Hello, Dahli

by S.J. Cunningham

When Dahli vanishes, secrets unravel. Can she be saved before the truth destroys everyone close to her?

On a tranquil morning in the South Carolina Lowcountry, Dahli Reed’s life is anything but peaceful. Her marriage teeters on the brink of collapse, and she is about to make a life-altering decision. When Dahli mysteriously disappears amidst the salt marshes, buried tensions and obsessions within her circle come to light.

Detective Miriam Ballard, haunted by a case that ruptured her life and nearly ended her career a decade prior, leads the investigation with dogged determination to find Dahli and reclaim her own shattered reputation.

As hours turn into days, the community’s darkest secrets the true extent of her husband’s dissatisfaction, the eerie vigilance of a co-worker, her boss’s aggressive affections, and a secret admirer. Amid this turmoil, Dahli’s best friend battles against time and her own guilt to uncover the truth, revealing personal secrets in the process.

Just as hope begins to fade, a startling breakthrough fueled by unwavering commitment and steadfast resolve causes the fragmented pieces of this twisted puzzle to lock into place in a thrilling climax. But will Dahli ever be the same again?

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

Author Bio
With nearly two decades of experience as a professional communicator, S.J. Cunningham has had plenty of time to hone her writing craft and observe human behavior. She is the author of All This Was Mission, a literary work that explores the power of self-reflection, the importance of forgiveness, and the overwhelming beauty of the journey of life, which we all have the privilege to travel.

Sarah holds an M.A. in The Writing of Fiction and a B.A. in English Literature from Seton Hill University. She is the proud mom of three amazing children who fill her with joy, laughter and appreciation each day. Sarah loves to hear from readers and fellow writers.

Reviews

[Prakarsha Pilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a review copy of this book and am sharing my thoughts voluntarily.

'Hello, Dahli' is a suspense thriller that starts with the intriguing disappearance of Dahlia Reed, aptly nicknamed Dahli. As the investigation unfolds, the story delves into Dahli's life, raising questions about everyone who wasdl a part of her life, who could have abducted her and why.

Initially, the book piqued my interest with its investigative plot, and I found myself searching for clues and suspecting various characters. However, the narrative took a gradual turn, shifting from a crime investigation to a domestic thriller. The story deviated from the main plot, focusing more on family or friends' dynamics and less on retaining the mystery.

While the story itself is undeniably interesting, which is why I'd read 400+ pages, the pacing feels off, with unnecessary details dragging the narrative. The suspense dissipates, making it a more casual read. Despite losing interest in the 'why' and 'how,' I persisted in finishing the book to uncover Dahli's fate.

The language is straightforward, and the narration is easy to follow, making it suitable for beginners. The author successfully sets up an engaging premise, but the crime investigation aspect could be better executed.

Overall, I'd rate this book 3/5. While it's not without its flaws, the author's attempt to craft a suspenseful story is appreciated.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another cracking read from this author who consistently turns out riveting books. This begins with the disappearance of Dahli Reed on a morning training run and then we find ourselves in the midst of the suspicions and recriminations as the search for her goes on.

The story is told from multiple perspectives. There's Dahli herself, her husband, her boss, her friend and a co-worker who has an unhealthy obsession with her. I really liked this . It totally added to the sense of the whirlwind sensation of the disappearance and the search, with accusations flying around. Also involved is a detective for which this case has some horrible similarities to a prior case where her reputation took a nosedive due to her actions. All lends itself to a story that I wanted to read and read to see what twist was coming next. I loved it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best, most twisted, engrossing story I've come across in a while! Ms. Cunningham keeps the reader on their toes because she's constantly throwing curveballs and unexpected twists. The characters are flawed, some of them irredeemably broken, but fascinating. Everyone has secrets, and you never know when or how they will be revealed. Also, don't even waste the energy trying to figure out who has done what, because about the time you think you know, you discover you don't. So, just enjoy the ride Ms. Cunningham has crafted.

This is the first story by Ms. Cunningham that I have read, but I will be looking for more of her work. She has made my list of authors not to miss. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book. When one woman is kidnapped it explores how much it affects all the lives she’s touched. One life can have a ripple effect on the lives of all those around her. It explores how that one life affects her friends, family, coworkers, children even that of the police and their families. It really makes u think. There is plenty of drama, thriller and mystery to go around. It’s also about consequences, and accountability in our life and in the lives of those around us. No man is an island. I highly recommend this book and author.

[DeAnne Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for my honest review. The story begins with Dahli Reed going missing one morning. Each chapter is from another characters POV. But the story details Dahli as a workaholic, friendly and well known person who is also unhappily married. I enjoyed the different POVs that kept me guessing who was to blame for Dahli’s disappearance. There were some details about Candace (Dahli’s best friend) that I thought were irrelevant and more fluff than necessary. Overall, it was well written and kept a steady pace. I would recommend to people who enjoy thrillers.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing! This grabbed me from the beginning and kept my rapt attention throughout. Great world building with intrepid characters. Just when I figured something out, BOOM! comes another twist. All thru the book, nothing but twists and turns and suspense. I will read anything by this author, now. I can count on it being so suspenseful and just jumping right into the story without any hesitation. Fantastic.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ann Ruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of S.J. Cunningham's books! It was a twisty, turny crime with interesting characters, and a story that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The characters and relationships were real - complex, flawed and relatable. I love the unwinding of the crime from the perspective of each of the characters. Cunningham expertly unfolds the story through the perspectives of each of the characters leaving you guessing about who is responsible until it's revealed.

[Feral BookBrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Hello, Dahli” is a suspenseful read that kept me hooked with its intriguing plot and well-crafted tension. The characters were compelling, and the pacing held strong for most of the book. However, the ending felt too rushed and didn’t fully deliver on the buildup.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bette Reith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in different POVs, this book tells the tale of a woman who is kidnapped and how it affects the other people in her life. Full of twists and turns and lots of interesting characters. Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC of this book.

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 upgraded to 5 stars
I thought this was a fast-paced thriller and the kidnapper was not even on my radar. This was my first book by SJ Cunningham, but I am eager to check out more of her work!