Howling Women

by Shelby Hinte

Sabine Haegan has spent a lifetime desperate to escape her violent past. But when her life in California falls apart, she returns to New Mexico, the state she abandoned more than a decade prior. Searching for salvation in the desert, she meets Howling Woman, a woman who has never surrendered to the brutality of men. Under the spell of the summer sun, a mysterious vortex, and the enigmatic air of Howling Woman, Sabine spirals toward the center of what has haunted her all these years, and a single act of violence unearths everything she’s tried to bury. Now, out on bail and awaiting trial, Sabine feverishly attempts to set the record straight about the man she’s shot and the choices she’s made.

Howling Women is a metafictional confessional about violence, female rage, sex, addiction, and the lengths one woman goes to rewrite a history she never consented to.

"In Howling Women, the past doesn't die on its own, it has to be hunted down. A confessional written in an exacting, explosive, and at times darkly funny voice vibrating with rage and redemption. Hinte has concocted a fearless, cunning, and honest to the core novel that will sit on my shelf next to Animal by Lisa Taddeo and Cruddy by Lynda Barry. A remarkable, voicey, and unforgettable debut. A knockout." – Chelsea Bieker, author of Godshot & Madwoman

“Feverish and full of grace, Shelby Hinte's Howling Women howls with wild spirit, deep longing, and even deeper truths; a wrenching must-read for anyone on the verge, the lamb, the hunt for self-knowledge and self-salvation.” – Allie Rowbottom, author of Aesthetica & Jell-O Girls

“Shelby Hinte channels the otherworldly landscape of New Mexico in this heartbreaking tale of magnetism, identity, and new beginnings. In prose as fiery and evocative as the stories of Lucia Berlin or the skulls of Georgia O’Keeffe, Hinte writes of broken people starting over in an inhospitable world. Howling Women is a haunted confession that asks us what it means to be understood, to be human, and ultimately to be saved.” – Kevin Maloney, author of The Red-Headed Pilgrim

"Howling Women is a daring and gripping story of desire, rage, and the things we keep invisible—this book is a vortex. In this stellar debut, Shelby Hinte writes with precision, a sense of adventure, and a hint of film noir." – Chelsea Hodson, author of Tonight I’m Someone Else

"Shelby Hinte leans into chaos with the best of them. She's at the bar, tapping beer cans with Dostoevsky to her left, Jim Thompson to her right. Howling Women is a lightning bolt of a debut." – Bud Smith, author of Teenager

“Shelby Hinte's Howling Woman is a haunting descent into the darkness of self-loathing and destruction.” – Jenny Dont

Genres: Audiobook, Fiction, Contemporary

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2025

Reviews

[Josh Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Howling Women is a vortex. Myth and realism. Violence and mourning. Revenge and redemption. Hinte crafts a portal into Sabine’s impervious introspection and literary limerence on life. An upstanding debut novel.

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written, honest and haunting.

Howling Women is a metafictional confessional about violence, female rage, sex, addiction, and the lengths one woman goes to rewrite a history she never consented to.

I really enjoyed the narration of this audiobook by Lindsey Dorcus.

I appreciated the dark humor and deep truths of this story.

[emma goeser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Overall I absolutely enjoyed this book and the audiobook! It kept me hooked from the beginning and consistently until the end. I almost didn’t want things to end when they did but I appreciated the symbolism of it all.

Sometimes as people we see drawn to people and places before we have the answers as to why. This book dissects unaddressed childhood trauma and how it can leave a lasting stain on our lives.

This story unravels Sabine’s past and how attempted murder brought her to coming to terms with the abuse she suffered at the hands of her stepfather. The characters in this book are so individualistic and creative. The story was raw, ugly and emotional. The whole series of events is a wild ride and a fun one at that

[Emma Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I am completely blown away by this book! What an enticing and complex story. I had no idea where the storyline was going and I was hooked the entire time, couldn’t put it down and have already recommended it to all of my friends!

[Justine S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Howling Women is a well-written, haunting exploration of grief, identity, and the quiet unraveling that happens when long-buried trauma comes to the surface. Hinte’s prose is lyrical making the story feel both grounded and dreamlike. I especially loved the themes of female rage and searching for redemption and healing; they’re handled with nuance and honesty. Overall, Howling Women is a darkly compelling, thought-provoking debut that lingers long after you turn the last page.

I listened to the audiobook and Lindsey Dorcus did a great job. Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing- Audiobooks for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[Katie Holder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the audio of Howling Women by Shelby Hinte, and the narrator brought so much personality to Sabine’s voice. Sabine nearing 30, chronically making bad choices, and possibly (probably?) an alcoholic, is a complete mess, and I liked her immediately.

The plot is captivating and layered, part healing journey, part coming-of-age, part feminist exploration, and sprinkled with that delicious “weird girl lit” energy. Hinte captures the rawness of figuring out who you are when you’re already “supposed” to have it all together, and she does it with biting honesty and vulnerability.

This isn’t a neat or tidy story. It’s chaotic, sharp, and emotionally messy in all the best ways. A solid 4 stars from me, and I’d especially recommend the audiobook for the narration alone.

Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the copy of this ALC

[ChyenneReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Howling Women is a wild ride. I definitely did not know what to expect going in. It’s complex, infuriating, emotional and healing all in one. If you are looking for a neat story that gets wrapped up in a tidy bow, this is not for you. I enjoyed it!

The audiobook was well done, and the narrator sounded exactly how I would imagine Sabine to sound.


Thank you to Shelby Hinte and NetGalley for probing an ALC in exchange for my honest review

[kennedy parrish · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ We love an emotionally unwell woman in the desert.

[Kevin Kearney · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I liked the oppressive feeling of the sun, the way even the ground emanated with heat, so that you could feel a fire coming at you from all sides. I liked the way sweat attracted a film of sand to the body, subtle enough that you didn't know your body was coated in it until dark liquid ran into the drain of the shower. The desert has a way of reminding you that you're just a body, that you attract filth, that cleanliness is temporary."

[Erin Rilke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Howling Women is a messy, spiraling dive into one woman’s journey of self-destruction and self-discovery. At times, I found the repeated self-sabotage a little redundant—almost like we were circling the same drain one too many times—but I still enjoyed watching her push through and find her way. There’s a rawness to the writing that makes you want to keep following her, even when you want to shake her.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator voice actor nailed it—capturing the narrator’s vulnerability and volatility in a way that made the story feel even more alive.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC of this title 💛

[foxportions · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. I asked for it randomly on NetGally based on the title and cover alone and my god was it a fantastic choice. For the first 6 hours of this audio book I literally just laid on my couch and listened to it not doing anything, but looking at the ceiling completely captivated and pulled in. This book never lost my attention and when I couldn’t listen to it I was itching for it.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sabine and The Howling Woman are my Thelma and Louise.

Though much of this novel is about atrocities committed against women, there was universality in the way that childhood abuse and personal history can create this really toxic mix that makes you feel as though you're "marked," never to get better. Destined for a bad life. Even if you don't agree with Sabine's methods of coping (and I don't think we are supposed to), you come to find yourself rooting for her, hoping that maybe the future will resolve in a kindness she hasn't actually ever experienced.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

My conversation with Hinte at Chicago Review of Books https://chireviewofbooks.com/2025/04/...

[Madeleine Daugherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

gripping, honest, bold

[Windsor Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this audiobook from NetGalley for a review. The audio was wonderful and immersive. I thought this was going to be weird girl lit fic, but it’s not. It’s a story about growing up and moving on, female friendship and found family, and finally choosing yourself.

Sabine, who is on the cusp of 30, is very unhappy in her life and marriage, but she’s not sure why. In theory, everything is perfect. While she wants to blame her husband, Sabine knows that she needs to look within–but she’s not ready yet. So, she does the only sensible thing, and runs away.

Finding herself stranded in a small town with no way out and no money, Sabine is quickly adopted by an eccentric local who goes by “Howling Woman.” Through Howling Woman’s love and acceptance, Sabine begins doing hard work on herself. As their relationship grows, and the two women get more comfortable with each other, Howling Woman starts pushing Sabine farther than she’s willing to go.

This book is a heart wrenching exploration of healing from trauma, and personal growth. The relationship between Howling Woman and Sabine is healing and beautiful, up until it isn’t. The author’s portrayal of alcoholism felt real and relatable–I enjoyed that bit. So often people get it really wrong. While this isn’t something I’d normally read, I’m glad I did. It’s always nice when the universe gives you what you need.

[Bebo Saucier Carrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this audiobook for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I love feral women who commit crimes to get revenge against men, and this book has a couple of them worth cheering for. Sabine is about to go on trial for shooting a man. Why? Well, she'll tell you if you keep reading. Told as a confessional, Sabine narrates the events of her life leading up to the shooting that she is being held criminally responsible for. Commentary on the "nature vs. nurture" argument, and the bias implicit even in the most honest confessional is effortlessly woven throughout her funny yet stark narrative. And at the center of it all stands the enigmatic Howling Woman: a figure who loves Sabine as fiercely as any mother, yet who also pushes her towards the crime she committed.

The narration is stellar, the story is also wonderful. I was not the biggest fan of the ending as the novel just kind of ended with little wrap up. It seemed a little unsure of where it was going to end, honestly. But! The rest of it was well worth it. I was reminded of the novel Big Swiss by Jen Beagin, in which there is also an absolutely unhinged female narrator who does things she knows are wrong, but whom the audience loves and can understand regardless.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to let this one sink in a bit.

Howling Women is about two women with a history of abuse at the hands of men and how they came together and handled it in unconventional ways.

Sabine was a difficult lead to like. I couldn't really understand why her life was so messy. We get direct access to her internal monologue and it's ... not a pleasure to experience. Ultimately, the reader discovers that she is a highly traumatized person, and for good reason: not only because of what happened to her in childhood, but how the adults and especially her mother responded, or failed to.

I loved the character of Howling Woman. Yes, the titular character, who's not the lead! And I'm kind of glad she wasn't. The sense of mystery you're left with after finishing the novel is deeply satisfying.

The narration was hit and miss. I couldn't understand why half the chapters open with (what I eventually realized was) intentionally noise in the recording. Lindsey Dorcus otherwise does an admirable job at voicing these unique yet kindred spirits.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for the advance copy of the audiobook.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our MC, Sabine, is approaching 30 years old and is troubled. She one day upends her whole life, seemingly on a whim. She flees to the desert where she meets someone who goes by the name "Howling Woman," who very quickly becomes Sabine's best and only real friend. Together, they share their stories of trauma, violence, and heartbreak, often caused at the hands of men.
Shelby Hinte does a beautiful job of weaving the web of generational trauma and addiction that plagues our MC. This is truly a story about both the rage of women and the strength they can have when they come together. Hinte writes an inspiring female friendship that is full of unconditional love and understanding that only "howling women" can share.
My one critique is an issue with pacing - some bits felt slow or repetitive, but I listened to an audiobook instead of being able to physically read it, and I tend to struggle with audiobook pacing in general. I think this will easily be a 4- and 5- star read for many.
Thank you so much to the author, publisher (Blackstone Publishing) and NetGalley for the opportunity to receive an ALC of this book.

[Stacey (Bookalorian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Howling Women By Shelby Hinte

Sabine has spent her life running. She is currently running from a perfectly nice husband and her boyfriend… She ends up in New Mexico and meets a woman who calls herself the Howling woman. Unable to escape her abusive past, she is haunted in her present. After she shoots a man from her past with the howling woman, she now has to explain the events that lead her to that one violent act.

I was mostly drawn to the cover because the synopsis was wild…. I was sucked right in. We start off with Sabine and she's already been arrested and then it jumps back in time to just after she ran and what happened in her childhood.
It's a solid plot but the magic is in the characters. They are unique and robust.. The howling woman is the epitome of a secondary pivotal character and how they can be used to make a story really strong.
It was a powerful story of abuse and the devastation of the aftermath of not dealing with it. I felt connected and enthralled by how Sabine found and connected with different people. It was good, some really solid writing here. The pacing was a tad slow but it worked really well here.


4 stars

[Cherié Burgett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the early read. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this. It was a wild read about some mentally/emotionally unwell women. Sabine and Howling Woman are both escaping their past, a past of violence and abuse. The entire book led up to what I thought would be a resolution, but both storylines were left in limbo, and the book just seemed to end randomly.

We read through the entire story, and we do not find out the outcome for either woman. Looking at other reviews, it seems my opinion is the minority here. But this story was pretty out there for me. Sabine was terrible to her husband who seemed like a pretty good guy, and she never redeemed herself even when he ended up being the only one who showed up for her. Howling Woman was pretty likable, but Sabine never really came around to being tolerable. Angel was a fantastic character, and I would have loved to read more about his character and his past. In fact. many people in You were more interesting characters than Sabine.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel so many things right now, and I’m not sure how to put them into words. This is about a woman with issues walking us through her trauma and the messy ways she responds to it, so obviously I loved it. She's sympathetic, even when she's frustrating. Also, there’s a bit of a dysfunctional chosen family element in the story, which I always enjoy.

My only complaint is that I wish it were longer. I wanted more detail, but that’s probably just me being selfish because I was enjoying it so much.

Lindsey Dorcus, a narrator I've heard before, did a great job here. She perfectly captured the protagonist’s faux apathy and cynicism without losing the vulnerability underneath.

Also, this is a debut? Amazing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ALC. The audiobook comes out August 12, 2025.

[Sarah Elizabeth Schiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Howling Women pulls you in with its haunting blend of confessional storytelling. Shelby Hunter crafts a gripping portrait of Sabine, a woman reckoning with past violence, buried truths, and the magnetic presence of the mysterious Howling Woman. This is a fearless exploration of female rage, survival, and the desperate need to reclaim a life shaped by others’ brutality, told in a voice that is sharp, honest, and impossible to ignore.


Thank you Shelby Hinte, Blackstone Publishing, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!


#HowlingWomen #NetGalley #NetGalleyARC #ARCReview #BookReview #WhatImReading #BookRecommendation #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #InstaBook #Bookish #AdvanceReaderCopy #ReviewCopyProvided #BookishThoughts #ReviewersOfInstagram

[Erin Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Howling Women was not what I was expecting. The premise depressed me a bit and the MC Sabine never actually gets resolution in the end and we don't really know her outcome. Same with her friend Howling Woman. I do feel that Sabine was finally able to confront her ghosts and demons from her past but it was still so open ended. I feel like she might have gotten closure, but I, the reader did not. It's definitely a story of female anger and how women are often marginalized. I liked but did not love it. Well written and dark. The narrator of the audio book I listened to was very good. 3 stars.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for a chance to read/listen an ARC version of this audio book.

[KDub · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 🌟

I went into this book blind and was glad that I did. Sabine was a relatable mess of a person, dealing with family issues, addictions, and unsurety of her future. Howling Women is her journey to discover what direction she truly wants in life, rather than just doing what others think she should. My only problem overall is that the ending was a little unsatisfying. I wanted more from the aftermath of Sabine and Howling Woman's stories.

Lindsey Dorcus does the narration for the audiobook. I've listened to audiobooks narrated by her before and always enjoy her work. She has a clear and easy-to-listen-to voice.

Thank you to NetGalley & Blackstone Publishing for the ALC.

[JenJenReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Howling Women delivers a dark, compelling, story centered on an emotionally complex FMC who is beautifully flawed and captivating. The pacing is spot-on keeping the tension high and the plot engaging from start to finish. The atmosphere is thick with unease, perfectly matching the raw emotions of the characters.

Lindsey Dorcus’s narration was perfect. She brought the characters and atmosphere to life.

Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the chance to listen to this title in exchange for my opinion.

[Sofia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a strange experience, I think I had a different idea of what this was about… this goes more in the direction of crime thriller, it's a speculative fiction and to be fully honest I got a bit distracted with the narration in this audiobook, maybe because while I see the pain that Sabine was under, I couldn’t connect with her.


It's an ok story, I didn’t care for the narration, maybe I just wasn't the right listener to this audiobook.


Thank you Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing – Audiobooks, for the free AAC and this is my honest opinion.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sabine tries to escape reality by running away from her husband and attempts to make a new life in a new place. What she finds is another eccentric woman who has a very different outlook on life along with a new group of friends. Both women have past traumas they are working through and they both end up being a solace for each other. I really enjoyed this story. #HowlingWomen #NetGalley

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Franco Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a powerful novel, one that reminded me of being in a great literature or philosophy class with a deeply thoughtful professor— one that made you really think about life's most important questions. it also reminded me a little of the novel "so long, see you tomorrow" by William Maxwell, but more focused on the darkness women face and the question of what is to be done about the fact that men can be monsters.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An alcoholic woman leaves her marriage and her boyfriend only to find herself in a small Nevada town at a bar. She hires on as wait staff and is taken in my the big-hearted Howling Woman. As they get closer, we learn about their backgrounds (and their stories are enough to make us howl). Although slow in places, and with a not very likable heroine, it was ultimately a story about reclaiming control over one’s past, not letting past trauma define and derail you. 3.5 rounded up.
The audiobook is well narrated.
My thanks to the author, @BlackstonePublishing, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #HowlingWomen for review purposes. Published 12 August 2025.

[Kaitie Keys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written lit fic, with an interesting and flawed main character. The audio book great, I really liked the narrator. I think the story was well paced until the end, which felt a bit rushed. I would have liked it if the final act of our two main characters was more drawn out, But otherwise I really enjoyed this book.