He's Found Me

by Alesha Dykema

Please note that this is a revised version of the book previously published as Without You

He’s found me. My ex-husband says if I don’t come back to him he’ll kill everyone I love.

I thought I was safe.

For seven years, I built a new life, a new identity — far away from the man who knew me better than anyone. The man I once loved. The man I ran from.

Then a red box appears on my doorstep. Just like the ones from before.

Evan has found me. And he’s not here to forgive.

He’s already tangled himself into my world, charming my friends, smiling at my boyfriend, acting like he belongs here. He’s always been patient. Calculating. And now, he’s given me a choice — go back with him willingly, or watch the life I built crumble, piece by piece.

I know what he’s capable of. I know what he’s done.

But the worst part?

He knows who I really am.

Genres: Thriller

254 pages, Paperback

First published April 21, 2024

About the author

Alesha Dykema is a thirty-something-year-old author of thriller novels. She lives in the dreadful Midwest with her strange husband, head-banging toddler son, a neurotic dog, and warden cat. Besides writing, Alesha loves to read (like every other author in the world). Alesha is also a health and fitness junkie and a dabbler in furniture refinishing. She is extremely anti-social and wishes she lived off-grid in the middle of the woods, but her husband hates good ideas and happiness and won’t allow this to happen. Even though she’s pretty anti-social, she still likes to make new friends and have casual chats about people’s childhood traumas.

Reviews

[Stacy40pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without You by Alesha Dykema. Thanks to the author for the gifted copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Scarlett has spent the last seven years hiding from her past but now it has come to find her.

This was a great suspense read that turned into a cat and mouse thriller at the end. It was fast paced and extremely hard to put down. There is a lot of gray morally area with the characters, and I loved how the past played into it.

“Having the capacity to be evil and choosing not to be requires more strength than you’ve ever had.”

Without You comes out 4/25.

[Donna Mallery · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book can be tough to read at times. Two foster friends get married and carry out horrific acts. Both are complicit. Eventually the wife can’t take their actions any more and runs away. She meets an honorable man and tries to hide her past. But as she meets her best friend’s boyfriend, she is thrown back into her past. Will she be able to escape it and move forward? Or will that past come crashing down, ruining the nice life she has built herself?

[allie · Rating 1 out of 5]

honestly idk. i had high hopes but everything felt repetitive, predictable, and the “twist” wasn’t a surprise at all and left so many plot holes in the end LMFAO

1 star bc of how long it took me to get through this and i was bored for 90% of the story

[Julia Holt · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars// this was a little too scary and graphic but it was such a page turner

[Maylita Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! I found the ending quite sad.

[Linda McCutcheon · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

"Don't try to appeal to my love for you or try to diminish it. I love you more than life itself, and living without you is not an option. So you see, I have no choice. But you do."

"...it confuses me. To love a monster."

Chills throughout reading the mounting nonstop tension filled Without You by anxiety inducing psychological thriller author Alesha Dykema. As secrets are revealed the danger increases but so do the twists.

Scarlett is speechless at her birthday dinner with friends and live in boyfriend Dan, for the past six years, when her best friend's boyfriend, who they are all meeting for the first time, turns out to be her husband no one knows about, but she knows, now that he's found her they are all in danger.

How? Why? What? So many questions. I love that amidst all the anxiety building tension between Scarlett and Evan we get all the jaw dropping answers. How they met as kids and developed a particularly deadly "hobby" together. Why they fell in love and the development that made Scarlett run and hide. What's in the secret red box under her bed!

This writer needs a movie contract now because this wild psychological thriller is a ready made movie and personally I think @chrisevans and @dakotajohnson would be perfect as Scarlett and Evan.

How dangerous is love? How protective are we of it? What would we sacrifice for it? What would we do without it? Reading Without You might provide some intriguing answers.

I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Brandi Cottrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me from the start! I really enjoyed this thriller. I can't wait to read more by this author.

Alesha did a great job immersing the reader into this world. It leaves you wondering about the role nature versus nurture play in the decisions a person makes and really tests your moral ground. Are we inherently good or evil? Can someone be both?

This psychological thriller had me on the edge of my seat and is filled with lots of twists and turns. The dual timelines and points of view keep you engaged and wanting more. So happy my book club picked this book to read. Lots of great things to think about and discuss!

[Emily de Wit · Rating 4 out of 5]

He’s Found Me is a quick yet gripping read that explores the life of Scarlett, the daughter of a serial killer. The story dives into the impact of her father’s crimes on her upbringing, the decisions she makes, and the circumstances those choices eventually lead her into.

Haunted by the belief that she’s “evil” simply because of where she came from, Scarlett gravitates toward destructive people and environments. When her world shifts, she seizes the chance to escape and begins reshaping her life for the better. Yet, paranoia and fear linger at every turn, and as expected, her past inevitably comes back to threaten not just her but everyone she holds dear.

The book is well thought out, and certain moments tugged hard on my heartstrings. While at first I found Scarlett and the main characters to be unfortunate and even somewhat unlikeable, their unlikely circumstances were written in a way that felt grounded and real. That said, there are a couple of intimate scenes that lean on the descriptive side; normally that isn’t my preference, but here I found them tolerable.

Ultimately though, it was the side characters that shone brightest—Miss Pamela in particular was the true standout, a character who will stick with me for a long time. The ending also leaves the door open for a sequel, and I’d be eager to see if Alesha Dykema chooses to continue the story.

Overall, He’s Found Me was an engaging read with well-developed characters, thoughtful consequences, and a story that kept me hooked. I’m giving it 4 stars—an enjoyable and emotional ride that left me curious for more.

[Charlotte Lees · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read.

Predictable in the fact Marin’s new boyfriend would be the person who haunted Scarlett’s past. The extent to which she tried to remain hidden was extensive and the book gave a great account into the demise of Evan and Scarlett’s relationship.

It was a well rounded book with every element coming into play and the real reason Scarlett remained scared being the fact she did indeed have a daughter she wanted to protect from Evan.

The end of the book however felt rushed with no indication of what happened to Dan or Marin after that dreadful night. And suddenly jumped 16 years to the life Phoenix now had ….

[Tara Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I get so pumped when I discover a new incredible indie author, like Alesha Dykema! If you enjoy psychological thrillers or suspense novels by the likes of Kiersten Modglin or Frieda McFadden, I highly recommend that you add her new release, Without You, to your TBR. It gives serial killer vibes, daddy issues, fake life, and twisty secrets galore. The story flows so smoothly through the easy to follow dual timelines and multiple POV’s. As a woman who has been through a horrible relationship, I loved the transformation of the main character through all her lows. I can’t wait to read more by Dykema and do I dare ask for a sequel to Without You?!

[Winter · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 60%. I completely lost interest once I read how violently the FMC committed murder. The build up of the "bad thing" up to that point just didn't make sense, i.e., that she would do something so violent simply because she thought it was "in her blood", especially since her father writes in his letters that he wanted her to have a "normal" life so likely didn't raise her to kill. I thought about quitting once the neighbor helped her cart Evan into her house at 2 am (!!!) without thinking much of it, then again when Evan (unbelievably) escaped, but didn't and wish I had.

[Jennifer R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 Star book!!

I finished (and reviewed) Everything I Wanted 2 days ago and tonight I finished He’s Found Me. Oh geez! What a ride this one was!!! Like the last the protagonist is also quite an anti-hero of sorts. You love her for who she wants to be but despise who she let herself be persuaded to be. Not a black and white, good guy/bad guy story. It pulls at your heartstrings and gets your adrenaline flowing. On to book #3, If She’s Found!! Thank you Alesha for writing these unformulaic (is that a word??) stories!!

[Sandra Tauden · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book felt a bit too unpleasant for me. Yes, I understand it’s a murder "mystery", but the content still felt like too much. Maybe I’m just a bit too naive or soft-hearted, but I really wished that at least one of the main characters had turned out to be somewhat innocent in the end. The good deeds at the end were a little too unbelievable, considering everything that came before. Because of that, the whole reading experience felt heavier than I expected, and not in a way I personally enjoyed.

[Ashh · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Scarlett has been running, hiding from her husband Evan for 7 years. She creates a new life for herself, lying to everyone around her. But what happens when Evan shows back up? Secrets never stay hidden.

There is past/present chapters, paranoia, codependency, betrayal and more. I cannot get over how good this was!

I received an ARC from Alesha and this is now my favorite book she’s done!

[Shannon K. Schumacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unpredictable!

I loved this book. Well written and original. Never knew what was going to happen next. Looking for more books from this author as she still has me thinking about this story and these characters. As an aspiring writer who is too lazy to actually write anything down, this is the kind of book that inspires me to do so. Love her twisted mind! And I mean that as the highest of compliments

[Brian Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wish I could give 4.7 stars. It's not quite a five but it comes close. This is not a conventional story and I was pleasantly surprised. I was engaged and curious. Some of the characters didn't completely ring true but I give credit that they were more than two-dimensional. There were choices I questioned, but without which the story wouldn't have been worth telling. So I can overlook them. I really recommend this book.

[Arti Manani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Thank you for getting me out of my reading slump!

Alesha never fails to impress with her storytelling. I devoured this book in one sitting.

It had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish with its lightning-fast pace and an addictive and shocking plot.

I was completely immersed throughout.

Looking forward to reading more books by Alesha Dykema.

[Shelley Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner. WOW

I am very hard to please! Second book by this author I've read. Both excellent and unput down able. You will be engrossed from page one! I am so grateful I found her. Way to go Alesha. Keep them coming and, of course, thank you for sharing your God given talent.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25✨i actually loved this book, the ending was exactly what i needed. i know that phoenix wasn’t in the book like a lot but i felt her character was so important in the end and i loved the fact that phoenix ended up taking over the home. what i didn’t enjoy was that our main character lied and it resulted in a lot of people she loved dying, it just sorta sucked but otherwise slay book!

[Dondalaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good!!!

OMG!!! What a ride this was! This book kept my attention the whole time. All the shocking twists and turns. The characters were well fleshed out, and the plot was solid, and the story was fast-paced. This was my first book by this author, but most certainly not my last.
I totally recommend this book!

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

He’s Found Me by Alesha Dykema is an intense, emotional thriller that keeps you hooked. The story follows a woman whose abusive ex-husband tracks her down after years of hiding, threatening everything she loves. A chilling, emotional, and entertaining read with strong writing and a haunting sense of danger.

[Alexandra Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE END DIDN’T HAVE AN ENDING! So many characters that were discussed throughout the whole book and have no idea what happened with them. Other than that- moves quickly but man, the ending needed to END. Also, kind of disturbing at times but just read it. You’ll see. It was a page turner for sure but not really in the best way at times.

[Nicole Olen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without You was my favorite book yet by local author Alesha! If you enjoy psychological thrillers, this book is for you. It is quick-paced, juicy, and has lots of twists. I enjoyed the characters and the dual timeline of past & present. This is a 2024 must-read so add it to your list!!

[Tiffini Jamka · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Edge of My Seat

What a great read! Alesha Dykema is brilliant. So many twists and turns that you don’t see coming. I look forward to seeing what other amazing books she will write!

[Ritta Kloss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!

This story kept me on the edge of my seat! Absolutely well written and I truly did not expect to be rendered a puddle of tears as most thrillers keep me up at night and not for obvious reasons! Wow

[Barbara Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret

Turn your life around, start a new life yet lie to all who care, and keep a huge secret only to have it all come crashing down. It all boils down to real love in the truest form. Sad but good read.

[Jean · Rating 1 out of 5]

Depressing and not believable.

I had to force myself to finish this book. It was depressing. The characters and events were unrealistic and dismal. I hope this author improves any more books she writes.

[Joanne Leithauser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally Shocking

This was such a fast moving and fast reading book. Situations end unlike you would think. Some books leave you wondering….at least, this book ties
It together for better or for worse.

[Leslie preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twisted mess

Really good book with lots of twists and turns. Just can't fathom the generational traits each carried. Scarlett is almost made out to be a martyr, and she is far from that. Enjoyes!

[mahek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I literally couldn’t put it down but why tf were we made to feel sorry for a literal serial killer. Like Scarlett literally killed people of her own volition and used a bullshit excuse to defend her actions. SHE COULD’VE JUST SAID NO TO EVAN AND NOT KILL PPL.