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The Both of Us
The thing about the truth is, sometimes, it's all in the eyes.
On his drive home from work, Mark hears a familiar voice on the Doctor Lisa radio show—a popular therapist hotline. It's not just a familiar voice; it's her voice. His wife Rachel's voice.
The caller, who goes by Mindy from Indy, has a secret. A secret so explosive it'll destroy her life if it comes out—but she hangs up before revealing it. Later, Rachel denies ever having heard of the Doctor Lisa Show, or Mindy from Indy.
But Mark knows his wife, and he knows her voice. And he doesn't understand why she's lying to him, or what about.
As Mark searches for the truth behind the mysterious caller's identity, he discovers it’s family secrets that often cut the deepest. Somebody with a deep obsession is playing dangerous mind games—threatening not only his trust in Rachel, but also the safety of their two daughters—and might be willing to go further than he could ever imagine.
When he looks closely, he learns the eyes really do tell all. That is, unless he can't trust what his eyes are trying to tell him.
On his drive home from work, Mark hears a familiar voice on the Doctor Lisa radio show—a popular therapist hotline. It's not just a familiar voice; it's her voice. His wife Rachel's voice.
The caller, who goes by Mindy from Indy, has a secret. A secret so explosive it'll destroy her life if it comes out—but she hangs up before revealing it. Later, Rachel denies ever having heard of the Doctor Lisa Show, or Mindy from Indy.
But Mark knows his wife, and he knows her voice. And he doesn't understand why she's lying to him, or what about.
As Mark searches for the truth behind the mysterious caller's identity, he discovers it’s family secrets that often cut the deepest. Somebody with a deep obsession is playing dangerous mind games—threatening not only his trust in Rachel, but also the safety of their two daughters—and might be willing to go further than he could ever imagine.
When he looks closely, he learns the eyes really do tell all. That is, unless he can't trust what his eyes are trying to tell him.
291 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2025
43 people are currently reading
6383 people want to read
About the author
Dan Lawton
9 books210 followersDan Lawton is an international best selling and award-winning thriller author from New Hampshire. He is an active member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) Organization.
His fifth novel, The Green House, won the 2021 New Hampshire Writers' Project Literary Award for Fiction, was a Bronze Medalist in the Adult Fiction E-Book category for the 2020 Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY Awards), a Finalist for the 2021 Montaigne Medal (Eric Hoffer Awards) for most thought-provoking book, a Finalist in the Fiction category for the 2020 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, a Finalist in the Mystery category for the 2020 Book Excellence Awards, and a Finalist in Literary Fiction for the 2020 American Fiction Awards.
His fourth novel, Plum Springs, won the 2019 New Hampshire Writers' Project Readers' Choice Award for Fiction. His first novel, Deception, was named one of the best thriller novels of 2017 by the Novel Writing Festival.
Website: danlawtonfiction.com
Email: info@danlawtonfiction.com
Twitter/Instagram: @danlawtonauthor
Facebook: facebook.com/danlawtonfiction
His fifth novel, The Green House, won the 2021 New Hampshire Writers' Project Literary Award for Fiction, was a Bronze Medalist in the Adult Fiction E-Book category for the 2020 Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY Awards), a Finalist for the 2021 Montaigne Medal (Eric Hoffer Awards) for most thought-provoking book, a Finalist in the Fiction category for the 2020 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, a Finalist in the Mystery category for the 2020 Book Excellence Awards, and a Finalist in Literary Fiction for the 2020 American Fiction Awards.
His fourth novel, Plum Springs, won the 2019 New Hampshire Writers' Project Readers' Choice Award for Fiction. His first novel, Deception, was named one of the best thriller novels of 2017 by the Novel Writing Festival.
Website: danlawtonfiction.com
Email: info@danlawtonfiction.com
Twitter/Instagram: @danlawtonauthor
Facebook: facebook.com/danlawtonfiction
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 2, 2025
Dan Lawton’s The Both of Us is a taut and engrossing psychological thriller that grips readers from the very first page and doesn’t loosen its hold until the final reveal. With a compelling blend of suspense, emotional tension, and narrative misdirection, Lawton crafts a story that keeps you questioning everything you think you know.
At its core, The Both of Us is a masterclass in pacing and plot development. Lawton expertly seeds twists and turns throughout the narrative, luring readers into a false sense of certainty before pulling the rug out from under them—again and again. Just when you believe you’ve figured it all out, a new layer emerges, making it clear that nothing is as simple as it seems.
What sets this novel apart is its ability to maintain suspense while also delivering emotional resonance. The characters are flawed yet relatable, and the relationships are complex, lending authenticity to the high-stakes psychological tension. The story keeps you not only invested in the plot, but also in the fates of the people caught within it.
A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers, The Both of Us is a smart, immersive, and unpredictable journey into the darker corners of the human psyche. Highly recommended for readers who crave thrillers that keep them thinking long after the final chapter.
At its core, The Both of Us is a masterclass in pacing and plot development. Lawton expertly seeds twists and turns throughout the narrative, luring readers into a false sense of certainty before pulling the rug out from under them—again and again. Just when you believe you’ve figured it all out, a new layer emerges, making it clear that nothing is as simple as it seems.
What sets this novel apart is its ability to maintain suspense while also delivering emotional resonance. The characters are flawed yet relatable, and the relationships are complex, lending authenticity to the high-stakes psychological tension. The story keeps you not only invested in the plot, but also in the fates of the people caught within it.
A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers, The Both of Us is a smart, immersive, and unpredictable journey into the darker corners of the human psyche. Highly recommended for readers who crave thrillers that keep them thinking long after the final chapter.
May 2, 2025
The umbilical ties that bind
Rachel is a lovely wife, and Abagail and Maureen are sweet and beautiful daughters. However, Mark finds he can’t ignore direct evidence his own ears and eyes provide him that there might be a psychopathic side to his wife of many years. Are he and his daughters in imminent danger? This might be a good time to call in the police and tap into the wisdom of a bar tenderess with a cat tattoo to unearth life-ruining issues with roots that stretch back years to a moment of birth. The Both of Us is a thrilling read that ends with the heart-warming thought that even murderous felons might find hope in dreams of future violence and theft.
Rachel is a lovely wife, and Abagail and Maureen are sweet and beautiful daughters. However, Mark finds he can’t ignore direct evidence his own ears and eyes provide him that there might be a psychopathic side to his wife of many years. Are he and his daughters in imminent danger? This might be a good time to call in the police and tap into the wisdom of a bar tenderess with a cat tattoo to unearth life-ruining issues with roots that stretch back years to a moment of birth. The Both of Us is a thrilling read that ends with the heart-warming thought that even murderous felons might find hope in dreams of future violence and theft.
January 18, 2026
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🤔Makes you think
📖Psychological Thriller
👫Dual POV
What is it about?
Mark is driving home from work and hears his wife Rachel's voice on a therapist's radio show. However, the caller introduces themselves with a different name and admits they have an explosive secret that will destroy their life. And then hangs up before confessing more. Armed with this information and the overwhelming certainty that it was, in fact, Rachel calling in, Mark proceeds to search out the truth.
What worked for me.
This is definitely a psychological thriller. It keeps your mind thinking and trying to get to the truth right along with Mark. Just when you think you have it all figured out... the who, the how and the why... there's a twist. My favorite twist is right at the end. Sequel? 😈
What didn't work for me.
Mark seemed to dismiss his wife rather quickly instead of giving her the benefit of the doubt. If I was Rachel, I don't think I'd be as forgiving.
Pg 163 "Don't chew with food in your mouth"
I assume this meant to say 'talk' instead of 'chew' so I moved on from this rather quickly.
📖Recommended to readers who enjoy a good thriller that has a predictable element but overall keeps you turning page after page until the very end.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Goodreads for the giveaway. All thoughts and feelings are my own. The cover art for this book is what drew me in to enter the giveaway. The eyes are captivating and fit the story Dan has created.
🤔Makes you think
📖Psychological Thriller
👫Dual POV
What is it about?
Mark is driving home from work and hears his wife Rachel's voice on a therapist's radio show. However, the caller introduces themselves with a different name and admits they have an explosive secret that will destroy their life. And then hangs up before confessing more. Armed with this information and the overwhelming certainty that it was, in fact, Rachel calling in, Mark proceeds to search out the truth.
What worked for me.
This is definitely a psychological thriller. It keeps your mind thinking and trying to get to the truth right along with Mark. Just when you think you have it all figured out... the who, the how and the why... there's a twist. My favorite twist is right at the end. Sequel? 😈
What didn't work for me.
Mark seemed to dismiss his wife rather quickly instead of giving her the benefit of the doubt. If I was Rachel, I don't think I'd be as forgiving.
Pg 163 "Don't chew with food in your mouth"
I assume this meant to say 'talk' instead of 'chew' so I moved on from this rather quickly.
📖Recommended to readers who enjoy a good thriller that has a predictable element but overall keeps you turning page after page until the very end.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Goodreads for the giveaway. All thoughts and feelings are my own. The cover art for this book is what drew me in to enter the giveaway. The eyes are captivating and fit the story Dan has created.
May 17, 2025
Mark is driving home from work when he hears his wife's voice on the radio. He's listening to a radio show where people phone in and ask for advice. The woman gets nervous and doesn't really say much, but she does say she has a big secret that will ruin her life if it's found out. Mark wonders what is going on, but he gets no answers when he gets home. His wife, Rachel, claims that she didn't make any calls to the program and she has no idea what he's talking about. Mark is convinced she's hiding something from him. Before long, there is a video of Rachel stealing ammunition from a store. She again denies it but is taken into custody. As Mark tries to figure out what is going on, Rachel continues to say none of these odd occurrences were her. Mark has to try to figure out what is going on before the situation gets even worse.
I enjoyed trying to figure out just what Rachel is up to, although it wasn't too difficult to work out what was going on. There were chapters here in there from another viewpoint, but we're not exactly sure who's telling that story for a while. A good mystery with lots to sort out!
I received a copy of this book from a GoodReads giveaway.
I enjoyed trying to figure out just what Rachel is up to, although it wasn't too difficult to work out what was going on. There were chapters here in there from another viewpoint, but we're not exactly sure who's telling that story for a while. A good mystery with lots to sort out!
I received a copy of this book from a GoodReads giveaway.
June 21, 2025
The Both of Us" by Dan Lawton is a gripping mystery! August has no memory of the previous day after a car crash, still his wife, Jules, is right next to him on the hospital bed. She supports him in trying to relearn his past, but something very weird starts to occur. Jules keeps telling some stories that don't get straight to August's brain, and Jules starts realizing that he doubts everything she says about his past.
Left in his mind with blurred memories, August suspects if Jules is harboring a secret. Are her words trustworthy enough? Can he trust himself? The author of this book really takes time to build the secret, keeping the reader in moves and suspense till the end. It's the reigning thriller that registered a win in 2023, and it's a must-have.
Many thanks to Goodreads and Dan Lawton for the advanced free copy through the Goodreads Giveaway! My absolute recommendation for those who enjoy mysteries out there.
Left in his mind with blurred memories, August suspects if Jules is harboring a secret. Are her words trustworthy enough? Can he trust himself? The author of this book really takes time to build the secret, keeping the reader in moves and suspense till the end. It's the reigning thriller that registered a win in 2023, and it's a must-have.
Many thanks to Goodreads and Dan Lawton for the advanced free copy through the Goodreads Giveaway! My absolute recommendation for those who enjoy mysteries out there.
June 27, 2025
“The Both of Us” introduces Mark, a father, husband, and financial advisor. He loves his life and his family. Everything seems great until he decides to listen in on the Doctor Lisa radio show.
Overall, I enjoyed this tale. The story is told through two main POVs. The first is of Mark as he struggles to figure out and then comprehend what’s going on and who has entered his life and the life of his daughters. The second is the POV of who has entered their lives. The second POV is the voice of Mindy from Indy. The POV slowly reveals what’s truly going on and why. The first half of the book is full of intrigue as to what’s actually going on. There’s an element of surprise and danger including more questions than answers. As truths are revealed, everything begins to make sense. Find the full blog post at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
Overall, I enjoyed this tale. The story is told through two main POVs. The first is of Mark as he struggles to figure out and then comprehend what’s going on and who has entered his life and the life of his daughters. The second is the POV of who has entered their lives. The second POV is the voice of Mindy from Indy. The POV slowly reveals what’s truly going on and why. The first half of the book is full of intrigue as to what’s actually going on. There’s an element of surprise and danger including more questions than answers. As truths are revealed, everything begins to make sense. Find the full blog post at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
July 13, 2025
A Gripping Domestic Thriller That Will Make You Question Everything
From the very first chapter, The Both of Us had me hooked. The premise is simple but chilling what would you do if you recognized your partner’s voice on a live radio show... confessing a secret they claim doesn’t exist?
Dan Lawton masterfully unravels this unsettling mystery, building tension with every twist. As Mark dives deeper into the web of secrets, the story doesn’t just explore deception between spouses it digs into how we trust the people closest to us, and what happens when that trust starts to crack.
What I loved most was how the tension never lets up. The pacing is tight, the psychological mind games are intense, and the characters especially Mark feel heartbreakingly real in their confusion and desperation. That ending? Chef’s kiss. It left me staring into space wondering what I’d do in his shoes.
If you’re a fan of domestic suspense with emotional depth and high stakes, this one’s for you. And the title? Absolutely perfect once you finish the last page.
From the very first chapter, The Both of Us had me hooked. The premise is simple but chilling what would you do if you recognized your partner’s voice on a live radio show... confessing a secret they claim doesn’t exist?
Dan Lawton masterfully unravels this unsettling mystery, building tension with every twist. As Mark dives deeper into the web of secrets, the story doesn’t just explore deception between spouses it digs into how we trust the people closest to us, and what happens when that trust starts to crack.
What I loved most was how the tension never lets up. The pacing is tight, the psychological mind games are intense, and the characters especially Mark feel heartbreakingly real in their confusion and desperation. That ending? Chef’s kiss. It left me staring into space wondering what I’d do in his shoes.
If you’re a fan of domestic suspense with emotional depth and high stakes, this one’s for you. And the title? Absolutely perfect once you finish the last page.
May 13, 2025
This was an engrossing book with relatable characters and enjoyable twists. I did feel that the main character was a little quick to just completely not trust his wife. He believes he heard her speaking on a radio show (and he might have, or he might have not, read the book to find out,) but when he asks her about it she adamantly denies calling the show or ever even hearing of it but the husband confides to the reader that he does not believe her. That notwithstanding thought this was an enjoyable time.
June 25, 2025
I receieve a free digital copy from Goodreads.
This was a dark, unsettling read! I really enjoyed the time we spend inside Holly's mind. It’s always interesting and a little creepy seeing how someone can justify their actions to themselves. The inner dialogue felt authentic and made the story feel even more tense. The pacing kept me engaged, and while the plot isn’t packed with huge twists, there was this steady, growing sense of dread that pulled me in. Definitely a read that will keep you turning pages!
This was a dark, unsettling read! I really enjoyed the time we spend inside Holly's mind. It’s always interesting and a little creepy seeing how someone can justify their actions to themselves. The inner dialogue felt authentic and made the story feel even more tense. The pacing kept me engaged, and while the plot isn’t packed with huge twists, there was this steady, growing sense of dread that pulled me in. Definitely a read that will keep you turning pages!
May 15, 2025
An edge of your seat psychological thriller. While he was driving home Mark hears his wife's voice on a call in show, he asks her and she denied it was her. Full of twists that keeps you guessing. I could not put this book down. Loved the characters. I would gladly recommend this book. Thanks to Black Rose Writing and Netgalley for this review ARC.
May 18, 2025
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Black Rose Writing for choosing me.
Captivating story that hooked me from the very first page and didn't let go until the last word. The journey was emotional, slightly suspenseful, and definitely kept me on my toes the entire way through. I, for one, will be adding the rest of Dan Lawton's books to my TBR.
Captivating story that hooked me from the very first page and didn't let go until the last word. The journey was emotional, slightly suspenseful, and definitely kept me on my toes the entire way through. I, for one, will be adding the rest of Dan Lawton's books to my TBR.
June 15, 2025
Fabulous Psychological Thriller!
Talk about a page turner! This book will have you staying up late into the night - this is a “I can’t put this book down,” book. The Both of Us is one of the best thrillers you will read. Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Goodreads for gifting me this book.
Talk about a page turner! This book will have you staying up late into the night - this is a “I can’t put this book down,” book. The Both of Us is one of the best thrillers you will read. Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Goodreads for gifting me this book.
May 16, 2025
Exciting storyline that definitely kept me guessing! I thought I had it figured out early on, but I was wrong. Then I thought I figured it out again a little later and was wrong again. Lots of twists and turns to keep you hooked along the way.
June 8, 2025
A Thought-Provoking Read
I won a free digital copy of this novel through Goodreads. The author did a great job writing this novel in a way that it it me guessing almost until the very end. This thriller definitely kept my attention!
I won a free digital copy of this novel through Goodreads. The author did a great job writing this novel in a way that it it me guessing almost until the very end. This thriller definitely kept my attention!
June 9, 2025
Dan Lawton is a skilled writer, and he proves it in this novel. It's a provocative story of marital bliss, turned to marital strife over lies and cover-ups. At times, some things are somewhat predictable, but it's a page turner and one that you will yearn to finish!
April 21, 2025
Excuseeeee me... What did I just read! WOW! If you haven't read this book you need to! And make sure you have nothing to do the rest of the day!
June 18, 2025
Unique and twisty!
This started off a little slow and then took off. It made me think I knew what was going on. I was definitely surprised with the story. Great ending!
This started off a little slow and then took off. It made me think I knew what was going on. I was definitely surprised with the story. Great ending!
May 28, 2025
I am not sure how believable all this but suspense was palpable
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews