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He Was Here
From the award-winning and bestselling author of Without You comes a brutal new psychological horror that what is the cost of chasing justice?
He didn’t break out. He broke in.
When Detective Niko Russo’s father is murdered, every trail leads to one Dante Crowe—a serial killer finally put behind bars. But when Dante escapes from prison and bodies begin to surface again bearing the same vicious signature, Niko is forced back into the nightmare that destroyed his family.
With Darius Jacks and Cassie Callahan at his side, Niko dives headfirst into a case soaked in repetition and blood. The deeper the hunt goes, the more reality warps—and the line between hunter and hunted begins to rot from the inside out.
But the truth isn’t confined to the badge.
Told through both the investigator and the killer’s chilling point of view, He Was Here drags readers into the mind of a predator—and the man determined to stop him. What follows is a savage descent into obsession, grief, and the terrifying monsters we become when justice turns personal.
He didn’t break out. He broke in.
When Detective Niko Russo’s father is murdered, every trail leads to one Dante Crowe—a serial killer finally put behind bars. But when Dante escapes from prison and bodies begin to surface again bearing the same vicious signature, Niko is forced back into the nightmare that destroyed his family.
With Darius Jacks and Cassie Callahan at his side, Niko dives headfirst into a case soaked in repetition and blood. The deeper the hunt goes, the more reality warps—and the line between hunter and hunted begins to rot from the inside out.
But the truth isn’t confined to the badge.
Told through both the investigator and the killer’s chilling point of view, He Was Here drags readers into the mind of a predator—and the man determined to stop him. What follows is a savage descent into obsession, grief, and the terrifying monsters we become when justice turns personal.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2026
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Malloy
2 books11 followersANTHONY MALLOY is an award-winning and bestselling author from Cincinnati, Ohio, where he lives with his partner, Courtni, and their three incredible daughters. His fiction was born in the fallout of a corporate layoff and carved itself into something sharper—stories that live where grief, identity, and obsession collide.
His debut novel, Without You, began as a late-night idea and evolved into a psychological thriller with teeth, redefining what he believed he was capable of. He Was Here, his second novel, digs even deeper into the darkness—exploring justice, guilt, and the monsters we become when the systems we trust break us instead of saving us.
When he’s not writing, Anthony is a strategist, a storyteller, a pro wrestling fan, and a full-time dad. He believes in stories that hit hard, heal quietly, and refuse to be forgotten.
Stay connected with Anthony—visit his website for new releases, exclusive updates, and all the latest on his writing journey. You can also find him on Instagram and TikTok (@AnthonyMalloy.Author) or reach him by email at contact@anthonymalloyauthor.com.
His debut novel, Without You, began as a late-night idea and evolved into a psychological thriller with teeth, redefining what he believed he was capable of. He Was Here, his second novel, digs even deeper into the darkness—exploring justice, guilt, and the monsters we become when the systems we trust break us instead of saving us.
When he’s not writing, Anthony is a strategist, a storyteller, a pro wrestling fan, and a full-time dad. He believes in stories that hit hard, heal quietly, and refuse to be forgotten.
Stay connected with Anthony—visit his website for new releases, exclusive updates, and all the latest on his writing journey. You can also find him on Instagram and TikTok (@AnthonyMalloy.Author) or reach him by email at contact@anthonymalloyauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 11, 2026
What a mind fuck. I tabbed page 119, i knew a piece of the story. I know who was who.
But the ending 🤯 i mean once you read about the red thing (im trying to be discreet 🫣).. i had another hunch but was like hmm im thinking something more along the lines of death. I was so far off with that. Holy shit
The characters in this felt so real. The descriptions made me feel like i was RIGHT there.. wowza. Sleep will not be finding me tonight. Reading a pov from Niko and then throwing in the pov from Dante? Damn.. that was deep.
But the ending 🤯 i mean once you read about the red thing (im trying to be discreet 🫣).. i had another hunch but was like hmm im thinking something more along the lines of death. I was so far off with that. Holy shit
The characters in this felt so real. The descriptions made me feel like i was RIGHT there.. wowza. Sleep will not be finding me tonight. Reading a pov from Niko and then throwing in the pov from Dante? Damn.. that was deep.
December 31, 2025
I had the privilege of being a reader of the ARC and I devoured it! He Was Here follows Niko, a detective chasing his father’s killer, Dante. You get dual POV’s from both Niko and Dante. On top of the mystery and suspense, you also get some humor mixed in, along with easter eggs from another published book by Anthony Malloy, Without You. I truly never knew where exactly the story was going in a good way. Every time I thought I had an idea of what was coming, I was thrown through another loop. The ending had me absolutely speechless. No question was left unanswered, and no table was left unturned. 10/10 recommend if you are looking for a fast paced book in this genre!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got the ARC copy of this book and I was immediately hooked. You get the cops POV & the killer POV in this book. The two stories just feeding off each other and keeping you wondering what exactly is going to happen between these two. AND THE ENDING...... I thought I had it nailed but not even close. If you want a quick read but one that totally throws you for a loop then this book is it. Definitely recommend & it goes at the top of my list for fave books this year
January 7, 2026
A slow burn with a jaw dropping finish!
He Was Here is a slow-burn psychological thriller (with a touch of horror) that quietly gets under your skin and refuses to let go. The tension builds in slow subtle ways like grief, and the unsettling feeling that something just isn’t right. It’s the kind of story where you’re constantly second-guessing what you think you know.
What really stood out to me was the emotional weight. The characters felt real and flawed, and the sense of guilt and loss hung over every page. It felt heavy, but in the best all consuming way. Nothing felt rushed, the tension was building from the very beginning, and the slow burn actually made the ending hit so much harder.
And that ending… I literally finished the book and just sat there staring at the wall in shock. No exaggeration. It completely reframed everything that came before it and left me unsettled in the best way.
If you like atmospheric, dark, character-driven thrillers with endings that mess with your head, add this one to the top of your TBR immediately!!
He Was Here is a slow-burn psychological thriller (with a touch of horror) that quietly gets under your skin and refuses to let go. The tension builds in slow subtle ways like grief, and the unsettling feeling that something just isn’t right. It’s the kind of story where you’re constantly second-guessing what you think you know.
What really stood out to me was the emotional weight. The characters felt real and flawed, and the sense of guilt and loss hung over every page. It felt heavy, but in the best all consuming way. Nothing felt rushed, the tension was building from the very beginning, and the slow burn actually made the ending hit so much harder.
And that ending… I literally finished the book and just sat there staring at the wall in shock. No exaggeration. It completely reframed everything that came before it and left me unsettled in the best way.
If you like atmospheric, dark, character-driven thrillers with endings that mess with your head, add this one to the top of your TBR immediately!!
Read
January 7, 2026If you're in to true crime and stories told from multiple POVs, this is the book for you. The twists and turns will leave your jaw on the floor and the tears burning in your eyes. And the truth? You'll NEVER expect it. Anthony has done it again, 10/10!!! I can't wait to see where they go from here.
January 14, 2026
Wow, I don’t even know what to say 🤯 if I could give this book 6 stars I would. I have never read a thriller slow burn. I ate this book up and I just wanted more of it. I know my second reread is going to be epic
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book kept me on my toes. Just when I thought that I figured out what was happening, the author put in another twist. This was an amazing read
January 31, 2026
WHAT THE ACTUAL HECK. So dark. So twisty. So heavy. Devoured this. Anthony knocked it out of the park again!
Review of advance copy received from Author
this book pulls you in and keeps you guessing from beginning to end. as soon as you think you've figured it out, plot twist.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy of He Was Here in exchange for my honest review- A more detailed review to follow after release day!
Honestly, I think my only complaint is how on earth am I going to top a thriller this good this early in the year, Anthony?!
Malloy has a way of really grabbing his reader from page one, while maintaining their attention with the short chapters throughout the novel.
This book is dark, twisted, keeps you guessing from the start, has dual POV, and a plot twist that will leave your jaw on the floor.
Malloy really has a way of touching on every emotion possible, you can truly feel the emotions bleeding off his characters on every page, and it makes this story that much more impactful.
If you are looking for your next psychological thriller with a crime element to get you through the Winter blues, I HIGHLY recommend picking up a copy of He Was Here when it releases 01/21/2026.
in the mean time, check out Anthony's first Novel, Another dark, psychological thriller with AI elements that will leave you feeling unsettled in your own home: "Without You" Available now!
Honestly, I think my only complaint is how on earth am I going to top a thriller this good this early in the year, Anthony?!
Malloy has a way of really grabbing his reader from page one, while maintaining their attention with the short chapters throughout the novel.
This book is dark, twisted, keeps you guessing from the start, has dual POV, and a plot twist that will leave your jaw on the floor.
Malloy really has a way of touching on every emotion possible, you can truly feel the emotions bleeding off his characters on every page, and it makes this story that much more impactful.
If you are looking for your next psychological thriller with a crime element to get you through the Winter blues, I HIGHLY recommend picking up a copy of He Was Here when it releases 01/21/2026.
in the mean time, check out Anthony's first Novel, Another dark, psychological thriller with AI elements that will leave you feeling unsettled in your own home: "Without You" Available now!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Okay so listen.
This book is dark, uncomfortable, and sneaky as hell LMAO
He Was Here follows a detective chasing a serial killer tied to his father’s murder, but this is not a simple cat and mouse thriller. This is grief. Obsession. Reality slowly slipping through your fingers while you’re convinced you know what’s happening (you don’t I PROMISE😬).
The dual POV? Insane. Being inside the killer’s head while also watching the investigation unfold made everything feel tense and off in the best way. It’s a slow burn, but not boring more like a quiet, creeping dread that keeps building until you’re fully locked in.
And the twist…
BITTTCHHH. That one pissed me off in the best way because I thought I was smart. I was not. Had to sit there and mentally replay the entire book like, “oh wow, you got me.”😅
This was my first thriller of the year and honestly? Exactly what I needed. Dark, psychological, and actually well thought out. If you like thrillers that don’t hold your hand and make you feel a little unhinged by the end… read this.
Then come back so we can talk. 🖤
This book is dark, uncomfortable, and sneaky as hell LMAO
He Was Here follows a detective chasing a serial killer tied to his father’s murder, but this is not a simple cat and mouse thriller. This is grief. Obsession. Reality slowly slipping through your fingers while you’re convinced you know what’s happening (you don’t I PROMISE😬).
The dual POV? Insane. Being inside the killer’s head while also watching the investigation unfold made everything feel tense and off in the best way. It’s a slow burn, but not boring more like a quiet, creeping dread that keeps building until you’re fully locked in.
And the twist…
BITTTCHHH. That one pissed me off in the best way because I thought I was smart. I was not. Had to sit there and mentally replay the entire book like, “oh wow, you got me.”😅
This was my first thriller of the year and honestly? Exactly what I needed. Dark, psychological, and actually well thought out. If you like thrillers that don’t hold your hand and make you feel a little unhinged by the end… read this.
Then come back so we can talk. 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m usually a dark romance/smut reader but I applied to be an ARC for @anthonymalloy.author newest book He was here and I am SOOOOOO beyond thankful I was chosen. This book took me through ups and downs and twist and turns. This book had many different emotions and I know my face added more. I 100000% need more of this story. There is so much more that needs to be told and so much room for character development. Do yourself the favor of reading this book once it releases!!
Review of advance copy
Wow, wow, wow!!!
No idea where this plot was going from one chapter to the next.
Two point of views from a detective and a killer.
Many emotions, ups and downs, and do I mention I may have made cringe faces while reading the descriptive details from the killers view?!?!
Phenomenal, and couldn’t put it down once I started it.
If you e read Anthony’s first novel- WITHOUT YOU- you’ll be happy to know you might just hear or read a thing or two in this book!
5/5!!!
No idea where this plot was going from one chapter to the next.
Two point of views from a detective and a killer.
Many emotions, ups and downs, and do I mention I may have made cringe faces while reading the descriptive details from the killers view?!?!
Phenomenal, and couldn’t put it down once I started it.
If you e read Anthony’s first novel- WITHOUT YOU- you’ll be happy to know you might just hear or read a thing or two in this book!
5/5!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC and I couldn’t be more happy! He Was Here was haunting, a true psychological thriller. It made me question so much and when I thought I knew what was happening..boom I was wrong. I loved the twists and turns, the characters, the story. The ENDING..omg. 10/10 recommend!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is great. Thriller keeping you on your toes. Very easy read, couldn’t put it down! Definitely not the ending that was expected!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews