No One Knows You're Here

by Rachel Howzell Hall

A reporter’s obsession with an elusive serial killer gets personal in a terrifying novel of suspense by the New York Times bestselling author of the Anthony Award–nominated These Toxic Things.

For crime reporter Syeeda McKay, obsession is part of the job—and no story has ever consumed her like that of the Phantom Slayer. This serial killer has targeted sex workers in South Los Angeles for nearly twenty years. She named him. She’s tracked him. And only she can bring justice to these victims the city has ignored.

The a minister’s daughter—a far cry from the usual pattern and impossible to ignore. Overnight, the case explodes, and so does Sy’s life. Someone’s watching her. Following her. Anticipating her every move. And then come the emails from someone claiming to be the Slayer himself, offering details only the killer could know. She’s made him famous—and this is the Slayer’s way of saying thank you.

But he’s not done.

As her investigation gets closer to exposing the truth, Sy realizes that she’s more connected to the Slayer than she knew—and that he’s been waiting for her all along.

Revised This edition of No One Knows You're Here includes editorial revisions.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Serial Killer, Mystery, Thriller Suspense, Fiction, Adult

355 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2026

About the author

RACHEL 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.

Reviews

[suspenseisthrillingme · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gritty serial killer thriller perfect for Hall’s later novels such as And Now She’s Gone and These Toxic Things, No One Knows You’re Here was an impressive noir-like read that I couldn’t put down. Brimming with palpable tension, emotional depth, and an escalating sense of paranoia, the race-against-time feel balanced out the ample amount of social commentary perfectly by the end. You see, while this book had an addictive game of cat-and-mouse and a stalker who creeped me out but good, the thought-provoking themes were what made it all impossible to forget. Diving into how marginalized victims are often overlooked alongside of the emotional toll of violence, the meaning behind this story was second to none. Add that to the fact that it was loosely inspired by the real-life Grim Sleeper case, and I know this book is going to live rent-free in my head for a very long time.

I do have to say, though, that in spite of the powerful themes and realistic feel, the best piece of this novel was Sy herself. A strong, determined, and emotionally complex character, she also somehow felt believably flawed and wonderfully nuanced. Honestly? In many respects, she carried this novel. You see, between the insanely slow start and the many side plots, it was hard to stay immersed in the story at times. And don’t get me started on that abrupt—almost rushed—ending. At the same time, the ratcheting sense of unease, rich character development, and multiple mysteries made it into a quick, easy read that I utterly inhaled once I reached the second half. After all, with a root-for-able amateur sleuth, an atmospheric vibe, and a hard look at justice, obsession, and trauma, it was yet another a smart and chilling tale from this insanely talent author. Rating of 3.5 stars (upgraded).

Read if you love:
- Rachel Howzell Hall’s later novels
- Atmospheric settings
- Psychological suspense
- Stalker vibes
- Sharp social commentary
- Cat-and-mouse games
- Emotional depth
- Gritty crime thrillers
- An investigative journalism angle
- Serial killer stories
- Thought-provoking themes

SYNOPSIS:

For crime reporter Syeeda McKay, obsession is part of the job―and no story has ever consumed her like that of the Phantom Slayer. This serial killer has targeted sex workers in South Los Angeles for nearly twenty years. She named him. She’s tracked him. And only she can bring justice to these victims the city has ignored.

The latest: a minister’s daughter―a far cry from the usual pattern and impossible to ignore. Overnight, the case explodes, and so does Sy’s life. Someone’s watching her. Following her. Anticipating her every move. And then come the emails from someone claiming to be the Slayer himself, offering details only the killer could know. She’s made him famous―and this is the Slayer’s way of saying thank you.

But he’s not done.

As her investigation gets closer to exposing the truth, Sy realizes that she’s more connected to the Slayer than she knew―and that he’s been waiting for her all along.

Thank you Rachel Howzell Hall, Thomas & Mercer, and BookSparks for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: June 30, 2026 (re-release)

Content warning: murder, cancer, sexual assault, violence, stalking, sexism, racism, grief, toxic relationship

[Ashly Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

i binged this book on the beach in one day. it was an absolutely phenomenal read and i felt like i could see through the main characters eyes the entire time.

i do wish the chapters listed who the POV was but since this is an ARC copy, i suspect that probably will be in the final copy in stores. i also wished the ending was longer. it’s finished but still feels slightly unfinished. i think this could turn into a series easily. the next book could give a glimpse into more crimes solved between the main characters or even a entire book about the serial killers life and what made him this way.

either way, i loved the book and want more from this story line!! please turn this into a series.

[Marleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nah, this was not it.

Turns out this books a republication from 2011 and it shows. But what I don’t understand is why; when you have a chance to republish, why not rewrite it so doesn’t read dated?

The judgement and sexism is rampant and while the hard core sexism is called out, the casual sexism is still there. Sy, our main character, is unlikeable, which I don’t mind if she’s meant to be. But I don’t think she was. She was quick to judge, a pick me, and pretty stupid for an investigative journalist. All of that was even more prevalent because the author decided to put a whole bunch of Sy’s private life in there. (Which was so messy and convoluted, I could barely keep track of everyone. I still feel like I missed a whole bunch of backstory. Did I miss other books in a series or something?) I think I would’ve minded less if the story centered the case more.

Speaking of the case. While the author explains her inspiration in the author’s note, I feel like she tried to combine serial killer’s motivations, which made for a pretty wishy-washy motive for our Phantom Slayer. Also, I don’t believe introducing his perspective early on was a good idea. That definitely took away the tension. And for a serial killer that gets his own perspective, this Phantom Slayer character has no depth.

This book has a lot of (mostly random) build up until it just fizzles out. The title references an event that happens in the final 20 to 40 pages…

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad I was able to read another book by Rachel Howzell Hall. After I read The View From Here, I went down a rabbit hole to look up all her books—which, by the way, she has quite the backlist. And thanks to @Booksparks for gifting me No One Knows You’re Here, I was all in.

What a doozy of a Crime Thriller this was. One that I felt like I was the character, Sy, going through all of it. A big part of the story is Sy, as a reporter/writer, bringing justice to the Black s3x workers that were being targeted and unalived by a serial killer. Though the numbers were high, the city ignored them. Sy has her small circle of friends, and Adam, a police detective, plays a role in the story, which certainly threw me off about how it would end. However, reading the Author’s Note, it all made more sense.

No One Knows You’re Here was definitely a winning read for me. I enjoyed it.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled with this one. Had I been reading the eARC, I might have chalked some of it up to being an early draft and excused the choppy format, but alas, this was the audiobook, meaning it was the final product.

I’m sure this will find its fan base, but for me, it just didn’t work. I kept checking out while reading, and that’s never a good sign.

That said, the narrators, Tamika Katon-Donegal and Adam Lazarre-White, did a great job. If it weren’t for their performances, I likely would have struggled even more to finish it.

There was so much happening that had little to do with the central plot. While some of it helped deepen the characters, it often felt like the story was pulling in too many directions. And then there was that ending. It was so abrupt that I genuinely thought my audiobook had cut out. With so many threads left unresolved, I was left more confused than satisfied.

Apparently, this is a reissue of a book from 15 years ago. I’m not sure if it was edited, rewritten, or simply recorded for audio, but in my opinion, it needed more work before being brought back out.

I am thankful to have gotten the ALC from Brilliance Audio via NetGalley to give me the opportunity to read it ahead of publication, as the description really intrigued me. Unfortunately, the execution just wasn’t for me.

[Novera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Net Galley and Thomas and Mercer an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 📚✨

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5/5 — No One Knows You’re Here by Rachel Howzell Hall

🚨 Book Club Review 🚨

Well… Rachel Howzell Hall, where have you been all my life?! 😮👏

This book had me hooked almost immediately. It’s one of those thrillers where you’re constantly questioning everyone’s motives, and every time you think you’ve got it figured out… nope. Back to square one. 😅

The atmosphere was deliciously tense. The isolated setting gave me that “something is very, very wrong here” feeling from the very beginning, and the suspense just kept building. I loved how the story slowly peeled back each layer instead of dumping all the answers at once.

The characters were flawed enough to feel believable, and I never quite knew who I could trust—which is exactly what I want from a mystery thriller. Every little clue had me playing detective. 🕵️‍♀️

The ending delivered some genuinely surprising twists, and I appreciated that they felt earned rather than thrown in for shock value.

The reason this isn’t a full five stars is because there was a lot happening, especially toward the end. There were so many moving pieces and reveals that it occasionally felt a little overwhelming to keep track of everything. Then, just as everything started coming together… the book ended very abruptly. I found myself wanting just one more chapter to let everything breathe and wrap up a little more naturally. It wasn’t enough to take away from how much I enjoyed the story, but it definitely kept it from earning that perfect five-star rating.

Overall, this was a tense, creepy, and cleverly plotted thriller that kept me turning pages late into the night. If you love isolated settings, suspicious characters, and mysteries that keep you guessing, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.

📖 Final Verdict: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

Now excuse me while I add more Rachel Howzell Hall books to my ever-growing TBR… because clearly my bookshelf wasn’t already judging me enough. 😂📚

#netgalley #nooneknowsyourehere

[Kristen Bolding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Syeeda McKay is a journalist who is writing a book on a serial killer in Los Angeles called the Phantom Slayer who has been killing sex workers for several years.

This book is full of suspense and tension and really pulled me in from the beginning. It had different POV’s and was sometimes confusing trying to figure out who’s POV it was.

I also feel like the story ended so abruptly though and would have loved more.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel Howzell Hall, and Thomas & Mercer Publishing for the ARC

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to put the book down on the first page. Miss ma'am said this lady was driving a NEON and I was like oh okay, this has to be a reprint. And yes, it is. But you know what? This is still a damn good book even almost 20 years later. I'm telling you guys, don't sleep on older books. Also... HOW DID. I NOT GUESS WHO THE GUY WAS?! Made me feel stupid as hell 🤣

[Teressa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the first ever giveaway in Goodreads that I have won & I was excited to read it. Even with 200 books in my TBR shelf. This is the first book I have read by Rachel Howzell Hall. I was interested from the beginning, couldn’t wait to pick it back up, reading at work, my son’s football practice, etc. There were many plot twists & the book kept you engaged. I highly recommend it & will be reading more books by her.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book a few weeks ago but have been sitting with my thoughts because this is the most difficult book I have reviewed.

First, let's start with the good. The writing was amazing. I was immediately sucked into the world and finished this book in two days. Unlike many other reviewers, I actually enjoyed the balance of Sy's personal life with the thriller elements. If this were written by SA Cosby, everyone would love it, but since it's a woman who has a personal life in addition to her job trying to track down a serial killer, suddenly everyone is bored. Double standards abound, I swear. Also, the narration was CHEF'S KISS. I absolutely love Adam Lazarre-White and when I heard his voice I nearly swooned.

What I personally didn't like was a) the dated references throughout, and b) the rushed ending. Regarding a), this book could have used a further edit to modernize the references before republishing. For b), I really don't know why the ending was as rushed as it was. There was a big lead-up to a lackluster showdown, which really disappointed me because it had so much potential.

However, with all that being said, I still really enjoyed this book. Overall I would rate it 3.75 stars. I will be reading more of this author's series because I enjoy her writing style.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Eliza Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out my video for a full review: https://youtu.be/4SiQCPpA7uI

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 3 out of 5]

No One Knows You're Here by Rachel Howzell Hall is a recommended thriller. This novel was originally published on 11/21/11 and is being reissued.

Syeeda (Sy) McKay is a crime reporter in LA who is currently following the Phantom Slayer investigation. She is writing stories on the investigation and hopes to publish a book on the serial killer who has targeted sex workers in South Los Angeles for nearly twenty years. She was reached out by the latest victim to meet with her for more information. Instead Sy discovered her body at the meeting site. This latest victim, as a minister's daughter, didn't really seem to fit the profile of the victims. It helps that Sy's on/off boyfriend Adam is a police detective on the cases and can feed her more information along with other inside sources like Spencer, the medical examiner. There is also a delusional stalker who is following Sy.

There is a lot going on in this novel and not all of it relates to the current investigation or past cases. The reason I'm reading the novel is for the mystery and the investigation. While some personal life of the protagonist inserted into the plot is expected, it seemed that much of the drama inserted in this story follows events in Sy's personal life and these minor story lines sometimes overwhelm the actual investigative. The perpetrator was easily identified early on in the story which perhaps made the added personal drama more frustrating.

Ultimately, Syeeda became an unlikable character. While she is intelligent, it seems she often makes foolish choices and bad decisions which put her directly in the path of danger. Be prepared. If you have an alarm system, use it. Don't meet strangers anywhere by yourself. If you have that little feeling you are being watched, listen to it and get to a safe place. And, for a woman recovering from recent cancer surgery, she could allow herself to take some time off to recover rather than continually put herself in the path of danger. Or, alternately have her recovered now and don't include this in the plot.

The ending was very abrupt, which was a disappointment. In the author's end notes it was interesting to know she based the plot on the true story of the Grim Sleeper case, however, as a reader, I wasn't there for the additional lecture. It made some assumptions about the readers. This is a revised and reissued edition of the novel that you can tell it was originally published in 2011. 3.5 rounded down when required. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...

[bookedupnurse · Rating 3 out of 5]

The dead cannot cry out for justice; it’s the duty of the living to do so for them.

For crime reporter Syeeda McKay, obsession is part of the job and no story has ever consumed her like that of the Phantom Slayer. This serial killer has targeted women in Los Angeles for almost 20 years and despite being recently fired from the LA Times, Syeeda decides to work independently in an attempt to uncover the truth behind the deaths of the targeted sex workers by this killer.

Randomly, Syeeda gets an anonymous text offering information around the ‘Phantom Slayer’ and to meet in a back alley close to the murder sites. When she arrives, she finds the body of a dead woman. This is no longer a cold case and when the identity of the woman is discovered, the story explodes - as does Syeeda’s life.

What Syeeda doesn’t realise is the person she named the ‘Phantom Slayer’ and is attempting to find, is actually watching, following and anticipating her every move. Emails begin to arrive from someone claiming to be the killer, offering details only the murderer could know. Since Syeeda made him famous, this is the Slayers twisted way of saying ‘thank you’. As her investigation gets closer to exposing the truth for the victims, Syeeda realises that she’s more connected to the killer than she knew - and he has been waiting for her all along …

This is a dark, tense story which is loosely based on the ‘Grim Sleeper’ murders in the USA, making it feel more realistic. A strong female lead, Syeeda is determined, driven and wants to do the right thing for forgotten victims, however you want to shout at her to stop and think before the she makes a lot of decisions, which becomes frustrating.

A positive for the book is the writers focus on getting justice for an often forgotten group within society, who are overlooked and vulnerable. This provides an emotional element to the story and I felt this made it feel more layered. It is also ideal for readers who enjoy investigative journalism.

I am hoping for the official print, the editors will mark each chapter with who is speaking. It is quite confusing without this and can take some time to work out whose POV is being told. I felt the killer was recognised early on and the ending was very abrupt, which was quite disappointing. I have read a few other books by this author which I enjoyed a lot more than this.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas and Mercer and Rachel Howzell Hall for the ARC in return for an honest review.

[Jessica Hahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

First thank you Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer, as well as Rachel Howzell Hall for the opportunity to preview No One Knows You're Here via this ARC.

Apparently, this is a re-release of the title, but I can't compare as I have not read the original. Honestly, this book started off VERY slow for me. The scene is set initially, a reporter chasing a story. And by story, I mean a dangerous serial killer that is terrorizing street walkers in LA. This man has walked free since his spree started in the late 80's, bringing us to our current 2007 storyline (or so I believe I gathered from math and references) While I was invested in the main characters, and very much enjoyed the tough, take no crap, nitty gritty attitude of the protagonist, Sy, nothing ultimately grabbed me and dragged me into the actual storyline at first. As a matter of fact, I set this book aside a few times for other titles. With that being said, I am so glad I came back. It took me a bit to find my stride (or maybe for the book to find its stride), once it did, I was immersed. I found myself reading every free moment I could, and even some where I should have been doing something else.
There are numerous twists, some appear a bit predictable, but I loved that we had a satisfying coming together of one storyline, quickly follow up by the full wrap up of everything. Now, for me, pacing wise, we could have been given a bread crumb (twist) a little sooner, but I was still pleased with how it all aligned in the end.

What I loved:

This book isn't just about murders in LA, this book takes on much deeper issues related to racial profiling, religious pre-occupation, and the trauma's faced by a young black woman growing up in a not-so-great part of town. There was depth to the book. There was story beyond the story. For the first time ever in my reading career, I was so invested that I read the full authors note.

Sy- what a character. Frustrating at times, relatable at others, humanized and real feeling. You were rooting for her, flaws and all from the time you met her. Sprinkled in was a detective love interest, mysterious and not so mysterious friends, characters we meet sparsely but can feel the lack of trust coursing through our veins and an added in bonus of constantly moving POVs.

You won't be disappointed if you hang in to the end. I know I wasn't!

Solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐ for me. Bravo on a great read, Rachel and team!

Happy reading everyone!

[LindaPf · Rating 4 out of 5]

“No One Knows” is a re-release of Rachel Howzell Hall’s 2014 thriller that will be available on Kindle Unlimited. Hall has become one of my favorite thriller authors since “These Toxic Things (2021)” and her strong female characters have always been a hallmark of her novels.

The book is only slightly dated. The Dodge Neon was discontinued 21 years ago, but we do have iPhones (there still are Blackberries). No surveillance drones, no door bell cameras, no facial recognition (the difference a decade of technology makes). But technology isn’t whatever drives Hall’s determined, if complicated, heroines.

Syeeda McKay, recently laid off newspaper ncrime reporter, cancer survivor, but successful novelist and screenwriter, obsession is part of the job—and no story has ever consumed her like that of the Phantom Slayer. This serial killer has targeted sex workers in South Los Angeles for nearly twenty years. She named him. She’s tracked him. And only she can bring justice to these victims the city has ignored. She feels she’s being watched and, yes, she is.

The killing period covers 1990 (first murder) through 2008 and the suspect is profiled as an educated Black man in his forties who would blend into the south LA neighborhoods — as well as Sy’s universe.

We get the POVs of Sy and the Phantom (who “owes” his game to her as his main chronicler). It’s a gritty, suspenseful thriller in Hall’s signature style. If you’ve her past books, you won’t be disappointed. 4 stars.

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Detective Adam Sherwood and a redheaded secretary have green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO I appreciate that Adam brings a bouquet of wildflowers instead of blooms from a florist.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

[Macy Rae Overcash · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | No One Knows You’re Here by Rachel Howzell Hall

This thriller absolutely blew me away. From the very first chapter, Rachel Howzell Hall created an atmosphere filled with tension, paranoia, and nonstop suspense that completely pulled me in. What started as a gripping serial killer investigation quickly evolved into something far darker and far more personal, and I could not stop reading.

One of the strongest aspects of this novel was the main character, Syeeda McKay. She was intelligent, determined, flawed, and incredibly compelling to follow. Her obsession with solving the Phantom Slayer case felt raw and believable, especially as the danger surrounding her continued to escalate. I loved how emotionally layered the story felt while still maintaining the fast-paced intensity of a thriller.

The suspense in this book was executed so well. Every chapter added another layer of mystery, and the constant feeling that someone was always watching kept me completely on edge. The pacing was addictive, the reveals were shocking, and the twists genuinely caught me off guard. Just when I thought I understood where the story was heading, Rachel Howzell Hall completely changed the game.

What made this book stand out even more was how it explored themes of obsession, justice, trauma, and the way certain victims are overlooked and ignored. The story felt both emotionally impactful and incredibly suspenseful, which made it impossible to put down.

Overall, No One Knows You’re Here is a smart, chilling, and expertly crafted psychological thriller that thriller readers are going to devour. If you love investigative thrillers, serial killer mysteries, high tension, and twists that leave you speechless, this book absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.

[Courtney Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of this title!

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

LA crime reporter, Syeeda McKay is writing a book on the infamous Phantom Slayer, a serial killer who preys on vulnerable populations. Throughout the story, we’re introduced to a cast of characters who set the scene in the classic case of “who done it?” and has you guessing up until the end. Syeeda works closely with the LAPD and is so invested in the case, bringing awareness to women who’s deaths might’ve otherwise went under the radar as just another body in the morgue, that she doesn’t realize while she’s been trying to catch the Phantom Slayer, the Phantom Slayer has been trying to catch her.

The pacing of this book was pretty well written and at times, I found it difficult to book down. The book was truly suspenseful at times as well but then fell flat in other areas. Although there were several characters we were introduced to, they weren’t always flushed out and we were left wondering what happened to them. The ending felt rushed and not plotted out with the pacing of the rest of the book, almost as an after-thought. We saw what happened with Syeeda, but I found myself wondering what happened with several side characters. I believe this might’ve been in part due to added story lines (personal information about Syeeda, a different stalker, etc.) There was a lot of “outside” things happening that didn’t pertain to the story or that didn’t get clearly solved in the end.

The writing style took me a few pages to get used to, but once I was hooked, I was hooked and it worked well with the setting and character demographics of the book.

I also very much appreciated the author’s note at the end of the book to tie the story together.

[Inês Afonso · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review from an ARC provided by Netgalley

No One Knows You're Here by Rachel Howzell Hall delivers a deeply atmospheric and gritty look into a South Los Angeles serial killer investigation.

The story follows Syeeda McKay, a fierce and relentless crime reporter who has spent years tracking the "Phantom Slayer"—a killer targeting overlooked victims in the community. Syeeda is a fantastic, incredibly resilient protagonist. Her unique voice, mixed with personal struggles (including recovering from recent surgery) and her complicated dynamic with LAPD Detective Adam Sherwood, keeps the emotional stakes high. Hall does a phenomenal job of grounding the reader in the setting and addressing heavy, real-world themes through a tense cat-and-mouse game.

My only major hurdle with this one came down to the execution of the format. I listened to this as an Audiobook (ALC), and the plot weaves an incredibly dense web of secondary characters, old acquaintances, and interconnecting relationships. While the mystery is clever, I found myself getting a bit turned around trying to keep track of everyone and their specific connections without the ability to easily flip back and check a page. The narrative jumps into some wild, unpredictable directions toward the end that require you to really have all those character pieces lined up.

Overall, it's a solid, well-written procedural with a standout lead character. If you love deep, character-heavy L.A. noir, I would highly recommend picking up a print or digital copy so you can fully appreciate the intricate details of the investigation!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an Advanced Listening Copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Aurora Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
Three weeks after cancer surgery, crime reporter Syeeda McKay becomes obsessed with catching the Phantom Slayer, a serial killer whose victims are largely marginalized African-American women. But Syeeda doesn’t know that the killer has turned his sights on her.

𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
Originally published in 2011, the book is being reissued with this audiobook. The narration really helped keep me engaged, especially when the grit got too gritty and the real got too real.

𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
The story feels loosely inspired by the Grim Sleeper murders, with similar themes about predominantly vulnerable Black women and how easily they are forgotten. That's probably why this thriller has such a real-world, investigative vibe.

Even though the investigation drives the story, and it’s occasionally multiple POV, this is predominantly Syeeda’s story. She is obsessed with finding the Phantom Slayer but we get to know her on a personal level. Not gonna lie, crime thrillers aren’t really my jam, so I welcomed Syeeda’s messy dramas.

I really liked the whodunit of it all, but it was a quick wrap up that could have been more satisfying if it were longer.

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
The gritty vibe had a little too much grit for me, but there’s also a nice balance of domestic shenanigans. While I struggled with true crime energy, I can see this being a big hit.

Thank you Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for this gifted ARC.

🎧 Narrated by Tamika Katon-Donegal; Adam Lazarre-White
📖 Release 06•30•26 | 355 pages | 11h 41m

[Auđur · Rating 2 out of 5]

No One Knows You’re Here is my first book by Rachel Howzell Hall, and I’m sorry to say this one was a miss for me. 😪

Syeeda McKay is a crime reporter consumed by a killer she has dubbed the Phantom Slayer, whose murders have largely gone unnoticed for years because the victims are women society often ignores or devalues.

This book starts out with a bang, but then it slowly fizzles before ramping up again in the last 20 pages. Throughout the entire book, I felt like I had missed something. I even double-checked to make sure this wasn’t part of a series because it felt like a lot of backstory was missing.

Syeeda felt real and flawed, and I loved that about her. But the whole intruder/security situation made no sense to me. 🫠 She’s a crime reporter, so I would expect her to be on high alert almost all the time,especially given everything that’s happening. 😳

I liked the case itself and would have loved it if the author had focused more on that and less on Syeeda’s personal life and her friends’ drama. At times, those storylines pulled me out of the main plot. I also think the story would have been stronger if the chapters from the killer’s POV had come later in the book.

After spending so much time on the friend drama, the ending, which finally had all the parts I wanted, felt really rushed. 🥲

I wish I had loved this one more. I’ll definitely give the author another try because this may just be a case of the book not being for me rather than an issue with the author. But unfortunately, this one is a no from me. 🥲

“I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.”

[Ary.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the advance listening copy of No One Knows You’re Here by Rachel Howzell Hall.

This was an absolutely gripping audiobook experience and one I found hard to pause. Crime reporter Syeeda McKay’s obsession with the elusive Phantom Slayer creates a tense, unsettling mystery that kept me questioning everyone and everything. Rachel Howzell Hall does an excellent job building suspense while also exploring the ways society often overlooks its most vulnerable victims.

The story unfolds with plenty of twists, mounting paranoia, and an atmosphere that becomes increasingly claustrophobic as Sy realizes the case she’s spent years chasing may be far more personal than she ever imagined. I especially appreciated the layered character work and how the emotional stakes remained just as compelling as the mystery itself.

The audiobook narration elevated the experience even further. Tamika Katon-Donegal and Adam Lazarre-White delivered fantastic performances, bringing the tension, emotion, and urgency of the story to life. Their narration made it incredibly easy to become fully immersed in the investigation and added another layer of intensity to an already compelling thriller.

While a few developments required some suspension of disbelief, the overall experience was thoroughly entertaining, suspenseful, and difficult to put down. Fans of atmospheric crime fiction, investigative journalism stories, and twisty serial killer thrillers will definitely want to add this one to their TBR.

[Suesyn Zellmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Syeeda is a reporter following the Phantom Slayer, who has been targeting and killing sex workers for decades without being caught. Like, the police aren’t even close, even after so many years. And now, he’s finally nationwide news because of his latest victim, who’s about the farthest thing from a sex worker. She’s a minister’s daughter who will be missed by many, unlike the other victims who slipped through the cracks and were let down by the police and media, who should have been crying for justice.

But Syeeda’s been there the whole time and knows more about his crimes than almost anyone else. Is that why he’s chosen to reach out to her and no one else? She can’t believe she’s communicating with the Phantom Slayer and that he thanks her for making him famous! Seriously? But does that mean she has nothing to fear, or that she’s his ultimate victim?

I love the way this author pulls you into her stories. Her interactions with other characters just feel real, like you know them. Her friends could be your friends, and they act like actual people and not characters. I don’t know how else to describe it, but she just has a way with words, and I can always relate to the women in the books she writes. That’s why I get so engrossed when I start reading one of her stories, because it feels like real life, and I just need to see what she’s going to do next. And it always pays off!

My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the free advanced reading copy of this book.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sy is a recently laid-off journalist from the Los Angeles Times, as well as a bestselling author whose work has already been adapted for film. Now, she’s in the middle of writing about and investigating, a serial killer targeting poor, Black sex workers whose disappearances rarely get sustained media attention. When one potential source reaches out to Sy with information, she discovers her dead body and believes she’s another one of his victims. Sy dives headfirst into the investigation.

While Sy is intelligent and accomplished, her lack of self-preservation was frustrating at times. This is a familiar trope in mystery-thrillers, the capable female protagonist who ignores her instincts and puts herself in danger. Sy certainly falls into that pattern. Still, given everything happening around her, I was still intrigued enough to stay invested in her story.

I suspected the killer fairly early on and ultimately guessed correctly. The resolution felt somewhat abrupt, leaving readers to fill in the blanks with a best-case interpretation of events.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and think it would translate well as a limited series. Originally published in 2011 and now being re-released, the story draws inspiration from the real-life “Grim Sleeper” case, which adds an extra layer of intrigue.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for my review.

[Kendra Chura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only found out after listening to the audiobook that this story was originally published in 2011, which definitely helps explain some things.

The performances were strong, but the narrators are what carried it for me, not the story itself. A little sprinkle of Adam Lazarre-White as the villain alongside Tamika Katon-Donegal was especially fun.

As for the story, it started off interesting but lost me a bit in the middle. There’s a lot of backstory and drama surrounding the main character, Syeeda, that’s brought up but never fully explained. It feels like she’s never really been a good person… though she’d probably argue with you about that. All that said, Sy isn’t very likable, and she makes a lot of incredibly dumb decisions, like walking right into danger or keeping important information from the detective.

There are quite a few side characters who get just enough page time to feel important, but not enough to make them easy to keep straight. Maybe that was intentional to help distract from the actual mystery. I’m not sure.

Overall, this was an okay listen because the audiobook performances were so strong, but I think a few different story decisions could have made it a better story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel Howzell Hall has written far more than a serial killer thriller. Knowing that No One Knows You're Here is inspired by the Grim Sleeper murders gives the story an entirely different weight, but understanding Hall's own journey as a breast cancer survivor makes it even more personal. Through Syeeda McKay, a crime reporter recovering from cancer while pursuing a killer who has spent decades targeting Black women the world has largely ignored, Hall channels both vulnerability and determination into a protagonist who refuses to look away. The mystery is compelling, but the real power lies in the uncomfortable questions it asks about who receives justice, who receives headlines, and who is too often forgotten.

This is a character driven thriller built on investigative journalism, psychological tension, and the dangerous pull of obsession. Sy is consumed by uncovering the truth. The killer is consumed by being recognized. Meanwhile, Hall quietly exposes a society that too often waits until the "right" victim is harmed before paying attention. That social commentary gives every revelation greater meaning, transforming the novel into something that lingers beyond its crime plot. It is a thoughtful, fearless work that honors the lives behind the headlines while reminding readers that the stories we choose to tell—and the ones we choose to ignore—have lasting consequences.

[BookishDogMamaKate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read No One Knows You’re Here by author Rachel Howzell Hall.

Journalist Syeeda McKay has been writing about the elusive serial killer, The Phantom Slayer for some time. To say he got under her skin is a significant understatement. Has she gotten under the skin of The Phantom Slayer? As victims continue to be discovered Sy is drawn into a dark and complex web and few things are what they seem.

This book is gripping! There are so many layers of suspense and twists! Minor characters shine! The author does a stellar job of painting the Los Angeles setting with her words, bringing it to life as I read. Moments of dread where I held my breath. She also effectively shows how not all crimes are given the same attention. How some victims are considered less important due to race and socioeconomics.

I will say I wish there had been more at the end. I was left wanting more. I had grown attached to several of the characters and wasn’t ready to have the story to be over. To me, this is one of the hallmarks of a great book.

I look forward to reading more of her work.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing a reader copy. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked No One Knows You're Here, I didn't love it. I think it's a great book for fans of strong FMCs and of thrillers that read like a true crime show. I enjoyed the references to real life serial killers as it made it seem like this could really be a true crime novel instead of a fictional story.

I thought that Syeeda, the FMC, sometimes lacked self preservation. She's a crime journalist that doesn't mind antagonizing people in her search of a good story. She knows that she has enemies who know where she lives and she still seems to never arm her alarm system. Smh. That really bothered me.
Some of her relationships felt a bit off, particularly her friendship with medical examiner Spencer. They only meet up so he can give her information, which made me feel like he was only there to be a plot device.
I also found the ending very abrupt. I'd have liked to know a little more about what happened and why.

Overall, it was an OK read, but I probably won't pick up a book from this author in the foreseeable future.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loosely based on real events, this story follows journalist Sy McKay as she looks to uncover the truth behind a notorious serial killer who is targeting sex workers. Sy also has a complicated relationship with the lead detective…her on again off again boyfriend, Adam. To add to the thrill, Sy is also being targeted by the serial killer who wants her to tell his story to the world.

Many things I loved about this one including the behind the scenes/realistic feel of tracking down leads and investigating the cases, some depth to the main characters and their relationship. Things that could have been different or improved (in my eyes) include titling the chapters to make it clearer who the narrator was, the twists at the end seemed rushed like we chose both and made them each quick versus just going with one and fleshing it out further but ultimately I loved this one and would definitely recommend it to a friend!

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel Howzell Hall and Thomas & Mercer for the advance reader copy in exchange for my review. You can find No One Knows You’re Here on shelves near you on its pub day June 30th, 2026.

#netgalley #NoOneKnowsYoureHere #2026reads #ARCreader

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to review this book. This is my honest opinion.


My heart was racing by the end of this story. It was a thriller for sure. I appreciate the spotlight on sidelined voices. This story fictionalized real deaths at the hands of a serial killer in South LA that went completely unnoticed or ignored for decades until a reporter used her voice to shine a light. Additionally, it illustrated the actions of those that feel unseen, unheard and unloved. Whether it was wanting a partner or friend to see them, wanting the world to acknowledge their work, wanting to be seen as desirable or loveable, all of the characters in this story were calling out for something that led them to precarious situations. 

The pacing was steady, it gave enough threads to follow to make it a great "who-done-it." The storyline was engaging and dramatic but not overly done. It was set in 2008, so there were quite a few nostalgic references that made that clear. Overall, it was a thoughtfully done "retelling/nod to" the Grim Sleeper and a highlight of the continued overlooking of black murders.

[Sarah Elizabeth Schiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Syeeda McKay is the kind of protagonist I love following: determined, flawed, and completely consumed by her work. Her obsession with tracking the Phantom Slayer has defined her career, and watching that obsession turn personal had me flying through the pages. The cat-and-mouse tension is relentless, and Rachel Howzell Hall keeps the suspense cranked up as Sy starts questioning who she can trust, including herself. I never felt quite settled, which is exactly what I want from a thriller.

This is a dark, atmospheric read that shines a light on victims often overlooked while delivering plenty of twists and paranoia along the way. The emotional stakes felt just as important as the mystery, and Sy's journey kept me invested from beginning to end. If you enjoy thrillers with sharp social commentary, an unforgettable lead, and a killer who feels far too close for comfort, put this one on your radar.

Thank you Rachel Howzell Howell, Brilliance Publishing, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!