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Nobody Saw Him
You say your child was taken. The police say you’re lying…
As I sit my beautiful blue-eyed boy Sam down on the bench outside the changing room, I’m certain today is going to be a better day. He can splash about with his pool toys without worrying about making too much noise, and I can take a break from tiptoeing around my husband Pete, who is becoming more distant every day.
But when I return to the bench to collect Sam, my little boy is gone…
I can feel my heart hammering as I search for him, rushing to the staff at the front desk who tell me they haven’t seen him. Nobody spotted Sam waiting patiently for me or saw him wander off through the frosted front doors. Nobody saw me reassuring him on our way in, his tiny hand clutched tightly in mine. Nobody saw him at all.
My blood turns to ice as the police show me the CCTV. I strain to see Sam’s light-brown hair through the grainy footage, sure I’ll see his curls bouncing as we walked in. But in the video, I’m completely alone.
How is this possible? He’s been erased. Gone without a trace.
And then it hits me. Will the police now discover my past?
I will stop at nothing to find Sam. My child won’t pay for what I’ve done…
An unputdownable, heart-stopping psychological thriller filled with jaw-dropping twists. Perfect for fans of K.L. Slater, Lisa Jewell and Nicole Trope.
As I sit my beautiful blue-eyed boy Sam down on the bench outside the changing room, I’m certain today is going to be a better day. He can splash about with his pool toys without worrying about making too much noise, and I can take a break from tiptoeing around my husband Pete, who is becoming more distant every day.
But when I return to the bench to collect Sam, my little boy is gone…
I can feel my heart hammering as I search for him, rushing to the staff at the front desk who tell me they haven’t seen him. Nobody spotted Sam waiting patiently for me or saw him wander off through the frosted front doors. Nobody saw me reassuring him on our way in, his tiny hand clutched tightly in mine. Nobody saw him at all.
My blood turns to ice as the police show me the CCTV. I strain to see Sam’s light-brown hair through the grainy footage, sure I’ll see his curls bouncing as we walked in. But in the video, I’m completely alone.
How is this possible? He’s been erased. Gone without a trace.
And then it hits me. Will the police now discover my past?
I will stop at nothing to find Sam. My child won’t pay for what I’ve done…
An unputdownable, heart-stopping psychological thriller filled with jaw-dropping twists. Perfect for fans of K.L. Slater, Lisa Jewell and Nicole Trope.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2025
442 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Liz Lawler
8 books411 followersLiz Lawler had a 20-year career as a nurse and later became a general manager of a five star hotel, followed by a stint as a flight attendant with British Airways.
Born in Kent, Liz was part of a large family having 11 siblings. She discovered the solitude of writing, after coming home from a busy nightshift in the emergency department, was a place where she could step away from an emotionally and physically demanding job.
She now lives in Bath with her family and writes in any place that has a quiet space.
Born in Kent, Liz was part of a large family having 11 siblings. She discovered the solitude of writing, after coming home from a busy nightshift in the emergency department, was a place where she could step away from an emotionally and physically demanding job.
She now lives in Bath with her family and writes in any place that has a quiet space.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
October 31, 2025
Jo takes her eyes off her beautiful blue-eyed son Sam at the swimming pool for a second, and he disappears. No one at the pool saw her with him in the changing rooms or walk through the frosted front doors. How could he have vanished into thin air?
Jo’s life is perfect: a comfortable job as a childminder for Clare and James, living in the annex at the bottom of their garden, she and Pete have been doing so well. But why is Pete acting oddly, giving her the cold shoulder, but relaxed about his son’s disappearance? And why do Claire and James refuse to speak to the police?
Everyone in Jo’s life is hiding something. But there’s a reason Jo must stay in her marriage. And a reason this is the only job she could take. Jo will have to risk everything to get Sam back.
Jo’s life is perfect: a comfortable job as a childminder for Clare and James, living in the annex at the bottom of their garden, she and Pete have been doing so well. But why is Pete acting oddly, giving her the cold shoulder, but relaxed about his son’s disappearance? And why do Claire and James refuse to speak to the police?
Everyone in Jo’s life is hiding something. But there’s a reason Jo must stay in her marriage. And a reason this is the only job she could take. Jo will have to risk everything to get Sam back.
May 16, 2025
The Beckley House is a grand estate where the Howells live. James is a barrister, his wife Claire a socialite, and they have two young daughters, Phoebe and Lottie. They have a lot of staff, but the guest house is taken by a family they took in. Jo helps watch the girls, along with her five-year-old, Sam. Her husband Pete is a fireman, and is out of town at a conference the day that Jo decides to take Sam swimming.
The mother and son get to the pool and go to the changing rooms - Jo had to use the toilet, so she told Sam to stay on a bench right by their room. When she came out a minute or two later, he was gone. Nobody had seen him, the staff searched the whole area and he was nowhere to be found. After the police show up, Jo is forced to go home, without her son, and without her husband. Soon, the police are back, to tell her they’ve gone through the CCTV cameras, and Sam was never there. The videos show Jo walking alone, getting out of the car alone, coming inside alone. How is this possible?
The disappearance obviously is breaking her, but so are the police, who don’t believe a word she says. This is all the very beginning of the book, but soon we get a lot of characters: several officers, friends of the Howells, and an elderly woman who lives alone. We also get snippets about other missing and/or dead children, which is where the story took a twist for me. It became confusing keeping so many people straight, and whose children are or were missing, even though I was taking notes. The main detective is also called DC Morgan, which is the name of a detective in another English book series I’ve read - that didn’t help the confusion.
The beginning of this book was great, but I felt like it became too drawn-out and slow over time. The ending had several twists, and though this story was slightly muddled, I still enjoyed the read. If you love slow-burn, cozy mysteries, you’ll probably enjoy this book more than I did, and will probably rate it higher. From me, it’s getting 3.5 stars.
(Thank you to Bookouture for inviting me on this book tour! “Nobody Saw Him” will be released on June 2, 2025.)
The mother and son get to the pool and go to the changing rooms - Jo had to use the toilet, so she told Sam to stay on a bench right by their room. When she came out a minute or two later, he was gone. Nobody had seen him, the staff searched the whole area and he was nowhere to be found. After the police show up, Jo is forced to go home, without her son, and without her husband. Soon, the police are back, to tell her they’ve gone through the CCTV cameras, and Sam was never there. The videos show Jo walking alone, getting out of the car alone, coming inside alone. How is this possible?
The disappearance obviously is breaking her, but so are the police, who don’t believe a word she says. This is all the very beginning of the book, but soon we get a lot of characters: several officers, friends of the Howells, and an elderly woman who lives alone. We also get snippets about other missing and/or dead children, which is where the story took a twist for me. It became confusing keeping so many people straight, and whose children are or were missing, even though I was taking notes. The main detective is also called DC Morgan, which is the name of a detective in another English book series I’ve read - that didn’t help the confusion.
The beginning of this book was great, but I felt like it became too drawn-out and slow over time. The ending had several twists, and though this story was slightly muddled, I still enjoyed the read. If you love slow-burn, cozy mysteries, you’ll probably enjoy this book more than I did, and will probably rate it higher. From me, it’s getting 3.5 stars.
(Thank you to Bookouture for inviting me on this book tour! “Nobody Saw Him” will be released on June 2, 2025.)
June 11, 2025
Jo takes little Sam to the pool for a swim. The bathroom is so small and tight that she leaves little Sam in the changing room waiting for her. When she emerges from the bathroom stall Little Sam is gone. He is 5yrs old and none of the other mothers have seen where he has gone.
The police are blaming you but something isn't right. This has happened before to another little boy in the same house. Everyone is lying. Your husband has secrets. Your employer has secrets. And there's another couple out there that may be the key to what is going on
The police are blaming you but something isn't right. This has happened before to another little boy in the same house. Everyone is lying. Your husband has secrets. Your employer has secrets. And there's another couple out there that may be the key to what is going on
May 26, 2025
NOBODY SAW HIM BY LIZ LAWLER.
Release day set for 2nd of June 2025.
The blurb had me so hooked on this story.
Love the cover.
This book pulls you I within pages of starting the story.
I enjoyed the pacing. Enjoyed the writing style.
I found the story mysterious and did not see that twist coming at all.
Really great book
I think this is my first book by this author and it won't be the last ☺
Release day set for 2nd of June 2025.
The blurb had me so hooked on this story.
Love the cover.
This book pulls you I within pages of starting the story.
I enjoyed the pacing. Enjoyed the writing style.
I found the story mysterious and did not see that twist coming at all.
Really great book
I think this is my first book by this author and it won't be the last ☺
July 15, 2025
DNF. Started slow and then so many characters were introduced at one time that it's impossible to keep up without taking notes.
May 11, 2025
3.5!
this was my first time reading anything by this author, and i was pleasantly surprised by how much i enjoyed it since thrillers are usually a hit or miss for me. the writing style was immersive and atmospheric, it really roped me in. the beginning was a bit slow for my taste, but once the plot picked up, i was hooked and binged it in a day.
the pacing wasn’t always flowing nicely, plus all the info dumping and inner monologues made things really confusing at times. even with all that, the characters were incredibly well developed, each with their own perspectives and nuances that really brought the story to life.
it's an engaging and well written thriller that i’d definitely recommend to anyone who likes the genre.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC — opinions expressed in this review are my own.
this was my first time reading anything by this author, and i was pleasantly surprised by how much i enjoyed it since thrillers are usually a hit or miss for me. the writing style was immersive and atmospheric, it really roped me in. the beginning was a bit slow for my taste, but once the plot picked up, i was hooked and binged it in a day.
the pacing wasn’t always flowing nicely, plus all the info dumping and inner monologues made things really confusing at times. even with all that, the characters were incredibly well developed, each with their own perspectives and nuances that really brought the story to life.
it's an engaging and well written thriller that i’d definitely recommend to anyone who likes the genre.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC — opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 21, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by Liz Lawler and I did enjoy it. I will definitely be looking into reading more, i enjoyed the length of the chapters and found they worked well with the pacing on the story- however the pacing did seem to slow down in the middle of the book. The points of view from each character were interesting and the balance of highlighting the mental struggle of a parent having lost their child was very well written and sad. Overall I would definitely recommend giving this book a go!
* Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for allowing me to read this book, all opinions are my own*
* Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for allowing me to read this book, all opinions are my own*
April 29, 2025
The pace of the story was too slow for me and it didn’t really pull me in as much as the summary did.
June 22, 2025
Just amazing! Packed with twists, I read this book in one breathless, edge of my seat sitting! Wow, just wow! A thrilling, wonderful read.
July 10, 2025
"Nobody Saw Him" by Liz Lawler is an engrossing domestic thriller that hooks you from the start. Jo's five-year-old son vanishes at a local pool while her husband is away, but investigators can't find anyone who saw him with her that day, and even the CCTV footage shows her arriving alone. Jo starts questioning her sanity, and her husband's unusually distant behavior only adds to her confusion. How could this happen? What really happened to Sam? And what will DC Morgan uncover about Jo's past during the investigation? The story grips you from the beginning, though it does feel a bit dragged out at times. However, with its suspenseful twists and turns, it keeps you guessing. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys domestic thrillers.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 14, 2025
A unique spin on the missing child trope puts “Nobody Saw Him” at the forefront of this type of domestic thriller.
Jo’s five-year-old son Sam goes missing from a public pool on a family swim day. Jo’s firefighter husband Pete is away for work at the time. The police are called and events spiral as Jo comes to the realization that NOBODY saw Sam with her at the pool. Even the CCTV bears witness to the fact that she was alone… Now everyone involved is questioning Jo’s sanity and integrity, and she finds that she begins to question herself.
Pete seems strangely detached from the events surrounding Sam’s disappearance. The reader gets the feeling that theirs was a marriage in trouble long before Sam vanished. He does little to support Jo and even piles more feelings of guilt upon her shoulders.
I especially liked the character of DC Moraine Morgan as the Family Liaison Officer. She seemed to have integrity as well as empathy. Also, her colleague DC Kennedy seemed a caring and understanding man.
The couples landlords/employers were a mysterious family. Claire, the matriarch, seemed well-meaning and kind, yet a few times she showed a side to her personality that gave me pause. James, the patriarch, was a high-ranking solicitor. It becomes apparent that this couple have had a child go missing in their past. A child that physically resembles Jo’s son Sam…
One wonders if Jo is a reliable narrator, yet still I rooted for her all the way through.
Family secrets, gas-lighting, and the utter blind panic of a young mother’s fear for her missing five year old son, kept me glued to the pages of this fast paced, twisty, whodunit. Both tension-filled and twistily suspenseful, I can easily recommend it to other fans of this genre.
Jo’s five-year-old son Sam goes missing from a public pool on a family swim day. Jo’s firefighter husband Pete is away for work at the time. The police are called and events spiral as Jo comes to the realization that NOBODY saw Sam with her at the pool. Even the CCTV bears witness to the fact that she was alone… Now everyone involved is questioning Jo’s sanity and integrity, and she finds that she begins to question herself.
Pete seems strangely detached from the events surrounding Sam’s disappearance. The reader gets the feeling that theirs was a marriage in trouble long before Sam vanished. He does little to support Jo and even piles more feelings of guilt upon her shoulders.
I especially liked the character of DC Moraine Morgan as the Family Liaison Officer. She seemed to have integrity as well as empathy. Also, her colleague DC Kennedy seemed a caring and understanding man.
The couples landlords/employers were a mysterious family. Claire, the matriarch, seemed well-meaning and kind, yet a few times she showed a side to her personality that gave me pause. James, the patriarch, was a high-ranking solicitor. It becomes apparent that this couple have had a child go missing in their past. A child that physically resembles Jo’s son Sam…
One wonders if Jo is a reliable narrator, yet still I rooted for her all the way through.
Family secrets, gas-lighting, and the utter blind panic of a young mother’s fear for her missing five year old son, kept me glued to the pages of this fast paced, twisty, whodunit. Both tension-filled and twistily suspenseful, I can easily recommend it to other fans of this genre.
June 2, 2025
"You say your child was taken. The police say you're lying."
Nobody Saw Him by Liz Lawler is a slow burning, emotionally charged thriller that looks into the aftermath of a missing child and the complexities of relationships.
When Jo leaves her 5 year old son Sam alone in the changing room at the swimming pool for a minute, she returns to a nightmare. Sam is missing. No one has seen him and Jo is frantic. When the police are called in to investigate, they make a worrisome discovery. The CCTV cameras show Jo on video, but Sam is not anywhere on video, she is by herself. With the police suspecting Jo and her husband Pete of abducting the boy, and grief and guilt wrecking Jo's mental state, can they figure out the truth about what really happened?
This was definitely an interesting premise and I was intrigued at first. I thought that the book started out really strong and exciting, but I felt that it started to become a bit confusing and hard to follow at times. There were a lot of characters to keep track of and some of the plot got muddled a bit. While this wasn't my favorite read, I still would recommend it to fans of thrillers with a more layered emotional experience. I would be interested in checking out another book by Liz Lawler though!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Liz Lawler, and Bookouture for this ARC!! Publication date is June 2nd 2025.
Nobody Saw Him by Liz Lawler is a slow burning, emotionally charged thriller that looks into the aftermath of a missing child and the complexities of relationships.
When Jo leaves her 5 year old son Sam alone in the changing room at the swimming pool for a minute, she returns to a nightmare. Sam is missing. No one has seen him and Jo is frantic. When the police are called in to investigate, they make a worrisome discovery. The CCTV cameras show Jo on video, but Sam is not anywhere on video, she is by herself. With the police suspecting Jo and her husband Pete of abducting the boy, and grief and guilt wrecking Jo's mental state, can they figure out the truth about what really happened?
This was definitely an interesting premise and I was intrigued at first. I thought that the book started out really strong and exciting, but I felt that it started to become a bit confusing and hard to follow at times. There were a lot of characters to keep track of and some of the plot got muddled a bit. While this wasn't my favorite read, I still would recommend it to fans of thrillers with a more layered emotional experience. I would be interested in checking out another book by Liz Lawler though!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Liz Lawler, and Bookouture for this ARC!! Publication date is June 2nd 2025.
June 3, 2025
Nobody Saw Him by Liz Lawler.
A good read. I liked the writing style and the story. Twisty. Didn't see that twist coming at all. Read in a few days. Likeable characters.
Blurb.
You say your child was taken. The police say you’re lying…
As I sit my beautiful blue-eyed boy Sam down on the bench outside the changing room, I’m certain today is going to be a better day. He can splash about with his pool toys without worrying about making too much noise, and I can take a break from tiptoeing around my husband Pete, who is becoming more distant every day.
But when I return to the bench to collect Sam, my little boy is gone…
I can feel my heart hammering as I search for him, rushing to the staff at the front desk who tell me they haven’t seen him. Nobody spotted Sam waiting patiently for me or saw him wander off through the frosted front doors. Nobody saw me reassuring him on our way in, his tiny hand clutched tightly in mine. Nobody saw him at all.
My blood turns to ice as the police show me the CCTV. I strain to see Sam’s light-brown hair through the grainy footage, sure I’ll see his curls bouncing as we walked in. But in the video, I’m completely alone.
How is this possible? He’s been erased. Gone without a trace.
And then it hits me. Will the police now discover my past?
I will stop at nothing to find Sam. My child won’t pay for what I’ve done…
A good read. I liked the writing style and the story. Twisty. Didn't see that twist coming at all. Read in a few days. Likeable characters.
Blurb.
You say your child was taken. The police say you’re lying…
As I sit my beautiful blue-eyed boy Sam down on the bench outside the changing room, I’m certain today is going to be a better day. He can splash about with his pool toys without worrying about making too much noise, and I can take a break from tiptoeing around my husband Pete, who is becoming more distant every day.
But when I return to the bench to collect Sam, my little boy is gone…
I can feel my heart hammering as I search for him, rushing to the staff at the front desk who tell me they haven’t seen him. Nobody spotted Sam waiting patiently for me or saw him wander off through the frosted front doors. Nobody saw me reassuring him on our way in, his tiny hand clutched tightly in mine. Nobody saw him at all.
My blood turns to ice as the police show me the CCTV. I strain to see Sam’s light-brown hair through the grainy footage, sure I’ll see his curls bouncing as we walked in. But in the video, I’m completely alone.
How is this possible? He’s been erased. Gone without a trace.
And then it hits me. Will the police now discover my past?
I will stop at nothing to find Sam. My child won’t pay for what I’ve done…
June 1, 2025
A chilling, emotionally charged mystery about every parent’s worst nightmare.
Nobody Saw Him is a slow-burn psychological thriller that gripped me from the opening scene. Liz Lawler doesn’t just tell the story of a missing child—she delves deep into the ripple effects of that disappearance, examining the emotional fallout on a family, the suspicions that spread through a community, and the secrets that rise to the surface when trust is shattered.
The story follows Jo, a devoted mother whose five-year-old son vanishes in the space of a single minute. What unfolds is a multi-POV narrative layered with lies, flawed characters, and the weight of past trauma. I especially loved DC Moraine Morgan as the Family Liaison Officer—calm, fair, and quietly compelling.
The middle did slow slightly, but I’m so glad I stuck with it—because the payoff is worth it. The tension builds with every chapter, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, another sharp twist sends you in a new direction.
With its short chapters and emotionally resonant storytelling, this is a haunting and immersive read for fans of character-driven thrillers, dark secrets, and twisty whodunits.
Nobody Saw Him is a slow-burn psychological thriller that gripped me from the opening scene. Liz Lawler doesn’t just tell the story of a missing child—she delves deep into the ripple effects of that disappearance, examining the emotional fallout on a family, the suspicions that spread through a community, and the secrets that rise to the surface when trust is shattered.
The story follows Jo, a devoted mother whose five-year-old son vanishes in the space of a single minute. What unfolds is a multi-POV narrative layered with lies, flawed characters, and the weight of past trauma. I especially loved DC Moraine Morgan as the Family Liaison Officer—calm, fair, and quietly compelling.
The middle did slow slightly, but I’m so glad I stuck with it—because the payoff is worth it. The tension builds with every chapter, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, another sharp twist sends you in a new direction.
With its short chapters and emotionally resonant storytelling, this is a haunting and immersive read for fans of character-driven thrillers, dark secrets, and twisty whodunits.
June 4, 2025
This started so strong—creepy, emotional, and totally had me questioning what was real. A missing kid + CCTV that says he was never there?
The middle got a bit messy with too many characters and plot threads to keep straight, but I was still invested. The writing pulled me in, and the ending actually surprised me. Not perfect, but a solid, twisty read. I’d try more from this author for sure.
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
The middle got a bit messy with too many characters and plot threads to keep straight, but I was still invested. The writing pulled me in, and the ending actually surprised me. Not perfect, but a solid, twisty read. I’d try more from this author for sure.
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
July 31, 2025
Big thanks to Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nobody Saw Him is an ok read.
A great premise and it starts off quite well but then slightly goes in awry direction.
A mother takes her little boy for a swim.
They go to the changing rooms, the mother zips to the toilet.
When she comes back, the little boy is gone.
Everyone searches for him and no one saw him.
The police arrive and begin an investigation.
What happened to the little boy…..
A slow burn mystery with a surprise twist.
It got a bit messy and for the reader confusing.
A little disappointing.
Nobody Saw Him is an ok read.
A great premise and it starts off quite well but then slightly goes in awry direction.
A mother takes her little boy for a swim.
They go to the changing rooms, the mother zips to the toilet.
When she comes back, the little boy is gone.
Everyone searches for him and no one saw him.
The police arrive and begin an investigation.
What happened to the little boy…..
A slow burn mystery with a surprise twist.
It got a bit messy and for the reader confusing.
A little disappointing.
June 7, 2025
Many thanks to netgalley and the author Liz Lawler for accepting my request to read this. It starts with every mother's nightmare. It is a heart stoping psychological thriller filled with twists. one of my favourite characters is DC Moraine Morgan. Family liaison officer. She is full of integrity and empathy.
June 22, 2025
Just amazing! Packed with twists, I read this book in one breathless, edge of my seat sitting! Wow, just wow! A thrilling, wonderful read.
June 2, 2025
Really mysterious book that kept me guessing and changing my mind all the way through! Not your usual missing child story and I thought it was a brilliant read. I felt for Jo but at the same time suspected her all the way through!
April 28, 2025
When you, as a parent, go somewhere alone with your young child, you should have as many arms as an octopus and as many eyes as there are on a die, because before you know it, something can go wrong.
Not for a moment would I allow myself to lose sight of my child. Not that I would keep him on a leash — absolutely not — but there were always clear agreements that he was not allowed to wander too far, and the idea of planting him somewhere and walking away myself would never even cross my mind.
And there Jo makes, in my view and perhaps also in the eyes of many other parents, a crucial mistake. A mistake with far-reaching consequences. Will this turn out well?
The author clearly portrays the contrast between the behavior and feelings of mother Jo and father Pete. She is desperate, feels guilty, and would do anything to find her little son Sam. Pete, on the other hand, has other things on his mind, is economical with the truth, and even seems to enjoy piling even more guilt onto Jo’s shoulders.
For me, the pace of the story was too slow, and at times I didn't find it very believable. However, there were also parts that were absolutely outstanding, and that's why I’m giving it 4 stars.
Thank you.
Not for a moment would I allow myself to lose sight of my child. Not that I would keep him on a leash — absolutely not — but there were always clear agreements that he was not allowed to wander too far, and the idea of planting him somewhere and walking away myself would never even cross my mind.
And there Jo makes, in my view and perhaps also in the eyes of many other parents, a crucial mistake. A mistake with far-reaching consequences. Will this turn out well?
The author clearly portrays the contrast between the behavior and feelings of mother Jo and father Pete. She is desperate, feels guilty, and would do anything to find her little son Sam. Pete, on the other hand, has other things on his mind, is economical with the truth, and even seems to enjoy piling even more guilt onto Jo’s shoulders.
For me, the pace of the story was too slow, and at times I didn't find it very believable. However, there were also parts that were absolutely outstanding, and that's why I’m giving it 4 stars.
Thank you.
May 23, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book early. This book was a great read and I will definitely be recommending it to friends and family to read. I am a seasoned reader of mystery/thriller books and I can normally figure them out quite quickly, however this book keep me in the dark until the end. I did not have a clue how it was going to end. The book moved along at a good pace.
November 20, 2025
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this eARC.
🔍 Liz Lawler’s Nobody Saw Him is a taut psychological thriller that thrives on tension, misdirection, and the unsettling fragility of perception. It’s a novel that grips from the opening scene and steadily tightens its hold, weaving together domestic unease and the darker corners of human psychology.
The story pivots around a disappearance that seems impossible—someone vanishes in plain sight, yet no one claims to have seen anything. This central mystery is both chilling and ingenious, forcing readers to question how much we truly notice in everyday life and how easily truth can be obscured.
Lawler crafts her characters with layers of vulnerability and suspicion. The protagonist is caught between grief, doubt, and determination, while those around her oscillate between allies and potential threats. This ambiguity keeps the reader guessing, as every interaction feels charged with hidden motives.
This novel explores trust, memory, and the unreliability of perception. Lawler probes how trauma distorts reality, how secrets corrode relationships, and how the search for truth can become as dangerous as the crime itself.
The prose is sharp and economical, with short chapters that heighten suspense. Lawler’s pacing ensures that tension builds steadily, while her psychological detail adds depth to the unfolding mystery.
Nobody Saw Him is a meditation on how easily the ordinary can turn sinister. The novel leaves readers unsettled, questioning not only the characters’ reliability but their own assumptions about what is seen and unseen.
Nobody Saw Him is a gripping, page-turning thriller that combines psychological insight with relentless suspense. Liz Lawler delivers a story that is both chilling and thought-provoking, making it a standout for fans of domestic and psychological thrillers.
🔍 Liz Lawler’s Nobody Saw Him is a taut psychological thriller that thrives on tension, misdirection, and the unsettling fragility of perception. It’s a novel that grips from the opening scene and steadily tightens its hold, weaving together domestic unease and the darker corners of human psychology.
The story pivots around a disappearance that seems impossible—someone vanishes in plain sight, yet no one claims to have seen anything. This central mystery is both chilling and ingenious, forcing readers to question how much we truly notice in everyday life and how easily truth can be obscured.
Lawler crafts her characters with layers of vulnerability and suspicion. The protagonist is caught between grief, doubt, and determination, while those around her oscillate between allies and potential threats. This ambiguity keeps the reader guessing, as every interaction feels charged with hidden motives.
This novel explores trust, memory, and the unreliability of perception. Lawler probes how trauma distorts reality, how secrets corrode relationships, and how the search for truth can become as dangerous as the crime itself.
The prose is sharp and economical, with short chapters that heighten suspense. Lawler’s pacing ensures that tension builds steadily, while her psychological detail adds depth to the unfolding mystery.
Nobody Saw Him is a meditation on how easily the ordinary can turn sinister. The novel leaves readers unsettled, questioning not only the characters’ reliability but their own assumptions about what is seen and unseen.
Nobody Saw Him is a gripping, page-turning thriller that combines psychological insight with relentless suspense. Liz Lawler delivers a story that is both chilling and thought-provoking, making it a standout for fans of domestic and psychological thrillers.
December 23, 2025
A fun trip to a public pool turns into a nightmare for Jo when her five-year-old son goes missing from the changing rooms. Distraught over the disappearance, Jo's day only gets worse as CCTV footage reveals no trace of her son ever entering the public pool and she becomes suspect number one. With the police involved but no leads, Jo must convince them to keep looking elsewhere, even as more bizarre things start to point to her.
I absolutely loved the premise of this book. In a world where everyone is on camera dozens of times a day, the idea that a small child could be missed on CCTV was very interesting and from the start you're left to wonder if he ever really was at the pool in the first place. Jo's insistence never waivers no matter how many people (her husband, the police, her landlord/employer) get involved but at the evidence mounts you have to question her story. The web of secrets is so vast that you'll continue wondering who is telling the truth until the very end.
This book is definitely for fans of domestic mysteries and slow burns. While it starts off with a big dramatic disappearance, the pace drops off dramatically after that at and stays consistently measured throughout. That being said, the story and the characters definitely keep you reading and the multitude of twists/secrets makes it a pretty easy book to finish. When you hit the end and the last twist, you'll be glad you stuck around. Highly, highly recommended for readers who appreciate a well plotted mystery!
I absolutely loved the premise of this book. In a world where everyone is on camera dozens of times a day, the idea that a small child could be missed on CCTV was very interesting and from the start you're left to wonder if he ever really was at the pool in the first place. Jo's insistence never waivers no matter how many people (her husband, the police, her landlord/employer) get involved but at the evidence mounts you have to question her story. The web of secrets is so vast that you'll continue wondering who is telling the truth until the very end.
This book is definitely for fans of domestic mysteries and slow burns. While it starts off with a big dramatic disappearance, the pace drops off dramatically after that at and stays consistently measured throughout. That being said, the story and the characters definitely keep you reading and the multitude of twists/secrets makes it a pretty easy book to finish. When you hit the end and the last twist, you'll be glad you stuck around. Highly, highly recommended for readers who appreciate a well plotted mystery!
May 12, 2025
I have been a fan of Liz Lawler for some time, on the basis of some fantastically gripping previous novels. Im delighted that this novel lived up to my hopes, delivering a very twisty tale of secrets and deceptions.
The story is every parents worst nightmare - the abduction of their child. For mum, Jo, whose son, Sam, disappears from a changing room at the swimming pool, events get even worse when police find no evidence to corroborate her insistence that Sam was even with her on the day in question. With an unhappy marriage, Jo receives little support from her husband as the search for Sam progresses, but her neighbours (who employ Jo as their childminder) become very involved, preoccupied and troubled by Jo's situation.
As the novel progresses we learn that many of the central characters have secrets and the unveiling of these plays out in quite spectacular fashion!
This a great read with an ending I did not see coming!
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
The story is every parents worst nightmare - the abduction of their child. For mum, Jo, whose son, Sam, disappears from a changing room at the swimming pool, events get even worse when police find no evidence to corroborate her insistence that Sam was even with her on the day in question. With an unhappy marriage, Jo receives little support from her husband as the search for Sam progresses, but her neighbours (who employ Jo as their childminder) become very involved, preoccupied and troubled by Jo's situation.
As the novel progresses we learn that many of the central characters have secrets and the unveiling of these plays out in quite spectacular fashion!
This a great read with an ending I did not see coming!
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
May 12, 2025
★★★★☆
This was a tense, twisty read that kept me turning the pages late into the night. Liz Lawler taps into every parent’s worst fear with a chilling premise: a child disappears in a public place, and somehow no one remembers seeing him at all. From the very first chapter, I was hooked.
Jo’s character really stood out. Her fear, confusion, and isolation were written in a way that felt incredibly real. The story builds steadily, layering in doubt, mistrust, and buried secrets that kept me guessing. I appreciated how nearly every character felt suspicious at some point, which added to the tension.
There was a slight dip in pacing during the middle, but the ending made up for it. I didn’t see the final twist coming, and I love when a thriller can still surprise me like that.
If you enjoy psychological suspense with emotional weight and an unpredictable edge, this is definitely one to add to your list.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Liz Lawler for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
This was a tense, twisty read that kept me turning the pages late into the night. Liz Lawler taps into every parent’s worst fear with a chilling premise: a child disappears in a public place, and somehow no one remembers seeing him at all. From the very first chapter, I was hooked.
Jo’s character really stood out. Her fear, confusion, and isolation were written in a way that felt incredibly real. The story builds steadily, layering in doubt, mistrust, and buried secrets that kept me guessing. I appreciated how nearly every character felt suspicious at some point, which added to the tension.
There was a slight dip in pacing during the middle, but the ending made up for it. I didn’t see the final twist coming, and I love when a thriller can still surprise me like that.
If you enjoy psychological suspense with emotional weight and an unpredictable edge, this is definitely one to add to your list.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Liz Lawler for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
May 24, 2025
Nobody Saw Him is a well-written psychological thriller that offers an engaging, if somewhat slow-burning, mystery. The story takes its time to unfold, with a pacing that may feel sluggish to some readers in the early chapters. However, Liz Lawler effectively builds suspense through a steady layering of clues and character development, which keeps you turning the pages.
The central twist, while not a jaw-dropping surprise, is cleverly executed and adds depth to the story. It ties together the narrative threads in a way that feels satisfying, even if not entirely shocking. What stands out most is Lawler’s ability to create a tense atmosphere and believable characters, drawing readers into the emotional stakes of the story.
Overall, Nobody Saw Him is a good read that will appeal to fans of slow-burn thrillers and psychological suspense. It may not leave you stunned, but it’s compelling enough to keep you engaged from beginning to end.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
Rating: 3.5/5
The central twist, while not a jaw-dropping surprise, is cleverly executed and adds depth to the story. It ties together the narrative threads in a way that feels satisfying, even if not entirely shocking. What stands out most is Lawler’s ability to create a tense atmosphere and believable characters, drawing readers into the emotional stakes of the story.
Overall, Nobody Saw Him is a good read that will appeal to fans of slow-burn thrillers and psychological suspense. It may not leave you stunned, but it’s compelling enough to keep you engaged from beginning to end.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
Rating: 3.5/5
May 26, 2025
As I sit my beautiful blue-eyed Sam down on the bench outside the changing room, i'm certain today is going to be a better day. He can splash about with his pool toys without worrying about making too much noise, and I can take a break from tiptoeing around my husband Pete, who is becoming more distant every day. But when I return to the branch to collect Sam, my little boy is gone.
I could never, ever have left my child somewhere public then walked away and left them, even for a few seconds. But then there would be no story if she hadn't left Sam. This is every parents worst nightmare - the abduction of a child. The police find no evidence that Sam was with her at the swimming pool. Jo and her husband Pete are in a loveless marriage, so she gets no support from him.
This is a gripping, dark and tense read. It's also kind of creepy. The first half, the pace is a bit slow, but in the second half, the pace picks up. The characters are well-developed. I like how the book ended.
Published 2nd June 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #LizLawyer for my ARC of #NobodySawHim in exchange for an honest review.
I could never, ever have left my child somewhere public then walked away and left them, even for a few seconds. But then there would be no story if she hadn't left Sam. This is every parents worst nightmare - the abduction of a child. The police find no evidence that Sam was with her at the swimming pool. Jo and her husband Pete are in a loveless marriage, so she gets no support from him.
This is a gripping, dark and tense read. It's also kind of creepy. The first half, the pace is a bit slow, but in the second half, the pace picks up. The characters are well-developed. I like how the book ended.
Published 2nd June 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #LizLawyer for my ARC of #NobodySawHim in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2025
In Nobody Saw Him, Liz Lawler delivers a masterclass in suspense, crafting a haunting and emotionally charged thriller centered around every parent’s worst nightmare—the disappearance of a child. From the very first page, Lawler pulls readers into a gripping and relentless narrative, where each moment is saturated with tension, fear, and desperation.
What sets this novel apart is its emotional intensity. The pain and urgency of the search are palpable, as is the growing unease as the mystery deepens. Lawler doesn’t just focus on the act of disappearance but explores the ripple effects—on the family, the investigators, and the community—as suspicion, secrets, and truths begin to unravel.
With its tight pacing and emotionally resonant storytelling, Nobody Saw Him is a suspenseful and immersive read that keeps readers guessing—and feeling—until the final revelation. A chilling and compelling exploration of loss, trust, and the dark corners of human behavior, it’s a standout in the genre.
What sets this novel apart is its emotional intensity. The pain and urgency of the search are palpable, as is the growing unease as the mystery deepens. Lawler doesn’t just focus on the act of disappearance but explores the ripple effects—on the family, the investigators, and the community—as suspicion, secrets, and truths begin to unravel.
With its tight pacing and emotionally resonant storytelling, Nobody Saw Him is a suspenseful and immersive read that keeps readers guessing—and feeling—until the final revelation. A chilling and compelling exploration of loss, trust, and the dark corners of human behavior, it’s a standout in the genre.
September 12, 2025
This is the first book I've read by Liz Lawler, and I did enjoy it. The beginning of the book drew me in quickly (it was terrifying), and I was hooked. Jo's 5-year-old son, Sam, vanishes at a local pool while her husband Pete is out of town. No one at the local pool saw Sam with her, and he was not found on any CCTV footage. Jo begins to think she's going crazy. Upon his return, Pete is withdrawn and unsupportive of Jo, and there is an undercurrent of pre-existing marital strife between them. James and Claire, who employ Jo, have been supportive of Jo and Pete, but there is definitely an undercurrent of mystery and foreboding regarding their pasts.
This author's writing style is effortless to read. The short chapters keep things moving. The characters are interesting. Some of my favorite characters were DC Moraine Morgan and DC Kennedy. I liked seeing the more empathetic side of law enforcement. If you enjoy engaging, suspenseful, well-written thrillers, you will love this book! Thank you to Bookouture for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This author's writing style is effortless to read. The short chapters keep things moving. The characters are interesting. Some of my favorite characters were DC Moraine Morgan and DC Kennedy. I liked seeing the more empathetic side of law enforcement. If you enjoy engaging, suspenseful, well-written thrillers, you will love this book! Thank you to Bookouture for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
June 3, 2025
Jo, a devoted mother, leaves her 5 year old son Sam alone in the changing room at the swimming pool for 2 minutes, she returns to find the changing room door shut and a woman hands her out her bag but there is no sign of Sam. Jo is frantic, no one has seen him, he has just vanished the police are called. Joe is hysterical with worry!
As the story unfolds, Jo and her husband are suspects, her husband is quickly cleared as he has a strong alibi, Jo finds herself under intense police scrutiny as no one seen Sam with her the morning he disappeared. Jo finds herself doubting her sanity especially when the green top she was sure Sam was wearing that morning is found in their home.
As the story unfolds we learn that Jo’s neighbours who employ her as a child minder, are harbouring dark secrets, they begin to unfold layer by layer, years of untruths, secrets and lies.
Really good characters I especially liked the family liaison officer DC Moraine and her colleague Kennedy.
This was a slow burn read, but cleverly written, I thought I had it figured out but great twists to the story concludes.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
As the story unfolds, Jo and her husband are suspects, her husband is quickly cleared as he has a strong alibi, Jo finds herself under intense police scrutiny as no one seen Sam with her the morning he disappeared. Jo finds herself doubting her sanity especially when the green top she was sure Sam was wearing that morning is found in their home.
As the story unfolds we learn that Jo’s neighbours who employ her as a child minder, are harbouring dark secrets, they begin to unfold layer by layer, years of untruths, secrets and lies.
Really good characters I especially liked the family liaison officer DC Moraine and her colleague Kennedy.
This was a slow burn read, but cleverly written, I thought I had it figured out but great twists to the story concludes.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
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