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Strangers Behind Closed Doors: A Twisty Suspense Novel about a Woman who Vanishes from a Luxury Hotel
"A thought-provoking thriller filled with jaw-dropping twists that kept me racing through the pages." —Gigi Pandian, USA Today bestselling author of the Secret Staircase Mysteries
A twisty thriller about a woman who vanishes from a luxury hotel, and the detective who believes the case is tied to the unsolved disappearances of other Black women in the city.
Giovanni Mason worked hard to become the first Black head concierge at Chicago’s exclusive and glamorous Ivory Hotel. It’s a job that requires patience, perfection, and, above all, self-control. But when Giovanni reunites with her former best friend, makeup influencer Natalie Moore, things get heated as a mending of fences morphs into a public argument in the hotel restaurant, and Giovanni loses her cool. Hours later, Natalie is missing. Evidence piles against Giovanni—a ransacked, blood-spattered hotel room, fresh bruises on her body, and a troubling gap in her memory from the last twelve hours.
Detective Redding Stark is the only one unconvinced of Giovanni’s guilt. She sees disturbing parallels to a series of disappearances targeting Black women and believes Natalie’s case is part of something bigger. Together, she and Giovanni are pulled into a dangerous web of privilege, power, and betrayal inside—and far beyond—the walls of the Ivory Hotel.
Will Giovanni and Detective Stark find Natalie or join the missing?
A twisty thriller about a woman who vanishes from a luxury hotel, and the detective who believes the case is tied to the unsolved disappearances of other Black women in the city.
Giovanni Mason worked hard to become the first Black head concierge at Chicago’s exclusive and glamorous Ivory Hotel. It’s a job that requires patience, perfection, and, above all, self-control. But when Giovanni reunites with her former best friend, makeup influencer Natalie Moore, things get heated as a mending of fences morphs into a public argument in the hotel restaurant, and Giovanni loses her cool. Hours later, Natalie is missing. Evidence piles against Giovanni—a ransacked, blood-spattered hotel room, fresh bruises on her body, and a troubling gap in her memory from the last twelve hours.
Detective Redding Stark is the only one unconvinced of Giovanni’s guilt. She sees disturbing parallels to a series of disappearances targeting Black women and believes Natalie’s case is part of something bigger. Together, she and Giovanni are pulled into a dangerous web of privilege, power, and betrayal inside—and far beyond—the walls of the Ivory Hotel.
Will Giovanni and Detective Stark find Natalie or join the missing?
384 pages, Paperback
Published June 9, 2026
About the author
Catherine Adel West
3 books453 followersThe only thing Catherine Adel West loves more than her family and banana pudding is writing books. When she can’t find a particular story, she writes one. Her bestselling novels include SAVING RUBY KING and THE TWO LIVES OF SARA. Catherine’s short story ORION'S STAR was also featured in the body-positive anthology EVERY BODY SHINES. Her third novel, and debut thriller, STRANGERS BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, is slated for release on June 9, 2026.
Chicago born and raised, Catherine’s passion is creating stories with strong, flawed and resilient Black women at the center. She graduated with both her Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in Journalism from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Her books have been recognized as anticipated reads by Ms. Magazine, USA Today, Book Riot, The Root, The Rumpus, Library Journal, PureWow, The Every Girl, Parade and more.
When Catherine isn’t writing or reading, she’s watching Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the John Wick franchise, or Sinners for the umpteenth time.
Chicago born and raised, Catherine’s passion is creating stories with strong, flawed and resilient Black women at the center. She graduated with both her Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in Journalism from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Her books have been recognized as anticipated reads by Ms. Magazine, USA Today, Book Riot, The Root, The Rumpus, Library Journal, PureWow, The Every Girl, Parade and more.
When Catherine isn’t writing or reading, she’s watching Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the John Wick franchise, or Sinners for the umpteenth time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
July 13, 2026
There were a lot of things about this book that I was really loving. The dual perspectives, social commentary, twists after twists BUT there was so much going on that I'll be honest, I got lost a few times. I can still appreciate how thought provoking this story was and sometimes that's exactly what we need. I will easily add this author to my tbr again in the future.
May 24, 2026
This thriller set in Chicago connects a hotel worker, her missing influencer friend, and a detective. I really appreciated how the story shines a light on missing Black women and the frustrating lack of resources their cases receive compared to others. The character development was also well done and listening to the audiobook definitely enhanced the experience. While the social commentary and character work are great, the overall pacing felt a bit off at times, and things got a little muddled in the middle.
Thank you to HTP and Harlequin Audio for the ARC and ALC!
Thank you to HTP and Harlequin Audio for the ARC and ALC!
July 8, 2026
I LOVED the author's previous works, so I was so excited to read this one! A mystery full of twists and turns, social commentary, and told in dual POVs - I really enjoyed the beginning, and then it just... lost me. This book has a LOT going on; I found myself checking out of the story and not really connecting with the characters.
The writing was excellent, and it ends on a cliffhanger so there will be a sequel. On the fence whether I'll continue.
Thanks to HTP Audio, HTP Hive, and NetGalley for the ALC!
The writing was excellent, and it ends on a cliffhanger so there will be a sequel. On the fence whether I'll continue.
Thanks to HTP Audio, HTP Hive, and NetGalley for the ALC!
July 21, 2026
I enjoyed this! I loved the pacing and had a hard time putting this down. It's a very immersive story and the ending has me excited to read the next book from this author. I would recommend this!Special Thank You to Catherine Adel West, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the advanced copy!
This was my first time reading anything by this author and honestly? I loved it. The short chapters made this such an easy page-turner, and the dual POV between Gio and Redding kept me hooked the whole way through. This book reads like a straight-up thriller — I was invested from the very beginning and could not put it down until the very end.
What really got me though was how the author managed to weave in bigger, more important topics without it feeling forced. The story touches on Black women going missing and not receiving media coverage — or only getting attention when it’s already too late. It’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough, and it felt really intentional and thoughtful the way it was handled here.
If this is my introduction to this author, I am absolutely looking forward to more. A thriller with real substance — highly recommend!
This was my first time reading anything by this author and honestly? I loved it. The short chapters made this such an easy page-turner, and the dual POV between Gio and Redding kept me hooked the whole way through. This book reads like a straight-up thriller — I was invested from the very beginning and could not put it down until the very end.
What really got me though was how the author managed to weave in bigger, more important topics without it feeling forced. The story touches on Black women going missing and not receiving media coverage — or only getting attention when it’s already too late. It’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough, and it felt really intentional and thoughtful the way it was handled here.
If this is my introduction to this author, I am absolutely looking forward to more. A thriller with real substance — highly recommend!
June 12, 2026
3.75 🌟
Strangers Behind Closed Doors is a gripping thriller that blends suspense, social commentary, and unforgettable characters into a story that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Giovanni (Gio), the first Black head concierge at Chicago's prestigious Ivory Hotel, finds herself caught in a nightmare when her former best friend a famous beauty influencer disappears after a very public confrontation. As suspicion falls on Gio, Detective Redding "Red" Stark begins investigating and uncovers connections to a troubling pattern involving other missing Black women.
What stood out most was the way Catherine Adel West balanced a twist-filled mystery with important conversations about race, privilege, class, and systemic failures. The dual perspectives from Gio and Red added depth and emotional resonance, making both women compelling protagonists whose journeys I was deeply invested in.
The contrast between the glamour of the luxury hotel and the corruption hidden beneath the surface created a rich, atmospheric setting that felt both captivating and unsettling. Every time I thought I had figured things out, the story delivered another surprise. The final revelations were genuinely shocking.
This was my first book by Catherine Adel West, but it certainly won't be my last. If you enjoy thrillers that combine suspense, social relevance, and strong character development, I highly recommend adding this one to your TBR.
Thank you to HTP Books Audio, HTP Hive for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook.
Strangers Behind Closed Doors is a gripping thriller that blends suspense, social commentary, and unforgettable characters into a story that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Giovanni (Gio), the first Black head concierge at Chicago's prestigious Ivory Hotel, finds herself caught in a nightmare when her former best friend a famous beauty influencer disappears after a very public confrontation. As suspicion falls on Gio, Detective Redding "Red" Stark begins investigating and uncovers connections to a troubling pattern involving other missing Black women.
What stood out most was the way Catherine Adel West balanced a twist-filled mystery with important conversations about race, privilege, class, and systemic failures. The dual perspectives from Gio and Red added depth and emotional resonance, making both women compelling protagonists whose journeys I was deeply invested in.
The contrast between the glamour of the luxury hotel and the corruption hidden beneath the surface created a rich, atmospheric setting that felt both captivating and unsettling. Every time I thought I had figured things out, the story delivered another surprise. The final revelations were genuinely shocking.
This was my first book by Catherine Adel West, but it certainly won't be my last. If you enjoy thrillers that combine suspense, social relevance, and strong character development, I highly recommend adding this one to your TBR.
Thank you to HTP Books Audio, HTP Hive for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook.
June 22, 2026
A twisty thriller set in Chicago that sees three different Black women caught up in a case involving 6 other missing and possibly murdered Black women. The story alternates POVs between a Detective Redding Stark and Giovanni Mason, the chief conceriege of an elite hotel. When Gio's estranged influencer friend goes missing and she can't remember what happened the night before, Gio becomes a prime suspect. This was a twisty thriller that had me caring about the characters involved and kept me guessing right to the jaw-dropping twist ending. Good on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Rachell Howzell Hall. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 17, 2026
A fun thriller with twists and turns, I love the Chicago aspects added to the book.
July 24, 2026
I was unfamiliar with the author of this book, but I’m glad I read it. The characters were interesting and the storyline kept me interested.
August 9, 2026
Missing Black girls and women is a real life thriller and I’m so impressed with how the author chose to execute this topic in novel form. This is a great thriller with some real life topics.
Read
June 28, 2026The pace does not let up and the twists do not stop coming in this book, which is exactly what you want in a detective thriller. Also, these women will fight dirty, so do not mess them around.
I’ve not seen enough reviews reference the funny moments of this book — especially when Gio is having an internal monologue, West slips in some sly asides.
With an ending like that, we’re already ready for the sequel.
I’ve not seen enough reviews reference the funny moments of this book — especially when Gio is having an internal monologue, West slips in some sly asides.
With an ending like that, we’re already ready for the sequel.
April 12, 2026
2.5 rounded up. This book is ambitious, perhaps overly so, as it takes a lot on and got a bit muddled for me. I was invested early on but about halfway through I found myself caring less what was happening. The selective amnesia bit really lost me and given how long this was, not sure if the ending twist to set up a sequel is really necessary. This was a case where wrapping things up a bit more succinctly would’ve been useful. Not sure I’d tune in for a second.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2026
Strangers Behind Closed Doors by Catherine Adel West is one of those books where I found myself much more interested in what the story was trying to say than in the actual thriller unfolding on the page. The premise is compelling: Black women are disappearing in Chicago, their cases barely registering with the public, and Detective Redding “Red” Stark is determined to find out what happened to them. When Natalie Moore, a popular beauty influencer, disappears from the luxurious Ivory Hotel after a very public confrontation with her former best friend Giovanni “Gio” Mason, Red suspects that Natalie may be connected to the other missing women.
Gio is the first Black head concierge at the Ivory, a position that has taken years of hard work and self-control to achieve. Her carefully constructed professional life begins to unravel when Natalie reappears in her life. The two women have a complicated history, and their reunion ends with an argument, a slap, and, eventually, Natalie’s disappearance. Gio has bruises, a bloodstained hotel room is discovered, and, most importantly, she has a gap in her memory. Naturally, she becomes the obvious suspect.
Red, meanwhile, is investigating the disappearance of several Black women and refuses to accept that Natalie’s case is simply another isolated incident. Her persistence eventually brings her and Gio together as they begin uncovering connections between the missing women, the Ivory Hotel, its wealthy clientele, and the corruption lurking beneath the hotel’s polished surface. The story alternates between Gio and Red, allowing us to see both sides of the investigation and gradually understand the complicated histories that have shaped them.
The strongest part of the book for me is its discussion of who gets to matter when they disappear.
There is a very real disparity in how missing people are covered by the media, and research has documented racial and gender differences in both whether a missing person receives coverage and how intensely that case is covered. Indigenous women face their own devastating crisis of underreporting, fragmented investigations, jurisdictional problems, and inadequate resources, serious enough that the Departments of Interior and Justice have issued specific best practices for improving coverage of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons cases.
I kept thinking about Gabby Petito while reading this. Her disappearance in 2021 became a national obsession, with an extraordinary amount of media attention and public involvement. That attention ultimately helped generate tips and search efforts that also led to the discovery of other missing people. At least five additional missing people were found amid the intense focus on Petito and Brian Laundrie. And that is simultaneously wonderful and deeply uncomfortable. Those people deserved to be found regardless of whether another case had captured the country's imagination.
That is really what Strangers Behind Closed Doors kept bringing me back to: how many women disappear without becoming a headline? How many families are left searching without the benefit of national attention, viral social media posts, armies of amateur detectives, or enormous investigative resources? West makes that disparity part of the architecture of the story rather than simply using it as background.
As for the thriller itself, I would describe this as a cozy or sleepy thriller. The characters are interesting, particularly Gio and Red, and I liked watching their relationship develop as they were forced to trust one another. The Ivory Hotel is also an effective setting because everything about it is polished and glamorous while there is something rotten underneath.
But personally, I prefer my thrillers considerably darker. I wanted more menace, more dread, and more of that feeling that something truly horrible was waiting around the corner. There are twists and secrets, but the overall atmosphere never became quite as sinister as I wanted it to.
I did enjoy the characters and I appreciated what West was trying to explore. The social commentary is easily the strongest element of the book, and the questions it raises about race, privilege, policing, media attention, and whose disappearance is considered worthy of public outrage are important ones.
For me, though, the thriller itself never quite matched the darkness of its subject matter. Strangers Behind Closed Doors has plenty to say, and I think that conversation is ultimately more memorable than the mystery.
Gio is the first Black head concierge at the Ivory, a position that has taken years of hard work and self-control to achieve. Her carefully constructed professional life begins to unravel when Natalie reappears in her life. The two women have a complicated history, and their reunion ends with an argument, a slap, and, eventually, Natalie’s disappearance. Gio has bruises, a bloodstained hotel room is discovered, and, most importantly, she has a gap in her memory. Naturally, she becomes the obvious suspect.
Red, meanwhile, is investigating the disappearance of several Black women and refuses to accept that Natalie’s case is simply another isolated incident. Her persistence eventually brings her and Gio together as they begin uncovering connections between the missing women, the Ivory Hotel, its wealthy clientele, and the corruption lurking beneath the hotel’s polished surface. The story alternates between Gio and Red, allowing us to see both sides of the investigation and gradually understand the complicated histories that have shaped them.
The strongest part of the book for me is its discussion of who gets to matter when they disappear.
There is a very real disparity in how missing people are covered by the media, and research has documented racial and gender differences in both whether a missing person receives coverage and how intensely that case is covered. Indigenous women face their own devastating crisis of underreporting, fragmented investigations, jurisdictional problems, and inadequate resources, serious enough that the Departments of Interior and Justice have issued specific best practices for improving coverage of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons cases.
I kept thinking about Gabby Petito while reading this. Her disappearance in 2021 became a national obsession, with an extraordinary amount of media attention and public involvement. That attention ultimately helped generate tips and search efforts that also led to the discovery of other missing people. At least five additional missing people were found amid the intense focus on Petito and Brian Laundrie. And that is simultaneously wonderful and deeply uncomfortable. Those people deserved to be found regardless of whether another case had captured the country's imagination.
That is really what Strangers Behind Closed Doors kept bringing me back to: how many women disappear without becoming a headline? How many families are left searching without the benefit of national attention, viral social media posts, armies of amateur detectives, or enormous investigative resources? West makes that disparity part of the architecture of the story rather than simply using it as background.
As for the thriller itself, I would describe this as a cozy or sleepy thriller. The characters are interesting, particularly Gio and Red, and I liked watching their relationship develop as they were forced to trust one another. The Ivory Hotel is also an effective setting because everything about it is polished and glamorous while there is something rotten underneath.
But personally, I prefer my thrillers considerably darker. I wanted more menace, more dread, and more of that feeling that something truly horrible was waiting around the corner. There are twists and secrets, but the overall atmosphere never became quite as sinister as I wanted it to.
I did enjoy the characters and I appreciated what West was trying to explore. The social commentary is easily the strongest element of the book, and the questions it raises about race, privilege, policing, media attention, and whose disappearance is considered worthy of public outrage are important ones.
For me, though, the thriller itself never quite matched the darkness of its subject matter. Strangers Behind Closed Doors has plenty to say, and I think that conversation is ultimately more memorable than the mystery.
July 13, 2026
I neglected all of my adult duties and devoured this book in 24 hours it was soooo good. If you are a fan of action packed thrillers with complex characters that has profound social commentary then this is your book. Think a less gruesome S.A Cosby read.
This book follows Redding, a detective and Giovanni, a person of interest in her estranged friend's missing person case. The two decide to set aside their differences to get down to the bottom of a missing person's case. There was a lot of build up in this book that had this book siting at three, but once the book takes off it gave me whiplash. The twists and the turns keep coming and had my jaw on the ground for most of the final act.
I enjoyed both of the main characters. Especially Redding, she was so tenacious and a true public servant. She was also really flawed yet very self aware. I found myself relating to her with struggles of balancing being a mother and spouse with a career. I enjoyed Giovanni's character. I got a kick how she was able to code switch so effortlessly. How she was so very stubborn and nonsensical for the most point. I also enjoyed some of the dry humor throughout this book.
The thing I enjoyed the most about this book is that it put women-- specifically Black women at the center of the story. First we have the story of these women who went missing and their stories were hardly newsworthy. This book provides commentary on how Black women are often time just a fly by the night hashtag that are forgotten once the next Hollywood scandal happens. How little resources are put into taking our disappearances seriously. It also has two Black women who solve the mystery. Two women who kick butt and take names. The action scenes in this book were everything. As someone who is NOT an action girlie, I enjoyed them. At the end I had no clue who the assailant was. Lastly, as a Midwesterner I loved that this book takes places in Chicago.
This is a good thriller, perfect for a beach day if you want a quick page turner.
This book follows Redding, a detective and Giovanni, a person of interest in her estranged friend's missing person case. The two decide to set aside their differences to get down to the bottom of a missing person's case. There was a lot of build up in this book that had this book siting at three, but once the book takes off it gave me whiplash. The twists and the turns keep coming and had my jaw on the ground for most of the final act.
I enjoyed both of the main characters. Especially Redding, she was so tenacious and a true public servant. She was also really flawed yet very self aware. I found myself relating to her with struggles of balancing being a mother and spouse with a career. I enjoyed Giovanni's character. I got a kick how she was able to code switch so effortlessly. How she was so very stubborn and nonsensical for the most point. I also enjoyed some of the dry humor throughout this book.
The thing I enjoyed the most about this book is that it put women-- specifically Black women at the center of the story. First we have the story of these women who went missing and their stories were hardly newsworthy. This book provides commentary on how Black women are often time just a fly by the night hashtag that are forgotten once the next Hollywood scandal happens. How little resources are put into taking our disappearances seriously. It also has two Black women who solve the mystery. Two women who kick butt and take names. The action scenes in this book were everything. As someone who is NOT an action girlie, I enjoyed them. At the end I had no clue who the assailant was. Lastly, as a Midwesterner I loved that this book takes places in Chicago.
This is a good thriller, perfect for a beach day if you want a quick page turner.
June 3, 2026
A domestic cop thriller with sensational suspense and tension built up to make you look forward to whatever is happening next. The author Catherine Adel West vividly paints the picture of suspense and scenery as the city of Chicago is the backdrop to the story but gives an edge to the story. One major supporting character, Natalie would be voted most likely to get run over by an airplane intentionally as she was unbearable but necessary for the plot.
I love the cast of narrators , Deanna Anthony; Emana Rachelle; and Machelle Williams. You knocked it out of the park with your voices. There is confusion with flashbacks and slows the story down. Overall a fun ride.
Thank you #harlequinaudio and #netgalley for ALC in exchange for honest review.
Rating: 3.5 stars
I love the cast of narrators , Deanna Anthony; Emana Rachelle; and Machelle Williams. You knocked it out of the park with your voices. There is confusion with flashbacks and slows the story down. Overall a fun ride.
Thank you #harlequinaudio and #netgalley for ALC in exchange for honest review.
Rating: 3.5 stars
June 7, 2026
3.5 ⭐️s rounded to 4 ⭐️s
I’m always down for a book set in Chicago!! 🙌
This one was a pretty decent read! I thought the focus on missing Black women whose cases are often not given the attention they deserve and the development of the characters were both really well done. I did get a little confused at times trying to follow what was going on. Loved all the Chicago references and being familiar with the streets/locations mentioned in the book! Narration was good too! I recommend checking this one out for yourself! 👏
Thank you partner The Hive, Park Row Books, and Harlequin Audio for the gifted eARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
I’m always down for a book set in Chicago!! 🙌
This one was a pretty decent read! I thought the focus on missing Black women whose cases are often not given the attention they deserve and the development of the characters were both really well done. I did get a little confused at times trying to follow what was going on. Loved all the Chicago references and being familiar with the streets/locations mentioned in the book! Narration was good too! I recommend checking this one out for yourself! 👏
Thank you partner The Hive, Park Row Books, and Harlequin Audio for the gifted eARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
May 28, 2026
3.5⭐️ rounded up…Thank you to HarperCollins and The Hive for the ARC. I read this in about two days and flew through it, especially the audiobook version. The narration was fantastic and really carried the story for me. I did struggle with confusion around timelines and perspectives throughout, and I wasn’t always sure what was happening or if that was intentional. Some of the twists caught me off guard, but I wasn’t fully emotionally invested in the story or characters, so they didn’t completely land. I’m intrigued enough by the ending to consider continuing the series.
June 9, 2026
Twisty, thrilling, and relevant!! This story shines a light on the lack of attention given to missing Black women and calls out the disparities in media coverage and police response.
A Black officer and a Black hotel concierge (person of interest) follow clues behind multiple disappearances (a teacher, mom, influencers, nurse). crimes are connected to the hotel’s oppressed staff (easily bribed) and the guests (corrupt and powerful). A fast-paced, thought-provoking read.
A Black officer and a Black hotel concierge (person of interest) follow clues behind multiple disappearances (a teacher, mom, influencers, nurse). crimes are connected to the hotel’s oppressed staff (easily bribed) and the guests (corrupt and powerful). A fast-paced, thought-provoking read.
October 30, 2026
I appreciated the author highlighting the case of missing Black women and how easily these cases get ignored, however there were a lot of moving pieces, characters, and timelines... I got little lost.
August 21, 2026
3.5/5
October 17, 2026
I did see this through bc I wanted to know how it ended but I did have some petty issues with the variety of different color words she used like girl ur killing me. Also I didn’t like the villain twist at the end
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A haunting, intelligent thriller that masterfully explores class, race, resilience, and systemic injustice in Chicago while delivering chilling suspense, shocking twists, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. My heart raced at times while the police investigated. Overall a decent listen and read.
Released 06/09/2026.
Thank you Netgalley, and Harlequin Audio, and Harlequin Trade Publishing
Released 06/09/2026.
Thank you Netgalley, and Harlequin Audio, and Harlequin Trade Publishing
June 16, 2026
Strangers Behind Closed Doors
by Catherine Adel West presents a captivating narrative through dual perspectives, introducing readers to Giovanni (“Gio”) and Detective Redding “Red” Stark. Gio, a proud chief concierge at a renowned Chicago hotel, struggles with the how strongly she is impacted by her former best friend’s sudden disappearance. As the reader immerses themselves in Gio and Red’s journey, the audiobook seamlessly transitions between three narrators, creating a compelling and engaging listening experience.
Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s prestigious Ivory Coast neighborhood, this novel is driven by strong Black women who defy many of the stereotypes so often portrayed in fiction. I was particularly drawn to Red, whose frustration stems from the reality that the disappearances and deaths of Black women are too often treated as unimportant. When a beauty influencer goes missing, Red’s investigation soon leads her to Gio. Given the bad blood between Gio and her former friend, she quickly becomes a likely suspect. However, as the investigation unfolds, new revelations begin to shift the direction of Red’s case.
As the story unfolds, significant questions arise. Is there a discernible pattern behind the disappearances of Black women in Chicago? Can Red confront a disparity that is all too apparent? Moreover, what about Black women in their daily lives - are we truly acknowledged, or are we often overlooked? These are questions that will likely linger in the minds of many women of color as they delve into this captivating novel. While this story shares similarities with a crime thriller in its pursuit of missing women, it also delves into Red’s almost obsessive dedication to her job and the profound impact it has on her family life.
West is an exceptional storyteller. Her debut novel - Saving Ruby King - challenged me to think differently about race and identity. As one of millions of Black women with a mixed-race heritage, I understand how easily people make assumptions based solely on appearance. Sadly, even in today’s world when some see black or brown skin, judgments are often made before a word is spoken. Although my mother raised us not to see color, that did not lessen the impact of the judgments I have experienced throughout my life. That is where West’s greatest strength lies. She tells stories that entertain while also encouraging readers to confront uncomfortable truths and examine perspectives they may not have previously considered.
Many thanks to Harlequin Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s prestigious Ivory Coast neighborhood, this novel is driven by strong Black women who defy many of the stereotypes so often portrayed in fiction. I was particularly drawn to Red, whose frustration stems from the reality that the disappearances and deaths of Black women are too often treated as unimportant. When a beauty influencer goes missing, Red’s investigation soon leads her to Gio. Given the bad blood between Gio and her former friend, she quickly becomes a likely suspect. However, as the investigation unfolds, new revelations begin to shift the direction of Red’s case.
As the story unfolds, significant questions arise. Is there a discernible pattern behind the disappearances of Black women in Chicago? Can Red confront a disparity that is all too apparent? Moreover, what about Black women in their daily lives - are we truly acknowledged, or are we often overlooked? These are questions that will likely linger in the minds of many women of color as they delve into this captivating novel. While this story shares similarities with a crime thriller in its pursuit of missing women, it also delves into Red’s almost obsessive dedication to her job and the profound impact it has on her family life.
West is an exceptional storyteller. Her debut novel - Saving Ruby King - challenged me to think differently about race and identity. As one of millions of Black women with a mixed-race heritage, I understand how easily people make assumptions based solely on appearance. Sadly, even in today’s world when some see black or brown skin, judgments are often made before a word is spoken. Although my mother raised us not to see color, that did not lessen the impact of the judgments I have experienced throughout my life. That is where West’s greatest strength lies. She tells stories that entertain while also encouraging readers to confront uncomfortable truths and examine perspectives they may not have previously considered.
Many thanks to Harlequin Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley.
I enjoyed Strangers Behind Closed Doors. It was one of those mysteries that pulled me in pretty quickly, and before I knew it, I was halfway through and realized I had completely skipped my usual check-ins. So that’s always a good sign.
The story follows Giovanni, the chief concierge at a luxury hotel, and a detective who is investigating the disappearances of missing Black women. I really liked the dual POVs here because we’re following two Black women trying to solve the same crime from different angles. Giovanni is trying to make sure she doesn’t become the scapegoat for another woman’s disappearance, while the detective is trying to prove that she can still trust her own judgment after a past case went wrong.
For me, the plot worked. On the surface, this could easily sound like another “missing Black women” mystery, but as I kept reading, it became more layered. I did guess some things before they were revealed, but not so early that it ruined the experience. It still kept me reading, and there were definitely moments where I said “one more chapter” and then absolutely did not stop at one more chapter.
I liked Giovanni a lot. She has this determined, “I’m not about to be blamed for this mess” energy that I appreciated. I also liked watching both main characters grow as the story went on, even if I wouldn’t say the character development was unforgettable.
The writing was solid. Nothing about it blew me away, but I also didn’t have any real complaints. It was easy to read, moved quickly, and kept the mystery going. Emotionally, I don’t think this book was really trying to wreck me, and it didn’t. I was more invested in the mystery than emotionally attached, which was fine for this type of read.
My main issue is the cliffhanger. I liked the ending overall, but I don’t love being left with a cliffhanger when I don’t know for sure if there’s going to be a book two. Like please do not leave me standing here with questions and no confirmed answers. That’s rude.
Overall, this was a solid, quick mystery that kept me engaged. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy missing person mysteries, dual POVs, fast pacing, and stories about secrets, judgment, community, and who gets protected.
I enjoyed Strangers Behind Closed Doors. It was one of those mysteries that pulled me in pretty quickly, and before I knew it, I was halfway through and realized I had completely skipped my usual check-ins. So that’s always a good sign.
The story follows Giovanni, the chief concierge at a luxury hotel, and a detective who is investigating the disappearances of missing Black women. I really liked the dual POVs here because we’re following two Black women trying to solve the same crime from different angles. Giovanni is trying to make sure she doesn’t become the scapegoat for another woman’s disappearance, while the detective is trying to prove that she can still trust her own judgment after a past case went wrong.
For me, the plot worked. On the surface, this could easily sound like another “missing Black women” mystery, but as I kept reading, it became more layered. I did guess some things before they were revealed, but not so early that it ruined the experience. It still kept me reading, and there were definitely moments where I said “one more chapter” and then absolutely did not stop at one more chapter.
I liked Giovanni a lot. She has this determined, “I’m not about to be blamed for this mess” energy that I appreciated. I also liked watching both main characters grow as the story went on, even if I wouldn’t say the character development was unforgettable.
The writing was solid. Nothing about it blew me away, but I also didn’t have any real complaints. It was easy to read, moved quickly, and kept the mystery going. Emotionally, I don’t think this book was really trying to wreck me, and it didn’t. I was more invested in the mystery than emotionally attached, which was fine for this type of read.
My main issue is the cliffhanger. I liked the ending overall, but I don’t love being left with a cliffhanger when I don’t know for sure if there’s going to be a book two. Like please do not leave me standing here with questions and no confirmed answers. That’s rude.
Overall, this was a solid, quick mystery that kept me engaged. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy missing person mysteries, dual POVs, fast pacing, and stories about secrets, judgment, community, and who gets protected.
September 12, 2026
Thanks to Harlequin Trade publishing and Netgalley for this eARC.
Strangers Behind Closed Doors is a fierce, emotionally layered novel that examines the fractures within a marriage and the quiet, accumulating pressures that push people toward choices they never imagined making. Catherine Adel West writes with precision and empathy, crafting a story that feels both intimate and unsettling—an exploration of what happens when the life you’ve built begins to feel like a trap rather than a home.
🧱 A marriage built on appearances—and cracking beneath them
West excels at portraying relationships that look functional from the outside but are quietly eroding from within. The tension in this novel isn’t loud; it’s the kind that simmers in small gestures, clipped conversations, and the unspoken resentments that accumulate over years. The emotional realism is striking. You feel the weight of every compromise, every disappointment, every moment when silence becomes easier than truth.
🔥 Although the novel is rooted in character and emotion, there’s a steady undercurrent of suspense. West threads in secrets, shifting power dynamics, and the creeping sense that something is fundamentally wrong behind the closed doors of this marriage. The result is a narrative that feels both psychologically rich and quietly propulsive.
No one in this story is reduced to a stereotype. West gives her characters contradictions, vulnerabilities, and sharp edges. Their choices—good, bad, and morally gray—feel grounded in lived experience. You may not always agree with them, but you understand them, and that complexity is one of the novel’s greatest strengths.
West’s prose is confident and textured. She blends lyrical moments with blunt honesty, creating a rhythm that mirrors the emotional volatility of the characters. The writing is intimate without being sentimental, sharp without being cruel.
Strangers Behind Closed Doors is a compelling, psychologically astute novel that explores the quiet devastations and fierce loyalties that shape a marriage. Catherine Adel West delivers a story that is both deeply human and quietly suspenseful—perfect for readers who appreciate emotional nuance, domestic tension, and characters who feel real enough to argue with.
Strangers Behind Closed Doors is a fierce, emotionally layered novel that examines the fractures within a marriage and the quiet, accumulating pressures that push people toward choices they never imagined making. Catherine Adel West writes with precision and empathy, crafting a story that feels both intimate and unsettling—an exploration of what happens when the life you’ve built begins to feel like a trap rather than a home.
🧱 A marriage built on appearances—and cracking beneath them
West excels at portraying relationships that look functional from the outside but are quietly eroding from within. The tension in this novel isn’t loud; it’s the kind that simmers in small gestures, clipped conversations, and the unspoken resentments that accumulate over years. The emotional realism is striking. You feel the weight of every compromise, every disappointment, every moment when silence becomes easier than truth.
🔥 Although the novel is rooted in character and emotion, there’s a steady undercurrent of suspense. West threads in secrets, shifting power dynamics, and the creeping sense that something is fundamentally wrong behind the closed doors of this marriage. The result is a narrative that feels both psychologically rich and quietly propulsive.
No one in this story is reduced to a stereotype. West gives her characters contradictions, vulnerabilities, and sharp edges. Their choices—good, bad, and morally gray—feel grounded in lived experience. You may not always agree with them, but you understand them, and that complexity is one of the novel’s greatest strengths.
West’s prose is confident and textured. She blends lyrical moments with blunt honesty, creating a rhythm that mirrors the emotional volatility of the characters. The writing is intimate without being sentimental, sharp without being cruel.
Strangers Behind Closed Doors is a compelling, psychologically astute novel that explores the quiet devastations and fierce loyalties that shape a marriage. Catherine Adel West delivers a story that is both deeply human and quietly suspenseful—perfect for readers who appreciate emotional nuance, domestic tension, and characters who feel real enough to argue with.
July 15, 2026
📜Quick Summary: Gio is the first head concierge at Chicago’s prestigious hotel, The Ivory Hotel. When her former best friend reappears in her life, and then goes missing, Gio’s lost memories of the night before make her a prime suspect. Detective Stark doesn’t believe Gio has anything to do with her friend’s disappearance, and that it’s all part of something bigger. They both get dragged into a deep and dark world of secrets bigger than The Ivory Hotel.
❣️Initial Feels: I’m not totally IN yet, but hoping I get sucked in soon!
👀Trigger Warnings:
Stories on Black women going missing (not getting media attention it so deserves)
📖Read if you want:
Thriller set in Chicago
Dual POV
🩷What I enjoyed:
Easy chapters made the book easy to digest
Setting in Chicago
💔What didn’t work:
Is the ending setting up for a sequel? I sure hope so; the ending leaves you with something!
Plot got muddled at times; lots going on and I think I needed to keep reading and not take breaks
🌟Overall Rating: 3.5 stars
💡Final Sentiments: This is my first novel by this author, and I appreciated the bigger topics woven into this thriller. I love when books are set in a town like mine, so that was a fun aspect! There were many great aspects to the story, that it did keep propelling movement but at times I got confused with who was who, and who was working with who. I think I needed to sit with the story in lesser sittings. The ending definitely leaves room for a sequel, and I did end up appreciating and loving Red and Gio’s friendship. I’m not sure if I believed Natalie and Gio’s friendship at times, so I would have loved more of their story earlier on so I felt more invested when Natalie shows up out of the blue.
🔉Special thanks to Catherine Adel West, Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row , and NetGalley for this arc of Strangers Behind Closed Doors.
All opinions and thoughts are solely my own.
📘Grab yourself a copy on June 9, 2026!
❣️Initial Feels: I’m not totally IN yet, but hoping I get sucked in soon!
👀Trigger Warnings:
Stories on Black women going missing (not getting media attention it so deserves)
📖Read if you want:
Thriller set in Chicago
Dual POV
🩷What I enjoyed:
Easy chapters made the book easy to digest
Setting in Chicago
💔What didn’t work:
Is the ending setting up for a sequel? I sure hope so; the ending leaves you with something!
Plot got muddled at times; lots going on and I think I needed to keep reading and not take breaks
🌟Overall Rating: 3.5 stars
💡Final Sentiments: This is my first novel by this author, and I appreciated the bigger topics woven into this thriller. I love when books are set in a town like mine, so that was a fun aspect! There were many great aspects to the story, that it did keep propelling movement but at times I got confused with who was who, and who was working with who. I think I needed to sit with the story in lesser sittings. The ending definitely leaves room for a sequel, and I did end up appreciating and loving Red and Gio’s friendship. I’m not sure if I believed Natalie and Gio’s friendship at times, so I would have loved more of their story earlier on so I felt more invested when Natalie shows up out of the blue.
🔉Special thanks to Catherine Adel West, Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row , and NetGalley for this arc of Strangers Behind Closed Doors.
All opinions and thoughts are solely my own.
📘Grab yourself a copy on June 9, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an advanced copy of Strangers Behind Closed Doors from NetGalley, and this was my first read by Catherine Adel West but definitely not my last. I was hooked from page one staying up into the wee hours of the night. The mix of luxury hotel glamour, messy friendship history, and the very real dangers facing Black women in Chicago made this impossible to put down. In the story we follow Giovanni Mason, the first Black head concierge at the elite Ivory Hotel. She’s polished and composed until a run‑in with her former best friend, Natalie Moore, explodes into a public argument. When Natalie vanishes hours later, the evidence piles up in all the wrong ways: a blood‑spattered hotel room, bruises Giovanni can’t explain, and a frightening blackout in her memory. It’s the kind of setup that makes you question every character, every motive, every timeline. Detective Redding Stark is the only one who refuses to accept the easy answer. She sees disturbing similarities between Natalie’s disappearance and a string of other missing Black women whose cases were quietly brushed aside. The partnership between Stark and Giovanni, two women navigating systems built to overlook them adds emotional depth to the tension. And yes, there’s a twist. A good one. The kind that shifts your understanding of who’s really pulling the strings inside (and far beyond) the Ivory Hotel. It’s not over‑the‑top, but it lands with the right kind of “ohhh” that makes earlier clues snap into place! Also, for me the Ivory Hotel itself feels like a character, glittering on the surface but rotten underneath. The story moves fast, weaving privilege, power, and buried betrayals into a thriller that’s both entertaining and socially aware. I can't wait to read the next novel from this author. #netgalley #strangersbehind closed doors
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 ⭐️ 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
After a public fight with her former bff Natalie, hotel concierge Giovanni becomes the prime suspect when Natalie vanishes. Detective Redding Stark links the case to other missing Black women and vows to find every single one of them.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
Amazing narrators. Gio was high energy and completely felt like the character. Same with Red, who sounded like she was carrying the weight of the world.
The flashbacks were a little tricky in audio because they sometimes dropped into scenes without warning, but they added so many layers to the mystery that I let it go.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This is a story about Black women being ignored, underestimated, and forced to protect themselves when systems fail them. But it never felt preachy because it’s entertaining, fast paced, and completely bingeable.
The short chapters, dual POVs, and layered clues keep this fast. Such a good mix of high drama, procedural elements, and action. Giovanni is the light while Detective Red brings the grittier reality.
I usually have a clear favorite character, but Giovanni and Detective Redding were equally kickass. Gio is emotional, witty, and brave. Red is determined and puts her career ahead of everything else, including family, which I loved seeing in a role usually given to men.
The whodunit itself wasn’t a total shock, but the twist still got me. And that final scene? Kinda juicy. Sequel anyone?!!
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This was such an entertaining thriller, but it also felt important. Under all the twists and drama is a very real message about Black women being ignored and overlooked, and I thought the book handled that powerfully.
Definitely one for readers who love whodunits and kickass women.
Thank you Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for this gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Deanna Anthony; Emana Rachelle; Machelle Williams
📖 Release 06•09•26 | 384 pages | 11h 35m
After a public fight with her former bff Natalie, hotel concierge Giovanni becomes the prime suspect when Natalie vanishes. Detective Redding Stark links the case to other missing Black women and vows to find every single one of them.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
Amazing narrators. Gio was high energy and completely felt like the character. Same with Red, who sounded like she was carrying the weight of the world.
The flashbacks were a little tricky in audio because they sometimes dropped into scenes without warning, but they added so many layers to the mystery that I let it go.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This is a story about Black women being ignored, underestimated, and forced to protect themselves when systems fail them. But it never felt preachy because it’s entertaining, fast paced, and completely bingeable.
The short chapters, dual POVs, and layered clues keep this fast. Such a good mix of high drama, procedural elements, and action. Giovanni is the light while Detective Red brings the grittier reality.
I usually have a clear favorite character, but Giovanni and Detective Redding were equally kickass. Gio is emotional, witty, and brave. Red is determined and puts her career ahead of everything else, including family, which I loved seeing in a role usually given to men.
The whodunit itself wasn’t a total shock, but the twist still got me. And that final scene? Kinda juicy. Sequel anyone?!!
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This was such an entertaining thriller, but it also felt important. Under all the twists and drama is a very real message about Black women being ignored and overlooked, and I thought the book handled that powerfully.
Definitely one for readers who love whodunits and kickass women.
Thank you Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for this gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Deanna Anthony; Emana Rachelle; Machelle Williams
📖 Release 06•09•26 | 384 pages | 11h 35m
June 7, 2026
Many thanks to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Okay, so boom.
Strangers Behind Closed Doors by Catherine Adel West opens with Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poem “We Wear the Mask,” and from there it wastes no time pulling you in. The atmosphere is immediate and unsettling—a woman is being stalked, and the tension only builds from there.
We soon meet Gio, the first Black head concierge at a swanky hotel. While the title comes with prestige, it also comes with scrutiny. Everyone is watching, waiting for her to slip up. When Gio reconnects with her homegirl Natalie, things quickly go left—voices are raised, slaps are exchanged, and shortly afterward Natalie disappears.
Unfortunately for Gio, that makes her suspect numero uno.
Determined to prove her innocence, Gio finds an ally in Detective Red, who not only believes Gio but is also battling a few demons of her own. More importantly, she’s one of the only people asking the question: Why are all these Black girls missing?
Together, Gio and Red are pulled into a world of deception, money, power, racism, and secrets, ultimately realizing that they may be the only people willing to uncover the truth themselves.
I figured out pretty early on who was involved, but the motivation behind it was a refreshing and unexpected twist. The book did suffer a bit from middle-plot syndrome—the pacing slowed and lost some momentum—but it stuck the landing and left me wondering if we’re getting a sequel.
For my audio divas: the cast of narrators was solid, but some of the delivery of AAVE felt a little cringe to me and came across as unnatural at times.
Overall, this was a fun read. I recommend it to fellow mystery lovers who are always convinced they’ve solved the case—only to discover that they were, in fact… WRONG.
Okay, so boom.
Strangers Behind Closed Doors by Catherine Adel West opens with Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poem “We Wear the Mask,” and from there it wastes no time pulling you in. The atmosphere is immediate and unsettling—a woman is being stalked, and the tension only builds from there.
We soon meet Gio, the first Black head concierge at a swanky hotel. While the title comes with prestige, it also comes with scrutiny. Everyone is watching, waiting for her to slip up. When Gio reconnects with her homegirl Natalie, things quickly go left—voices are raised, slaps are exchanged, and shortly afterward Natalie disappears.
Unfortunately for Gio, that makes her suspect numero uno.
Determined to prove her innocence, Gio finds an ally in Detective Red, who not only believes Gio but is also battling a few demons of her own. More importantly, she’s one of the only people asking the question: Why are all these Black girls missing?
Together, Gio and Red are pulled into a world of deception, money, power, racism, and secrets, ultimately realizing that they may be the only people willing to uncover the truth themselves.
I figured out pretty early on who was involved, but the motivation behind it was a refreshing and unexpected twist. The book did suffer a bit from middle-plot syndrome—the pacing slowed and lost some momentum—but it stuck the landing and left me wondering if we’re getting a sequel.
For my audio divas: the cast of narrators was solid, but some of the delivery of AAVE felt a little cringe to me and came across as unnatural at times.
Overall, this was a fun read. I recommend it to fellow mystery lovers who are always convinced they’ve solved the case—only to discover that they were, in fact… WRONG.
June 25, 2026
I really liked West's book Saving Ruby King, but this one was a bit more uneven. The mystery is intriguing, the ending twist was somewhat of a surprise, but I also didn't like that it ends on a massive cliffhanger.
This novel is told from two points of view. The first one is that of Giovanni Mason, the first Black female concierge at the prestigious Ivory Hotel in Chicago. She knows who's who and she knows how to get them what they want. When Giovanni goes out for a drink with her childhood friend Natalie, with whom she's had a falling out, things fall apart quickly between the two, ending in a very public fight. The next day, no one can find Natalie and there is a great deal of blood in her hotel room. All eyes look to Giovanni. Enter the second point of view, Detective Redding Stark. Red has been investigating the disappearances of Black women, disappearances that her superiors say are not related to each other. Giovanni and Redding must join forces to find out exactly what is going on.
While I liked the main characters and was invested in finding out what was happening with the disappearances, I didn't truly connect to any of them. Even though the ending was supposed to be a giant twist, I clocked it from a mile away. There are a LOT of moving parts to this story, lots of characters and motives and side investigations. I'm not completely sure I knew all of what was going on because it was very convoluted. However I do know that it ended on a cliffhanger, which I'm not very pleased about due to all of the time I invested in the story.
I listened to this as an audiobook and the multiple narrators absolutely helped bring the story to life and give the characters more personality and pep. The middle of the story really drags and I applaud the narrators for propelling it forward for me.
I can't say that I'm invested enough in this story to continue with a sequel. Many things do get resolved, so I don't really know if there's enough material to fill up a completely separate novel. Especially since this one was almost 400 pages.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This novel is told from two points of view. The first one is that of Giovanni Mason, the first Black female concierge at the prestigious Ivory Hotel in Chicago. She knows who's who and she knows how to get them what they want. When Giovanni goes out for a drink with her childhood friend Natalie, with whom she's had a falling out, things fall apart quickly between the two, ending in a very public fight. The next day, no one can find Natalie and there is a great deal of blood in her hotel room. All eyes look to Giovanni. Enter the second point of view, Detective Redding Stark. Red has been investigating the disappearances of Black women, disappearances that her superiors say are not related to each other. Giovanni and Redding must join forces to find out exactly what is going on.
While I liked the main characters and was invested in finding out what was happening with the disappearances, I didn't truly connect to any of them. Even though the ending was supposed to be a giant twist, I clocked it from a mile away. There are a LOT of moving parts to this story, lots of characters and motives and side investigations. I'm not completely sure I knew all of what was going on because it was very convoluted. However I do know that it ended on a cliffhanger, which I'm not very pleased about due to all of the time I invested in the story.
I listened to this as an audiobook and the multiple narrators absolutely helped bring the story to life and give the characters more personality and pep. The middle of the story really drags and I applaud the narrators for propelling it forward for me.
I can't say that I'm invested enough in this story to continue with a sequel. Many things do get resolved, so I don't really know if there's enough material to fill up a completely separate novel. Especially since this one was almost 400 pages.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
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