Nobodies: A Gritty Noir Crime Thriller

by Warren Adler, Shannon McKenna

"Nobodies is driven by the energy and intelligence of its central couple, who are always firing on all cylinders." — BookLife for Publishers Weekly

From Warren Adler, bestselling author of The War of the Roses—now a major motion picture starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman—and Shannon McKenna, master of romantic suspense, comes a gritty noir crime thriller of deception, revenge, and redemption.

They’re ghosts. They’re thieves. And they’re running out of time.

Framed and forgotten, Henry Cody lives in hiding under a stolen name, plotting revenge against the people who ruined his life. Amber Wright is a career con artist with a past full of danger and a future that’s closing in fast. When a violent encounter ties their fates together, a high-stakes heist becomes something much darker—blackmail, betrayal, and a missing child no one expected.

Set in the shadows of New York City, Nobodies is a fast-paced, twist-laced tale of two fugitives who risk everything to take down the corrupt, outrun the past, and maybe—just maybe—save what’s left of themselves.

Perfect for fans of gritty noir, organized crime, and antihero thrillers.

Readers are Raving About This New

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Fans of noir and crime fiction will find it a standout, delivering a powerful, unforgettable reading experience .”—Goodreads review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “… A gritty, blood-soaked rollercoaster through the underbelly of crime, betrayal, and survival .”—Goodreads review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “… A story that kept me entertained from start to finish .”—NetGalley review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “ Highly recommended for anyone who loves a smart, hard-hitting thriller. ”—NetGalley review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “… A terrific story .”—Goodreads review

Genres: Thriller, Fiction

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2025

About the author

Warren Adler was an American author, playwright and poet. His novel The War of the Roses was turned into a dark comedy starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito.
Adler was an essayist, short-story writer, poet and playwright, whose works have been translated into 25 languages.

Reviews

[Toni Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gritty noir crime thriller of deception, revenge and redemption penned by a most prolific authors I had the pleasure to discover a long time ago. “Nobodies” is my 21th book. Unfortunately, Mr. Adler passed away some time back leaving his unfinished manuscript in the hands of Adler Entertainment Trust. Ms. McKenna was tasked to bring it to life by adding her personal touch and did honour to the master by giving us an awesome thriller.

Set in the shadows of New York City, the story has Henry Cody hiding under an assumed name plotting revenge against the people who ruined his life while Amber Wright, a career con artist with a shady past cross’s path with him… their fates are tied …….

Told from different character perspectives and shifting timeframes this story has a cinematic flair to it and is shrewdly done. I admit at first, I was totally lost and thought I wouldn’t enjoy it but lo and behold I found myself suck into the dark world of organized crime and from that point on I had a hard time setting this book aside. The tense atmosphere is masterfully crafted and is filled with murkiness, suspense and many plot twists. We have a perfect balance between the intense action and how the characters pondered the moment. Surprising the story is believable…. even with the tad of humour injected from time to time.

Love them or hate them the characters are richly developed and compelling. This tale of two fugitives who risk everything to take down the corrupt while outrunning their past and save themselves is entertaining and should please most.

My thanks to Book Whisperer for this ARC which I received via Netgalley

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobodies by Warren Adler and Shannon McKenna tells the story of Henry who is a fugitive. An escapee from prison framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Amber who is on the run from mafia ties. They meet during an attack on Henry and team up to help each other.

This is a fast paced thriller which kept me reading and engaged. I really liked Henry and Amber characters and their dialogue was great. Looking forward to the movie.

Thank you to NetGalley and Adler Entertainment Center for this ARC.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that will have the reader turning the pages anxiously waiting to make sure the two protagonists succeed in their plans. They are two misfits. She is a former Las Vegas showgirl and professional arm candy who is far smarter than any of the brutes with whom she has associated ever imagined. The last one, a violent psychopath at without the redeeming features of will do anything and murder anyone to get what he wants. Amber however, once she escapes his clutches, is one step ahead. Henry is a socially awkward genius whose smarts did not help him to see when his wife and her lover committed a major heist and framed him for it. She is on the run and Henry is hiding but even before they meet officially they both recognize something special in the other across a library floor.

From the moment they combined forces so they each can settle old scores and get what they deserve, they work together to make a potent team. Each brings what the other lacks but they are such basically decent people that no matter what they do, you have to root for them. And when they set up the final schemes, even they are surprised when all the moving pieces connect in one place and it is going to be uncertain if they will be foisted on their own petard.

It is a nail biter to the end and it will keep you guessing. Five purrs and two paws up for a well written thriller.

[Lape · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into Nobodies expecting a standard crime thriller, and ended up devouring one of the most intense, emotionally charged stories I’ve read all year.

Nobodies is a gritty, blood soaked rollercoaster through the underbelly of crime, betrayal, and survival. Warren Adler delivers a razor sharp noir thriller that grabs you by the throat from page one and refuses to let go.

We follow two unforgettable characters: Henry, a prison escapee wrongfully accused, and Amber, a sharp, resilient woman entangled in the lethal web of the mafia. Their lives collide in a high stakes, adrenaline fueled moment, and what begins as an uneasy alliance quickly evolves into a partnership rooted in desperation, revenge, trust, and survival.

The pacing just doesn’t let up. Every chapter pushes the story forward like a freight train. There’s barely time to breathe as the action intensifies, yet Adler manages to infuse moments of genuine emotion and reflection amid the chaos. And the chemistry between Henry and Amber?
Electric!!

If you’re drawn to stories where flawed, layered characters fight like hell against impossible odds, then you should definitely read Nobodies.

Many thanks to the publishers for access to the digital ARC copy via NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback.

[bluevioletbb · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5)
Nobodies by Warren Adler & Shannon McKenna was such a wild ride! Big thanks to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the e-ARC, this review is my own honest opinion. I went into this without many expectations, but as a thriller lover, I couldn't pass it up—and I’m so glad I took the chance.

The story is fast-paced and gripping from the start. I really appreciated how the authors wove in a variety of themes and didn’t shy away from the darker sides of human nature. Henry and Amber were compelling leads—flawed, yes, but fully human and easy to root for in their own ways. The supporting characters stirred up strong emotions too—some I absolutely hated (in the best way), which is a testament to how well they were written.

Be warned: there are a few gory moments, so if that’s not your thing, you might want to skim those sections. My only minor critique is that I wish Henry’s framing and Amber’s backstory were explored in a bit more depth—they felt just shy of fully fleshed out. That said, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the ride.

This was a gritty, intense, and thrilling read—perfect for a summer weekend binge. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from these authors!

[Rokkan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an e-ARC from Net Galley in return for an honest review

Nobodies is a multiple point of view story that starts off a little bit disjointed but steadily comes together towards a thrilling climax. The plot is a little bit cinematic but it works nonetheless, once you get a handle on which characters are the main focus of each chapter.

There are aspects of this book that might be uncomfortable for some people to read; there's a fair amount of domestic and criminal violence that's not always graphic, but nor is it glossed over; these characters, for the most part, are not nice people. That counts for the protagonists as well; they're not as awful as the antagonists, but they are still pretty morally grey, which is actually one of the things I liked about them. They're not paragons of virtue by any stretch of the imagination; Henry is a Good Guy Done Wrong, but he's also petty as hell at times, while Amber has been looking out for herself for a long time and has to resolve some inner demons too.

All in all a decent thriller, with a mostly satisfactory ending.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry is a good soul that has been abused by his now ex-wife, Belinda, and her lover, Victor, and is sent to prison. He's able to evade prison a few months later but now he lives under the thumb of the guy who helped him and he fulfills his days thinking about how he'll get revenge, how long it'll take to pay his debt, and doing brainy works for lazy students, till when he meets Amber. They both realize they are trying to evade bad people and also trying to get revenge. They are nobodies, no one pays attention on them, and they put together an ambitious plan to meet their goals although some people, not all of them part of the bad guys, will die. I loved the plot. the mystery, and how thoroughly the characters have been developed. Nothing short of what I would've expected from Mr. Adler. Highly recommended!
I thank the author's estate, their publisher, and NetGalley for the free copy of this book.

[Eunice R · Rating 4 out of 5]

The exploitation of a genius, betrayal extra-ordinaire, depravity of mankind at its worst, violence, greed, power struggles, and more, all lend to this tale, creating chock full, non-stop suspense and action. Just watch out for the nobodies!

Another caution is the liberal sprinkling of foul language that some potential readers may find offensive. However, despite the fact that all this type of action is definitely not my cup of tea, I do believe it is a well-written narrative. Afterall, Warren Adler was a well-seasoned author. It is his offspring who keep his work alive.

~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~

July 2025

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent to me by NetGalley and the publisher.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nobodies by Warren Adler and Shannon McKenna is not the usual story that I read. However, when I saw Shannon McKenna’s name I decided to give it a try. This book reminder me somewhat of the movie, The Grifters. A con artist and a framed man who is now on the run this is a gritty tale, involving deception but also revenge and even some restoration. This result is a dark thriller. While I might not have agreed with everything Henry Cody and Amber Wright were planning and putting into play, I couldn’t help but root for them. That makes for an amazing story.

I had no idea that Mr. Adler has passed away and Shannon McKenna was putting the life and finishing writing to this book. I guess I had thought that they had collaborated. Nobodies is an excellent example of what tow master writers can do with one story by bringing their own strengths to the writing table.

[Maria Beltrami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry is a programming genius whose skills have been used against him by his ex-wife and her lover. Amber is a con artist and a sexy dancer at the end of her career, on the run from a man who forced her to marry him so she couldn't testify against him. The two meet in a bookshop that they both consider their safe haven.
Soon their lives, and their misadventures, intersect and intertwine, between his extreme naivety and her sense of survival. Together, they devise a plan to take revenge and regain their freedom. In a Hollywood-style crescendo, things do not always go as they should, but in the end, the two achieve their goal. Beautifully written, the novel unfortunately has a plot that is a little too predictable and, with its whites too white and blacks too black, it is clear that its purpose is to be made into a film.

[Autumn Danner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is one of survival against the odds, when those surrounding you just keep beating you down. Henry and Amber have both been dealt a bad hand in life, and the odds are stacked against them surviving even the short term. Their situations are as different as their personalities. When their paths cross, they team up almost by accident. The characters are three-dimensional, the action non-stop, and the intrigue is very clever. The story is much more brutal and bloody than I expected, but their reckoning was very complex and exciting. Each chapter propelled the story along at rocket speed - I didn't put it down once I started it! Thank you Book Whisperer & NetGalley for an ARC of this very exciting book!

[T M. Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobodies is a gripping, gritty noir thriller that pulls you deep into the dark world of organized crime and complex antiheroes. Warren Adler masterfully crafts a tense atmosphere filled with moral ambiguity and suspense that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The characters are richly developed, flawed, and compelling, making the story not just a crime thriller but a profound exploration of human nature under pressure. The pacing is perfect, balancing intense action with moments of reflection, and the plot twists are both surprising and believable. Fans of noir and crime fiction will find Nobodies a standout, delivering a powerful, unforgettable reading experience. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a smart, hard-hitting thriller1

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all! This is noir crime at its grittiest—dark alleys, smoky bars, and the metallic taste of fear practically leap off the page.

Henry Cody, hiding under a stolen name, is pure vengeance in motion. Amber Wright is sharp, dangerous, and running out of time. When fate slams them together, a heist turns into blackmail, betrayal, and a missing child that raises the stakes to a whole new level.

Adler and McKenna weave deception and revenge with just enough humanity to make you ache for these broken antiheroes clawing toward redemption. It’s fast, twisty, and hits with the force of a gut punch.

4.5 stars—dark, gritty, and unforgettable.

Thanks to Book Whisperer for providing this advance copy via #NetGalley for my honest, voluntary review. #Nobodies

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gritty thriller involving the criminal underworld, mostly set in New York. Henry has been framed for a jewel theft. After escaping from prison, he is lying low. Amber is also on the run . When their lives collide, both of them face exposure and more complications.
Fast paced and gory, both of their lives are explored , now and their past experiences which have brought them to this point. It doesn't always make for easy reading, but is an interesting read which doesn't stretch the bounds of possibilty too far.At first intriguing, the suspense builds up and it was a real pageturner, I had to stay up to finish. There are a lot of deaths along the way. What a ride !
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

[Diane]

I voluntarily reviewed "NOBODIES" I was hooked on this intriguing, intense, dark twisted rollercoaster ride adventure dealing with danger, betrayal, blackmail, violent encounters you can't put down.
Henry Cody is looking for revenge on those who ruined his life & Amber Wright is Con Artist with a past filled with danger, when a violent encounter risks everything she & Cody meet.
Cody & Amber are dealing with things rather dark, blackmail, betrayal a missing child, they risk it all to take down the bad guys & come out alive maybe a HEA a must read you absolutely don't want to miss a page turner to the end.

[Patricia Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book. Henry is a computer nerd who develop a system to cover his tracks with believeable video. Amber is a Vagas showgirl married to a gangster who kills. somehow these two meet in a reading room without verbally introducing themselves. soon they are jointly planning their escape from his exwife and her greedly spouse. the action keeps happening as Henry cooks for her and she act dresses for him to cover his tracks and found bearer bonds and diamonds. great ending. the daughter of his exwife is wearing the diamonds as they drive into Mexico, designed to live their best life.

[Viccy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry Cody, computer genius, escaped from prison after he was framed for stealing a lot of money. Now he works for the gangster who broke him out to pay off his debt. Henry wrote a genius piece of code he calls Mirror, Mirror, that makes deep fakes looks really real. Amber Wright has spent her life on the grift, but this time she gets caught and has to go on the run, along with Henry. On the run, hunted by a lot of bad guys, Henry and Amber have to protect each other and maybe, just maybe, rediscover some happiness. A lot of twists and turns that kept me reading.

[Louise Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing style used in telling this absolute ripper of a story is almost as engaging as the plot itself. The use of different character perspectives and movement in timeframes makes reading this book an almost cinematic experience and is very cleverly done. And amongst the awful characters who are so easy to hate are the odd one or two who will steal your heart. I loved Henry and found his revenge antics coldly amusing. The whole book has an odd and appealing humour to it, even as it evokes some of the more terrifying scenes from the likes of The Godfather. A terrific story.

[Neville Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry escaped from prison and Amber a con artist that is also on the run, both find each other and plan to get money and leave New York. A violent and gripping thriller that won't let you go. The characters are well drawn even the bad ones. You will root for Henry and Amber. This is well written novel that will stay with you after the last page. Thanks to Book Whisperer and Netgalley for this review copy.

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

crime novel. Henry Cody lives under an assumed name. Ämber Wright is a scammer who has lived by her with her entire life. Their paths cross. The story was confusing at the beginning because it is told from different Angelsi and you’ve got to straighten it out in your mind before you go to the next part of the story.


A lot of suspense and one ends with a very believable plot and interesting characters which populate the story.

[Howard Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nobodies is an entertaining novel about two disparate people somehow becoming involved together in a fascinating novel of crime and revenge. It is a fast paced read and adequately depicts a bygone era which Hollywood called film noir. This book is recommended for all who enjoy mystery/thrillers and I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reading copy.

[Lily-May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathe when you finish the book!
The chapters to this book are intense and when you think the book will slow down it doesnt

I loved the descriptions it really got you imagining the places and smells and you could picture the people

Would recommend to anyone who likes a fast Paced book

thank you netgalley and tje publishers for the opportunity to ARC read this book

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read and excellent storyline. Filled with action from start to finish of torment, pain, fear and love. The characters were brilliantly portrayed and I liked the way Henry and Amber both found and helped each other to resolve their predicaments. The authors absolutely nailed it. Highly recommended.

[Samantha Cosgrove · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nobodies: A Gritty Noir Crime Thriller by Warren Adler & Shannon McKenna – 3.5 stars.
I don’t normally go for noir, but this was gritty and intriguing. I’d definitely consider taking another trip into the genre.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story design and well-developed characters.. They fit together so well to provide a story that kept me entertained from start to finish. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great mystery thriller. I wasn’t liking the beginning (the first 30%) but I’m really glad I didn’t give up on it! It moved to a story of drama with two main characters that I loved. They were dramatic and fearsome with their exploits. I loved the story! Thank you #netgalley #warrenadler

[Melanie McAteer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read. This book has it all deceit, blackmail and betrayal. Fast paced. Dark with a happy ending.

[Ann Keeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read, exciting and titillating