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Gut Instinct: Based on a True Story
“When your instincts are wrong, can you ever trust them again? Only if you want to live…” –Cam Torrens, award-winning author of the Tyler Zahn suspense series
When seventeen-year-old Willow Carter and her parents head to their annual camping trip at a small Pacific Northwest beach town, the last thing they expect is to have their vacation upended and their safety threatened.
Twin Harbors State Park is all too familiar to the Carters, who have been camping there for years alongside their longtime family friends. As the two families settle into their neighboring campsites, they are greeted unexpectedly by a stranger who has no problem inserting himself into their daily activities. While her friends and family grow more and more comfortable around him, Willow has a gut instinct that something is not right.
One night, the unthinkable happens—someone tries to break into one of their tents. This is only the beginning of the dark and dangerous events that take place. Over time, Willow realizes someone she once completely trusted might be at the center of this mess, someone she wasn’t ever expecting to betray her. Eerily shocking and jaw-dropping, Gut Instinct will have readers at the edge of their seats, hoping desperately that Willow will untangle her past before it becomes too dark to decipher.
When seventeen-year-old Willow Carter and her parents head to their annual camping trip at a small Pacific Northwest beach town, the last thing they expect is to have their vacation upended and their safety threatened.
Twin Harbors State Park is all too familiar to the Carters, who have been camping there for years alongside their longtime family friends. As the two families settle into their neighboring campsites, they are greeted unexpectedly by a stranger who has no problem inserting himself into their daily activities. While her friends and family grow more and more comfortable around him, Willow has a gut instinct that something is not right.
One night, the unthinkable happens—someone tries to break into one of their tents. This is only the beginning of the dark and dangerous events that take place. Over time, Willow realizes someone she once completely trusted might be at the center of this mess, someone she wasn’t ever expecting to betray her. Eerily shocking and jaw-dropping, Gut Instinct will have readers at the edge of their seats, hoping desperately that Willow will untangle her past before it becomes too dark to decipher.
- GenresYoung AdultThriller
193 pages, Paperback
Published October 2, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 14, 2026
“Gut Instinct” by Nora Murphy
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Picture the Pacific Northwest with its endless drizzle, with a YA thriller that feels like it just crashed through your local news feed. Normally, I skip past YA, but the true-story angle grabbed my eye.
You’ll find it on KU, and you can devour it in one sitting.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Picture the Pacific Northwest with its endless drizzle, with a YA thriller that feels like it just crashed through your local news feed. Normally, I skip past YA, but the true-story angle grabbed my eye.
You’ll find it on KU, and you can devour it in one sitting.
August 17, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gut Instinct
Author: Hannah McNamara
Source: Author’s ARC
Publication Date: October 2, 2025
My gut instinct has consistently served me well, which is one reason I have never liked camping outdoors in a tent. For me, it is a genuinely terrifying experience. However, “Gut Instinct,” the novel by Hannah McNamara, was a surprisingly good book based on a TRUE story. Two families camp together each summer with their daughters. In this story, a solitary male lurks in the campsite adjacent to theirs, emanating an unsettling aura. Willow Carter is on the cusp of graduating high school, yet she experiences a profound sense of unease towards the individual and suspects the worst, attempting to alert her parents. Unfortunately, we live in a society that often prioritizes friendliness over trustworthiness. This book is primarily aimed at young adult readers but is based on a true story and this adult devoured it. Yikes! The characters are compelling, and the frightening elements are exceptionally chilling. Well done, and I highly recommend seeking out this novel on October 2nd at various bookstores and retail outlets. This book is Ms. McNamara’s debut thriller, and she has demonstrated savvy skill with her thrilling story. I eagerly anticipate her next book.
#GutInstinct @hannahmcnamarabooks #camping #thriller #YA #debutnovel #creepygood @blackrosewriting #badpeople #goodDog #debutnovel #wearebookish #bookish #youngadult #trustYourGut
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel.
Gut Instinct
Author: Hannah McNamara
Source: Author’s ARC
Publication Date: October 2, 2025
My gut instinct has consistently served me well, which is one reason I have never liked camping outdoors in a tent. For me, it is a genuinely terrifying experience. However, “Gut Instinct,” the novel by Hannah McNamara, was a surprisingly good book based on a TRUE story. Two families camp together each summer with their daughters. In this story, a solitary male lurks in the campsite adjacent to theirs, emanating an unsettling aura. Willow Carter is on the cusp of graduating high school, yet she experiences a profound sense of unease towards the individual and suspects the worst, attempting to alert her parents. Unfortunately, we live in a society that often prioritizes friendliness over trustworthiness. This book is primarily aimed at young adult readers but is based on a true story and this adult devoured it. Yikes! The characters are compelling, and the frightening elements are exceptionally chilling. Well done, and I highly recommend seeking out this novel on October 2nd at various bookstores and retail outlets. This book is Ms. McNamara’s debut thriller, and she has demonstrated savvy skill with her thrilling story. I eagerly anticipate her next book.
#GutInstinct @hannahmcnamarabooks #camping #thriller #YA #debutnovel #creepygood @blackrosewriting #badpeople #goodDog #debutnovel #wearebookish #bookish #youngadult #trustYourGut
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel.
November 19, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up. This is a solid YA thriller! The writing definitely seems on the younger side of the genre, as do parts of the story, but that doesn’t take away from the quality of the plot. Character development was well done, as was the twist at the end. Pacing could have been better, but overall, this is a good read!
October 30, 2025
This short, suspenseful YA read kept me turning the pages! What starts as an annual camping trip turns into a scary, dangerous situation, leaving you guessing what will happen up to the very end. Readers of all ages will enjoy this one! Looking forward to more novels by this author!
July 13, 2025
When the man camping next door gives Willow, Ella, and the dog the creeps, they listen to their instincts and remain alert. Gut Instinct is a realistic and chilling story about a near tragedy. I received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2025
The writing is not great. It needs more editing. But the story kept me entertained, the mystery more than you think it is. But if I were in the age range for this book, young adult, I would probably have really liked it so it's definitely suitable for YA. Sometimes I forget I'm not the target demographic for some books! 😂 I started following Hannah on her service dog's Instagram @hopperthetoller a year or two ago (it would be cool if IG told you what date you started following someone) and I'm happy for her new writing career and hope for the best for it. I would be interested in reading her next book, which will be targeted towards me, an adult (at least on the outside lol).
December 8, 2025
When an adult picks up a YA book and can’t put it down until reading the last sentence, it absolutely deserves 5 stars.
Hannah McNamara has given us a true treasure. Lifelong friendships, family traditions, childhood struggles, quick thinking and ultimate betrayal. We immediately connect to young Willow and her family, including devoted dog Coach.
The action of the second half had me completely glued, rooting for heroic Willow’s triumph, thanks to following her gut instinct.
Bravo to Hannah McNamara for a fantastic first book!
Hannah McNamara has given us a true treasure. Lifelong friendships, family traditions, childhood struggles, quick thinking and ultimate betrayal. We immediately connect to young Willow and her family, including devoted dog Coach.
The action of the second half had me completely glued, rooting for heroic Willow’s triumph, thanks to following her gut instinct.
Bravo to Hannah McNamara for a fantastic first book!
February 11, 2026
As someone who grew up in the PNW & also camping in Westport every August with my sister, auntie’s and mom, this novel gave me CHILLS! The Author did an incredible job of describing the scenery and storefronts of the little coastal town that I could easily picture every location & felt like I was right there along side Willow and her friends. 🌊 🌲
October 16, 2025
This was such a quick and fun read! I can’t believe this is partially based on a true story. I did not see that ending coming 👀
May 22, 2026
3.5 stars
November 9, 2025
*A Goodreads giveaway win!* This one really creeped me out because of how accurate a gut instinct can be when it comes to creepy guys.
January 31, 2026
Gut Instinct was a quick read. I was invested in the story. Scary that it was based on a true story. Pretty sure I’ve camped at that campground.
July 23, 2026
I loved this book. It’s well written and an easy read. I love reading books by local authors about places I know. I had the pleasure to meet the author and can’t wait to read her future books
July 22, 2026
Hi coach hannah 😉
I loved reading this book I’m not sure why I’m just now writing a review but I felt like I should. This story was so good! The whole time I just wanted to know what was going to happen next, and I was continuing to be shocked at each twist and turn! The characters felt super relatable to me, especially as I am a high school student, and it felt really easy to love them and only want the best for them. The ending was crazy, i definitely was not expecting it! Overall I really enjoyed this read and I must say the first time I went camping after reading it I was a little hyper aware walking around at night. I also loved all the PNW aspects as I’ve grown up here and gone camping and to different places
Definitely worth the read!
I loved reading this book I’m not sure why I’m just now writing a review but I felt like I should. This story was so good! The whole time I just wanted to know what was going to happen next, and I was continuing to be shocked at each twist and turn! The characters felt super relatable to me, especially as I am a high school student, and it felt really easy to love them and only want the best for them. The ending was crazy, i definitely was not expecting it! Overall I really enjoyed this read and I must say the first time I went camping after reading it I was a little hyper aware walking around at night. I also loved all the PNW aspects as I’ve grown up here and gone camping and to different places
Definitely worth the read!
June 29, 2026
Willow and her family meet her best friend's family every summer for a camping trip in Westport, WA. She looks forward to the trip every year, and this year is especially exciting because Willow and her friend, Ella, are seniors in high school and licensed drivers now. The trip takes a turn, though, when a lone camper inserts himself into her family's routine and acts increasingly stranger as the weekend wears on. Willow, though, seems to be the only one who feels that something is off with him, and she's not sure if she should trust her gut on this one.
I read this in just a few short hours because it is a gripping YA thriller based on a true story, so the shock factor of finding out what was true versus not had my attention! I am also a PNW native and spent many summers camping at various beaches, so the story also brought back a lot of my own memories and the camping activities and setting descriptions felt very nostalgic to me.
McNamara also does a great job bringing Willow and Ella to life, in all their teenage anxiety and excitement, without ever making them act more mature than they really are. You really believe they're just kids navigating a tense and uncomfortable situation. There are a couple of twists at the end that were well done, too, that will have you rooting for Willow in the end.
Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!
I read this in just a few short hours because it is a gripping YA thriller based on a true story, so the shock factor of finding out what was true versus not had my attention! I am also a PNW native and spent many summers camping at various beaches, so the story also brought back a lot of my own memories and the camping activities and setting descriptions felt very nostalgic to me.
McNamara also does a great job bringing Willow and Ella to life, in all their teenage anxiety and excitement, without ever making them act more mature than they really are. You really believe they're just kids navigating a tense and uncomfortable situation. There are a couple of twists at the end that were well done, too, that will have you rooting for Willow in the end.
Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!
May 8, 2026
Gut Instinct by Hannah McNamara was one of those books that completely hooked me. It’s a YA thriller/suspense centered around a family camping trip gone wrong, creepy neighbors, buried secrets, and the terrifying realization that sometimes the people you trust most might not be who you think they are.
What really stood out to me was McNamara’s writing style. It felt super accessible and easy to fly through without ever feeling watered down or boring. Every chapter seemed to end on a cliffhanger that forced me to keep reading “just one more chapter” until suddenly I was way farther into the book than I planned to be. I was so invested that I literally read it during breaks at a concert because I needed to know what happened next.
Knowing the story was inspired by true events made it even creepier. I kept finding myself wondering which parts actually happened and even messaged the author multiple times like, “Wait… did THIS really happen to you?!” That extra layer of realism made the tension hit harder and made the whole story stick in my brain long after I put the book down.
This is definitely a great pick if you like fast-paced YA thrillers with suspicious characters, mounting tension, family dynamics, and twists that keep you questioning everything
What really stood out to me was McNamara’s writing style. It felt super accessible and easy to fly through without ever feeling watered down or boring. Every chapter seemed to end on a cliffhanger that forced me to keep reading “just one more chapter” until suddenly I was way farther into the book than I planned to be. I was so invested that I literally read it during breaks at a concert because I needed to know what happened next.
Knowing the story was inspired by true events made it even creepier. I kept finding myself wondering which parts actually happened and even messaged the author multiple times like, “Wait… did THIS really happen to you?!” That extra layer of realism made the tension hit harder and made the whole story stick in my brain long after I put the book down.
This is definitely a great pick if you like fast-paced YA thrillers with suspicious characters, mounting tension, family dynamics, and twists that keep you questioning everything
May 29, 2026
Not only did I have the pleasure of reading this phenomenal book, but I also had the opportunity to meet local indie author Hannah McNamara at a book event. After chatting with her, I instantly knew I needed to pick up her book.
The fact that it’s based on a true story immediately drew me in, and the Pacific Northwest beach town setting made it even more enjoyable. Even though it’s a shorter read, Hannah packed so much into these pages. Her writing is impressive, especially for a debut novel. I loved the way she crafted her descriptions and built suspense, constantly keeping me guessing about what would happen next.
What surprised me most was the twist near the end. I genuinely didn’t see it coming, and I always appreciate a thriller that can catch me off guard. While this isn’t an overly dark or gory thriller, it still tackles some emotionally impactful themes and delivers plenty of tension along the way.
I would absolutely recommend this to readers who enjoy small-town thrillers, Pacific Northwest settings, and suspenseful stories that keep you engaged without relying heavily on graphic content.
The fact that it’s based on a true story immediately drew me in, and the Pacific Northwest beach town setting made it even more enjoyable. Even though it’s a shorter read, Hannah packed so much into these pages. Her writing is impressive, especially for a debut novel. I loved the way she crafted her descriptions and built suspense, constantly keeping me guessing about what would happen next.
What surprised me most was the twist near the end. I genuinely didn’t see it coming, and I always appreciate a thriller that can catch me off guard. While this isn’t an overly dark or gory thriller, it still tackles some emotionally impactful themes and delivers plenty of tension along the way.
I would absolutely recommend this to readers who enjoy small-town thrillers, Pacific Northwest settings, and suspenseful stories that keep you engaged without relying heavily on graphic content.
May 4, 2026
3.5 rounded up.
While the writing is not particularly noteworthy, the story is compelling. There's enough mystery to keep you wondering. And the ending is exciting enough to be worth the wait.
The repetition of the idea of a "gut instinct" was frustrating after a while. As though the author were afraid we wouldn't connect the title to the story if she didn't constantly remind us.
The part with the taking bird was more Hunger Games than realistic, unless Christian had kept the bird in captivity to train it just for that moment. Still, it's a bit unbelievable.
The setting was fairly well done. It seemed the author really had been to Westport, though maybe not for a while.
She does fail to notice that there are other people in the campground unless it's important for moving the narrative forward. For example, the campground is full of people to join in flashlight tag, but when seven people are up and making noise at one in the morning, no one seems to notice.
Still, an enjoyable story and an interesting read.
While the writing is not particularly noteworthy, the story is compelling. There's enough mystery to keep you wondering. And the ending is exciting enough to be worth the wait.
The repetition of the idea of a "gut instinct" was frustrating after a while. As though the author were afraid we wouldn't connect the title to the story if she didn't constantly remind us.
The part with the taking bird was more Hunger Games than realistic, unless Christian had kept the bird in captivity to train it just for that moment. Still, it's a bit unbelievable.
The setting was fairly well done. It seemed the author really had been to Westport, though maybe not for a while.
She does fail to notice that there are other people in the campground unless it's important for moving the narrative forward. For example, the campground is full of people to join in flashlight tag, but when seven people are up and making noise at one in the morning, no one seems to notice.
Still, an enjoyable story and an interesting read.
August 28, 2025
📗 August Read: 𝔹𝕆𝕆𝕂 ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎📗📕
📗Gut Instinct ( ARC)
📝 Hannah McNamara
📊⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5
🗂️Thriller / Young Adult
📣PUB DATE: 10-2-25
This debut thriller from Hannah McNamara is a quick, gripping read at just 185 pages—and they fly by. Perfect for fall reading… though maybe not the best choice for a camping trip (unless you’re ready to sleep with one eye open)! Haha
I really enjoyed this book. The writing was easy to follow and very descriptive, making it easy to picture the campground ( and the “thicket”) where the story unfolds. I could almost feel the carefree vibe of the young adults—at least until you-know-who arrived and changed everything.
Summer vacations always have a way of creating lifelong friendships—and this story is no exception.
If you like camping, creepy, short books, YA and great twist this is worth the read!
🗣️Quotes:
“We have time to explore the thicket”
“My gut instinct was right this time!”
“You're in the zone, and nothing can snap you out of it "
📗Gut Instinct ( ARC)
📝 Hannah McNamara
📊⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5
🗂️Thriller / Young Adult
📣PUB DATE: 10-2-25
This debut thriller from Hannah McNamara is a quick, gripping read at just 185 pages—and they fly by. Perfect for fall reading… though maybe not the best choice for a camping trip (unless you’re ready to sleep with one eye open)! Haha
I really enjoyed this book. The writing was easy to follow and very descriptive, making it easy to picture the campground ( and the “thicket”) where the story unfolds. I could almost feel the carefree vibe of the young adults—at least until you-know-who arrived and changed everything.
Summer vacations always have a way of creating lifelong friendships—and this story is no exception.
If you like camping, creepy, short books, YA and great twist this is worth the read!
🗣️Quotes:
“We have time to explore the thicket”
“My gut instinct was right this time!”
“You're in the zone, and nothing can snap you out of it "
September 18, 2025
Always keep your head on a swivel.
Gut Instinct is a chilling account of a camping trip gone off the rails. While seventeen-year-old Willow and her family are enjoying a peaceful vacation in the woods, an unsavory man takes up residence on an adjacent campsite, oozing creepy vibes.
Author Hannah McNamara lays out the events of this fateful trip, highlighting just how complacent we have become as a society and how much faith we place in others to keep us safe. Willow’s family could have picked up and left the campground at any time, but instead chose to place their faith in park rangers, police, and humanity, assuming they would be safe.
Our worlds are so structured that we rarely find ourselves in unsafe situations, making it hard to identify a gut instinct even when it is camping right next to you. Follow Willow and her family as a manageable situation slowly morphs into the unthinkable in Gut Instinct!
Gut Instinct is a chilling account of a camping trip gone off the rails. While seventeen-year-old Willow and her family are enjoying a peaceful vacation in the woods, an unsavory man takes up residence on an adjacent campsite, oozing creepy vibes.
Author Hannah McNamara lays out the events of this fateful trip, highlighting just how complacent we have become as a society and how much faith we place in others to keep us safe. Willow’s family could have picked up and left the campground at any time, but instead chose to place their faith in park rangers, police, and humanity, assuming they would be safe.
Our worlds are so structured that we rarely find ourselves in unsafe situations, making it hard to identify a gut instinct even when it is camping right next to you. Follow Willow and her family as a manageable situation slowly morphs into the unthinkable in Gut Instinct!
October 18, 2025
Gut Instinct kept me hooked from the very first page. Willow Carter is a smart, relatable teen whose summer camping trip turns unsettling when a stranger nearby triggers every alarm bell in her mind. What begins as a typical family getaway quickly becomes a tense fight between intuition and denial.
Hannah McNamara captures the teenage voice beautifully—equal parts brave, sarcastic, and vulnerable. The pacing is quick, the dialogue natural, and the creeping sense of danger so realistic that I found myself holding my breath. I especially appreciated the deeper message about trusting your instincts and learning when to speak up, even when adults dismiss your fears.
Highly recommend for teens and adults alike who enjoy heart-pounding suspense with an emotional core.
Hannah McNamara captures the teenage voice beautifully—equal parts brave, sarcastic, and vulnerable. The pacing is quick, the dialogue natural, and the creeping sense of danger so realistic that I found myself holding my breath. I especially appreciated the deeper message about trusting your instincts and learning when to speak up, even when adults dismiss your fears.
Highly recommend for teens and adults alike who enjoy heart-pounding suspense with an emotional core.
February 19, 2026
Gut Instinct is a tense YA thriller that taps into our fear of being the only one who senses danger when everyone else feels safe. Willow Carter is a smart and compelling protagonist, her sense of protectiveness overshadowed by a bad experience a few years earlier. Despite being determined to enjoy their annual vacation time, she’s constantly on alert because her gut instinct tells her something is wrong. Set in a Pacific Northwest campground, the story starts off strong, building a chilly unease based on isolation, a creepy setting, and characters who provide the perfect foil for what is to come. The novel keeps readers guessing throughout with an ending I didn’t see coming. A great read for young and old!
October 19, 2025
Reading Gut Instinct, the debut YA thriller from Hannah McNamara, I felt so into the story that I kept checking myself for ticks. I could smell the campfire and the freshly baked donuts. And I cringed at having to use the dirty campground bathrooms.
This is a work of fiction although the author states on the cover that it is based on a true story. I can believe that as McNamara does an excellent job at putting the reader as deep into the scene as Willow and friends go deep into the thicket. I sensed the foreboding that bothered the narrator and believed my own goosebumps were real.
An excellent debut best read with a flashlight.
This is a work of fiction although the author states on the cover that it is based on a true story. I can believe that as McNamara does an excellent job at putting the reader as deep into the scene as Willow and friends go deep into the thicket. I sensed the foreboding that bothered the narrator and believed my own goosebumps were real.
An excellent debut best read with a flashlight.
August 17, 2025
Boom! Hannah McNamara’s knockout debut is a pulse-pounding young adult thriller that mashes psychological tension against raw Pacific Northwest coastal atmospherics. As seaside forests press against the Westport shoreline and the skies turn darker with every passing night, Willow Carter must untangle a past mistake from a clear and present danger before it’s too late.
This one-sitting read sucks readers into a chilling tale where instinct is the only thing standing between life, and a fate worse than death.
This one-sitting read sucks readers into a chilling tale where instinct is the only thing standing between life, and a fate worse than death.
December 5, 2025
Once I started reading, I didn’t want to put Gut Instinct down. This fast paced thriller perfectly pulled me back in time to my many teenage camping trips and Hannah’s descriptive writing made me feel like I was there with Willow, Ella, and Margot in the Thicket. The pacing and twists made for an excellent read with a scary, but believable story line. I enjoyed the way Willow’s prior experience was woven into the current events, which added to the anticipation and build up.
Great job Hannah! I can’t wait to read your next novel!
Great job Hannah! I can’t wait to read your next novel!
December 10, 2025
Gut Instinct was an engaging book that read as both relatable and suspenseful- you can feel your youthful self through the descriptions and feelings that the main character, Willow, experiences, and it keeps you gripped until the end. I was delighted to be kept guessing, as many stories feel a bit predictable. The climax had me greedily turning the pages to find out what happened next. Highly recommend!
October 16, 2025
Gut Instinct is a thriller that is based on a true story. In it, the protagonist must re-learn to trust her instincts when the people she loves the most don’t believe her. Set in the beautiful forests of the PNW, this book contains several twists and turns that I did not see coming, and it had me hanging on the edge of my seat to learn what the true story was in the end!
January 7, 2026
For a short book this had way too much filler, pages of unnecessary details. The teenagers seemed young, and the eight-year-old seemed too old. The parents seemed like gun nuts, and I kept worrying that they were going to accidentally shoot each other. The twist at the end tied everything together well, but it took too long to get there.
June 5, 2026
The way this story was written was like a true crime documentary which makes sense because it’s based on a true story! It wasn’t as suspenseful as other thrillers but I see that it’s YA so that’s probably why. It was a quick enjoyable read that I would recommend not reading on a camping trip with your family unless you want to get spooked 😆
November 14, 2025
This book had some nice twists at the end, but felt like it was written by a young writer, maybe more for younger readers. The first half was quite monotonous, with details that were often needless and boring and felt like they were just words to fill pages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews