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Nobody Heard a Thing
I was the only one there that day. I saw it all. I heard her cry.
It's been twenty-five years since she vanished. Whoever took Brooke has walked free for all those years, watching the chaos as guilt consumed my life.
Now a documentary maker is digging into the cold case. They want to finally solve the mystery no one else could. But the person behind Brooke's disappearance would do anything—even kill—to keep their secrets hidden.
And they know I'm the only witness...
An utterly compulsive psychological thriller that will delight fans of Karin Slaughter, The Housemaid and anything by Lisa Jewell.
It's been twenty-five years since she vanished. Whoever took Brooke has walked free for all those years, watching the chaos as guilt consumed my life.
Now a documentary maker is digging into the cold case. They want to finally solve the mystery no one else could. But the person behind Brooke's disappearance would do anything—even kill—to keep their secrets hidden.
And they know I'm the only witness...
An utterly compulsive psychological thriller that will delight fans of Karin Slaughter, The Housemaid and anything by Lisa Jewell.
302 pages, Paperback
Published January 12, 2026
20 people are currently reading
11604 people want to read
About the author
Angela Henry
30 books308 followersAngela Henry is an Amazon Charts bestselling and award-winning author of twisty mysteries, thrillers, and urban fantasy. A retired library reference specialist, she’s the author of the Kendra Clayton mystery series and the Xavier Knight series, as well as the thrillers The Perfect Affair, Her Pretty Lies, The Family Lies, and The Paris Secret. She also writes middle-grade fiction as Angie Kelly. Angela lives in Ohio with her husband and their spoiled Chiweenie, Gidget.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
January 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Nobody Heard a Thing by Angela Henry is a fantastic suspense novel that keeps you guessing from start to finish. The story is told through multiple storylines and character-driven chapters, which adds depth and tension as the pieces slowly come together. Each perspective reveals just enough to keep the suspense high without giving too much away. The pacing is strong, and the twists are well-timed, making it hard to put down. Highly recommend this book to fans of Lisa Jewell and anyone who enjoys layered, character-focused thrillers.
Nobody Heard a Thing by Angela Henry is a fantastic suspense novel that keeps you guessing from start to finish. The story is told through multiple storylines and character-driven chapters, which adds depth and tension as the pieces slowly come together. Each perspective reveals just enough to keep the suspense high without giving too much away. The pacing is strong, and the twists are well-timed, making it hard to put down. Highly recommend this book to fans of Lisa Jewell and anyone who enjoys layered, character-focused thrillers.
January 12, 2026
Nobody Heard a Thing
was absolutely unputdownable for me! The mystery and secrets were layered deep, and I was reeled in from the very first chapter!
Though the story spans 25 years, the pacing is fast and the twists left me dizzy. There was NO WAY I’d have ever seen that coming! I was NOT prepared for the final reveal to leave me stunned like that!
Though the story spans 25 years, the pacing is fast and the twists left me dizzy. There was NO WAY I’d have ever seen that coming! I was NOT prepared for the final reveal to leave me stunned like that!
January 18, 2026
This story has such a haunting premise: two best friends playing together when one is snatched away, and a documentary 25 years later that threatens to bring the kidnapper out of the shadows. I was immediately intrigued by the "past meets present" tension and the true-crime element.
However, the pacing was a bit of a struggle for me. I found the first 70% of the book to be quite dragging; the buildup felt a little too slow, and I found myself waiting for the stakes to rise. But once I hit that 70% mark? The story completely shifted gears.
The final 30% was a whirlwind of "twist after twist" that I didn't see coming. The ending definitely made up for the slower start, but I wish the tension had been more consistent throughout the entire book. If you enjoy a very slow-burn mystery that rewards your patience with a chaotic, twisty finale, this is definitely the book for you!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
However, the pacing was a bit of a struggle for me. I found the first 70% of the book to be quite dragging; the buildup felt a little too slow, and I found myself waiting for the stakes to rise. But once I hit that 70% mark? The story completely shifted gears.
The final 30% was a whirlwind of "twist after twist" that I didn't see coming. The ending definitely made up for the slower start, but I wish the tension had been more consistent throughout the entire book. If you enjoy a very slow-burn mystery that rewards your patience with a chaotic, twisty finale, this is definitely the book for you!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2026
Gripping from start to finish! I did not want to put this book down! This is like getting a puzzle with no idea what the picture looks like, and I mean that in the best way. I really had to put my detective hat on with this one, and still missed so many of the twists! I love books that constantly keep me guessing, and this delivered!
The author does such a great job of giving just enough information to keep the story moving, but also not enough to fully piece things together. Every time I thought I had it figured out, we get a new piece of the puzzle and I was right back to square one. There was also so much tension and twists at every turn, it’s hard not to be engaged. The tea was always piping!
I also enjoyed the changing POV’s and time lines. That added such a nice layer to the story, so we could really get the full picture as everything came together. The ending of this book was great as well! Again, I don’t think I ended up catching really any of the twists. My jaw was just on the floor for the last 25% or so.
I would strongly recommend this book if you’re looking for something gripping and fast paced. This story will constantly keep you on your toes and the twists were for sure twisting in this one. Some of the subject material can get a little heavy, so definitely keep that in mind. Otherwise, I devoured this book in 2 days! A big recommend, plus it’s short and easy to fly through!
***Thank you so much to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
The author does such a great job of giving just enough information to keep the story moving, but also not enough to fully piece things together. Every time I thought I had it figured out, we get a new piece of the puzzle and I was right back to square one. There was also so much tension and twists at every turn, it’s hard not to be engaged. The tea was always piping!
I also enjoyed the changing POV’s and time lines. That added such a nice layer to the story, so we could really get the full picture as everything came together. The ending of this book was great as well! Again, I don’t think I ended up catching really any of the twists. My jaw was just on the floor for the last 25% or so.
I would strongly recommend this book if you’re looking for something gripping and fast paced. This story will constantly keep you on your toes and the twists were for sure twisting in this one. Some of the subject material can get a little heavy, so definitely keep that in mind. Otherwise, I devoured this book in 2 days! A big recommend, plus it’s short and easy to fly through!
***Thank you so much to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 13, 2026
3.5/5
Nobody Heard A Thing was a fast-paced thriller, and I genuinely appreciate how thoroughly Angela Henry tied up every loose end.
None of the plot holes were left unexplained. Even the minor details I didn’t particularly care about received full closure.
Every missing person, every missing stuffed toy, every piece of foreshadowing, and every subplot gets a full explanation by the end.
In a genre where even some of the BEST books leave behind “plot tunnels” (gaping holes you could drive a truck through), this level of closure is refreshing and satisfying.
The prose is conversational and approachable, with short, snappy chapters that make it very easy to keep turning the pages. It’s the kind of book you can easily devour in a couple of sittings.
That said, the story didn’t grip me as much as I’d hoped. While there are twists and turns, most of them felt predictable, and the identity of the culprits were pretty obvious.
There was one twist I didn’t see coming, but it was relatively minor, so the reveal didn’t land with much impact because I simply didn’t care enough about it to feel surprised.
I understand why Angela Henry chose Ava’s point of view as the primary lens for the story, but unfortunately, I really didn’t like her as a protagonist.
The narrative relies far too heavily on the “impulsive, stupid decisions by the FMC”trope, one of my LEAST favorite in thrillers.
Ava’s guilt over witnessing Brooke’s
abduction as a child is understandable, but it doesn’t justify her constant recklessness.
Some of her suspicions are downright unconvincing and ridiculous. For example, she becomes convinced Dana might be Brooke because Dana knows Ava gets brain freeze when eating ice cream too quickly. It’s the kind of “clue” that feels more silly than clever. What makes things worse was whenever she believes someone is in danger, her first instinct is to rush in alone, without calling the police, telling anyone, or bringing backup. This quickly becomes frustrating rather than suspenseful.
The supporting characters are much more competent than Ava, but none of them are particularly memorable or compelling enough to become emotionally invested in.
Overall, i think this book is a solid, well-structured thriller with excellent resolution and easy readability. It just didn’t wow me or stick with me. I think I’ll have forgotten most of the details in a few months.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Nobody Heard A Thing was a fast-paced thriller, and I genuinely appreciate how thoroughly Angela Henry tied up every loose end.
None of the plot holes were left unexplained. Even the minor details I didn’t particularly care about received full closure.
Every missing person, every missing stuffed toy, every piece of foreshadowing, and every subplot gets a full explanation by the end.
In a genre where even some of the BEST books leave behind “plot tunnels” (gaping holes you could drive a truck through), this level of closure is refreshing and satisfying.
The prose is conversational and approachable, with short, snappy chapters that make it very easy to keep turning the pages. It’s the kind of book you can easily devour in a couple of sittings.
That said, the story didn’t grip me as much as I’d hoped. While there are twists and turns, most of them felt predictable, and the identity of the culprits were pretty obvious.
There was one twist I didn’t see coming, but it was relatively minor, so the reveal didn’t land with much impact because I simply didn’t care enough about it to feel surprised.
I understand why Angela Henry chose Ava’s point of view as the primary lens for the story, but unfortunately, I really didn’t like her as a protagonist.
The narrative relies far too heavily on the “impulsive, stupid decisions by the FMC”trope, one of my LEAST favorite in thrillers.
Ava’s guilt over witnessing Brooke’s
abduction as a child is understandable, but it doesn’t justify her constant recklessness.
Some of her suspicions are downright unconvincing and ridiculous. For example, she becomes convinced Dana might be Brooke because Dana knows Ava gets brain freeze when eating ice cream too quickly. It’s the kind of “clue” that feels more silly than clever. What makes things worse was whenever she believes someone is in danger, her first instinct is to rush in alone, without calling the police, telling anyone, or bringing backup. This quickly becomes frustrating rather than suspenseful.
The supporting characters are much more competent than Ava, but none of them are particularly memorable or compelling enough to become emotionally invested in.
Overall, i think this book is a solid, well-structured thriller with excellent resolution and easy readability. It just didn’t wow me or stick with me. I think I’ll have forgotten most of the details in a few months.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 20, 2026
*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This is my first experience with Angela Henry and I have no regrets about reading this book of hers!
Ava West witnessed her best friend Brooke get abducted from the local playground 25 years ago. As the anniversary of that day approaches, Ava is invited to participate in a documentary being out together about Brooke. She agrees reluctantly, and only because of the money being offered to her.
What follows is one of the twistiest, most compelling stories I've read in a long time. Ms. Henry just keeps dropping the bread crumbs along the way and just when you think you might have some ideas, another crumb is left leading you in yet another direction. The number of times my jaw dropped while reading this was crazy. This story kept me hooked right from the first page.
My one and only complaint is some aspects of the writing style. The author's description of each character included information about their race, which I didn't find to add to the plot or character development in any way. She also used the same descriptions/phrasing multiple times and it lacked variety in there. It's a really minor complaint, but I was annoyed so it was worth mentioning.
Overall, an easy 4 star read and definitely would recommend it if you enjoy a fast paced read where nobody is who you think they are.
This is my first experience with Angela Henry and I have no regrets about reading this book of hers!
Ava West witnessed her best friend Brooke get abducted from the local playground 25 years ago. As the anniversary of that day approaches, Ava is invited to participate in a documentary being out together about Brooke. She agrees reluctantly, and only because of the money being offered to her.
What follows is one of the twistiest, most compelling stories I've read in a long time. Ms. Henry just keeps dropping the bread crumbs along the way and just when you think you might have some ideas, another crumb is left leading you in yet another direction. The number of times my jaw dropped while reading this was crazy. This story kept me hooked right from the first page.
My one and only complaint is some aspects of the writing style. The author's description of each character included information about their race, which I didn't find to add to the plot or character development in any way. She also used the same descriptions/phrasing multiple times and it lacked variety in there. It's a really minor complaint, but I was annoyed so it was worth mentioning.
Overall, an easy 4 star read and definitely would recommend it if you enjoy a fast paced read where nobody is who you think they are.
January 18, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC to review!
Nobody Heard a Thing by Angela Henry is a solid, slow-burn mystery that mixes small-town secrets with a true-crime documentary angle.
The story follows Emily Mills as she returns to her hometown of Stone Creek, where a teenage girl, Chelsea Roberts, was murdered years ago and the case went cold. When a documentary crew shows up to reexamine the crime, old secrets start coming out, and it becomes clear the town’s long-standing silence did real damage.
I liked the emotional depth and the realistic small-town dynamics, and the documentary element added some nice tension. That said, the pacing dragged in the middle, and a few twists were easy to predict. I also wanted the documentary angle to have a bigger payoff by the end.
Overall, this is a thoughtful, character-driven mystery that focuses more on the emotional fallout of a crime than big shocks. A good choice for readers who enjoy quiet, reflective crime stories.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC to review!
Nobody Heard a Thing by Angela Henry is a solid, slow-burn mystery that mixes small-town secrets with a true-crime documentary angle.
The story follows Emily Mills as she returns to her hometown of Stone Creek, where a teenage girl, Chelsea Roberts, was murdered years ago and the case went cold. When a documentary crew shows up to reexamine the crime, old secrets start coming out, and it becomes clear the town’s long-standing silence did real damage.
I liked the emotional depth and the realistic small-town dynamics, and the documentary element added some nice tension. That said, the pacing dragged in the middle, and a few twists were easy to predict. I also wanted the documentary angle to have a bigger payoff by the end.
Overall, this is a thoughtful, character-driven mystery that focuses more on the emotional fallout of a crime than big shocks. A good choice for readers who enjoy quiet, reflective crime stories.
January 2, 2026
Nobody Heard a Thing pulled me in almost immediately. A decades-old disappearance resurfaces twenty-five years later when a documentary team reopens the case—and from that moment on, the unease settles in and refuses to leave.
The premise is chilling: one person saw everything, one person heard her cry, and yet the truth has remained buried for years. Angela Henry does a great job creating an unsettling atmosphere, and the twists are bold and disturbing in the best way. I constantly felt like something was just beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered.
That said, the pacing is a bit uneven, especially in the middle where the story slows down. Still, once things pick back up, it becomes extremely hard to put down. The revelations are gripping, and the tension builds toward a satisfying, unsettling payoff.
Overall, this was a compelling and twisty read that I really enjoyed.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for providing this book for review via NetGalley.
The premise is chilling: one person saw everything, one person heard her cry, and yet the truth has remained buried for years. Angela Henry does a great job creating an unsettling atmosphere, and the twists are bold and disturbing in the best way. I constantly felt like something was just beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered.
That said, the pacing is a bit uneven, especially in the middle where the story slows down. Still, once things pick back up, it becomes extremely hard to put down. The revelations are gripping, and the tension builds toward a satisfying, unsettling payoff.
Overall, this was a compelling and twisty read that I really enjoyed.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for providing this book for review via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This plot was exceptional! Massive page turner that was extremely hard to put down as it keeps you hooked with its gripping and compelling story as it unfolds and keeps you guessing who the villain(s) are right up to the final chapters.
Angela Henry has excelled herself with this one! So we'll written and with the multi-perspective narrative from two different time periods it keeps you invested and determined to find out if there's any hope of any happy endings.
Angela Henry has excelled herself with this one! So we'll written and with the multi-perspective narrative from two different time periods it keeps you invested and determined to find out if there's any hope of any happy endings.
January 27, 2026
Wow what can I say. Thought I could outsmart the author and work out the plot twists. How wrong was I. Had me hooked from the very start. Could not put the book down. Was so so good. The writing was brilliant. I felt like I knew every character and was so involved in what was happening. My first 5 star read of 2026.
January 1, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, I’ve not read anything by the author before but I would definitely read her again.
I liked the mystery and suspense of the cold case and I enjoyed how it unraveled throughout the book - all the clues that were dotted throughout were good too. The ending caught me by surprise and I did love the twist.
Overall a good solid read.
I liked the mystery and suspense of the cold case and I enjoyed how it unraveled throughout the book - all the clues that were dotted throughout were good too. The ending caught me by surprise and I did love the twist.
Overall a good solid read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this book, the beginning sucked you right in and I couldn't read this fast enough! I was a little confused on with the amount of characters but it all turned out perfectly. There were a few moments when I thought I put the pieces together but I was surely wrong. The plot and details in this book were so good, not overly detailed but enough to get a mind of the setting. This was a first Angela Henry book for me and I can't wait to continue reading more books by her! This is a must if you love a fast paced, hooked from start thriller book!
January 16, 2026
Living your entire life as the girl who watched her best friend get taken is already a nightmare scenario, and then Nobody Heard a Thing says, cool, what if we also add cameras, a suspicious shelter, and the emotional equivalent of someone slowly tightening a zip tie around your ribcage. I was stressed. I was invested. I was also occasionally like, okay Angela, maybe we don’t need everyone to be this mysterious.
Ava has been hauling around survivor’s guilt like it’s a designer handbag she never wanted but can’t put down. Twenty five years ago, she watched Brooke get abducted in broad daylight, heard her scream, and then grew up inside that moment. Now she’s an adult with a shaky marriage, a heart permanently stuck in fight or flight, and a documentary filmmaker knocking on her door like, hey bestie, ready to emotionally combust on camera?
The documentary angle is genuinely juicy. It drags the past back into the light in a way that feels invasive and tense, like when someone brings up your worst memory at a dinner party and then asks follow up questions. Ava agreeing to participate feels less like a choice and more like fate kicking her in the shins. Every interview, every question, every resurfaced memory adds another layer of unease.
Then we get the shelter subplot, which is where things start going full thriller chaos goblin. Ava meets Dana, a woman who looks and feels unsettlingly like Brooke, complete with eerie similarities that made my brain scream THIS IS A TRAP. Is she Brooke. Is Ava projecting. Is everyone gaslighting everyone. Yes. Probably. The vibes are deeply suspicious, and I was eating it up while also feeling mildly exhausted.
This book has a lot going on. Multiple POVs, timeline jumps, side characters who all seem to know something but refuse to say it out loud like they’re allergic to honesty. When it works, it really works. The twists are sharp, the atmosphere is heavy, and the sense that someone is watching from the shadows is constant. When it doesn’t work, it gets a little muddy and overstuffed, especially in the middle where the tension stalls and I had to mentally check my character Rolodex.
Emotionally, though, this one hits. The grief, the guilt, the obsession with what might have been, it all feels painfully real. Ava is flawed and impulsive and sometimes too trusting for her own good, which honestly tracks for someone who’s spent her whole life trying to make up for one moment she couldn’t control.
The ending goes big. Like, fully commits to the reveal and then keeps peeling back layers until you’re just sitting there blinking like, wow okay, you really did that. Some of it felt rushed, some of it felt wild, but I appreciated the commitment to making sure the truth finally comes out, even if it arrives carrying a suitcase full of baggage.
Overall, this landed at a solid 3.5 stars for me. Compulsive, twisty, emotionally loaded, occasionally messy, but never boring. If you like cold cases, unreliable memories, and books that make you question literally every adult in a small town, this one will absolutely scratch that itch.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Side Eye an Entire Community Like I’m the Only Sane Person Left
Huge thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC and for trusting me with this emotional rollercoaster of guilt, secrets, and people absolutely refusing to mind their business.
Ava has been hauling around survivor’s guilt like it’s a designer handbag she never wanted but can’t put down. Twenty five years ago, she watched Brooke get abducted in broad daylight, heard her scream, and then grew up inside that moment. Now she’s an adult with a shaky marriage, a heart permanently stuck in fight or flight, and a documentary filmmaker knocking on her door like, hey bestie, ready to emotionally combust on camera?
The documentary angle is genuinely juicy. It drags the past back into the light in a way that feels invasive and tense, like when someone brings up your worst memory at a dinner party and then asks follow up questions. Ava agreeing to participate feels less like a choice and more like fate kicking her in the shins. Every interview, every question, every resurfaced memory adds another layer of unease.
Then we get the shelter subplot, which is where things start going full thriller chaos goblin. Ava meets Dana, a woman who looks and feels unsettlingly like Brooke, complete with eerie similarities that made my brain scream THIS IS A TRAP. Is she Brooke. Is Ava projecting. Is everyone gaslighting everyone. Yes. Probably. The vibes are deeply suspicious, and I was eating it up while also feeling mildly exhausted.
This book has a lot going on. Multiple POVs, timeline jumps, side characters who all seem to know something but refuse to say it out loud like they’re allergic to honesty. When it works, it really works. The twists are sharp, the atmosphere is heavy, and the sense that someone is watching from the shadows is constant. When it doesn’t work, it gets a little muddy and overstuffed, especially in the middle where the tension stalls and I had to mentally check my character Rolodex.
Emotionally, though, this one hits. The grief, the guilt, the obsession with what might have been, it all feels painfully real. Ava is flawed and impulsive and sometimes too trusting for her own good, which honestly tracks for someone who’s spent her whole life trying to make up for one moment she couldn’t control.
The ending goes big. Like, fully commits to the reveal and then keeps peeling back layers until you’re just sitting there blinking like, wow okay, you really did that. Some of it felt rushed, some of it felt wild, but I appreciated the commitment to making sure the truth finally comes out, even if it arrives carrying a suitcase full of baggage.
Overall, this landed at a solid 3.5 stars for me. Compulsive, twisty, emotionally loaded, occasionally messy, but never boring. If you like cold cases, unreliable memories, and books that make you question literally every adult in a small town, this one will absolutely scratch that itch.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Side Eye an Entire Community Like I’m the Only Sane Person Left
Huge thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC and for trusting me with this emotional rollercoaster of guilt, secrets, and people absolutely refusing to mind their business.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 stars
This is my second read from this author, and I have enjoyed both very much. This one is serving twists, uncertainty, and a premise that is sure to hook readers from the jump (and keep us invested to the final word).
Ava and Brooke are childhood BFFs, but as is so often the case when we're young, forever isn't as long as it seems. This becomes obvious when Brooke is kidnapped immediately in front of Ava in a totally gripping scene. It's impossible to start the book with anything other than extreme interest in what happened to Brooke - and, perhaps even more compellingly - intense concern for Ava. How anyone could experience something like Ava does, especially at such a young age, and be even semi-functional? That's a feat, and I had to know more.
Fortunately, after the historical prologue featuring this central incident, the narrative centers adult Ava. Despite her unusual early experiences, Ava's modern day life seems pretty typical. She has personal struggles that will feel relatable to many readers, and she's doing a lot to try to make things work despite some obvious challenges in her life. Thanks to those challenges, Ava makes a decision she's evaded previously: getting involved in a documentary about Brooke's disappearance, now that the 25-year anniversary is upon them. Between the anniversary, a new professional opportunity that facilitates the introduction of several folks into her life, the documentary, and evolving personal challenges, Ava sure has a lot to manage. That doesn't stop her from circling back to where this all began.
I wanted to read this book because I enjoyed the twistiness of my first read from Henry, and I was pleased that the vibes continued here. There is A LOT going on with different characters, surprising events, and multiple twists, and while this is fun to read, it also requires even more suspension of disbelief than a standard thriller and at times felt like a little too much. That noted, my overall experience was positive again. I was consistently entertained, read this almost straight through, and am already looking forward to what wild twists Henry will offer up next.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
This is my second read from this author, and I have enjoyed both very much. This one is serving twists, uncertainty, and a premise that is sure to hook readers from the jump (and keep us invested to the final word).
Ava and Brooke are childhood BFFs, but as is so often the case when we're young, forever isn't as long as it seems. This becomes obvious when Brooke is kidnapped immediately in front of Ava in a totally gripping scene. It's impossible to start the book with anything other than extreme interest in what happened to Brooke - and, perhaps even more compellingly - intense concern for Ava. How anyone could experience something like Ava does, especially at such a young age, and be even semi-functional? That's a feat, and I had to know more.
Fortunately, after the historical prologue featuring this central incident, the narrative centers adult Ava. Despite her unusual early experiences, Ava's modern day life seems pretty typical. She has personal struggles that will feel relatable to many readers, and she's doing a lot to try to make things work despite some obvious challenges in her life. Thanks to those challenges, Ava makes a decision she's evaded previously: getting involved in a documentary about Brooke's disappearance, now that the 25-year anniversary is upon them. Between the anniversary, a new professional opportunity that facilitates the introduction of several folks into her life, the documentary, and evolving personal challenges, Ava sure has a lot to manage. That doesn't stop her from circling back to where this all began.
I wanted to read this book because I enjoyed the twistiness of my first read from Henry, and I was pleased that the vibes continued here. There is A LOT going on with different characters, surprising events, and multiple twists, and while this is fun to read, it also requires even more suspension of disbelief than a standard thriller and at times felt like a little too much. That noted, my overall experience was positive again. I was consistently entertained, read this almost straight through, and am already looking forward to what wild twists Henry will offer up next.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The tension and atmosphere in this novel are chilling and so well written!!!!
It has been 25 years since Ava witnessed her best friend, Brooke, being abducted. Ava has been living with this trauma for the past 25 years, and never wants to speak about it. She has taken a leave of absence from her job, so that she and her husband can start IVF treatments. She begins volunteering at a women's shelter, and is drawn to one of the residents, Dana. Dana has so many eerily similar traits and likes as Brooke had. Ava begins to suspect Dana is actually Brooke. Ava then decides to be interviewed for a documentary being done about this case. She has never agreed to this before, but wanting to figure out what happened and move on with her life, Ava thinks this will be what she needs to do this. She is meeting with Lia, an investigative journalist. As Ava relives what she witnessed, and suspicious things happening in the shelter, she is soon drawn into investigating on her own. She begins uncovering secrets, lies and connections from people close to the case, including her mother!
Ava was a very relatable character. She approached her own search for answers in a thoughtful and intelligent way. She is a flawed character that is honest in her struggles, and yet remains kind and encouraging. I really liked Ava! The other characters are well developed too!
The one thing i struggled with, Lia was supposed to be a type of "investigator/researcher". Yet there were several times when she did something, forgot something or asked a question that a good investigator/researcher would have known or done.
The atmosphere is frenetic in most of the book. I will say that the plot dragged a bit in the middle, but as I got to the conclusion I realized that it was necessary because it provided the connections that made the final scene make sense.
There are a lot of characters and twists. But I really enjoyed this story and read it quickly!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review!
It has been 25 years since Ava witnessed her best friend, Brooke, being abducted. Ava has been living with this trauma for the past 25 years, and never wants to speak about it. She has taken a leave of absence from her job, so that she and her husband can start IVF treatments. She begins volunteering at a women's shelter, and is drawn to one of the residents, Dana. Dana has so many eerily similar traits and likes as Brooke had. Ava begins to suspect Dana is actually Brooke. Ava then decides to be interviewed for a documentary being done about this case. She has never agreed to this before, but wanting to figure out what happened and move on with her life, Ava thinks this will be what she needs to do this. She is meeting with Lia, an investigative journalist. As Ava relives what she witnessed, and suspicious things happening in the shelter, she is soon drawn into investigating on her own. She begins uncovering secrets, lies and connections from people close to the case, including her mother!
Ava was a very relatable character. She approached her own search for answers in a thoughtful and intelligent way. She is a flawed character that is honest in her struggles, and yet remains kind and encouraging. I really liked Ava! The other characters are well developed too!
The one thing i struggled with, Lia was supposed to be a type of "investigator/researcher". Yet there were several times when she did something, forgot something or asked a question that a good investigator/researcher would have known or done.
The atmosphere is frenetic in most of the book. I will say that the plot dragged a bit in the middle, but as I got to the conclusion I realized that it was necessary because it provided the connections that made the final scene make sense.
There are a lot of characters and twists. But I really enjoyed this story and read it quickly!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review!
January 18, 2026
I'm pleasantly surprised! Unputdownable pulled me in immediately.
This is the story of Ava and Brooke. One afternoon, they go to the park as they usually did, got ice cream and competed in the swings. A misunderstanding leads to an argument, and Brooke storms off, leaving the park before Ava. As Ava is trying to have her friend wait for her she notices Brooke talking to a strange man nearby. Ava overhears him saying he has puppies in his car and offering to show them to Brooke. Before Ava can react, the man shoves Brooke into the back of the car and leaves.
Years later, Ava is a social worker and now is taking a break from work to focus on trying to get pregnant, struggling at home she decides to volunteer at a homeless shelter and there she meets a girl, that she believes is Ava.
I thought it was going to be pretty straight forward and that the mystery was going to be wether the girl was or wasn't Brooke but it was so much more!! The plot was exceptional.
This book has a lot going on. Multiple POVs, timeline, side characters who all seem to know something but refuse to say. And... it really works.
The ending comes in layers, which I love.
At some point most of the big characters meet, and I thought, oh no... this is your typical ending where these characters don't know each other, and now they are all IN ONE PLACE... saying... and I'm this... and I did this... and I was like "oh no!!!!" THIS IS BAD, but then, it kept going, I checked my kindle and I had 50 pages or more left and they were PHENOMENAL!
Layered ending, no plot holes, and smartly written.
The only thing I didn't like was the fact that people knew each other and pretended they didn't recognize the other person, or lied throughout the entire book. I thought that was silly ( if you will see).
I need to read more from this author. This felt like a popcorn thriller but with substance.
This is the story of Ava and Brooke. One afternoon, they go to the park as they usually did, got ice cream and competed in the swings. A misunderstanding leads to an argument, and Brooke storms off, leaving the park before Ava. As Ava is trying to have her friend wait for her she notices Brooke talking to a strange man nearby. Ava overhears him saying he has puppies in his car and offering to show them to Brooke. Before Ava can react, the man shoves Brooke into the back of the car and leaves.
Years later, Ava is a social worker and now is taking a break from work to focus on trying to get pregnant, struggling at home she decides to volunteer at a homeless shelter and there she meets a girl, that she believes is Ava.
I thought it was going to be pretty straight forward and that the mystery was going to be wether the girl was or wasn't Brooke but it was so much more!! The plot was exceptional.
This book has a lot going on. Multiple POVs, timeline, side characters who all seem to know something but refuse to say. And... it really works.
The ending comes in layers, which I love.
At some point most of the big characters meet, and I thought, oh no... this is your typical ending where these characters don't know each other, and now they are all IN ONE PLACE... saying... and I'm this... and I did this... and I was like "oh no!!!!" THIS IS BAD, but then, it kept going, I checked my kindle and I had 50 pages or more left and they were PHENOMENAL!
Layered ending, no plot holes, and smartly written.
The only thing I didn't like was the fact that people knew each other and pretended they didn't recognize the other person, or lied throughout the entire book. I thought that was silly ( if you will see).
I need to read more from this author. This felt like a popcorn thriller but with substance.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
PUBLISH DATE: January 30, 2026
Nobody Heard a Thing by Angela Henry is a slow building thriller that leads to an unexpected ending. I ultimately rated it three starts for its unique premise, clean content and interesting narrative perspective.
The story centers around Ava, one of the main characters, who witnessed her childhood best friend on the day she went missing. That core idea is compelling, and it sets the stage for a mystery that unfolds gradually over time.
That said, I struggled with the execution. The book introduces a large number of characters, many of whom appear briefly but later play a significant role in the conclusion. Because of this, I found it difficult to keep track of who was who and which details were most important. The frequent shifts between past and present timelines, combined with multiple character perspectives in each chapter, added to that confusion.
At times, it felt like the story might have benefited from being split into two or even three books. The concept itself is strong, but trying to fit everything into a single novel made the narrative feel crowded and harder to follow.
Overall, this was a clean read with a solid idea at it's core. While I appreciated the originality of the plot, I just couldn't get into the book due to there being way too much to follow at once.
Content: This book included very minimal profanity, no sex, nudity or intimate scenes.
BOOK TITLE: Nobody Heard a Thing
AUTHOR: Angela Henry
PUBLISHER: Storm Publishing
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES:302
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Reader Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Nobody Heard a Thing by Angela Henry is a slow building thriller that leads to an unexpected ending. I ultimately rated it three starts for its unique premise, clean content and interesting narrative perspective.
The story centers around Ava, one of the main characters, who witnessed her childhood best friend on the day she went missing. That core idea is compelling, and it sets the stage for a mystery that unfolds gradually over time.
That said, I struggled with the execution. The book introduces a large number of characters, many of whom appear briefly but later play a significant role in the conclusion. Because of this, I found it difficult to keep track of who was who and which details were most important. The frequent shifts between past and present timelines, combined with multiple character perspectives in each chapter, added to that confusion.
At times, it felt like the story might have benefited from being split into two or even three books. The concept itself is strong, but trying to fit everything into a single novel made the narrative feel crowded and harder to follow.
Overall, this was a clean read with a solid idea at it's core. While I appreciated the originality of the plot, I just couldn't get into the book due to there being way too much to follow at once.
Content: This book included very minimal profanity, no sex, nudity or intimate scenes.
BOOK TITLE: Nobody Heard a Thing
AUTHOR: Angela Henry
PUBLISHER: Storm Publishing
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES:302
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Reader Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 26, 2026
2⭐️
Thank you NetGalley & Storm Publishing for the chance to read this eARC
When she was 10, Ava witnessed her best friend, Brooke, kidnapped right before her eyes. 25 years later, a filmmaker begins digging in to the cold case, unearthing years of lies and coverups within the community and threatens to break open the truth of what happened to Brooke, a mystery no one else has been able to uncover.
The premise of this book initially had me in a chokehold. It had all the makings of a strong thriller: questionable characters, cult vibes, an unsolvable cold case, deception, and mystery. But this book fell so flat for me for so many reasons.
1. There were WAY too many characters and most of those characters had an alias and it was so hard to stay on top of. I consistently "forgot" who characters were cause there were just so many to keep track of.
2. To add to the first, this book is told in multiple POV, like 7-8 different POVs. Obviously, with that you get different angles of the story but it was just way too much and it could be hard to follow along
3. Ava, the protagonist, was extremely naive and to be frank, not very smart. Letting a homeless person crash in your house because you *think* she's your long lost BFF is a recipe for danger. Her lack of communication with her husband was also very frustrating. "We aren't in a good place but maybe if i get pregnant we will be". Ok, cause a baby has always helped a troubled marriage
3. I know this was an ARC, but I caught so many spelling errors or plot holes that irked me.
4. SO MANY FILLERS. There were so many paragraphs of unnecessary descriptions that just didn't need to be there. And some of the fillers flat out made me roll my eyes.
Overall, interesting premise but was a major miss for me. I couldn't recommend this to my audience, but there's so many positive reviews for this one I know others will love it.
Thank you NetGalley & Storm Publishing for the chance to read this eARC
When she was 10, Ava witnessed her best friend, Brooke, kidnapped right before her eyes. 25 years later, a filmmaker begins digging in to the cold case, unearthing years of lies and coverups within the community and threatens to break open the truth of what happened to Brooke, a mystery no one else has been able to uncover.
The premise of this book initially had me in a chokehold. It had all the makings of a strong thriller: questionable characters, cult vibes, an unsolvable cold case, deception, and mystery. But this book fell so flat for me for so many reasons.
1. There were WAY too many characters and most of those characters had an alias and it was so hard to stay on top of. I consistently "forgot" who characters were cause there were just so many to keep track of.
2. To add to the first, this book is told in multiple POV, like 7-8 different POVs. Obviously, with that you get different angles of the story but it was just way too much and it could be hard to follow along
3. Ava, the protagonist, was extremely naive and to be frank, not very smart. Letting a homeless person crash in your house because you *think* she's your long lost BFF is a recipe for danger. Her lack of communication with her husband was also very frustrating. "We aren't in a good place but maybe if i get pregnant we will be". Ok, cause a baby has always helped a troubled marriage
3. I know this was an ARC, but I caught so many spelling errors or plot holes that irked me.
4. SO MANY FILLERS. There were so many paragraphs of unnecessary descriptions that just didn't need to be there. And some of the fillers flat out made me roll my eyes.
Overall, interesting premise but was a major miss for me. I couldn't recommend this to my audience, but there's so many positive reviews for this one I know others will love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2026
Nobody Heard a Thing is the kind of thriller that pulls you in through sheer momentum, and much of that comes down to Angela Henry’s writing style. Her prose is clean, approachable, and highly readable, with short chapters and a steady rhythm that makes it dangerously easy to say “just one more.” Even when the story introduces a lot of moving pieces, the writing itself keeps the narrative flowing, preventing the book from feeling like a slog or an effort to get through.
The structure relies heavily on multiple POVs and dual timelines, and while that can sometimes become confusing, Henry’s voice remains consistent enough that I was rarely lost for long. The chapters are clearly labeled, the pacing is deliberate, and there’s an intentional drip-feed of information that keeps the tension alive. She knows how to end chapters on notes that compel you forward, which is a big reason this reads like a true popcorn thriller.
Where the book occasionally struggles is not with the writing, but with scope. There are a lot of characters, connections, and threads competing for attention, and at times the story feels like it’s trying to do just a bit too much in a single volume. That said, Henry’s clear, straightforward prose does a lot of heavy lifting here. Even when things feel crowded, the story remains readable and engaging rather than overwhelming.
Overall, this was an entertaining, fast-paced thriller that I enjoyed for its writing, structure, and ability to keep me turning pages. It didn’t completely blow me away, but it absolutely delivered a fun, twisty reading experience that fans of the genre will appreciate.
Thank you to Storm Publishing, NetGalley, and Angela Henry for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
The structure relies heavily on multiple POVs and dual timelines, and while that can sometimes become confusing, Henry’s voice remains consistent enough that I was rarely lost for long. The chapters are clearly labeled, the pacing is deliberate, and there’s an intentional drip-feed of information that keeps the tension alive. She knows how to end chapters on notes that compel you forward, which is a big reason this reads like a true popcorn thriller.
Where the book occasionally struggles is not with the writing, but with scope. There are a lot of characters, connections, and threads competing for attention, and at times the story feels like it’s trying to do just a bit too much in a single volume. That said, Henry’s clear, straightforward prose does a lot of heavy lifting here. Even when things feel crowded, the story remains readable and engaging rather than overwhelming.
Overall, this was an entertaining, fast-paced thriller that I enjoyed for its writing, structure, and ability to keep me turning pages. It didn’t completely blow me away, but it absolutely delivered a fun, twisty reading experience that fans of the genre will appreciate.
Thank you to Storm Publishing, NetGalley, and Angela Henry for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 8, 2026
a slow burn, abduction based thriller that absolutely comes into its own when all the moving parts finally collide many years later. 📰
this was one of those reads where i could feel the groundwork being laid early on, with real intention behind it. it also laid bare the fragility of our lives shaped by childhood trauma and trying to piece together the adult who comes after. there were a few moments where technical details didn’t seem to quite add up, briefly pulling me out of the story, and some character introductions felt a touch boxy (like they were being presented rather than discovered) but this did lend well to keeping track of a wide range of characters and name changes.
where this novel really shines is in the final stretch. the penultimate quarter is where everything snaps into focus, clues you barely clocked earlier suddenly matter, and the story surges forward with confidence. the pacing here is genuinely gripping, and even though a few threads are wrapped up a bit quickly at the end, the momentum largely carries it through. by the finish, you’re left with the satisfying feeling of a puzzle well finished.
🧵 breadcrumbs scattered early and often, paying off beautifully later
📸 a few technical stumbles that momentarily disrupt immersion
🧠 a strong mystery structure that rewards attention
🧷 by the end, a full corkboard of photos, maps, and red string in your head
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
a really impressive effort overall, with just a few wheel spins along the way. thank you so much to the author for the arc. this is a thriller that knows how to build, tangle, and ultimately reveal its hand.
thank you to the author and publishers for their generous ARC.
this was one of those reads where i could feel the groundwork being laid early on, with real intention behind it. it also laid bare the fragility of our lives shaped by childhood trauma and trying to piece together the adult who comes after. there were a few moments where technical details didn’t seem to quite add up, briefly pulling me out of the story, and some character introductions felt a touch boxy (like they were being presented rather than discovered) but this did lend well to keeping track of a wide range of characters and name changes.
where this novel really shines is in the final stretch. the penultimate quarter is where everything snaps into focus, clues you barely clocked earlier suddenly matter, and the story surges forward with confidence. the pacing here is genuinely gripping, and even though a few threads are wrapped up a bit quickly at the end, the momentum largely carries it through. by the finish, you’re left with the satisfying feeling of a puzzle well finished.
🧵 breadcrumbs scattered early and often, paying off beautifully later
📸 a few technical stumbles that momentarily disrupt immersion
🧠 a strong mystery structure that rewards attention
🧷 by the end, a full corkboard of photos, maps, and red string in your head
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
a really impressive effort overall, with just a few wheel spins along the way. thank you so much to the author for the arc. this is a thriller that knows how to build, tangle, and ultimately reveal its hand.
thank you to the author and publishers for their generous ARC.
December 31, 2025
📘 Nobody Heard a Thing
This book pulled me in fast with its premise. A decades old disappearance. One witness. A truth buried for years. The setup creates tension right away.
The story opens with a chilling idea. One person saw everything. One person heard her cry. Twenty five years later, a documentary team reopens the case, and the past refuses to stay quiet. From there, the unease settles in and never fully leaves. Motives feel unclear. Characters feel guarded. You never feel safe trusting anyone.
The documentary angle works well. Interviews feel loaded. Silence feels intentional. The timeline shifts surprised me in a good way. I usually struggle with back and forth narratives, but here they added clarity and depth. Each return to the past filled in gaps while creating new questions. I thought I had it figured out more than once. I was wrong.
Pacing is uneven, especially in the middle. Some scenes linger too long and repeat the same emotional tension. When the story tightens again, it regains its grip and moves with purpose.
The ending delivers. The reveal goes all in and answers what matters. The twists feel bold and unsettling. A few details echo real world cases, which adds weight and discomfort. The dialogue stays sharp, and several moments caught me off guard. 😮
This is not a flawless read, but it is a compelling one. Strong atmosphere. A solid mystery. If you enjoy cold cases, unreliable truths, and lingering tension, this book deserves a look. 🕵🏽♀️📖
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
This book pulled me in fast with its premise. A decades old disappearance. One witness. A truth buried for years. The setup creates tension right away.
The story opens with a chilling idea. One person saw everything. One person heard her cry. Twenty five years later, a documentary team reopens the case, and the past refuses to stay quiet. From there, the unease settles in and never fully leaves. Motives feel unclear. Characters feel guarded. You never feel safe trusting anyone.
The documentary angle works well. Interviews feel loaded. Silence feels intentional. The timeline shifts surprised me in a good way. I usually struggle with back and forth narratives, but here they added clarity and depth. Each return to the past filled in gaps while creating new questions. I thought I had it figured out more than once. I was wrong.
Pacing is uneven, especially in the middle. Some scenes linger too long and repeat the same emotional tension. When the story tightens again, it regains its grip and moves with purpose.
The ending delivers. The reveal goes all in and answers what matters. The twists feel bold and unsettling. A few details echo real world cases, which adds weight and discomfort. The dialogue stays sharp, and several moments caught me off guard. 😮
This is not a flawless read, but it is a compelling one. Strong atmosphere. A solid mystery. If you enjoy cold cases, unreliable truths, and lingering tension, this book deserves a look. 🕵🏽♀️📖
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
January 28, 2026
Nobody Heard a Thing by Angela Henry is a complicated, gripping mystery where the secrets are layered so deep you practically need a shovel to find the truth. This isn’t a story where things are handed to you; it’s a psychological puzzle where nothing is as it seems, everyone is hiding a piece of the narrative, and the "truth" is gloriously messy. There is nothing quite like that feeling of snapping the final piece into place, only to realise the picture is something completely different from what you imagined. It was the kind of book I didn't want to put down, keeping me hooked from the very first page to the final reveal.
While the story occasionally jumps back into the past, the heart of the book lies in the present, focusing on Ava as she hunts for answers buried for far too long. The characters are likeable enough, though they don't quite give off that "best-friend vibe" that makes you want to move in with them. However, Angela Henry manages the ensemble cast perfectly—at first, it feels like there are many players to follow, but each plays a vital role. You definitely can't afford to skip parts here, or you’ll miss the crucial details that make the whole thing click!
The setting and plot details are balanced perfectly—enough to pull you into the world without getting bogged down in "information overload." While it didn't quite hit that 5-star spark for me, it is a rock-solid, suspenseful thriller that leaves you genuinely surprised by the final picture. It’s a "4 fat stars" read that will keep your mind spinning until the very end!
While the story occasionally jumps back into the past, the heart of the book lies in the present, focusing on Ava as she hunts for answers buried for far too long. The characters are likeable enough, though they don't quite give off that "best-friend vibe" that makes you want to move in with them. However, Angela Henry manages the ensemble cast perfectly—at first, it feels like there are many players to follow, but each plays a vital role. You definitely can't afford to skip parts here, or you’ll miss the crucial details that make the whole thing click!
The setting and plot details are balanced perfectly—enough to pull you into the world without getting bogged down in "information overload." While it didn't quite hit that 5-star spark for me, it is a rock-solid, suspenseful thriller that leaves you genuinely surprised by the final picture. It’s a "4 fat stars" read that will keep your mind spinning until the very end!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Nobody Heard a Thing is one of those psychological thrillers that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. From the haunting opening line to the final reveal, the story pulses with unease, guilt, and the terrifying weight of a secret that’s been buried for twenty‑five years.
The narrator’s voice is instantly compelling—raw, conflicted, and shaped by decades of carrying the blame for Brooke’s disappearance. The way the past and present collide when a documentary crew reopens the cold case adds a brilliant layer of tension. You can feel the walls closing in as old memories resurface and someone, somewhere, grows desperate to keep the truth hidden.
The atmosphere is pitch‑perfect: claustrophobic, emotionally charged, and threaded with that delicious sense of “something isn’t right.” The author balances character‑driven suspense with sharp twists, and the slow drip of information keeps the pages turning effortlessly. Fans of Lisa Jewell and Karin Slaughter will feel right at home.
What really stands out is the exploration of guilt—how it shapes a life, how it distorts memory, and how it can be weaponised. The stakes feel personal and immediate, and the danger ramps up beautifully as the story barrels toward its conclusion.
Dark, gripping, and impossible to put down, Nobody Heard a Thing is a fantastic psychological thriller that lingers long after you finish.
My thanks to Angela Henry, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The narrator’s voice is instantly compelling—raw, conflicted, and shaped by decades of carrying the blame for Brooke’s disappearance. The way the past and present collide when a documentary crew reopens the cold case adds a brilliant layer of tension. You can feel the walls closing in as old memories resurface and someone, somewhere, grows desperate to keep the truth hidden.
The atmosphere is pitch‑perfect: claustrophobic, emotionally charged, and threaded with that delicious sense of “something isn’t right.” The author balances character‑driven suspense with sharp twists, and the slow drip of information keeps the pages turning effortlessly. Fans of Lisa Jewell and Karin Slaughter will feel right at home.
What really stands out is the exploration of guilt—how it shapes a life, how it distorts memory, and how it can be weaponised. The stakes feel personal and immediate, and the danger ramps up beautifully as the story barrels toward its conclusion.
Dark, gripping, and impossible to put down, Nobody Heard a Thing is a fantastic psychological thriller that lingers long after you finish.
My thanks to Angela Henry, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I ultimately rated this book 2.5 stars for its unique premise, clean content & interesting narrative perspective. Unfortunately, the execution did not live up to its potential. The story began strongly but became overcrowded as it progressed. There were simply too many characters, too many secrets, too many lies, & too many plot threads competing for attention. Several characters felt irrelevant or unnecessary, such as Selma, the cook & the elderly woman with the broken air conditioning unit. At the same time, other characters who appeared briefly later became crucial to the ending, making it difficult to track who mattered & why. The heavy focus on characters’ skin colour also felt excessive & distracting.
Frequent shifts between past & present timelines, combined with multiple character perspectives within single chapters, added to the confusion. The narrative felt cluttered, with too much filler, too many morally vacant or evil characters & too many relationships built almost entirely on deception, particularly the FMC’s marriage.
The novel also suffered from technical issues, including incorrect word choices, missing words & continuity errors, such as switching from vegetable lasagna to spaghetti in the same scene.
Overall, the concept is strong, but trying to fit everything into one book made the story feel crowded & unfocused. The narrative may have benefited from being split into two or even three books to fully develop its ideas & characters.
Frequent shifts between past & present timelines, combined with multiple character perspectives within single chapters, added to the confusion. The narrative felt cluttered, with too much filler, too many morally vacant or evil characters & too many relationships built almost entirely on deception, particularly the FMC’s marriage.
The novel also suffered from technical issues, including incorrect word choices, missing words & continuity errors, such as switching from vegetable lasagna to spaghetti in the same scene.
Overall, the concept is strong, but trying to fit everything into one book made the story feel crowded & unfocused. The narrative may have benefited from being split into two or even three books to fully develop its ideas & characters.
January 4, 2026
I genuinely don’t know how to fully articulate how much I loved this book. Nobody Heard a Thing is everything I look for in a thriller—tense, gripping, and genuinely frightening in the best way. From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked, to the point where I was reading it everywhere I could (yes, even sneaking pages in at work and in the car). This is the kind of book that demands your attention and refuses to let go.
The writing flows effortlessly, pulling the reader into the role of detective. With multiple POVs and a dual timeline, the story feels layered and immersive without ever becoming confusing. The narrative centres primarily on Ava, who was present 25 years ago when her best friend Dana was abducted from a park—a moment that has haunted her ever since. The weight of guilt Ava carries is palpable, and it adds such emotional depth to the mystery unfolding in the present.
There are several storylines woven throughout the novel, and watching them slowly connect was incredibly satisfying. The pacing is fast, the tension never lets up, and I felt a real connection to the characters. Every chapter ends on an almost-cliffhanger, making it impossible to put down. This is a thriller that truly delivers—smart, chilling, and utterly unputdownable. A definite five-star read for me, baby. 🔥📖
January 18, 2026
📖 Aaron Reads | Book Review
Title: Nobody Heard A Thing (Except You)
Author: Angela Henry
Format: Ebook
ARC: Yes, NetGalley
⭐ Star Rating: 4.5/5
🔪 Thrill Rating: 1/5
📄 Page #: 282 (depending on your ereader)
Quick Descriptors
• Accessible writing
• Complex plot, multi-POV
• Human characters
• Huge twists
One-Sentence Take
This was had me gripped from page 1. Loved the characters, how the suspense unfolded, and how things wrapped up!
Blurb
How is this the first Angela Henry I’ve ever read? This author is seriously talented. I never would have guessed that the story would have ended like THAT. What an incredibly easy-to-read, human, compelling, and twisted story!
We follow our main FMC, Ava, as she lives her life 25 years after her best friend Brooke was kidnapped before her very own eyes. The tragedy had the town in a chokehold and Ava has had a hard time living outside of the microscope. Ava’s navigating her own marriage and fertility challenges, which led her to taking time away from her work as a social worker.
When she decides to take up a volunteer gig at the local women’s shelter, she has NO clue how interconnected her past and present will become.
This is the definition of an unputdownable thriller. This breaks the formulaic mold that I’ve seen so often recently, kept me guessing, and had me gasping at the end. A must read!
Title: Nobody Heard A Thing (Except You)
Author: Angela Henry
Format: Ebook
ARC: Yes, NetGalley
⭐ Star Rating: 4.5/5
🔪 Thrill Rating: 1/5
📄 Page #: 282 (depending on your ereader)
Quick Descriptors
• Accessible writing
• Complex plot, multi-POV
• Human characters
• Huge twists
One-Sentence Take
This was had me gripped from page 1. Loved the characters, how the suspense unfolded, and how things wrapped up!
Blurb
How is this the first Angela Henry I’ve ever read? This author is seriously talented. I never would have guessed that the story would have ended like THAT. What an incredibly easy-to-read, human, compelling, and twisted story!
We follow our main FMC, Ava, as she lives her life 25 years after her best friend Brooke was kidnapped before her very own eyes. The tragedy had the town in a chokehold and Ava has had a hard time living outside of the microscope. Ava’s navigating her own marriage and fertility challenges, which led her to taking time away from her work as a social worker.
When she decides to take up a volunteer gig at the local women’s shelter, she has NO clue how interconnected her past and present will become.
This is the definition of an unputdownable thriller. This breaks the formulaic mold that I’ve seen so often recently, kept me guessing, and had me gasping at the end. A must read!
January 19, 2026
This is my first book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed the story! 25 years ago two young girls were swinging and playing on the playground and when leaving the playground, one of them is kidnapped in sight of the other one. The surviving girl holds guilt and often wonders what happened to her best friend over the years. Now that main character is having difficulties in her life with her marriage and in trying to have a baby with difficulties. Things start to heat up when a documentary is being made about the kidnapping which brings everything back up fresh and then things start to happen. I am not going to say much more because I don't want to give away any spoilers, but there are several twists and turns. There are mysteries, tensions, suspense, and deaths, all of which are connected in some form with the characters and are revealed a little at a time until the grand finale where everything is finally fully revealed. It kept me guessing where it was going to end up and what the connections were with the cast of characters in the book. Because it was fast paced, had twists and turns I didn't see coming, and kept me entertained and feeling some emotions for what some of the characters were going through I gave this book a 5 star rating. I will certainly be interested in reading some more books by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ava is the only person who heard her best friend scream that fateful night. Twenty five years later a documentary maker is looking into the case of Brooke's disappearance and wants to solve the mystery, but some people don't want the truth getting out and will do anything to stop it - even murder.
The first chapter left me feeling a bit disturbed as it involves a child abduction. I'm so glad I carried on with this story as it was so gripping and hard to put down.
After reading the first chapter, the pacing was slow but as soon as the story developed, I found I was racing through the pages until the end.
The writing flowed with ease and it has nice short chapters. Angela was so clever weaving this story with all the twists and turns.
The only critique I have of this book is if something happens that was amazing to the character, she would use the word 'plot twist'. This is only a reader would say rather than a character in a book. It makes it less unbelievable in the story.
If you love a fast paced thriller with plenty of action, I would definitely recommend reading this book.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for providing this book for review via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
The first chapter left me feeling a bit disturbed as it involves a child abduction. I'm so glad I carried on with this story as it was so gripping and hard to put down.
After reading the first chapter, the pacing was slow but as soon as the story developed, I found I was racing through the pages until the end.
The writing flowed with ease and it has nice short chapters. Angela was so clever weaving this story with all the twists and turns.
The only critique I have of this book is if something happens that was amazing to the character, she would use the word 'plot twist'. This is only a reader would say rather than a character in a book. It makes it less unbelievable in the story.
If you love a fast paced thriller with plenty of action, I would definitely recommend reading this book.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for providing this book for review via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The twists, the turns, the revelations, the mind-boggling events- Angela Henry withheld absolutely nothing while writing this thriller! I am a huge fan of this author and have always thought her thrillers are worth the read and that she couldn't possibly get any better, yet with each new thriller she somehow manages to top her last. Nobody Heard A Thing is a clear example of just that.
Two 10-year old best friends, one abducted and one unable to stop it and dealing with guilt even 25 years later. When Ava starts volunteering at Haver House shelter, she has no idea that her past would finally start catching up to her and that she'll finally receive the answers shes longed for for years.
This is quite the thriller! It's the perfect thriller to end the year with. Nobody Heard A Thing is packed with twists and turns, and unlike many other thrillers, you would not see these twists coming. There are several characters in this novel, but once again, it is not like many other novels- every character plays a unique role. Well-crafted, constructed, and executed, Nobody Heard A Thing is one of my favorite thrillers of 2025!
Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Angela Henry for this ARC!
Two 10-year old best friends, one abducted and one unable to stop it and dealing with guilt even 25 years later. When Ava starts volunteering at Haver House shelter, she has no idea that her past would finally start catching up to her and that she'll finally receive the answers shes longed for for years.
This is quite the thriller! It's the perfect thriller to end the year with. Nobody Heard A Thing is packed with twists and turns, and unlike many other thrillers, you would not see these twists coming. There are several characters in this novel, but once again, it is not like many other novels- every character plays a unique role. Well-crafted, constructed, and executed, Nobody Heard A Thing is one of my favorite thrillers of 2025!
Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Angela Henry for this ARC!
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