo and give you another incredible (and most importantly, believable) plot twist.
As you're reading, you find yourself amazed by each turn of the plot (and of the page). And you have an incredible lead character in Annalisa Vega. I like the way she's not only a damn fine detective but at the same time she has to deal with the inner and outer turmoil that comes along with her quest for the truth. It has cost her plenty, yet she cannot simply set aside that need for the truth even if the end result might cost her even more of that turmoil. And since Schaffhausen has you in Vega's head throughout the book, you know just how she is feeling with each new turn in the case.
And the case itself...well is it giving away too much to call it a master class in how to tell a compelling, tightly plotted mystery that will leave you so deeply enveloped in the story that you feel you have to make the same decision as Annalisa does...to decide just how far you want to see the search for truth and/or justice (which are not always the same as we all know) take these characters.
GONE IN THE NIGHT is the fifth book in the Detective Annalisa Vega series. I've been a fan right from the start and let me say that Vega has definitely become one of my favorite detectives! The book has got all you could ever want in a mystery novel and just when you think you have it all figured out...WAIT THERE'S MORE!
For five successive books, author Joanna Schaffhausen has given readers a detective that should be seen as offering a blueprint for how to creatively craft the kind of investigator we'd all want working a case for us.
So get your copy, get your beverage of choice and set up in your favorite reading nook because GONE IN THE NIGHT is one of the best mysteries you will read all year!
September 12, 2025
3.5✨’s
I have enjoyed this series, but I would say this felt like weakest in this series.
The side mystery felt superfluous and the main plot/mystery was revealed earlier than I expected. This story seemed to be focusing on primary and secondary character work. I appreciate that as I really enjoy character focused novels. But, having read all of Schaffhausen’s work, I would argue that she is adept at doing both suspense and character work. I missed the suspense here.
I also thought Nick was a turd. Not the most eloquent description, but to the point as to my opinion of him. I just don’t like him and Annalise together.
Overall, the writing is excellent and I look forward to the next book. Schaffhausen’s female protagonists are amazing in their strengths and flaws. She takes risks with her heroines and I appreciate that type of suspense from this writer.
I have enjoyed this series, but I would say this felt like weakest in this series.
The side mystery felt superfluous and the main plot/mystery was revealed earlier than I expected. This story seemed to be focusing on primary and secondary character work. I appreciate that as I really enjoy character focused novels. But, having read all of Schaffhausen’s work, I would argue that she is adept at doing both suspense and character work. I missed the suspense here.
I also thought Nick was a turd. Not the most eloquent description, but to the point as to my opinion of him. I just don’t like him and Annalise together.
Overall, the writing is excellent and I look forward to the next book. Schaffhausen’s female protagonists are amazing in their strengths and flaws. She takes risks with her heroines and I appreciate that type of suspense from this writer.
August 23, 2025
During the prologue to this novel we witness a man named Cyrus Merriman, who we later learn is a powerful attorney, removing his wedding ring and sticking it in his overcoat pocket before entering a small pub in the Chicago area on a snowy evening. He sees his target; an attractive young woman dominating a young man at the pool table and approaches her. One thing leads to another, and they leave together. The woman insists they walk to her place for the anticipated physical tryst, and he stops by a shop on the way to purchase cigarettes and condoms. He lends his overcoat to the woman who wants to take a closer at a nearby lake. It is then that she finds the wedding ring in the pocket of the coat and confronts him. After a sad attempt to claim he was separated, she chucks the ring into the lake and then stabs Cyrus to death when he confronts her, rolling his body into the nearly frozen lake.
This is a heavy beginning to the latest Detective Annalisa Vega novel, GONE IN THE NIGHT, by author Joanna Schaffhausen. Schaffhausen is a former neuroscientist turned writer who has attacked this series with the same surgical precision that she probably used in her former career. There have been consistent running themes in this highly enjoyable mystery/crime series that include family secrets, guilt, and revenge. Vega is now a very pregnant former Detective working as a PI taking on cases that typically involve one or more of the themes I just mentioned. Her husband, current Chicago PD Detective Nick, does not like the idea of her working cases in her condition but realizes that her background, which is fueled by villainous behavior on the part of her own family drives her in a way that made her initially change up her career choice from the law to police work.
Vega learns at a family gathering that her long-incarcerated brother Alex, a true killer, has requested she visit him in prison. When she decides to show she is surprised to see another man with him, a man named Joe Green who Alex promised he would get his justice-seeking sister to assist. Green was arrested thirteen years earlier for the murder of Cyrus Merriman, a situation that readers will instantly realize could not be accurate. He claims he was set up and that the only eyewitness to the alleged crime, a dog walker named Gwen Beaufort, was lying. Green shares that the actual killer sent him a taunting typewritten note indicating this very fact. Vega agrees to take his case and is immediately dismayed to find that the Officer who oversaw the crime that put Green behind bars was her husband, Nick.
To further complicate matters, Vega and Nick are led to a local shelter for abused women named Ruby’s Place where there may be some individuals with secret information that could not only clear Joe Green of all guilt but also connect to a series of related murders. This is confirmed by a marking now found on multiple bodies, also killed and dumped in a lake, who all had a marking of what looked like a letter ‘B’ on their bodies. Most of these murders happened while Green was in prison, which points towards his innocence and the existence of a serial killer that the local PD missed. That ‘B’ ended up being a Rune marking called a Berkanan which stood for starting over or rebirth.
Now, as Vega continues to press on into this case she runs into a series of potential suspects who all might have had reason for seeing Joe Green go behind bars as a form of retribution against not one but two previous wives. Little does Vega know that her continued perseverance in this case might also be placing a mark on the back of her own husband. GONE IN THE NIGHT is a very suspenseful read and continues to allow Schaffhausen to develop the characters in a series that always delivers as a top-rate mystery series.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
This is a heavy beginning to the latest Detective Annalisa Vega novel, GONE IN THE NIGHT, by author Joanna Schaffhausen. Schaffhausen is a former neuroscientist turned writer who has attacked this series with the same surgical precision that she probably used in her former career. There have been consistent running themes in this highly enjoyable mystery/crime series that include family secrets, guilt, and revenge. Vega is now a very pregnant former Detective working as a PI taking on cases that typically involve one or more of the themes I just mentioned. Her husband, current Chicago PD Detective Nick, does not like the idea of her working cases in her condition but realizes that her background, which is fueled by villainous behavior on the part of her own family drives her in a way that made her initially change up her career choice from the law to police work.
Vega learns at a family gathering that her long-incarcerated brother Alex, a true killer, has requested she visit him in prison. When she decides to show she is surprised to see another man with him, a man named Joe Green who Alex promised he would get his justice-seeking sister to assist. Green was arrested thirteen years earlier for the murder of Cyrus Merriman, a situation that readers will instantly realize could not be accurate. He claims he was set up and that the only eyewitness to the alleged crime, a dog walker named Gwen Beaufort, was lying. Green shares that the actual killer sent him a taunting typewritten note indicating this very fact. Vega agrees to take his case and is immediately dismayed to find that the Officer who oversaw the crime that put Green behind bars was her husband, Nick.
To further complicate matters, Vega and Nick are led to a local shelter for abused women named Ruby’s Place where there may be some individuals with secret information that could not only clear Joe Green of all guilt but also connect to a series of related murders. This is confirmed by a marking now found on multiple bodies, also killed and dumped in a lake, who all had a marking of what looked like a letter ‘B’ on their bodies. Most of these murders happened while Green was in prison, which points towards his innocence and the existence of a serial killer that the local PD missed. That ‘B’ ended up being a Rune marking called a Berkanan which stood for starting over or rebirth.
Now, as Vega continues to press on into this case she runs into a series of potential suspects who all might have had reason for seeing Joe Green go behind bars as a form of retribution against not one but two previous wives. Little does Vega know that her continued perseverance in this case might also be placing a mark on the back of her own husband. GONE IN THE NIGHT is a very suspenseful read and continues to allow Schaffhausen to develop the characters in a series that always delivers as a top-rate mystery series.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
August 8, 2025
Chicago private detective Annalisa Vega is almost an old friend by now - this is the fifth book in the series, and I've read all the others. This time out, she has a little extra to deal with: the impending birth of a new baby with her husband, police detective Nick Carelli (who she married for the second time after the first time didn't "take." She's left the police force (and working with him), but given her talent for police work and the sheer boredom of not having many clients, keeping her nose to herself is proving a bit difficult.
Although I enjoyed this one as I always have, I did have a bit of trouble keeping all the characters in this one straight - partly because it seemed as if half of them aren't who they claim to be. It makes for a complex plot for which I give props to the author, but it also meant a fair amount of flipping back to prior pages to make sure I knew who was who.
The story begins as Annalisa's brother Alex, who's in jail for murder (Annalisa played a major role in putting him there, albeit reluctantly), calls and asks her to visit. She does, but it turns out he doesn't want her help for himself, but rather for another inmate named Joe Green. The man, Alex insists, is innocent of the murder of his ex-wife's lawyer for which he was convicted.
Annalisa is skeptical, of course, but a letter from an unknown person suggests that the witness whose testimony sealed Green's fate was lying. Curious, Annalisa does a bit of digging and learns that the witness did lie about at least one crucial detail. But she also learns something even more potentially devastating: her husband was Green's arresting officer. That, in turn, exacerbates tension between the two as Nick sometimes considers his wife's no-holds-barred approach to solving crimes as an attempt to upstage him.
But of course, Annalisa forges ahead, and Nick - to his credit - for the most part realizes she's simply trying to figure out what really happened, not cut his legs from under him. As her investigation digs deeper, more murders make her even more sure sure that Green is innocent - at least of the crime for which he was convicted - and Nick concurs. It's not an easy investigation and it ends up putting Nick's life in danger, but that makes it even more of an adventure for readers. Definitely worth checking out - and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to go along for the ride by way of a pre-release copy.
Although I enjoyed this one as I always have, I did have a bit of trouble keeping all the characters in this one straight - partly because it seemed as if half of them aren't who they claim to be. It makes for a complex plot for which I give props to the author, but it also meant a fair amount of flipping back to prior pages to make sure I knew who was who.
The story begins as Annalisa's brother Alex, who's in jail for murder (Annalisa played a major role in putting him there, albeit reluctantly), calls and asks her to visit. She does, but it turns out he doesn't want her help for himself, but rather for another inmate named Joe Green. The man, Alex insists, is innocent of the murder of his ex-wife's lawyer for which he was convicted.
Annalisa is skeptical, of course, but a letter from an unknown person suggests that the witness whose testimony sealed Green's fate was lying. Curious, Annalisa does a bit of digging and learns that the witness did lie about at least one crucial detail. But she also learns something even more potentially devastating: her husband was Green's arresting officer. That, in turn, exacerbates tension between the two as Nick sometimes considers his wife's no-holds-barred approach to solving crimes as an attempt to upstage him.
But of course, Annalisa forges ahead, and Nick - to his credit - for the most part realizes she's simply trying to figure out what really happened, not cut his legs from under him. As her investigation digs deeper, more murders make her even more sure sure that Green is innocent - at least of the crime for which he was convicted - and Nick concurs. It's not an easy investigation and it ends up putting Nick's life in danger, but that makes it even more of an adventure for readers. Definitely worth checking out - and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to go along for the ride by way of a pre-release copy.
August 9, 2025
I can’t believe this is the 5th Annalisa Vega book! I really enjoy this author’s books. Annalisa Vega is a wonderful character and so his her ex and now again husband, Detective Nick Carelli. I love them together and their relationship. Annalisa is now very pregnant with their son or daughter.
Being pregnant doesn’t stop her from her private investigation work— especially when her brother in prison brings her a new case. It’s an old case that Nick was the lead on. Did he make a mistake or miss something? Men are turning up dead and is Nick next?
This author’s books are always easy to read and are filled with wonderful characters and twists. (One that really got me upset for a minute regarding Nick and Annalisa’s relationship.)
This is another solid and interesting installment in the series.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Being pregnant doesn’t stop her from her private investigation work— especially when her brother in prison brings her a new case. It’s an old case that Nick was the lead on. Did he make a mistake or miss something? Men are turning up dead and is Nick next?
This author’s books are always easy to read and are filled with wonderful characters and twists. (One that really got me upset for a minute regarding Nick and Annalisa’s relationship.)
This is another solid and interesting installment in the series.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 23, 2025
Book #5 in the Annalisa Vega series. This has been a very good series, and this book is a great addition. Annalisa is running her own private detective agency, it’s just her and she’s doing a great job of it. Plus she’s 7 months pregnant now and still taking cases.
The case she took now is a friend of her brother, Alex. Alex is in prison and Joe is his friend, Joe has been in prison for 13 years. Joe says he has proof that he is innocent and after Annalisa investigates she agrees with Joe. But maybe all is not what it seems, hmm. I’m not going to give anything away here, but multiple people are involved in this crazy case. So who is really telling the truth?
The case she took now is a friend of her brother, Alex. Alex is in prison and Joe is his friend, Joe has been in prison for 13 years. Joe says he has proof that he is innocent and after Annalisa investigates she agrees with Joe. But maybe all is not what it seems, hmm. I’m not going to give anything away here, but multiple people are involved in this crazy case. So who is really telling the truth?
August 14, 2025
Clever and unstoppable action. I’m utterly captivated by Annalisa Vega and her unwavering moral compass, which inevitably leads her into various predicaments. I adore the dynamic between her and Nick, and despite their underlying conflicts, they manage to maintain a successful relationship. The author’s writing prowess is evident, drawing the reader in effortlessly. You won’t be able to put the book down.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
October 6, 2025
3.5⭐️ rounded down for goodreads
per ushe, -.5 stars because annalisa annoyed me. she chose to stop being a cop so now she needs to let nick do his job. i think its disrespectful how she treats nick when he’s trying to work. like everything nick was saying about her trying to one up him was true🤷🏻♀️
per ushe, -.5 stars because annalisa annoyed me. she chose to stop being a cop so now she needs to let nick do his job. i think its disrespectful how she treats nick when he’s trying to work. like everything nick was saying about her trying to one up him was true🤷🏻♀️
April 6, 2025
I just adore this series and this book may be my favorite so far. I loved the two separate cases that went on at the same time. Also the family dynamic was present and as important as the cases.
I sincerely hope this series goes on for a long, long time.
I sincerely hope this series goes on for a long, long time.
October 7, 2025
I haven’t read any of this author’s books but I really enjoy this one! I’ll have to go back and read all the other Detective Annalisa Vega’s stories. Definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.
November 21, 2025
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first four in the series.
January 12, 2026
Not as good as the previous ones, but entertaining nonetheless.
August 22, 2025
GONE IN THE NIGHT (DETECTIVE ANNALISA VEGA, #5)
BY: JOANNA SCHAFFHAUSEN
I've been a fan of JOANNA SCHAFFHAUSEN'S from her very first DETECTIVE ANNALISA VEGA'S, very first debut novel, and my discovery at the time gave an EXCELLENT, first impression. I knew at the time when I read the first one in this series, of Police Crime Procedural's that this Author was onto something akin to a Gold mine in terms of a highly satisfactory reading experience. From her family to Detective Annalisa Vega herself as an amazing character development. With Detective Annalisa Vega you can expect high octane Mystery's that are like a maze in their complexities to be totally unpredictable, leaving even the most seasoned solver of the genre of readers not able to figure them out until the author is ready to reveal it. "GONE IN THE NIGHT,"her latest in this Series making it to number five which this one was no different in its labyrinth of murdered men being tossed in the Lake. Of course, what is different in this one is that she's expecting her first child, with Detective Nick Carelli who she was divorced in the first one, and now married to him for the second time.
Her brother Alex, who she turned in her father, and her brother for a murder in a previous installment, she does love her family, but ethically for her while working on the police force was the right thing for her to do. It kind of tells you how dedicated she is towards upholding the law she is. I love her character, and was thrilled to read installment #5, which has her having left the police force, and in this one she's a Private Investigator who still manages to get involved with solving crimes, which in this one her husband Nick is handling. He still gets taunts from other members on the force as Annalisa Vega solving the crimes. I think this could be read as a standalone, but it wouldn't hurt to read one of the earlier ones in this series. But it's not necessary since the author brings up just enough background information to inform the reader to understand enough to be oriented with her family, and other than Alex's wife Sassy getting remarried, Annalisa goes to see her brother in prison who introduced her to an inmate named, Joe Green who may or may not be innocent, and the victim of a witness that perjured herself.
As I said, these are so well written that the reader needs to keep reading deeper into the complexities of the plot to understand what is happening, and to figure out why these murdered men keep being found murdered and thrown in the water. The first victim is a lawyer who was doing Pro Bono work at a Women's shelter for women escaping Domestic Violence with their children who are running from abusive husbands. This one has many twists and turns, and I was able to guess who the little Blonde girl is that Annalisa keeps having recurring dreams about. An unpredictable plot which if I say much more will give spoilers. Suffice it to say that a Women's shelter will be the backdrop for which this mystery is centered around. Solving who is behind these crimes will be near impossible, but when the author is ready to reveal who it is it will be a compelling discovery. I'm so thrilled that Joanna Schaffhausen decided to return to Annalisa Vega in this fifth installment, since she's such an interesting, intelligent, perceptive and lovable protagonist with this one ending up being more mystery than thriller, "GONE IN THE NIGHT," should be on everybody's reading list. Don't worry if this is your first introduction to the Series, since I'm convinced you'll love this, and will most likely hook you into reading the first four installments which I would recommend reading them in order. I really love this Series, and look forward to the next one, and this one and one other are the only Series in Crime Police Procedural's that I love so much not to have missed any, and look forward to many more to come.
Publication Date: August 12, 2025! AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE NOW!
Thank you to Net Galley, Joanna Schaffhausen, and St. Martin's Press--Minotaur Books for generously providing me with my wonderful ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.
#GoneintheNight #JoannaSchaffhausen StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #NetGalley
GONE IN THE NIGHT (DETECTIVE ANNALISA VEGA, #5)
BY: JOANNA SCHAFFHAUSEN
I've been a fan of JOANNA SCHAFFHAUSEN'S from her very first DETECTIVE ANNALISA VEGA'S, very first debut novel, and my discovery at the time gave an EXCELLENT, first impression. I knew at the time when I read the first one in this series, of Police Crime Procedural's that this Author was onto something akin to a Gold mine in terms of a highly satisfactory reading experience. From her family to Detective Annalisa Vega herself as an amazing character development. With Detective Annalisa Vega you can expect high octane Mystery's that are like a maze in their complexities to be totally unpredictable, leaving even the most seasoned solver of the genre of readers not able to figure them out until the author is ready to reveal it. "GONE IN THE NIGHT,"her latest in this Series making it to number five which this one was no different in its labyrinth of murdered men being tossed in the Lake. Of course, what is different in this one is that she's expecting her first child, with Detective Nick Carelli who she was divorced in the first one, and now married to him for the second time.
Her brother Alex, who she turned in her father, and her brother for a murder in a previous installment, she does love her family, but ethically for her while working on the police force was the right thing for her to do. It kind of tells you how dedicated she is towards upholding the law she is. I love her character, and was thrilled to read installment #5, which has her having left the police force, and in this one she's a Private Investigator who still manages to get involved with solving crimes, which in this one her husband Nick is handling. He still gets taunts from other members on the force as Annalisa Vega solving the crimes. I think this could be read as a standalone, but it wouldn't hurt to read one of the earlier ones in this series. But it's not necessary since the author brings up just enough background information to inform the reader to understand enough to be oriented with her family, and other than Alex's wife Sassy getting remarried, Annalisa goes to see her brother in prison who introduced her to an inmate named, Joe Green who may or may not be innocent, and the victim of a witness that perjured herself.
As I said, these are so well written that the reader needs to keep reading deeper into the complexities of the plot to understand what is happening, and to figure out why these murdered men keep being found murdered and thrown in the water. The first victim is a lawyer who was doing Pro Bono work at a Women's shelter for women escaping Domestic Violence with their children who are running from abusive husbands. This one has many twists and turns, and I was able to guess who the little Blonde girl is that Annalisa keeps having recurring dreams about. An unpredictable plot which if I say much more will give spoilers. Suffice it to say that a Women's shelter will be the backdrop for which this mystery is centered around. Solving who is behind these crimes will be near impossible, but when the author is ready to reveal who it is it will be a compelling discovery. I'm so thrilled that Joanna Schaffhausen decided to return to Annalisa Vega in this fifth installment, since she's such an interesting, intelligent, perceptive and lovable protagonist with this one ending up being more mystery than thriller, "GONE IN THE NIGHT," should be on everybody's reading list. Don't worry if this is your first introduction to the Series, since I'm convinced you'll love this, and will most likely hook you into reading the first four installments which I would recommend reading them in order. I really love this Series, and look forward to the next one, and this one and one other are the only Series in Crime Police Procedural's that I love so much not to have missed any, and look forward to many more to come.
Publication Date: August 12, 2025! AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE NOW!
Thank you to Net Galley, Joanna Schaffhausen, and St. Martin's Press--Minotaur Books for generously providing me with my wonderful ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.
#GoneintheNight #JoannaSchaffhausen StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #NetGalley
GONE IN THE NIGHT (DETECTIVE ANNALISA VEGA, #5)
BY: JOANNA SCHAFFHAUSEN
I've been a fan of JOANNA SCHAFFHAUSEN'S from her very first DETECTIVE ANNALISA VEGA'S, very first debut novel, and my discovery at the time gave an EXCELLENT, first impression. I knew at the time when I read the first one in this series, of Police Crime Procedural's that this Author was onto something akin to a Gold mine in terms of a highly satisfactory reading experience. From her family to Detective Annalisa Vega herself as an amazing character development. With Detective Annalisa Vega you can expect high octane Mystery's that are like a maze in their complexities to be totally unpredictable, leaving even the most seasoned solver of the genre of readers not able to figure them out until the author is ready to reveal it. "GONE IN THE NIGHT,"her latest in this Series making it to number five which this one was no different in its labyrinth of murdered men being tossed in the Lake. Of course, what is different in this one is that she's expecting her first child, with Detective Nick Carelli who she was divorced in the first one, and now married to him for the second time.
Her brother Alex, who she turned in her father, and her brother for a murder in a previous installment, she does love her family, but ethically for her while working on the police force was the right thing for her to do. It kind of tells you how dedicated she is towards upholding the law she is. I love her character, and was thrilled to read installment #5, which has her having left the police force, and in this one she's a Private Investigator who still manages to get involved with solving crimes, which in this one her husband Nick is handling. He still gets taunts from other members on the force as Annalisa Vega solving the crimes. I think this could be read as a standalone, but it wouldn't hurt to read one of the earlier ones in this series. But it's not necessary since the author brings up just enough background information to inform the reader to understand enough to be oriented with her family, and other than Alex's wife Sassy getting remarried, Annalisa goes to see her brother in prison who introduced her to an inmate named, Joe Green who may or may not be innocent, and the victim of a witness that perjured herself.
As I said, these are so well written that the reader needs to keep reading deeper into the complexities of the plot to understand what is happening, and to figure out why these murdered men keep being found murdered and thrown in the water. The first victim is a lawyer who was doing Pro Bono work at a Women's shelter for women escaping Domestic Violence with their children who are running from abusive husbands. This one has many twists and turns, and I was able to guess who the little Blonde girl is that Annalisa keeps having recurring dreams about. An unpredictable plot which if I say much more will give spoilers. Suffice it to say that a Women's shelter will be the backdrop for which this mystery is centered around. Solving who is behind these crimes will be near impossible, but when the author is ready to reveal who it is it will be a compelling discovery. I'm so thrilled that Joanna Schaffhausen decided to return to Annalisa Vega in this fifth installment, since she's such an interesting, intelligent, perceptive and lovable protagonist with this one ending up being more mystery than thriller, "GONE IN THE NIGHT," should be on everybody's reading list. Don't worry if this is your first introduction to the Series, since I'm convinced you'll love this, and will most likely hook you into reading the first four installments which I would recommend reading them in order. I really love this Series, and look forward to the next one, and this one and one other are the only Series in Crime Police Procedural's that I love so much not to have missed any, and look forward to many more to come.
Publication Date: August 12, 2025! AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE NOW!
Thank you to Net Galley, Joanna Schaffhausen, and St. Martin's Press--Minotaur Books for generously providing me with my wonderful ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.
#GoneintheNight #JoannaSchaffhausen StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #NetGalley
BY: JOANNA SCHAFFHAUSEN
I've been a fan of JOANNA SCHAFFHAUSEN'S from her very first DETECTIVE ANNALISA VEGA'S, very first debut novel, and my discovery at the time gave an EXCELLENT, first impression. I knew at the time when I read the first one in this series, of Police Crime Procedural's that this Author was onto something akin to a Gold mine in terms of a highly satisfactory reading experience. From her family to Detective Annalisa Vega herself as an amazing character development. With Detective Annalisa Vega you can expect high octane Mystery's that are like a maze in their complexities to be totally unpredictable, leaving even the most seasoned solver of the genre of readers not able to figure them out until the author is ready to reveal it. "GONE IN THE NIGHT,"her latest in this Series making it to number five which this one was no different in its labyrinth of murdered men being tossed in the Lake. Of course, what is different in this one is that she's expecting her first child, with Detective Nick Carelli who she was divorced in the first one, and now married to him for the second time.
Her brother Alex, who she turned in her father, and her brother for a murder in a previous installment, she does love her family, but ethically for her while working on the police force was the right thing for her to do. It kind of tells you how dedicated she is towards upholding the law she is. I love her character, and was thrilled to read installment #5, which has her having left the police force, and in this one she's a Private Investigator who still manages to get involved with solving crimes, which in this one her husband Nick is handling. He still gets taunts from other members on the force as Annalisa Vega solving the crimes. I think this could be read as a standalone, but it wouldn't hurt to read one of the earlier ones in this series. But it's not necessary since the author brings up just enough background information to inform the reader to understand enough to be oriented with her family, and other than Alex's wife Sassy getting remarried, Annalisa goes to see her brother in prison who introduced her to an inmate named, Joe Green who may or may not be innocent, and the victim of a witness that perjured herself.
As I said, these are so well written that the reader needs to keep reading deeper into the complexities of the plot to understand what is happening, and to figure out why these murdered men keep being found murdered and thrown in the water. The first victim is a lawyer who was doing Pro Bono work at a Women's shelter for women escaping Domestic Violence with their children who are running from abusive husbands. This one has many twists and turns, and I was able to guess who the little Blonde girl is that Annalisa keeps having recurring dreams about. An unpredictable plot which if I say much more will give spoilers. Suffice it to say that a Women's shelter will be the backdrop for which this mystery is centered around. Solving who is behind these crimes will be near impossible, but when the author is ready to reveal who it is it will be a compelling discovery. I'm so thrilled that Joanna Schaffhausen decided to return to Annalisa Vega in this fifth installment, since she's such an interesting, intelligent, perceptive and lovable protagonist with this one ending up being more mystery than thriller, "GONE IN THE NIGHT," should be on everybody's reading list. Don't worry if this is your first introduction to the Series, since I'm convinced you'll love this, and will most likely hook you into reading the first four installments which I would recommend reading them in order. I really love this Series, and look forward to the next one, and this one and one other are the only Series in Crime Police Procedural's that I love so much not to have missed any, and look forward to many more to come.
Publication Date: August 12, 2025! AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE NOW!
Thank you to Net Galley, Joanna Schaffhausen, and St. Martin's Press--Minotaur Books for generously providing me with my wonderful ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.
#GoneintheNight #JoannaSchaffhausen StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #NetGalley
GONE IN THE NIGHT (DETECTIVE ANNALISA VEGA, #5)
BY: JOANNA SCHAFFHAUSEN
I've been a fan of JOANNA SCHAFFHAUSEN'S from her very first DETECTIVE ANNALISA VEGA'S, very first debut novel, and my discovery at the time gave an EXCELLENT, first impression. I knew at the time when I read the first one in this series, of Police Crime Procedural's that this Author was onto something akin to a Gold mine in terms of a highly satisfactory reading experience. From her family to Detective Annalisa Vega herself as an amazing character development. With Detective Annalisa Vega you can expect high octane Mystery's that are like a maze in their complexities to be totally unpredictable, leaving even the most seasoned solver of the genre of readers not able to figure them out until the author is ready to reveal it. "GONE IN THE NIGHT,"her latest in this Series making it to number five which this one was no different in its labyrinth of murdered men being tossed in the Lake. Of course, what is different in this one is that she's expecting her first child, with Detective Nick Carelli who she was divorced in the first one, and now married to him for the second time.
Her brother Alex, who she turned in her father, and her brother for a murder in a previous installment, she does love her family, but ethically for her while working on the police force was the right thing for her to do. It kind of tells you how dedicated she is towards upholding the law she is. I love her character, and was thrilled to read installment #5, which has her having left the police force, and in this one she's a Private Investigator who still manages to get involved with solving crimes, which in this one her husband Nick is handling. He still gets taunts from other members on the force as Annalisa Vega solving the crimes. I think this could be read as a standalone, but it wouldn't hurt to read one of the earlier ones in this series. But it's not necessary since the author brings up just enough background information to inform the reader to understand enough to be oriented with her family, and other than Alex's wife Sassy getting remarried, Annalisa goes to see her brother in prison who introduced her to an inmate named, Joe Green who may or may not be innocent, and the victim of a witness that perjured herself.
As I said, these are so well written that the reader needs to keep reading deeper into the complexities of the plot to understand what is happening, and to figure out why these murdered men keep being found murdered and thrown in the water. The first victim is a lawyer who was doing Pro Bono work at a Women's shelter for women escaping Domestic Violence with their children who are running from abusive husbands. This one has many twists and turns, and I was able to guess who the little Blonde girl is that Annalisa keeps having recurring dreams about. An unpredictable plot which if I say much more will give spoilers. Suffice it to say that a Women's shelter will be the backdrop for which this mystery is centered around. Solving who is behind these crimes will be near impossible, but when the author is ready to reveal who it is it will be a compelling discovery. I'm so thrilled that Joanna Schaffhausen decided to return to Annalisa Vega in this fifth installment, since she's such an interesting, intelligent, perceptive and lovable protagonist with this one ending up being more mystery than thriller, "GONE IN THE NIGHT," should be on everybody's reading list. Don't worry if this is your first introduction to the Series, since I'm convinced you'll love this, and will most likely hook you into reading the first four installments which I would recommend reading them in order. I really love this Series, and look forward to the next one, and this one and one other are the only Series in Crime Police Procedural's that I love so much not to have missed any, and look forward to many more to come.
Publication Date: August 12, 2025! AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE NOW!
Thank you to Net Galley, Joanna Schaffhausen, and St. Martin's Press--Minotaur Books for generously providing me with my wonderful ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.
#GoneintheNight #JoannaSchaffhausen StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #NetGalley
GONE IN THE NIGHT (DETECTIVE ANNALISA VEGA, #5)
BY: JOANNA SCHAFFHAUSEN
I've been a fan of JOANNA SCHAFFHAUSEN'S from her very first DETECTIVE ANNALISA VEGA'S, very first debut novel, and my discovery at the time gave an EXCELLENT, first impression. I knew at the time when I read the first one in this series, of Police Crime Procedural's that this Author was onto something akin to a Gold mine in terms of a highly satisfactory reading experience. From her family to Detective Annalisa Vega herself as an amazing character development. With Detective Annalisa Vega you can expect high octane Mystery's that are like a maze in their complexities to be totally unpredictable, leaving even the most seasoned solver of the genre of readers not able to figure them out until the author is ready to reveal it. "GONE IN THE NIGHT,"her latest in this Series making it to number five which this one was no different in its labyrinth of murdered men being tossed in the Lake. Of course, what is different in this one is that she's expecting her first child, with Detective Nick Carelli who she was divorced in the first one, and now married to him for the second time.
Her brother Alex, who she turned in her father, and her brother for a murder in a previous installment, she does love her family, but ethically for her while working on the police force was the right thing for her to do. It kind of tells you how dedicated she is towards upholding the law she is. I love her character, and was thrilled to read installment #5, which has her having left the police force, and in this one she's a Private Investigator who still manages to get involved with solving crimes, which in this one her husband Nick is handling. He still gets taunts from other members on the force as Annalisa Vega solving the crimes. I think this could be read as a standalone, but it wouldn't hurt to read one of the earlier ones in this series. But it's not necessary since the author brings up just enough background information to inform the reader to understand enough to be oriented with her family, and other than Alex's wife Sassy getting remarried, Annalisa goes to see her brother in prison who introduced her to an inmate named, Joe Green who may or may not be innocent, and the victim of a witness that perjured herself.
As I said, these are so well written that the reader needs to keep reading deeper into the complexities of the plot to understand what is happening, and to figure out why these murdered men keep being found murdered and thrown in the water. The first victim is a lawyer who was doing Pro Bono work at a Women's shelter for women escaping Domestic Violence with their children who are running from abusive husbands. This one has many twists and turns, and I was able to guess who the little Blonde girl is that Annalisa keeps having recurring dreams about. An unpredictable plot which if I say much more will give spoilers. Suffice it to say that a Women's shelter will be the backdrop for which this mystery is centered around. Solving who is behind these crimes will be near impossible, but when the author is ready to reveal who it is it will be a compelling discovery. I'm so thrilled that Joanna Schaffhausen decided to return to Annalisa Vega in this fifth installment, since she's such an interesting, intelligent, perceptive and lovable protagonist with this one ending up being more mystery than thriller, "GONE IN THE NIGHT," should be on everybody's reading list. Don't worry if this is your first introduction to the Series, since I'm convinced you'll love this, and will most likely hook you into reading the first four installments which I would recommend reading them in order. I really love this Series, and look forward to the next one, and this one and one other are the only Series in Crime Police Procedural's that I love so much not to have missed any, and look forward to many more to come.
Publication Date: August 12, 2025! AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE NOW!
Thank you to Net Galley, Joanna Schaffhausen, and St. Martin's Press--Minotaur Books for generously providing me with my wonderful ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.
#GoneintheNight #JoannaSchaffhausen StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #NetGalley
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