A Night to Forget

by Robert Laurie

Dean Herkimer appears to have it a loving wife, a child on the way, and a perfect life. But beneath the surface, something dark is festering. When he crosses paths with a young woman who awakens a violent urge inside him, his perfect world begins to unravel, sending him into a murderous rage.

Two rookie detectives are assigned to the Detective Amanda Mancini, driven by her father's legacy, and Detective Martin Schmidt, whose family's political ties have fast-tracked his career.

As Dean stalks his next victim, the detectives race against time to unravel the mystery before more blood is shed.

Dark, gripping, and relentless, A Night to Forget is a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the final, shocking revelation.

274 pages, Hardcover

Published December 9, 2025

Reviews

[Marta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happy Publication Day: 12/9/25 (posting this the night before so that I don’t forget in the morning!)

Revised rating: 9/12/25, please see further thoughts on this at the end of original review!

6/10: 3⭐️’s

This is author Robert Laurie’s debut book.

Dean and his wife Helen are living the good life. High-school sweethearts, jobs they enjoy and now a baby on the way! (Although I am a little confused about the longevity Dean has had his job (due to his age and factoring in that college is mentioned etc, little details that didn’t quite add up for me) and his actual job title. Early in the book he is described as the urology manager at a hospital and later described as the office manager in the urology department. Is that me being overly persnickety though?)

One afternoon Deans staff requests that he go out to purchase decorations for St. Patrick’s Day. ☘️. There, at the store, he sees her. He is angry, livid, and everything changes. She needs to die. She will die. (Not a spoiler). Then everything will be fine. Everything will be back to normal.

Two junior detectives are assigned to the murder case. Amanda Mancini (stellar work ethic) and Martin Schmidt (lazy as mud). Can they solve the case before anyone else is hurt?

There are several nit-picky things I could hone in on, beyond the two things previously mentioned in regards to Deans job, but I kind of don’t want to. People can read and decide if they are things worth being a smidge annoyed with or not themselves.

The writing could have been a bit more put together. Characters could have been more defined. But again, it’s a debut book and I have never written an entire book, only a handful of chapters, so being overly critical of a new author seems rude? Unkind? Not very encouraging?

I will say this, I finished the book in an afternoon. My suspicions about a reveal were confirmed later on in the book. But even after I had my suspicion, the need to know WHY was DEMANDING that I continue on and find out. There was definitely some suspense to this book. I think there is potential for a series that could be good.

If a book demanded that I finish it in one sitting, something clearly ended up appealing to me!

I encourage others to read this and form their own opinions! And then share with me so I have someone to talk to about this book!! 🙂

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read this debut book! All opinions are my own.

Original rating and review posted: 9/3/25
Smalll edit: 9/4/25
Small addition: 9/4/25
REVISED rating : 9/12/25: after doing some more thinking on this, I am going to change it to 3⭐️’s instead of the original 2.5⭐️’s, which I had rounded up. While parts seemed draggy etc, I can’t forget that feeling of needing to know the why. Of needing to finish the book to get my answers. Of finishing it in one afternoon because parts of it kept me going and kept feeding that need to know. That has been missing for me in several books lately, so having that quality, this book definitely deserves a solid 3 ⭐️’s from me, I have decided. There was enough there to overlook some of my nitpicky things that bother me even more when seasoned writers do them!!

[Chazzie Chaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! Fast-paced, it hooked me from the first page. Descriptive, but not overly. Really made me feel like I was in every scene. I really hope it’s the first in a series.

[kb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating:
1.5/5 sad stars (rounded to 2)

Summary
Dean is on a killing rampage. Two rookie detectives are tasked with catching him before he strikes again. But what is driving Dean to kill and what will it take to stop him?

My Thoughts
Wow. This wasn’t what I was hoping for. I went in hoping for an expecting a nice, winding thriller but instead I found a whole pile of issues.

The way the story is set up and told is concise to a fault. It is directly to the point, leaving very little room for any actual suspense or mystery due to the multiple, jumping viewpoints in the story. It also doesn’t allow you to be truly immersed in the story, always being kept away by surface-level descriptions of everything.

There is also very little to no character development or depth. The characters are all one dimensional, moving from point A to point B with only one goal or motive for everyone. That is another reason it was difficult to enjoy, because everyone felt very fake and unreal.

The plot was overall a mess. It was overly simplified with very little intrigue, and at times, the author himself seems to get his facts of what’s going on mixed up. It also wasn’t realistic — both in the conduct of characters and the series of events — to a point where even a mild level of removing yourself from reality would help. The pacing was also off, skating over important bits of the story while lingering for a long time on things that didn’t matter.

What kept me reading through it all was wanting to know why Dean did it, and the twist did get me, but by that point, I couldn’t even fully enjoy it because of how glaringly obvious all the flaws were.

Recommended For
I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone, sadly. I think it’s best to skip.

Release Date
December 9, 2025

This book was received as a complimentary ARC, thank you to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to be part of the process and read this in advance

[joel Austine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Night to Forget pulled me in so deeply that I felt like I was living inside the story. Robert Laurie doesn’t just write suspense he builds an entire atmosphere of dread that slowly crawls under your skin. Watching Dean Herkimer’s life spiral out of control was both horrifying and mesmerizing. You see his perfect world crumble piece by piece until he becomes someone unrecognizable, and that transformation is written with such chilling clarity.
The two rookie detectives, Amanda and Martin, were the perfect contrast to Dean’s unraveling mind. Amanda’s drive, shaped by her father’s legacy, added emotional weight, while Martin’s privileged background created a tension that felt real and dynamic. Their journey made me root for them the entire time.
The pacing was flawless, the twists genuinely surprising, and the final revelation left me staring at the last page in shock. This is one of those rare thrillers that lingers long after you finish it.

[Laura Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the definition of a psychological thriller done right. The author masterfully explores the dangerous cracks beneath a seemingly perfect life. Dean’s internal battle between who he wants to be and the growing dark urges he can no longer control is written with such unnerving precision that you almost feel guilty for understanding him.
What truly stands out is how the story balances two gripping perspectives: a man slipping into violence, and two inexperienced detectives trying to rise to the moment. Amanda’s determination, fueled by her father’s reputation, gives her a depth that makes her instantly likable. Schmidt’s political connections add the right amount of tension and suspicion.
The chase, the stakes, the slow build of dread it all comes together in a way that makes this book impossible to put down. The ending is shocking, heartbreaking, and satisfying all at once. A phenomenal read.

[Marian Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

“From the opening chapter, I knew this book was going to be something special. Dean is one of the most complex and chilling characters I’ve read in a long time. His shift from a loving husband with a baby on the way to a man consumed by violent impulses is written so subtly, yet so powerfully, that it feels disturbingly plausible.
The detectives’ storyline runs parallel in such a compelling way. Amanda’s emotional motivation and Martin’s political complications make for a fascinating partnership. Watching them struggle to piece together clues while Dean stalks his next victim kept me on edge the entire time.
The story is dark, gripping, and beautifully paced. Every chapter ends in a way that pushes you forward. The tension is relentless, the atmosphere thick, and the twist landed perfectly. A Night to Forget is an unforgettable psychological thriller that deserves every bit of praise it gets.

[Daniella liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Laurie has created something extraordinary with A Night to Forget. This book doesn’t just entertain it pulls you deep into the shadows of the human psyche. Dean’s transformation from a devoted husband to a man battling violent urges is written with such nuance and realism that it left me unsettled in the best possible way. You feel his inner conflict, his fear, and the horrifying moment he finally gives in.
The detectives, Amanda and Martin, are compelling and fully developed, each carrying their own emotional burdens. Their inexperience makes every decision feel high-stakes, and their determination makes you root for them through every twist and setback.
The writing is atmospheric and cinematic, with scenes so vivid I could almost hear the echoes of footsteps in dark hallways. The tension never lets up, and the final reveal had my jaw on the floor. This is the kind of thriller that stays with you long after the last page.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I blew through this book. If you have ever wanted to read an episode of criminal minds in book form...THIS IS IT! Did I see one major twist? Absolutely I did. Did I think it would effect my enjoyment? Yes. Did it? No.

The multiple perspective shifts in the story kept the story moving without being confusing. I liked that even small snippets of other views I loved for the insite. This book including some of the worst police officers I have ever read, but also some of the best. I was still shocked towards the end at another event. A lot of thrillers by the end drown on and on and I am ready to be done. This one wrapped up well and knew when to end it.

The first novel by Robert Laurie? Great start and I will be reading more!

* I was provided an Ebook Arc by NetGalley and Koehler Books.

[Lauren James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved every second of this book. The story starts with a sense of normalcy, then steadily drifts into something terrifying as Dean’s darker impulses awaken. The psychological element is incredibly strong Robert Laurie makes Dean feel real, human, and disturbingly relatable. That’s what makes the horror of his actions hit so much harder.
The detectives added a refreshing and engaging dynamic. Amanda is fierce, determined, and driven by a sense of justice, while Martin has to prove he’s more than just a product of his family’s influence. Their partnership isn’t perfect, and that imperfection makes them feel authentic.
There were multiple moments when I actually paused to take a breath because the tension was so thick. The writing is smooth, the pacing relentless, and the twists are beautifully executed. This is the kind of thriller you finish at 2 a.m. without realizing it.

[Hannah James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is more than just a crime story it’s a psychological exploration of the human mind under pressure. Dean’s descent from a man with everything to a predator driven by uncontrollable urges is portrayed with haunting realism. Every chapter builds on the last, tightening the suspense until you feel like you’re racing against the clock alongside the detectives.
Amanda’s personal journey added so much heart to the story. You feel her determination to honor her father and prove herself. Martin’s background creates a subtle tension that keeps their partnership interesting and unpredictable. Together, they form a compelling team faced with a danger far greater than they ever expected.
The writing is immersive, the atmosphere dark but beautifully constructed, and the final revelation left me stunned. It’s the perfect balance of character development, suspense, and shocking twists.

[Jacqueline Walter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those rare thrillers where every element the characters, the pacing, the emotional tension comes together perfectly. Dean’s spiral into darkness was both heartbreaking and terrifying. The way the author slowly peels back the layers of his psyche made me feel like I was witnessing a real person losing control of their sanity.
Amanda and Martin’s storyline added so much grounding to the chaos. Their rookie status, mistakes, and emotional struggles made them feel like real people trying their best in an impossible situation. Amanda especially stood out with her courage and her personal connection to law enforcement.
I found myself racing through chapters, desperate to know if the detectives would reach Dean before he struck again. The suspense is masterfully crafted, and the ending left me speechless. A must-read for anyone who loves deep, character-driven thrillers.

[Daniel Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What makes this book truly exceptional is how real every moment feels. Dean’s unsettling desires and slowly unraveling self-control are described with a level of psychological accuracy that made my skin crawl. He’s not a cartoonish villain he’s frighteningly human, and that’s what makes him unforgettable.
The detectives bringing balance to the story was brilliant. Amanda’s emotional strength and Martin’s privilege-based struggles create tension and chemistry that drive the narrative forward. Their growth throughout the story is just as compelling as the hunt for the killer.
The writing style is rich, immersive, and full of subtle details that create a chilling atmosphere. I was captivated from the first chapter and remained glued to every page until the shocking climax. This book is dark, emotional, and absolutely unforgettable.

[justine charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me in so many ways. I expected a fast-paced thriller, but what I got was an emotional, psychologically rich story that kept me thinking long after I finished. Dean’s descent into violence is portrayed with such heartbreaking precision that you almost feel like you're watching a tragedy unfold in slow motion.
The detectives added a human layer to the story that I really appreciated. Their determination, doubts, frustrations, and small victories felt so genuine. Amanda and Martin balance each other perfectly—one driven by legacy, the other by pressure and expectation.
The pacing is phenomenal. Every chapter raises the stakes, every scene adds tension, and the twist at the end left me frozen in place. This is the kind of book that reminds you why psychological thrillers are so powerful. Absolutely breathtaking.”

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Night To Forget is a gripping psychological thriller full of suspense and dread!

Dean is a typical husband and is expecting a child with his wife. All of a sudden he begins to get these killing urges and his life starts to unravel before our reading eyes.

Dean is a great character. Even though he is flawed, he is so well written that you can feel how he battles internally with his darkness. He slowly transforms within our eyes and the slow dread can be felt through the pages. The detectives, Amanda and Martin, added more depth and emotion to the story. You can really connect and empathize with them. The pacing was right, the twists were perfect and it all came together in the end. No questions unanswered.
Thank you Netgalley and Koehler Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Naomi Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapter, this book sets a tone that is both unsettling and addictive. Dean Herkimer’s slow slide into darkness is so carefully crafted that you almost don’t notice the shift until it’s too late just like Dean himself. His inner conflict, his attempts to cling to normalcy, and his ultimate loss of control are woven together with haunting realism.
The detectives provided a much-needed emotional counterbalance. Amanda, with her fierce loyalty to her father’s legacy, brought heart to the story. Martin’s complex relationship with his influential family added tension and depth. Their partnership was imperfect but incredibly believable.
The pacing of the book is flawless. Every chapter tightens the tension, and the author builds suspense like a seasoned master. The final revelation still echoes in my mind. Truly unforgettable.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dean Herkimer, urology department manager at the local hospital, is on his way to purchase Saint Patricks Day decorations for his office when he sees her. He has had an indisputable anger this past week and now understands. She is the cause… and she must pay.

With his pregnant and sick wife at home, he concocts a plan. Everything will be okay once she pays… or will it?

Though the plotline was amazing and kept me intrigued, the writing did not keep me engaged. I found myself putting this down quite a bit but picking it up again due to my curiosity of what would happen. I think that with a bit of polishing when it comes to detail and dialogue, Laurie’s next book will be wonderful!

A world of thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for letting me preview this book.

[Bob Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel goes far beyond the standard crime thriller. It digs deep into the psychology of a man who seems to have everything but still falls victim to the darkest parts of himself. Dean’s internal monologues were some of the most chilling I’ve ever read.
Amanda and Martin’s journey to unravel the case was equally compelling. Their youth and inexperience made their determination even more admirable. I loved how Amanda’s emotional connection to her father’s legacy shaped her decisions, and how Martin struggled against the weight of expectations placed on him by his political family.
By the time the story reached its climax, my heart was pounding. This book doesn’t just entertain it consumes you. A powerful, gripping ride.

[kayley dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things I loved most about A Night to Forget is how real everything feels. Dean isn’t just a villain he’s a human being desperately trying to suppress something monstrous inside of him, and the way the author portrays this struggle is terrifying. His breakdown feels gradual and inevitable, like watching a slow-motion disaster.
The detectives were wonderfully developed, each with their own baggage and strengths. Amanda’s determination made me instantly connect with her, and Martin’s background created a constant push-and-pull dynamic between them.
The writing is sharp, atmospheric, and emotionally charged. I stayed up far later than I planned because I couldn’t stop reading. The ending is a punch to the gut shocking, heartbreaking, and brilliantly executed.

[Johnny Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book blew me away. The tension is relentless, the pacing fast but controlled, and the characters deeply human. Dean’s psychological unraveling is written with such subtlety that it creeps up on you, leaving you both horrified and fascinated.
Amanda and Martin are exactly the kind of detectives I love flawed but determined, unsure but courageous. Their rookie mistakes made them feel real, and their emotional evolution throughout the investigation was gripping to watch.
Robert Laurie’s ability to build atmosphere is remarkable. I could feel the fear, the urgency, the dread of what Dean might do next. The twist near the end had me staring at the page, stunned. This is a thriller that delivers in every way.

[Rose Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book I experienced it. Every chapter pulled me deeper into Dean’s fractured mind, and the writing made me feel his conflict, his desperation, and his eventual surrender to his darker urges. It’s rare for a thriller to make me feel sympathy and fear for a character simultaneously, but this one succeeded.
Amanda and Martin were the perfect match for the case. Their emotional motivations, their flaws, and their courage made them some of the most memorable detectives I’ve read in a long time. Their race against time kept me glued to the story.
The final scenes were so intense I had to stop and breathe. The ending is shocking, powerful, and beautifully set up. This book left me thinking for days afterward. A true masterpiece of psychological suspense.”

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Night to Forget is dark, disturbing, and impossible to put down. Robert Laurie does an excellent job peeling back the layers of a man who appears to have it all, only to reveal something truly terrifying beneath the surface. Dean Herkimer is one of those characters you can’t stop thinking about—even when you want to. The tension builds steadily, and the cat-and-mouse chase between the killer and the detectives kept me hooked until the very end. The final reveal was shocking and perfectly executed.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dean appears to have it all, a wife, a child on the way and a good house but for some reason he needs a dark side to really need happy, so he starts stalking a woman and ends up killing her. Now two rookie detective have to fight against time to catch him before he kills someone else.

It was a nice mystery, fast paced with a manhunt. I wish it had more suspense.
I want to thank Netgalley, the author and the publisher for sending me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review

[Elizabeth Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a wild ride. Laurie paints Dean as the perfect storm: charming on the outside, monstrous within. Every chapter from his perspective felt chillingly intimate. Amanda and Martin were equally engaging two flawed but determined detectives trying to prove themselves. Their race against time kept me holding my breath. The twists were unpredictable, the tension constant, and the final reveal was unforgettable. I devoured this in one sitting.

[Charley James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Laurie delivers a thriller that is intense, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling in the best way. The contrast between Dean’s seemingly perfect life and his violent impulses is terrifying. The detectives’ race against time felt urgent and real, and the story never lost momentum. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the ending completely surprised me. This is a book that stays with you long after you finish it.

[Kasey James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not for the faint of heart, and I mean that as a compliment. Robert Laurie crafts a disturbing and gripping story that dives deep into the mind of a killer while balancing a compelling police investigation. The writing is sharp, the pacing is relentless, and the suspense never fades. If you enjoy psychological thrillers that push boundaries and deliver shocking twists, A Night to Forget is an excellent choice.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this expecting a standard crime thriller, but A Night to Forget is much darker and more psychological than I anticipated in the best way. Dean Herkimer is one of the most unsettling characters I’ve read in a long time. Watching his “perfect” life slowly decay was chilling. The pacing is tight, the tension never lets up, and that ending genuinely shocked me. Highly recommended for fans of dark thrillers.

[Brazil · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride! This book had me hooked and uneasy in the best possible way. Laurie weaves psychological tension with fast-paced investigative work so smoothly that I barely noticed I’d devoured half the book in one sitting. The final twist genuinely shocked me. A phenomenal thriller that deserves more attention.

[Felix bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Night to Forget is dark, emotional, and brutally honest about the fragility of the human mind. Dean is terrifying not because he’s a monster, but because he starts off as someone you’d never suspect. The contrast between him and the young detectives gives the story incredible energy. Easily one of the best psychological thrillers I’ve read this year.

[Catherine Vickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel had my pulse racing. The writing is crisp and deeply atmospheric, pulling you into Dean’s spiraling world. Detective Amanda Mancini is a standout character compassionate but tough, and definitely someone I want to see in future books. Laurie knows how to keep a reader guessing without ever feeling lost. Highly recommend.

[Isabella Aiden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still can’t shake the ending. This book starts with a sense of normalcy, then slowly builds dread until you’re completely invested in every character’s fate. The emotional depth surprised me, especially with Amanda and Martin struggling to prove themselves. Robert Laurie has mastered the art of suspense.