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The View from Here
A paranoid widow fears her late husband isn’t gone at all in a gripping psychological thriller by the New York Times bestselling author of Anthony Award–nominated These Toxic Things.
After eleven years, Nicole Baxter and her husband Truman’s marriage is beginning to fracture. Suddenly, during a scuba diving accident near Catalina Island, Truman is gone. No body. No signs of foul play. Presumed dead.
Clinging to the hope that Truman might still be alive, Nicole is devastated, in denial, and struggling with insomnia, as well as guilt over the secrets she kept from the man she loved—a pregnancy, a miscarriage, and an incautious fling with an attentive neighbor. Then come the strange occurrences putting Nicole further on edge. The scent of Truman’s cologne. The wet footprints in the house. The cryptic texts from his phone. And the message written on her bathroom I’ll luv u 4ever.
Nicole has never felt so alone, isolated, and paranoid. If she’s losing her mind, then why does it seem so real? If it’s real, how is that possible? As Nicole’s grip on reality slips away, the answers are becoming a matter of life and death.
Revised This edition of The View from Here includes editorial revisions.
After eleven years, Nicole Baxter and her husband Truman’s marriage is beginning to fracture. Suddenly, during a scuba diving accident near Catalina Island, Truman is gone. No body. No signs of foul play. Presumed dead.
Clinging to the hope that Truman might still be alive, Nicole is devastated, in denial, and struggling with insomnia, as well as guilt over the secrets she kept from the man she loved—a pregnancy, a miscarriage, and an incautious fling with an attentive neighbor. Then come the strange occurrences putting Nicole further on edge. The scent of Truman’s cologne. The wet footprints in the house. The cryptic texts from his phone. And the message written on her bathroom I’ll luv u 4ever.
Nicole has never felt so alone, isolated, and paranoid. If she’s losing her mind, then why does it seem so real? If it’s real, how is that possible? As Nicole’s grip on reality slips away, the answers are becoming a matter of life and death.
Revised This edition of The View from Here includes editorial revisions.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2026
About the author
Rachel Howzell Hall
30 books2,675 followersRACHEL HOWZELL HALL l is the critically acclaimed author and Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist for And Now She’s Gone, which was also nominated for the Lefty-, Barry-, Shamus- and Anthony Awards and the Audible Originals bestseller How It Ends. A New York Times bestselling author of The Good Sister with James Patterson, Rachel is an Anthony-, International Thriller Writers- and Lefty Award nominee and the author of They All Fall Down, Land of Shadows, Skies of Ash, Trail of Echoes and City of Saviors in the Detective Elouise Norton series. Her next thriller, These Toxic Things, out in September 2021, recently received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, calling the novel ‘cleverly-plotted’ and ‘a refreshing take on the serial killer theme.’
Rachel is a former member of the board of directors for Mystery Writers of America and has been a featured writer on NPR’s acclaimed Crime in the City series and the National Endowment for the Arts weekly podcast; she has also served as a mentor in Pitch Wars and the Association of Writers Programs. Rachel lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter. For more information, visit www.rachelhowzell.com
Her next novel And Now She’s Gone will be published in September 2020. You can find her at www.rachelhowzell.com and on Twitter @RachelHowzell.
Rachel is a former member of the board of directors for Mystery Writers of America and has been a featured writer on NPR’s acclaimed Crime in the City series and the National Endowment for the Arts weekly podcast; she has also served as a mentor in Pitch Wars and the Association of Writers Programs. Rachel lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter. For more information, visit www.rachelhowzell.com
Her next novel And Now She’s Gone will be published in September 2020. You can find her at www.rachelhowzell.com and on Twitter @RachelHowzell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
May 17, 2026
I honestly thought this one was heading toward a 4 star read for me, until the last section kind of fumbled.
The story is genuinely intriguing and one of my favorite things about it was how almost every character was at least a little unlikable. Nicole and Truman’s relationship was a bit messy, a little tense and very flawed in a very believable way. I know it’s crazy to say but I actually really enjoyed their chemistry as a couple.
Hall’s writing style also deserves credit because this book is ridiculously easy to tear through. The pacing kept me hooked even though the first few chapters made me question if I was going to enjoy this read.
Around the 60% mark, however, the story started going in circles. It felt a bit repetitive. The final twist caught me off guard, which I always appreciate. But it happened very fast. I do wish the reveal had a few more chapters to breathe through. The ending wasn’t bad by any means, it just felt a little unsatisfying.
Also… Jake was weirdly one of the most interesting characters in the book despite barely getting any focus. I really wanted more from him and his own storyline.
A thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
The story is genuinely intriguing and one of my favorite things about it was how almost every character was at least a little unlikable. Nicole and Truman’s relationship was a bit messy, a little tense and very flawed in a very believable way. I know it’s crazy to say but I actually really enjoyed their chemistry as a couple.
Hall’s writing style also deserves credit because this book is ridiculously easy to tear through. The pacing kept me hooked even though the first few chapters made me question if I was going to enjoy this read.
Around the 60% mark, however, the story started going in circles. It felt a bit repetitive. The final twist caught me off guard, which I always appreciate. But it happened very fast. I do wish the reveal had a few more chapters to breathe through. The ending wasn’t bad by any means, it just felt a little unsatisfying.
Also… Jake was weirdly one of the most interesting characters in the book despite barely getting any focus. I really wanted more from him and his own storyline.
A thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
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September 4, 2026"The View From Here" by Rachel Howzell Hall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
What if your dead husband isn't actually dead?
Thanks to the author and Thomas & Mercer for providing this #giftedARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
Nicole Baxter's marriage is already unraveling when her husband, Truman, disappears during a scuba trip off Catalina Island and is declared dead. Her world explodes. Then the haunting begins: his cologne lingers in the air, she finds wet footprints on the floor, she receives cryptic texts, and a message on the bathroom mirror would have me grabbing my keys and running for the hills. Nicole is unraveling, doubting, remembering, hiding, and desperately trying to figure out whether her mind is playing tricks or someone else is. I love a thriller that makes me suspicious of everyone, including the person telling me the story!
Catalina adds a nice atmospheric edge. This is a coastal nightmare at its finest. There were a few wild moments where I had to buckle up and enjoy the ride, but I was more than happy to stay strapped in for the thrills.
This is a solid pick if you like domestic suspense with a psychological edge, secrets, and emotional landmines. It's moody, tense, and deliciously dramatic in all the best ways.Not perfect, but definitely addictive. A fun, twisty 4-star read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
What if your dead husband isn't actually dead?
Thanks to the author and Thomas & Mercer for providing this #giftedARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
Nicole Baxter's marriage is already unraveling when her husband, Truman, disappears during a scuba trip off Catalina Island and is declared dead. Her world explodes. Then the haunting begins: his cologne lingers in the air, she finds wet footprints on the floor, she receives cryptic texts, and a message on the bathroom mirror would have me grabbing my keys and running for the hills. Nicole is unraveling, doubting, remembering, hiding, and desperately trying to figure out whether her mind is playing tricks or someone else is. I love a thriller that makes me suspicious of everyone, including the person telling me the story!
Catalina adds a nice atmospheric edge. This is a coastal nightmare at its finest. There were a few wild moments where I had to buckle up and enjoy the ride, but I was more than happy to stay strapped in for the thrills.
This is a solid pick if you like domestic suspense with a psychological edge, secrets, and emotional landmines. It's moody, tense, and deliciously dramatic in all the best ways.Not perfect, but definitely addictive. A fun, twisty 4-star read.
June 12, 2026
The Setup: Gone, But Not Forgotten
After eleven years, Nicole and Truman Baxter’s marriage was already fracturing. But nothing could prepare Nicole for the ultimate fracture: a scuba diving trip near Catalina Island where Truman vanishes into the deep.
The Mystery: No body is ever found. No signs of foul play. He is simply presumed dead.
The Guilt: Devastated and plagued by insomnia, Nicole is left drowning in her own secrets—including a hidden pregnancy, a painful miscarriage, and a reckless fling with a neighbor.
The Twist: Is It Grief, or Is It Real?
Just when Nicole thinks she has hit rock bottom, the line between reality and nightmare begins to blur.
The scent of Truman’s cologne lingers in empty rooms.
Wet footprints appear on the floor.
Cryptic text messages ping from his phone.
And on the bathroom mirror, a chillingly familiar message appears: I’ll luv u 4ever.
Is Nicole losing her mind to grief and guilt, or is Truman playing a sadistic game from beyond the grave?
Why You Need to Read It
The New York Times bestselling author of These Toxic Things delivers a claustrophobic, paranoid thriller where the stakes quickly escalate from a matter of sanity to a matter of survival. As Nicole’s grip on reality slips away, you will find yourself flipping pages late into the night, desperate for answers.
If you love unreliable narrators, gaslighting mysteries, and stories that make you question everything, put The View From Here at the top of your TBR list. Just don't read it alone in the dark.
After eleven years, Nicole and Truman Baxter’s marriage was already fracturing. But nothing could prepare Nicole for the ultimate fracture: a scuba diving trip near Catalina Island where Truman vanishes into the deep.
The Mystery: No body is ever found. No signs of foul play. He is simply presumed dead.
The Guilt: Devastated and plagued by insomnia, Nicole is left drowning in her own secrets—including a hidden pregnancy, a painful miscarriage, and a reckless fling with a neighbor.
The Twist: Is It Grief, or Is It Real?
Just when Nicole thinks she has hit rock bottom, the line between reality and nightmare begins to blur.
The scent of Truman’s cologne lingers in empty rooms.
Wet footprints appear on the floor.
Cryptic text messages ping from his phone.
And on the bathroom mirror, a chillingly familiar message appears: I’ll luv u 4ever.
Is Nicole losing her mind to grief and guilt, or is Truman playing a sadistic game from beyond the grave?
Why You Need to Read It
The New York Times bestselling author of These Toxic Things delivers a claustrophobic, paranoid thriller where the stakes quickly escalate from a matter of sanity to a matter of survival. As Nicole’s grip on reality slips away, you will find yourself flipping pages late into the night, desperate for answers.
If you love unreliable narrators, gaslighting mysteries, and stories that make you question everything, put The View From Here at the top of your TBR list. Just don't read it alone in the dark.
June 18, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read early!
This is my second book by this author and really like her writing style.
Unfortunately, this book took way too long to get really interesting. For about 40% the book nothing really happened. Just her husband being a total douche and gaslighter.
Then it got really interesting and I found that the spiral into insanity was written very well.
But the end? Not it. I felt like it was soooo random and idk too easy? I had really hoped for a smarter explanation.
Anyways, I think for a domestic thriller it was a very decent one. Just not outstanding.
This is my second book by this author and really like her writing style.
Unfortunately, this book took way too long to get really interesting. For about 40% the book nothing really happened. Just her husband being a total douche and gaslighter.
Then it got really interesting and I found that the spiral into insanity was written very well.
But the end? Not it. I felt like it was soooo random and idk too easy? I had really hoped for a smarter explanation.
Anyways, I think for a domestic thriller it was a very decent one. Just not outstanding.
June 9, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC!
I did enjoy this one. It was a quick easy read.
You felt like you were going crazy right along with the FMC!
However, I feel like there was such a build up, and I had to keep reading to see when the twist was coming, and we got to it, and then it was over.
I wish there was more substance to the twist, but overall I would recommend!
I did enjoy this one. It was a quick easy read.
You felt like you were going crazy right along with the FMC!
However, I feel like there was such a build up, and I had to keep reading to see when the twist was coming, and we got to it, and then it was over.
I wish there was more substance to the twist, but overall I would recommend!
July 9, 2026
A women's husband disappears after an ocean dive, and she swears she keeps seeing him and signs of him in her house. Is she going crazy? Is someone making her go crazy? Did her husband really disappear? This book kept me guessing and entertained until the end.
June 29, 2026
Read this after seeing an influencer post about it. I liked the pace at which the book moved in that we get a glimpse into Nicole and Truman’s life together and then it all changes (but in good timing). I was not expecting the ending and felt that it wrapped up nicely.
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July 3, 2026The View from Here
📖 Bookish Thoughts
Full ARC Review to come!
😱What to Expect
• Psychological Thriller
• Missing Husband
• Unreliable Narrator
• Grief and Trauma
• Isolated FMC
• Domestic Suspense
__ _ _
📅 Pub Date: June 23, 2026
Thank you to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
Full ARC Review to come!
😱What to Expect
• Psychological Thriller
• Missing Husband
• Unreliable Narrator
• Grief and Trauma
• Isolated FMC
• Domestic Suspense
__ _ _
📅 Pub Date: June 23, 2026
Thank you to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy.
June 9, 2026
4/5⭐️
I went into this expecting a regular psychological thriller. I was not expecting this book to lean so much into paranormal with haunted-house vibes right from the beginning but it was what made me turn those pages even faster. It was unsettling. And I loved it. Plus the California setting was an added bonus!
Nicole was a fantastic protagonist. She isn’t always likable, her thoughts are often all over the place (is it because of the pills or because she’s truly going crazy?), and she makes a few questionable decisions, but it’s what made her feel real. By the end of the book I could feel myself questioning reality and going crazy alongside her. I loved being inside her head. She was sarcastic, messy, grieving, angry, lonely and she became increasingly unreliable as a narrator, which made it impossible to know what was actually happening and what might only exist in her mind.
Some of Nicole’s experiences were genuinely creepy but I still wish the last part leaned more into the supernatural elements because I loved that atmosphere. The twists weren’t necessarily shocking, but they were very well executed. At times the book was also surprisingly sad and heavy, particularly as it explored grief, guilt, fractured relationships, and friendships that begin to unravel under pressure. It truly makes you question who your real friends are and who to trust.
But overall it was an addictive thriller with unmatched vibes! I would recommend it to readers who enjoy unreliable narrators, eerie atmospheres, and stories where the line between reality and paranoia becomes dangerously blurred.
Thank you Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy. All opinions are my own.
I went into this expecting a regular psychological thriller. I was not expecting this book to lean so much into paranormal with haunted-house vibes right from the beginning but it was what made me turn those pages even faster. It was unsettling. And I loved it. Plus the California setting was an added bonus!
Nicole was a fantastic protagonist. She isn’t always likable, her thoughts are often all over the place (is it because of the pills or because she’s truly going crazy?), and she makes a few questionable decisions, but it’s what made her feel real. By the end of the book I could feel myself questioning reality and going crazy alongside her. I loved being inside her head. She was sarcastic, messy, grieving, angry, lonely and she became increasingly unreliable as a narrator, which made it impossible to know what was actually happening and what might only exist in her mind.
Some of Nicole’s experiences were genuinely creepy but I still wish the last part leaned more into the supernatural elements because I loved that atmosphere. The twists weren’t necessarily shocking, but they were very well executed. At times the book was also surprisingly sad and heavy, particularly as it explored grief, guilt, fractured relationships, and friendships that begin to unravel under pressure. It truly makes you question who your real friends are and who to trust.
But overall it was an addictive thriller with unmatched vibes! I would recommend it to readers who enjoy unreliable narrators, eerie atmospheres, and stories where the line between reality and paranoia becomes dangerously blurred.
Thank you Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy. All opinions are my own.
July 10, 2026
Nicole and Truman have built a marriage that isn’t perfect, but one that’s rooted in friendship and love. When Truman disappears during a scuba diving trip off Catalina Island, Nicole is left with no body, no answers, and no real way to move forward. As she struggles with grief, therapy, medication, and increasingly strange events, she begins questioning everything—including whether she’s losing her grip on reality or if something much more sinister is happening.
This was a fast-paced psychological thriller that pulled me in from the very beginning. I loved the eerie atmosphere and the constant feeling that something wasn’t quite right. Nicole made for an intriguing unreliable narrator, and I found myself questioning what was real right alongside her. Even after I started to piece together parts of the mystery, I was still eager to see how everything would unfold.
Overall, I liked this one. The suspense, the secrets, and the unsettling tension kept me invested from start to finish. While I did feel the ending wrapped up a little more quickly than I expected, it didn’t take away from being entertaining
If you enjoy psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators, layered mysteries, and an unsettling atmosphere, I think this one is worth checking out.
3.5⭐
This was a fast-paced psychological thriller that pulled me in from the very beginning. I loved the eerie atmosphere and the constant feeling that something wasn’t quite right. Nicole made for an intriguing unreliable narrator, and I found myself questioning what was real right alongside her. Even after I started to piece together parts of the mystery, I was still eager to see how everything would unfold.
Overall, I liked this one. The suspense, the secrets, and the unsettling tension kept me invested from start to finish. While I did feel the ending wrapped up a little more quickly than I expected, it didn’t take away from being entertaining
If you enjoy psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators, layered mysteries, and an unsettling atmosphere, I think this one is worth checking out.
3.5⭐
July 4, 2026
Review of advanced copy from NetGalley
This was definitely an engaging read! Rachel Howzell Hall really knows how to create an atmosphere where you feel like something isn’t *quite right*, and I was hooked from the beginning. I loved slowly uncovering the secrets through the characters, and there were enough twists to keep me guessing without feeling cheesy or “too much”. I loved the realness of the relationships in this book; not just Nicole and Truman and the betrayals on their front, but all of the different personalities you experience through Nic. I feel like you truly get a chance to feel all sides of the characters in this one.
The only reason this wasn’t a full five stars for me is that the middle dragged just a little, and I couldn’t fully stay engaged. Although, even with that said, I was invested the whole time and really enjoyed how everything plays out in the end. You’ll truly feel exactly what Nicole is experiencing and wonder whether you’re also losing it.
If you like character-driven mysteries with plenty of suspense, drama, and secrets - I’d definitely recommend this one!
This was definitely an engaging read! Rachel Howzell Hall really knows how to create an atmosphere where you feel like something isn’t *quite right*, and I was hooked from the beginning. I loved slowly uncovering the secrets through the characters, and there were enough twists to keep me guessing without feeling cheesy or “too much”. I loved the realness of the relationships in this book; not just Nicole and Truman and the betrayals on their front, but all of the different personalities you experience through Nic. I feel like you truly get a chance to feel all sides of the characters in this one.
The only reason this wasn’t a full five stars for me is that the middle dragged just a little, and I couldn’t fully stay engaged. Although, even with that said, I was invested the whole time and really enjoyed how everything plays out in the end. You’ll truly feel exactly what Nicole is experiencing and wonder whether you’re also losing it.
If you like character-driven mysteries with plenty of suspense, drama, and secrets - I’d definitely recommend this one!
July 8, 2026
I really liked a few of Rachel Howzell Hall's other thrillers, but this one fell beyond flat. I was expecting a woman hell bent on her husband still being alive, finding clues in her house and putting pieces together of his betrayal. This was nothing like that. It was a masterclass in grief and I was bored, but I trudged through. I was really disappointed in the ending. It felt rushed and a waste of time. I also didn't know this book was like 15 years old. The answering machines and old television shows threw me off. Additionally, I was irritated by a 30-year old Black female, who joined a Black sorority and wanted a Black therapist was continuously watching white television shows. She never watched Martin or Living Single but Seinfeld. It just felt off.
June 26, 2026
Man this one really got to me. At the start I was pissed at Truman for how he treated Nicole and how he didn't see that what he did was wrong. Then the accident happened and I wondered...did he fake his death. I especially wondered when all the things started to happen to Nicole afterwards. You could tell someone was gaslighting her, I had 2 suspects. By the time the book ended I found out I was right with one of my suspects and why. So glad that Nicole learned all she did and that there was closure on many levels for her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2026
Check out my video for a full review: https://youtu.be/4SiQCPpA7uI
Monthly Reading Wrap-up: https://youtu.be/D9yMiWm5_n8
Monthly Reading Wrap-up: https://youtu.be/D9yMiWm5_n8
June 26, 2026
I’ve found a new-to-me Psychological Thriller Author to read—Rachel Howzell Hall! And what a backlist of books she has!
I’m the type of reader, especially when it comes to thrillers, that needs to be thrown into the story immediately. I don’t need much setup, and I get that with The View From Here. Nicole is a relatable character. She’s trying to have a baby, but her marriage is breaking apart. She feels alone. Her husband is distant and may be straying. There’s a neighbor, Jake, who’s friendly to her, though. See? It grabbed me.
I loved how the author delivers little breadcrumbs of clues. I was a-ha-ing myself throughout the story! When Truman said something before ish hit the fan, I said, I’m going to file that one because that’s foreshadowing something, I bet. Ultimately, I was way off base, and all my predictions about how things were going to go down were wrong—and I’m not mad at that. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to Booksparks and Author Rachel Howzell Hall for the gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’m the type of reader, especially when it comes to thrillers, that needs to be thrown into the story immediately. I don’t need much setup, and I get that with The View From Here. Nicole is a relatable character. She’s trying to have a baby, but her marriage is breaking apart. She feels alone. Her husband is distant and may be straying. There’s a neighbor, Jake, who’s friendly to her, though. See? It grabbed me.
I loved how the author delivers little breadcrumbs of clues. I was a-ha-ing myself throughout the story! When Truman said something before ish hit the fan, I said, I’m going to file that one because that’s foreshadowing something, I bet. Ultimately, I was way off base, and all my predictions about how things were going to go down were wrong—and I’m not mad at that. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to Booksparks and Author Rachel Howzell Hall for the gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 2, 2026
4.5🌟
Nicole Baxter is struggling in her eleven-year marriage when her husband disappears during a scuba dive. Now, Nicole is wondering if the house is haunted. She wakes up to sightings of Truman, the smell of his cologne, wet footprints, and messages only he would leave. Is Truman alive or is his ghost haunting her?
This book is wild! The majority of the book switches between Nicole's grief and her terror. Nicole has it all together until Truman goes missing and is presumed dead. The logical part of my brain kept screaming at Nicole to do things to figure out what was real. The book is definitely a slow burn as you would expect with a domestic thriller, but the story is engaging. Nicole’s grief felt real, genuine, and relatable. I loved her relationships and support systems. I was able to figure out the twist, but it was toward the end of the book, so the end was still satisfying. The writing in the book is amazing. The audiobook narration is 10/10! You will feel all the emotions as you listen, which is probably why I was screaming at certain points. If you like a strong FMC with some unhinged behavior, you will enjoy this book.
Nicole Baxter is struggling in her eleven-year marriage when her husband disappears during a scuba dive. Now, Nicole is wondering if the house is haunted. She wakes up to sightings of Truman, the smell of his cologne, wet footprints, and messages only he would leave. Is Truman alive or is his ghost haunting her?
This book is wild! The majority of the book switches between Nicole's grief and her terror. Nicole has it all together until Truman goes missing and is presumed dead. The logical part of my brain kept screaming at Nicole to do things to figure out what was real. The book is definitely a slow burn as you would expect with a domestic thriller, but the story is engaging. Nicole’s grief felt real, genuine, and relatable. I loved her relationships and support systems. I was able to figure out the twist, but it was toward the end of the book, so the end was still satisfying. The writing in the book is amazing. The audiobook narration is 10/10! You will feel all the emotions as you listen, which is probably why I was screaming at certain points. If you like a strong FMC with some unhinged behavior, you will enjoy this book.
July 3, 2026
What a fast paced thriller! I binged this in an afternoon and enjoyed the twists and turns as our protagonist, Nicole, deals with the demise of her husband. Missing after a scuba accident and presumed dead, Nicole struggles to accept Truman’s death and cannot seem to move on. With little sleep and on a plethora of medication, sinister things start happening and Nicole swears Truman is haunting her.
While I did figure out part of the twist, it was still an enjoyable read! I loved how the story started to fracture the more unstable Nicole got and I found her an interesting unreliable narrator.
While I did figure out part of the twist, it was still an enjoyable read! I loved how the story started to fracture the more unstable Nicole got and I found her an interesting unreliable narrator.
August 16, 2026
This was my first Rachel Howzell Hall book, and it definitely wasn’t quite what I expected—but I mean that in a good way.
I went in expecting a straightforward psychological thriller, but this felt much more like a blend of genres, with domestic suspense, spiritual/religious themes, a supernatural feel, relationship drama, and even a touch of romance. None of those elements bothered me—I actually really enjoyed the mixture—but I was surprised there wasn’t more indication of them in the synopsis or genre description. Readers who prefer their thrillers without spiritual or supernatural elements may appreciate knowing that going in.
The story itself was about grief and guilt, and how the secrets we keep can affect us when there’s no chance for resolution. It kept me engaged from beginning to end. Hall’s writing was easy to settle into, I was invested in Nicole and her story, and I loved questioning whether everything had a logical explanation or if something more paranormal was happening.
Where it lost me was the ending. After all that buildup, I wanted more closure. Several threads were left hanging, and the much-hyped twist didn’t quite deliver the jaw-dropping moment I’d been expecting.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narration was excellent. Despite wanting more from the ending, I really enjoyed this one—and I’ll definitely read this author again.
MY RATING: 4.5★
My specific rating key and descriptions can be found on my profile page.
I went in expecting a straightforward psychological thriller, but this felt much more like a blend of genres, with domestic suspense, spiritual/religious themes, a supernatural feel, relationship drama, and even a touch of romance. None of those elements bothered me—I actually really enjoyed the mixture—but I was surprised there wasn’t more indication of them in the synopsis or genre description. Readers who prefer their thrillers without spiritual or supernatural elements may appreciate knowing that going in.
The story itself was about grief and guilt, and how the secrets we keep can affect us when there’s no chance for resolution. It kept me engaged from beginning to end. Hall’s writing was easy to settle into, I was invested in Nicole and her story, and I loved questioning whether everything had a logical explanation or if something more paranormal was happening.
Where it lost me was the ending. After all that buildup, I wanted more closure. Several threads were left hanging, and the much-hyped twist didn’t quite deliver the jaw-dropping moment I’d been expecting.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narration was excellent. Despite wanting more from the ending, I really enjoyed this one—and I’ll definitely read this author again.
MY RATING: 4.5★
My specific rating key and descriptions can be found on my profile page.
July 25, 2026
3.8 rounded up!
Rachel Howzell Hall really knows how to write psychological suspense, and this one definitely kept me questioning what was real.
Nicole’s husband goes missing after a scuba diving incident, but instead of finding answers, she’s left with even more questions. As strange events begin happening around her, the line between paranoia and reality becomes increasingly blurred. Is her husband somehow haunting her… or is Nicole slowly unraveling under the weight of her grief?
This was the true definition of a psychological thriller. I was completely invested in figuring out what was actually happening, and the suspense kept me turning the pages. Every new development made me question Nicole’s perspective.
That said, I did feel like the story became a bit repetitive at times. I also think there were a few details and ideas introduced that had the potential to take the story to another level, but they weren’t explored as deeply as I would have liked.
Even so, the overall story held my attention. The eerie atmosphere, the psychological tension, and the constant uncertainty made this an engaging read from beginning to end.
Rachel Howzell Hall really knows how to write psychological suspense, and this one definitely kept me questioning what was real.
Nicole’s husband goes missing after a scuba diving incident, but instead of finding answers, she’s left with even more questions. As strange events begin happening around her, the line between paranoia and reality becomes increasingly blurred. Is her husband somehow haunting her… or is Nicole slowly unraveling under the weight of her grief?
This was the true definition of a psychological thriller. I was completely invested in figuring out what was actually happening, and the suspense kept me turning the pages. Every new development made me question Nicole’s perspective.
That said, I did feel like the story became a bit repetitive at times. I also think there were a few details and ideas introduced that had the potential to take the story to another level, but they weren’t explored as deeply as I would have liked.
Even so, the overall story held my attention. The eerie atmosphere, the psychological tension, and the constant uncertainty made this an engaging read from beginning to end.
June 17, 2026
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The View from Here.
The View from Here is a psychological thriller that follows Nicole Baxter, who is struggling to cope after her husband is presumed dead following a diving accident. With no body ever recovered, Nicole begins to question whether he is truly gone. Then strange things start happening—she receives text messages from her husband, and mysterious gifts connected to him begin appearing. Is her husband somehow reaching out from beyond the grave, or is Nicole slowly losing her grip on reality?
This book is definitely a slow burn. I found the beginning intriguing, particularly Nicole’s relationship with her husband and her brief fling with her neighbor Jake.
I found the middle a little slow, as the same story arc seemed to repeat itself. I also found Nicole to be a somewhat unlikable character. However, the book picked up in the final 20%, and I didn’t guess the twist. I also appreciated that all loose ends were tied up by the end.
Overall, I give this book a solid 4 stars.
The View from Here is a psychological thriller that follows Nicole Baxter, who is struggling to cope after her husband is presumed dead following a diving accident. With no body ever recovered, Nicole begins to question whether he is truly gone. Then strange things start happening—she receives text messages from her husband, and mysterious gifts connected to him begin appearing. Is her husband somehow reaching out from beyond the grave, or is Nicole slowly losing her grip on reality?
This book is definitely a slow burn. I found the beginning intriguing, particularly Nicole’s relationship with her husband and her brief fling with her neighbor Jake.
I found the middle a little slow, as the same story arc seemed to repeat itself. I also found Nicole to be a somewhat unlikable character. However, the book picked up in the final 20%, and I didn’t guess the twist. I also appreciated that all loose ends were tied up by the end.
Overall, I give this book a solid 4 stars.
June 23, 2026
This was a creepy, suspenseful thriller that kept me turning the pages.
Nicole, a newly widowed woman struggling with the loss of her husband, begins experiencing things that make her question everything. Is she being haunted by her late husband? Is grief affecting her perception of reality? Or is someone playing a cruel and calculated game?
One of my favorite parts of this story was the uncertainty. I was constantly theorizing and second-guessing what was really happening. Nicole’s paranoia, fear, and confusion felt believable, and I found myself questioning her reliability right alongside her.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, solid thriller with plenty of tension and mystery. If you enjoy books that keep you guessing and make you question what’s really going on, this one is worth picking up.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝:
✔️ Creepy atmosphere
✔️ Unreliable narrator vibes
✔️ Plenty of twists and theories
✔️ Fast-paced and addictive
Thank you to Netgalley & publisher for the e-arc in exchange for a review, all opinions are my own.
Nicole, a newly widowed woman struggling with the loss of her husband, begins experiencing things that make her question everything. Is she being haunted by her late husband? Is grief affecting her perception of reality? Or is someone playing a cruel and calculated game?
One of my favorite parts of this story was the uncertainty. I was constantly theorizing and second-guessing what was really happening. Nicole’s paranoia, fear, and confusion felt believable, and I found myself questioning her reliability right alongside her.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, solid thriller with plenty of tension and mystery. If you enjoy books that keep you guessing and make you question what’s really going on, this one is worth picking up.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝:
✔️ Creepy atmosphere
✔️ Unreliable narrator vibes
✔️ Plenty of twists and theories
✔️ Fast-paced and addictive
Thank you to Netgalley & publisher for the e-arc in exchange for a review, all opinions are my own.
June 24, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ Firstly, I’d like to thank NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for providing me an advanced readers copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
If you are seeking out a summer thriller that will keep you guessing if you are reading a thriller or a ghost story, this one is for you. Slowly unraveling with our main character Nicole after his husband is declared dead by after a diving accident. But if he’s dead, how is he hanging pictures up in their home? How is he rearranging the fridge magnets? How is he texting Nicole’s phone and sending her anniversary gifts? Is Nicole being haunted by her husband until she finally opens up to him about her betrayal or is Nicole just slowly losing her sense of reality due to lack of sleep and overall apathy to life.
This book was easy to devour and included incredibly relatable characters. The audio narrator did a fantastic job to keep the reader engaged and know exactly who is speaking. Recommend picking up for a fun summer read.
If you are seeking out a summer thriller that will keep you guessing if you are reading a thriller or a ghost story, this one is for you. Slowly unraveling with our main character Nicole after his husband is declared dead by after a diving accident. But if he’s dead, how is he hanging pictures up in their home? How is he rearranging the fridge magnets? How is he texting Nicole’s phone and sending her anniversary gifts? Is Nicole being haunted by her husband until she finally opens up to him about her betrayal or is Nicole just slowly losing her sense of reality due to lack of sleep and overall apathy to life.
This book was easy to devour and included incredibly relatable characters. The audio narrator did a fantastic job to keep the reader engaged and know exactly who is speaking. Recommend picking up for a fun summer read.
July 7, 2026
I love a book with an unreliable narrator, and this was certainly that. Nicole had a traumatic childhood, she has a complicated and honestly miserable marriage, and then her husband goes missing in an accident, and is presumed dead. She becomes highly medicated to deal with her grief, and starts imagining her missing husband in the house, moving things around, leaving her messages and notes, etc.
I think the second half of this story is much stronger than the first half. I was really eager to find out if Nicole was just losing her mind, if her husband was alive and messing with her, or if there was some other explanation.
I will say, I think the author made the ultimate outcome a little too obvious. There were too many clues and that spoiled the ending for me a bit. I felt like the ending overall was a bit weak. I wanted more growth and more change for Nicole, and I wanted more answers as to what Nicole will do next.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer | NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
I think the second half of this story is much stronger than the first half. I was really eager to find out if Nicole was just losing her mind, if her husband was alive and messing with her, or if there was some other explanation.
I will say, I think the author made the ultimate outcome a little too obvious. There were too many clues and that spoiled the ending for me a bit. I felt like the ending overall was a bit weak. I wanted more growth and more change for Nicole, and I wanted more answers as to what Nicole will do next.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer | NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
July 5, 2026
A decent read. It has a supernatural vibe, so you're never quite sure where the story is going, but it ultimately isn't supernatural at all. It was creepy, suspenseful, and kept me engaged throughout. I especially loved the narrator. Her voice and attitude was perfect for this book.
Unfortunately, the ending was predictable for me—but only because Leilani threw Monica's name out as a suspect. That immediately made me wonder if Leilani could also be involved, and from there all the puzzle pieces fell into place. I hadn't suspected either of them until that moment. I probably would have rated it higher if it weren't for that because I enjoyed the suspense of it all. Even until the end, I wasn't sure if Truman was a ghost or not. Especially with the Epilogue being titled The Afterlife, which I saw before I even started the book. I felt the ending left out important info. It never touched on what happened to Leilani. Is she dead? Did she go to jail? I hate unanswered questions.
Unfortunately, the ending was predictable for me—but only because Leilani threw Monica's name out as a suspect. That immediately made me wonder if Leilani could also be involved, and from there all the puzzle pieces fell into place. I hadn't suspected either of them until that moment. I probably would have rated it higher if it weren't for that because I enjoyed the suspense of it all. Even until the end, I wasn't sure if Truman was a ghost or not. Especially with the Epilogue being titled The Afterlife, which I saw before I even started the book. I felt the ending left out important info. It never touched on what happened to Leilani. Is she dead? Did she go to jail? I hate unanswered questions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the advanced listening copy of this book 🎧
I love when authors narrate their books! Rachel Howzell Hall brings the magic to her work. She wrote the words so who better to deliver the tone and emotions! Her performance carried a lived in experience feeling and sounded more like a conversation than a theatrical experience. I really enjoyed it.
The story itself is unsettling, claustrophobic, and full of paranoia! I began questioning my own sanity!! I hated the circumstances that led up to the accident. I really needed Nicole to be okay. None of the characters were top tier people by any means, everyone was flawed and the relationships were messy, but I never liked Truman’s sister. I enjoyed the writing and the story - the build up was strong but the twist/ending was abrupt and just okay.
I love when authors narrate their books! Rachel Howzell Hall brings the magic to her work. She wrote the words so who better to deliver the tone and emotions! Her performance carried a lived in experience feeling and sounded more like a conversation than a theatrical experience. I really enjoyed it.
The story itself is unsettling, claustrophobic, and full of paranoia! I began questioning my own sanity!! I hated the circumstances that led up to the accident. I really needed Nicole to be okay. None of the characters were top tier people by any means, everyone was flawed and the relationships were messy, but I never liked Truman’s sister. I enjoyed the writing and the story - the build up was strong but the twist/ending was abrupt and just okay.
June 24, 2026
I received an advanced copy of this book to read and review.
I really enjoyed this story. The plot was original and kept me interested throughout. I thought that it was well written however the ending almost felt a little rushed. It didn’t ruin the book but I had the twist been given a tad more attention i would have given 5 stars instead of 4. The rest of the book was perfection.
I enjoy a good paranormal story and love thrillers so this book sucked me in quickly. I love how the lives of the characters were “real.” The characters each had their own share of real life issues and I feel like the character building was done really well.
If you like a paranormal story with believable characters and situations that are very much real life this is a good book to check out. If you like thrillers with twists and suspense, I think you will really enjoy the story.
I really enjoyed this story. The plot was original and kept me interested throughout. I thought that it was well written however the ending almost felt a little rushed. It didn’t ruin the book but I had the twist been given a tad more attention i would have given 5 stars instead of 4. The rest of the book was perfection.
I enjoy a good paranormal story and love thrillers so this book sucked me in quickly. I love how the lives of the characters were “real.” The characters each had their own share of real life issues and I feel like the character building was done really well.
If you like a paranormal story with believable characters and situations that are very much real life this is a good book to check out. If you like thrillers with twists and suspense, I think you will really enjoy the story.
May 18, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC of this title.
This book was a bit of a mess and all over the place. Honestly, I’m still not sure exactly what it was about. The ending wrapped up some of my questions but I was left wanting a little more. This book could have been a bit longer to explain some of the loose ends.
In the end, it did keep me entertained and wanting to continue reading so that’s something. I’m still not sure if Truman is really dead. 2.5 stars. 😞
This book was a bit of a mess and all over the place. Honestly, I’m still not sure exactly what it was about. The ending wrapped up some of my questions but I was left wanting a little more. This book could have been a bit longer to explain some of the loose ends.
In the end, it did keep me entertained and wanting to continue reading so that’s something. I’m still not sure if Truman is really dead. 2.5 stars. 😞
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The View from Here is one of those books where every single person desperately needs sleep, therapy, electrolytes, and maybe a priest, but instead everyone just keeps wandering through expensive houses making catastrophically emotional decisions while aggressively refusing to communicate. Which, honestly, is the foundation of every great psychological thriller.
Nicole Baxter’s husband Truman disappears during a scuba diving accident off Catalina Island, except there’s no body because this book understands the sacred thriller law that if a corpse is missing, everybody’s about to lose their damn mind. Their marriage is already fraying before he vanishes too. Truman has spent years chasing adrenaline and acting just a little too charming around other women, while Nicole quietly drowns under grief, anxiety, resentment, and secrets she keeps insisting she’ll deal with later. That “later” arrives in the worst possible way.
And Rachel Howzell Hall does something I really appreciated here, which is refusing to make Truman easy to categorize. He’s loving sometimes. Self-absorbed constantly. The kind of husband who probably buys incredible anniversary gifts right after emotionally disappointing you for six straight months. Nicole clearly adores him, but she’s also exhausted by him. Their marriage feels deeply real in that ugly, uncomfortable way where nobody is technically the villain, but everybody is bleeding on the furniture emotionally. Then Truman disappears and the book turns into one long panic attack in a cashmere sweater.
Nicole starts smelling his cologne in the house. Seeing wet footprints. Receiving texts from his phone. Messages appear on mirrors. And because she’s barely sleeping and running entirely on grief, guilt, and anti-anxiety medication, everything feels horrifyingly possible. Is Truman alive? Is she hallucinating? Is this supernatural? Is this what happens when your nervous system finally clocks out and leaves the building? The book keeps you trapped so tightly inside Nicole’s perspective that eventually you start distrusting literally everyone alongside her.
Also, this book really understands the psychological thriller rule that if a woman hasn’t slept in six days, suddenly every lamp in her house becomes sinister. Nicole is so emotionally frayed that even normal interactions start feeling threatening. Someone offering her tea? Suspicious. A text message arriving at the wrong time? Federal crime. A man casually standing in a doorway? Jail immediately. And because the story keeps feeding her paranoia little by little, you start spiraling right along with her. By the end I was ready to accuse a scented candle of conspiracy.
The supporting characters absolutely add to the chaos too. Nicole’s friends genuinely care about her, but everyone’s operating at such an emotionally messy frequency that every conversation feels one wrong sentence away from becoming a screaming match in a parking lot. And the neighbor? Oh, this man walked straight in from the “Too Helpful Men in Thrillers” factory. Every time he appeared I got the overwhelming sense that if I checked his garage, I’d either find a body or a collection of deeply concerning emotional journals.
What surprised me most was how sad the book actually is underneath all the creepy thriller mechanics. Nicole isn’t just grieving Truman. She’s grieving the version of their marriage she thought they still had. There’s something genuinely painful about watching someone realize love and loneliness can exist in the same relationship at the exact same time. Hall moves through that emotional mess quickly enough that it never gets melodramatic, but it still lands. The book understands that regret is sometimes more haunting than ghosts.
Now, this is definitely a slow-burn thriller. If you want nonstop twists every eleven seconds, this may test your patience a little. There’s a stretch in the middle where the paranoia loops on itself and the pacing wanders. But honestly, once the tension finally tightens, it works because the book has spent so much time making you feel trapped in Nicole’s unraveling. By the end I felt as sleep-deprived as she did.
I landed at 3.5 stars because the middle sagged a bit for me and I guessed one piece of the reveal early, but the atmosphere absolutely delivered. Nicole’s emotional spiral felt painfully believable, and the creeping uncertainty throughout the story kept me hooked even when I wanted to shake every character like a malfunctioning Etch A Sketch.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Deeply Distrust Every Damp Bathroom Floor and Emotionally Adventurous Husband
And huge thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC. Nothing says “relaxing evening” quite like inheriting somebody else’s marital paranoia and spending 300 pages side-eyeing mirrors.
Nicole Baxter’s husband Truman disappears during a scuba diving accident off Catalina Island, except there’s no body because this book understands the sacred thriller law that if a corpse is missing, everybody’s about to lose their damn mind. Their marriage is already fraying before he vanishes too. Truman has spent years chasing adrenaline and acting just a little too charming around other women, while Nicole quietly drowns under grief, anxiety, resentment, and secrets she keeps insisting she’ll deal with later. That “later” arrives in the worst possible way.
And Rachel Howzell Hall does something I really appreciated here, which is refusing to make Truman easy to categorize. He’s loving sometimes. Self-absorbed constantly. The kind of husband who probably buys incredible anniversary gifts right after emotionally disappointing you for six straight months. Nicole clearly adores him, but she’s also exhausted by him. Their marriage feels deeply real in that ugly, uncomfortable way where nobody is technically the villain, but everybody is bleeding on the furniture emotionally. Then Truman disappears and the book turns into one long panic attack in a cashmere sweater.
Nicole starts smelling his cologne in the house. Seeing wet footprints. Receiving texts from his phone. Messages appear on mirrors. And because she’s barely sleeping and running entirely on grief, guilt, and anti-anxiety medication, everything feels horrifyingly possible. Is Truman alive? Is she hallucinating? Is this supernatural? Is this what happens when your nervous system finally clocks out and leaves the building? The book keeps you trapped so tightly inside Nicole’s perspective that eventually you start distrusting literally everyone alongside her.
Also, this book really understands the psychological thriller rule that if a woman hasn’t slept in six days, suddenly every lamp in her house becomes sinister. Nicole is so emotionally frayed that even normal interactions start feeling threatening. Someone offering her tea? Suspicious. A text message arriving at the wrong time? Federal crime. A man casually standing in a doorway? Jail immediately. And because the story keeps feeding her paranoia little by little, you start spiraling right along with her. By the end I was ready to accuse a scented candle of conspiracy.
The supporting characters absolutely add to the chaos too. Nicole’s friends genuinely care about her, but everyone’s operating at such an emotionally messy frequency that every conversation feels one wrong sentence away from becoming a screaming match in a parking lot. And the neighbor? Oh, this man walked straight in from the “Too Helpful Men in Thrillers” factory. Every time he appeared I got the overwhelming sense that if I checked his garage, I’d either find a body or a collection of deeply concerning emotional journals.
What surprised me most was how sad the book actually is underneath all the creepy thriller mechanics. Nicole isn’t just grieving Truman. She’s grieving the version of their marriage she thought they still had. There’s something genuinely painful about watching someone realize love and loneliness can exist in the same relationship at the exact same time. Hall moves through that emotional mess quickly enough that it never gets melodramatic, but it still lands. The book understands that regret is sometimes more haunting than ghosts.
Now, this is definitely a slow-burn thriller. If you want nonstop twists every eleven seconds, this may test your patience a little. There’s a stretch in the middle where the paranoia loops on itself and the pacing wanders. But honestly, once the tension finally tightens, it works because the book has spent so much time making you feel trapped in Nicole’s unraveling. By the end I felt as sleep-deprived as she did.
I landed at 3.5 stars because the middle sagged a bit for me and I guessed one piece of the reveal early, but the atmosphere absolutely delivered. Nicole’s emotional spiral felt painfully believable, and the creeping uncertainty throughout the story kept me hooked even when I wanted to shake every character like a malfunctioning Etch A Sketch.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Deeply Distrust Every Damp Bathroom Floor and Emotionally Adventurous Husband
And huge thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC. Nothing says “relaxing evening” quite like inheriting somebody else’s marital paranoia and spending 300 pages side-eyeing mirrors.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ rounded up to 5 because it's Rachel Howzell Hall, duh.
For most of this book, I was stuck in a constant cycle of:
"Okay, she's losing it."
"Nope, someone is definitely messing with her."
"Wait...is she losing it because someone is messing with her?"
And then repeat that process for several hours.
After Truman disappears during a diving accident and is presumed dead, Nicole is left trying to navigate grief, guilt, insomnia, and a whole bunch of increasingly weird things happening around her. Strange messages, signs that Truman might somehow still be around, and enough unsettling moments that I genuinely could not decide what was actually going on.
One thing Rachel Howzell Hall absolutely nailed was the paranoia. I never felt completely comfortable settling on a theory because every time I thought I had things figured out, something happened that made me question everything again.
I also have to talk about Truman because WOW this man irritated me. The more I learned about him and his relationship with Nicole, the more frustrated I became on her behalf. Their marriage felt messy and complicated in a way that made Nicole's grief feel more realistic. She wasn't mourning some perfect husband. She was mourning a flawed person and everything that was left unresolved between them.
The audiobook narration by Nicole Cash was fantastic. She captured Nicole's anxiety, exhaustion, frustration, and confusion so well that I found myself getting increasingly stressed right alongside her. The emotional delivery added so much to the story.
My biggest complaint is that Nicole occasionally made me want to grab her by the shoulders and point at the very obvious suspicious people standing directly in front of her. There were several moments where I was connecting dots much faster than she was.
I also wish a couple of lingering questions had gotten more closure. There were a few things that happened where I reached the end and was still sitting there like "...okay but what about THAT?"
Overall, though, this was a really engaging psychological thriller. The constant uncertainty kept me hooked, the audiobook was excellent, and I spent the entire book trying to figure out whether Nicole was being manipulated, unraveling from grief, or both.
Also, shoutout to the "Nic, where are you?" / "In the closet!" exchange because I was laughing in bed at 3 a.m. like an idiot.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for this ALC in exchange for my honest feedback!
For most of this book, I was stuck in a constant cycle of:
"Okay, she's losing it."
"Nope, someone is definitely messing with her."
"Wait...is she losing it because someone is messing with her?"
And then repeat that process for several hours.
After Truman disappears during a diving accident and is presumed dead, Nicole is left trying to navigate grief, guilt, insomnia, and a whole bunch of increasingly weird things happening around her. Strange messages, signs that Truman might somehow still be around, and enough unsettling moments that I genuinely could not decide what was actually going on.
One thing Rachel Howzell Hall absolutely nailed was the paranoia. I never felt completely comfortable settling on a theory because every time I thought I had things figured out, something happened that made me question everything again.
I also have to talk about Truman because WOW this man irritated me. The more I learned about him and his relationship with Nicole, the more frustrated I became on her behalf. Their marriage felt messy and complicated in a way that made Nicole's grief feel more realistic. She wasn't mourning some perfect husband. She was mourning a flawed person and everything that was left unresolved between them.
The audiobook narration by Nicole Cash was fantastic. She captured Nicole's anxiety, exhaustion, frustration, and confusion so well that I found myself getting increasingly stressed right alongside her. The emotional delivery added so much to the story.
My biggest complaint is that Nicole occasionally made me want to grab her by the shoulders and point at the very obvious suspicious people standing directly in front of her. There were several moments where I was connecting dots much faster than she was.
I also wish a couple of lingering questions had gotten more closure. There were a few things that happened where I reached the end and was still sitting there like "...okay but what about THAT?"
Overall, though, this was a really engaging psychological thriller. The constant uncertainty kept me hooked, the audiobook was excellent, and I spent the entire book trying to figure out whether Nicole was being manipulated, unraveling from grief, or both.
Also, shoutout to the "Nic, where are you?" / "In the closet!" exchange because I was laughing in bed at 3 a.m. like an idiot.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for this ALC in exchange for my honest feedback!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A thought-provoking story that blurred reality and paranoia in quite the unsettling way, The View From Here kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Delivering supernatural vibes as Nicole spiraled into a guilt-ridden, out-of-her-mind mess of a woman, Hall demonstrated her gift at creating true-to-life unreliable narrators with the stroke of a pen. You see, there wasn’t just eeriness at the center of this story. Oh no. Instead, it was balanced out with emotional depth that made Nicole’s unhinged-ness hit even harder. The biggest question of all, though, was whether it was real or just in her mind. Together with a haunting atmosphere and a dread-fueled storyline, it easily became an addictive, one-sitting read. After all, the slow-burning tension oozed from the pages as guilt, grief, trauma, and love were explored.
I do have to say, though, that the pace was somewhat slower than I was expecting before diving in. Leaning more towards a character-driven tale of psychological suspense, the fast-paced plotting typical found in a thriller just wasn’t there. That being said, the haunted-house vibes and creeping sense of paranoia had my eyes glued to the pages. Was Nicole being manipulated, losing her mind, or did she have an honest-to-goodness ghostly presence in her home? Wrapped up perfectly in the end, this one is definitely going to linger with me for a while. So if you love questioning what’s really happening and crave psychological instability, grab this claustrophobic novel right now. Perfect for fans of Sarah Pinborough or Jennifer McMahon, it was a twisty novel that ultimately delivered in spades. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
After eleven years, Nicole Baxter and her husband Truman’s marriage is beginning to fracture. Suddenly, during a scuba diving accident near Catalina Island, Truman is gone. No body. No signs of foul play. Presumed dead.
Clinging to the hope that Truman might still be alive, Nicole is devastated, in denial, and struggling with insomnia, as well as guilt over the secrets she kept from the man she loved―a pregnancy, a miscarriage, and an incautious fling with an attentive neighbor. Then come the strange occurrences putting Nicole further on edge. The scent of Truman’s cologne. The wet footprints in the house. The cryptic texts from his phone. And the message written on her bathroom mirror: I’ll luv u 4ever.
Nicole has never felt so alone, isolated, and paranoid. If she’s losing her mind, then why does it seem so real? If it’s real, how is that possible? As Nicole’s grip on reality slips away, the answers are becoming a matter of life and death.
Revised edition: This edition of The View from Here includes editorial revisions.
Thank you Rachel Howzell Hall, BookSparks, and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 23, 2026
Content warning: pregnancy, infidelity, death of a spouse, grief, gaslighting, gun violence, violence, mention of: miscarriage, death of a parent, animal death
I do have to say, though, that the pace was somewhat slower than I was expecting before diving in. Leaning more towards a character-driven tale of psychological suspense, the fast-paced plotting typical found in a thriller just wasn’t there. That being said, the haunted-house vibes and creeping sense of paranoia had my eyes glued to the pages. Was Nicole being manipulated, losing her mind, or did she have an honest-to-goodness ghostly presence in her home? Wrapped up perfectly in the end, this one is definitely going to linger with me for a while. So if you love questioning what’s really happening and crave psychological instability, grab this claustrophobic novel right now. Perfect for fans of Sarah Pinborough or Jennifer McMahon, it was a twisty novel that ultimately delivered in spades. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
After eleven years, Nicole Baxter and her husband Truman’s marriage is beginning to fracture. Suddenly, during a scuba diving accident near Catalina Island, Truman is gone. No body. No signs of foul play. Presumed dead.
Clinging to the hope that Truman might still be alive, Nicole is devastated, in denial, and struggling with insomnia, as well as guilt over the secrets she kept from the man she loved―a pregnancy, a miscarriage, and an incautious fling with an attentive neighbor. Then come the strange occurrences putting Nicole further on edge. The scent of Truman’s cologne. The wet footprints in the house. The cryptic texts from his phone. And the message written on her bathroom mirror: I’ll luv u 4ever.
Nicole has never felt so alone, isolated, and paranoid. If she’s losing her mind, then why does it seem so real? If it’s real, how is that possible? As Nicole’s grip on reality slips away, the answers are becoming a matter of life and death.
Revised edition: This edition of The View from Here includes editorial revisions.
Thank you Rachel Howzell Hall, BookSparks, and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 23, 2026
Content warning: pregnancy, infidelity, death of a spouse, grief, gaslighting, gun violence, violence, mention of: miscarriage, death of a parent, animal death
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