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When They Find Me: A Novel
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Expected 10 Nov 26Win a free print copy of this book!
16 days and 13:31:38
10 copies available
U.S. only
Some secrets don't fade. They hunt.
Expanse, Colorado. Population 313. A town so remote it barely exists on a map—the perfect hiding place for Annie Wolfe and her daughter, Coral. Their cabin is nearly off the grid, and Annie has done everything to keep them safe. Everything. But she knows the people hunting her don't forget. And they don't forgive.
Riven knows about survival. She and her family have lived off the land for years, moving like shadows through the wilderness. Now her father has led them to this forgotten town, tracking the man he swears destroyed their lives. The plan is simple: strike fast, take revenge, and disappear.
But when Riven knocks on Annie's door, their worlds collide. What follows is darker, stranger, and more dangerous than either woman ever imagined—because the hunt isn't just for vengeance. It's for the truth. And in Expanse, Colorado, the truth can kill.
Expanse, Colorado. Population 313. A town so remote it barely exists on a map—the perfect hiding place for Annie Wolfe and her daughter, Coral. Their cabin is nearly off the grid, and Annie has done everything to keep them safe. Everything. But she knows the people hunting her don't forget. And they don't forgive.
Riven knows about survival. She and her family have lived off the land for years, moving like shadows through the wilderness. Now her father has led them to this forgotten town, tracking the man he swears destroyed their lives. The plan is simple: strike fast, take revenge, and disappear.
But when Riven knocks on Annie's door, their worlds collide. What follows is darker, stranger, and more dangerous than either woman ever imagined—because the hunt isn't just for vengeance. It's for the truth. And in Expanse, Colorado, the truth can kill.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 10, 2026
About the author
Carter Wilson
14 books1,938 followersCarter Wilson is the USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of eleven standalone psychological thrillers. His stories focus on ordinary people pushed into situations where survival and morality collide, and every decision has consequences. His 2025 novel Tell Me What You Did was a national monthly pick by Barnes & Noble, and his work has been optioned for film and television.
He is the host of the podcast Making It Up, where he has candid, unscripted conversations with fellow authors about what it actually takes to build a writing life. He is also the founder of Unbound Writer, an international community dedicated to helping writers become better writers and build meaningful writing careers through coaching, immersive retreats in the United States and France, and live workshops.
A sought-after speaker and moderator, Carter is known for conversations that feel honest, engaging, and a little unpredictable. He lives in Erie, Colorado and travels frequently to teach, interview, and speak.
Visit him at www.carterwilson.com and www.unboundwriter.com.
He is the host of the podcast Making It Up, where he has candid, unscripted conversations with fellow authors about what it actually takes to build a writing life. He is also the founder of Unbound Writer, an international community dedicated to helping writers become better writers and build meaningful writing careers through coaching, immersive retreats in the United States and France, and live workshops.
A sought-after speaker and moderator, Carter is known for conversations that feel honest, engaging, and a little unpredictable. He lives in Erie, Colorado and travels frequently to teach, interview, and speak.
Visit him at www.carterwilson.com and www.unboundwriter.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
June 10, 2026
Expanse, CO: a tiny, remote town with a population of just 313, where people with a secret past go to hide out and live unnoticed by the rest of the world.
This was a fairly quick read, with short chapters that encourage you to read another, then another, etc.
The second half is full of nail biting tension, as you try to figure out who’s going to still be alive by the end of the book.
Then, as you get close to the end, a MAJOR surprise is revealed.
It’s told in multiple POV and time lines, which to me makes a book more interesting.
With the exception of the big revelation that I mentioned, I did find the ending to be predictable, but that didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.
All of the characters had interesting (sad, but interesting) backgrounds.
Pretty much everyone in this book is dealing with their own emotional trauma, and not in healthy ways.
I don’t have children, nor am I am woman, but I definitely got a sense of maternal instinct and what a mother will do when she believes that her child is in danger; a trait that exists in both humans and animals.
I highly recommend this to anyone who’s a fan of psychological thrillers!
Parts of this book reminded me a lot of another thriller that I’ve read, but if I put the title in my review I think that it would be a spoiler for those who are familiar with that book.
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing with this eARC to review.
This was a fairly quick read, with short chapters that encourage you to read another, then another, etc.
The second half is full of nail biting tension, as you try to figure out who’s going to still be alive by the end of the book.
Then, as you get close to the end, a MAJOR surprise is revealed.
It’s told in multiple POV and time lines, which to me makes a book more interesting.
With the exception of the big revelation that I mentioned, I did find the ending to be predictable, but that didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.
All of the characters had interesting (sad, but interesting) backgrounds.
Pretty much everyone in this book is dealing with their own emotional trauma, and not in healthy ways.
I don’t have children, nor am I am woman, but I definitely got a sense of maternal instinct and what a mother will do when she believes that her child is in danger; a trait that exists in both humans and animals.
I highly recommend this to anyone who’s a fan of psychological thrillers!
Parts of this book reminded me a lot of another thriller that I’ve read, but if I put the title in my review I think that it would be a spoiler for those who are familiar with that book.
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing with this eARC to review.
June 10, 2026
[arc review] when they find me is a fast paced psychological thriller that follows annie as intruders stage a home invasion during a snow storm—except the intruders have the wrong house, and annie is not their desired target. it’s also a dual pov that follows our second main character, riven.
this was very quick to read! the chapters were short as it jumped from annie to riven, which added suspense and meant I was able to fly through it very easily.
I had a feeling about the big reveal about 60% of the way through, but I enjoyed the book nonetheless. I would recommend it to anyone who’s wanting a good psychological thriller that will have them on the edge of their seat!
my only wish was that the conclusion/epilogue served both characters, as we spent about an even split of time learning about annie and riven.
thank you poisoned pen press for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
this was very quick to read! the chapters were short as it jumped from annie to riven, which added suspense and meant I was able to fly through it very easily.
I had a feeling about the big reveal about 60% of the way through, but I enjoyed the book nonetheless. I would recommend it to anyone who’s wanting a good psychological thriller that will have them on the edge of their seat!
my only wish was that the conclusion/epilogue served both characters, as we spent about an even split of time learning about annie and riven.
thank you poisoned pen press for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
May 6, 2026
“When They Find Me” - We all have an animal inside us, mine is a lazy house cat.
★★★★★
First of all Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, I leave this review voluntarily.
I literally had to pace myself because I could not stop reading and this novel does not let you catch a break from feeling on edge. It sucked me in from the get go, held me hostage like being trapped in a snowstorm (wink wink) and I had no choice but to stay in and read. “When They Find Me” is tense, intense and chilling in the best way, Carter Wilson truly knows how to write a twisty thriller that feel impossible to put down.
★★★★★
First of all Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, I leave this review voluntarily.
I literally had to pace myself because I could not stop reading and this novel does not let you catch a break from feeling on edge. It sucked me in from the get go, held me hostage like being trapped in a snowstorm (wink wink) and I had no choice but to stay in and read. “When They Find Me” is tense, intense and chilling in the best way, Carter Wilson truly knows how to write a twisty thriller that feel impossible to put down.
July 19, 2026
Wow. This was my first time reading Carter Wilson, and consider me absolutely hooked from page one.
Everything happens so fast, it genuinely felt like getting a mini literary hangover at the end of every single chapter. I couldn't put it down. And THAT PLOT TWIST? I'm still reeling. The ending completely wrecked me and honestly, I desperately need to discuss what happened to Riven.
Saving my full thoughts for my NetGalley review, but if you love fast paced, jaw dropping thrillers, put this on your radar immediately.
not my final review
Everything happens so fast, it genuinely felt like getting a mini literary hangover at the end of every single chapter. I couldn't put it down. And THAT PLOT TWIST? I'm still reeling. The ending completely wrecked me and honestly, I desperately need to discuss what happened to Riven.
Saving my full thoughts for my NetGalley review, but if you love fast paced, jaw dropping thrillers, put this on your radar immediately.
not my final review
May 11, 2026
Last year I came across Tell Me What You Did by chance. It was one of my faves of 2025. When They Find Me was just as engrossing! I really wish I had been able to read it in one sitting, because I feel like it would have hit me harder. But this book was pretty wild. You are constantly turning the page. I did think the twist was a bit too obvious, but I know others felt differently.
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!
May 6, 2026
Carter (do you have a middle name? If you do I’d insert it here) Wilson. I have no words. What a damn book. My mouth is on the floor. Obsessed. This was non-stop, kept me on the edge of my seat, and left me floored.
Annie and her daughter Coral are on the run and hiding out in Expance, CO. Population 313. It’s Christmas, there’s a snow storm, and there’s an unwelcome visitor. Annie will do whatever it takes to protect her daughter (and dog too!).
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
Annie and her daughter Coral are on the run and hiding out in Expance, CO. Population 313. It’s Christmas, there’s a snow storm, and there’s an unwelcome visitor. Annie will do whatever it takes to protect her daughter (and dog too!).
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
April 14, 2026
I received an e-ARC of this one and let me tell you what…I am SHOOK! From the very first chapter I was sucked in. This was a wild roller coaster and I was holding on for dear life (I wasn’t the only one). Carter Wilson has created a cozy winter thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Grab your favorite blankie and snuggle up…you won’t be able to put this one down! 10/10
May 23, 2026
4.5⭐️
Annie has spent years hiding with her daughter Coral in the tiny mountain town of Expanse, Colorado, population 313, convinced the past would eventually catch up with her. When a violent home invasion shatters the life she’s carefully built, everything she’s spent years trying to keep buried starts clawing its way back to the surface.
This was such an addictive thriller. Carter Wilson’s use of multiple POVs, short paragraphs and fast pacing made it incredibly easy to fly through, while the gradual reveals around Annie’s past kept me completely invested. The isolated setting worked so well too. Expanse felt cold, claustrophobic and cut off from the world in exactly the way this story needed.
One of the standout elements for me were the graphics scattered throughout the book. They genuinely elevated the reading experience and brought parts of the investigation and unfolding events to life visually in such an immersive way.
Tense, atmospheric and packed with momentum, this was another really strong thriller from Carter Wilson.
Annie has spent years hiding with her daughter Coral in the tiny mountain town of Expanse, Colorado, population 313, convinced the past would eventually catch up with her. When a violent home invasion shatters the life she’s carefully built, everything she’s spent years trying to keep buried starts clawing its way back to the surface.
This was such an addictive thriller. Carter Wilson’s use of multiple POVs, short paragraphs and fast pacing made it incredibly easy to fly through, while the gradual reveals around Annie’s past kept me completely invested. The isolated setting worked so well too. Expanse felt cold, claustrophobic and cut off from the world in exactly the way this story needed.
One of the standout elements for me were the graphics scattered throughout the book. They genuinely elevated the reading experience and brought parts of the investigation and unfolding events to life visually in such an immersive way.
Tense, atmospheric and packed with momentum, this was another really strong thriller from Carter Wilson.
July 28, 2026
What a fun, fast-paced, claustrophobic psychological thriller! Carter Wilson knows how to create wild characters and an intense, atmospheric setting that keeps the tension high from beginning to end.
This was an absolute page-turner that had me on the edge of my seat. Despite all the suspense and intensity, there was also an intimate emotional core. I really connected with our main female character, became fully invested in her journey, and even got a little misty-eyed by the end.
I would have loved to give this five stars, but I unfortunately guessed the major twist before the reveal, and I felt some of the dialogue became a bit repetitive at times.
Overall, I highly recommend adding this one to your November TBR for release day!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was an absolute page-turner that had me on the edge of my seat. Despite all the suspense and intensity, there was also an intimate emotional core. I really connected with our main female character, became fully invested in her journey, and even got a little misty-eyed by the end.
I would have loved to give this five stars, but I unfortunately guessed the major twist before the reveal, and I felt some of the dialogue became a bit repetitive at times.
Overall, I highly recommend adding this one to your November TBR for release day!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 28, 2026
Thanks to Carter Wilson and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Me, casually reading a thriller set partly in Idaho while I’m in Idaho. The universe really said ✨method reading✨. I clocked the twist early which feels like the tax I pay for inhaling thrillers on a weekly basis, but the tension and short chapters still kept me fully locked in. Carter Wilson knows how to make a book feel like a sprint.
Even with a few lingering questions at the end, the pacing and energy made this such an easy one to recommend. It’s fast, a little chaotic in the best way, and perfect for readers who love quick hits of suspense. Mark your calendars for November 10!
Me, casually reading a thriller set partly in Idaho while I’m in Idaho. The universe really said ✨method reading✨. I clocked the twist early which feels like the tax I pay for inhaling thrillers on a weekly basis, but the tension and short chapters still kept me fully locked in. Carter Wilson knows how to make a book feel like a sprint.
Even with a few lingering questions at the end, the pacing and energy made this such an easy one to recommend. It’s fast, a little chaotic in the best way, and perfect for readers who love quick hits of suspense. Mark your calendars for November 10!
July 16, 2026
When They Find Me goes pretty much the way the description says it will. Annie is running away with her daughter after her husband is murdered.
Riven shows up to Annie’s home with her brother and dad, very much a cult. The biggest problem they have at the moment is hunting for a man and ending up at the wrong house.
This book was a ride. The winter weather is great for this insane heat we’ve been having. There’s a twist I didn’t see coming, but it’s one I’ve seen before. The ending wrapped up a little too cleanly. Still, it’s a good ending. This is a book worth reading.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
Riven shows up to Annie’s home with her brother and dad, very much a cult. The biggest problem they have at the moment is hunting for a man and ending up at the wrong house.
This book was a ride. The winter weather is great for this insane heat we’ve been having. There’s a twist I didn’t see coming, but it’s one I’ve seen before. The ending wrapped up a little too cleanly. Still, it’s a good ending. This is a book worth reading.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
April 14, 2026
This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! Annie and her young daughter escape their former life to end up in a small secluded Colorado town living a quiet life for four years. What are they running from?
Christmas is upon them, a snowstorm brewing and an unwelcome family shows up at their front door. This home invasion is the start of a terrifying fight for survival.
But things are not at all what they seem. Annie will do everything in her power to protect her daughter. This is an absolute MUST read that I finished in 24 hours. For fans of Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra.
Christmas is upon them, a snowstorm brewing and an unwelcome family shows up at their front door. This home invasion is the start of a terrifying fight for survival.
But things are not at all what they seem. Annie will do everything in her power to protect her daughter. This is an absolute MUST read that I finished in 24 hours. For fans of Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra.
May 1, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC of this title! This book isn’t released until Nov 10 but the way I ran to read this is crazy! I devoured his last book so I knew this would be a great read.
When They Find Me DID NOT DISAPPOINT! It had me hooked from the very beginning. Every chapter had a cliffhanger and kept me wanting to keep going. The way this story was told was perfect and that twist at the end! I did not see that coming! This was a perfect thriller!
When They Find Me DID NOT DISAPPOINT! It had me hooked from the very beginning. Every chapter had a cliffhanger and kept me wanting to keep going. The way this story was told was perfect and that twist at the end! I did not see that coming! This was a perfect thriller!
June 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC. This was my first book by this author, and I absolutely loved it! The remote Colorado setting added so much atmosphere and tension to the story. The short chapters kept the pace moving quickly, making it an incredibly fast and gripping thriller. It hooked me from the very first chapter, and I couldn’t put it down—I devoured the whole book in one afternoon. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author in the near future!
June 25, 2026
I’m not sure i can even put into words how much i devoured this book. My heart was racing the entire time. There were a few chapters where i had to stop reading and just collect my thoughts because….what?! Heart pounding. Breath taking. Gut wrenching. It’s everything you want in a thriller. This book will be perfect for a winter/Christmas read but if you can get your hands on it now, do it! Just don’t expect to stop once you start. By far my best read of 2026 and I’m not sure it’ll be topped!!
May 4, 2026
I received an arc of this book from NetGalley.
I completely devoured this book! Finished in a few hours. It was intense and kept me pulled in the entire time. This is only the second book I’ve read by this author, but definitely plan on reading more. If you’re looking for a fast paced thriller with short chapters and a wild twist I’d definitely recommend!
I completely devoured this book! Finished in a few hours. It was intense and kept me pulled in the entire time. This is only the second book I’ve read by this author, but definitely plan on reading more. If you’re looking for a fast paced thriller with short chapters and a wild twist I’d definitely recommend!
June 29, 2026
The short chapters were definitely the highlight for me. I’m a sucker for a “just one more chapter” book.
I wanted more suspense. The story felt repetitive at times, especially given the potential of the premise. The final twist did catch me by surprise, but I was left wishing it had been explored a little more.
An entertaining, quick read, but not one that will stick with me.
I wanted more suspense. The story felt repetitive at times, especially given the potential of the premise. The final twist did catch me by surprise, but I was left wishing it had been explored a little more.
An entertaining, quick read, but not one that will stick with me.
July 13, 2026
Wow what a ride! It really is an edge of your seat thriller you just don't want to stop reading. And it even goes out with a maaaaajor reveal at the end I totally didn't see coming. Go read this one when it comes out in November.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisened Pen Press for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisened Pen Press for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.
May 26, 2026
The chapters are short, so you can dive in quickly. The theme was captivating, keeping you hooked from start to finish. The ending, though, was a bit of a letdown. Spoiler alert: was the painting the real deal? I’m not sure you’ll ever find out.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy
April 1, 2026
This was a solid thrill ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the final twist!
Everyone in Expanse, CO has something to hide, which makes it the perfect place for Annie and Coral to make a life after her husband is killed in Florida. When trouble finds them, Annie is prepared to take a stand, even if it means losing her own life to save Coral’s.
Told in dual perspective and with alternating timelines, the suspense is masterfully done with a fantastic build up to an ultimately satisfying climax. Annie and Rivan (the girl sent to kill Annie) are both powerful female characters with trauma and likeability. It’s a fun ride seeing how they got into their current predicament and how it unfolds.
The excellent pacing was enough for me to suspend my beliefs about a few things I may have otherwise questioned. Overall, this one gets a huge recommendation from me for fans of a Taylor Adam’s and fun fast escapist thrill rides.
Everyone in Expanse, CO has something to hide, which makes it the perfect place for Annie and Coral to make a life after her husband is killed in Florida. When trouble finds them, Annie is prepared to take a stand, even if it means losing her own life to save Coral’s.
Told in dual perspective and with alternating timelines, the suspense is masterfully done with a fantastic build up to an ultimately satisfying climax. Annie and Rivan (the girl sent to kill Annie) are both powerful female characters with trauma and likeability. It’s a fun ride seeing how they got into their current predicament and how it unfolds.
The excellent pacing was enough for me to suspend my beliefs about a few things I may have otherwise questioned. Overall, this one gets a huge recommendation from me for fans of a Taylor Adam’s and fun fast escapist thrill rides.
July 9, 2026
A twisted fate ends Annie and her daughter Coral in the midst of a family's revenge. Annie has taken Coral to Colorado with new identities to hide from their past. Hoever, someone else's past comes to haunt them. Because if you're living in Expanse, you must be hiding from something. Annie has to use her survival skills to survive a viscious family of wolves (hehe) in order to keep both herself and Coral safe. I LOVE the character development in this book and how you really get to know each of the characters on both sides of this invasion.
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When They Find Me is one of those books that takes a little patience in the beginning, but once the pieces start falling into place, it becomes genuinely unsettling, and I enjoyed that.
The story follows Annie, a woman hiding in a small town with her daughter, Coral, while another timeline follows Riven, a young girl being raised by her father, Coyote, and his son Boone in an isolated and deeply disturbing “pack” mentality. Those two timelines will collide, but initially I struggled a bit because we are dropped directly into survival mode without much context. I knew Annie was terrified and hiding, and I knew Riven was being prepared to kill someone, but I didn’t yet understand why. My confusion made it harder for me to connect immediately.
Once Part 2 started revealing the backstory, though, everything started falling into place for me. I finally understood exactly what Annie and Coral were running from. When the timelines collided and Coyote, Boone, and Riven invaded the safety of Annie’s isolated home during a snowstorm, I was genuinely nervous for them.
Coyote was probably the most memorable character for me because he felt terrifyingly believable. His obsession with turning his children into “pack animals” instead of fully human individuals created this constant sense of dread throughout the novel. You cannot reason with someone like that, and the book understands this. Boone felt more like an extension of Coyote’s violence, while Riven became increasingly interesting as the story unfolded. She starts as someone completely controlled by fear and manipulation, but little cracks begin forming as she starts questioning her role in her father’s world.
The book explores a lot of heavy themes: survival versus truly living, predatory behavior, male dominance and control over women, trauma, consequences, and mental illness. I appreciated that the psychological elements added to the danger rather than feeling exaggerated just for shock value. Unfortunately, people like Coyote exist, and that realism made the story even more disturbing.
That said, the slow and somewhat confusing beginning kept this from being a full five-star read for me. I understand why the author structured it this way, but it took me a while to feel grounded in the story. Once I was invested, though, I flew through the rest of the book.
Overall, I’m giving When They Find Me 4 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy dark psychological thrillers, character-driven suspense, survival stories, and small-town thrillers with heavy emotional tension.
Content warnings for violence, predatory behavior, psychological trauma, manipulation, mental illness themes, and threats against women and children.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Annie, a woman hiding in a small town with her daughter, Coral, while another timeline follows Riven, a young girl being raised by her father, Coyote, and his son Boone in an isolated and deeply disturbing “pack” mentality. Those two timelines will collide, but initially I struggled a bit because we are dropped directly into survival mode without much context. I knew Annie was terrified and hiding, and I knew Riven was being prepared to kill someone, but I didn’t yet understand why. My confusion made it harder for me to connect immediately.
Once Part 2 started revealing the backstory, though, everything started falling into place for me. I finally understood exactly what Annie and Coral were running from. When the timelines collided and Coyote, Boone, and Riven invaded the safety of Annie’s isolated home during a snowstorm, I was genuinely nervous for them.
Coyote was probably the most memorable character for me because he felt terrifyingly believable. His obsession with turning his children into “pack animals” instead of fully human individuals created this constant sense of dread throughout the novel. You cannot reason with someone like that, and the book understands this. Boone felt more like an extension of Coyote’s violence, while Riven became increasingly interesting as the story unfolded. She starts as someone completely controlled by fear and manipulation, but little cracks begin forming as she starts questioning her role in her father’s world.
The book explores a lot of heavy themes: survival versus truly living, predatory behavior, male dominance and control over women, trauma, consequences, and mental illness. I appreciated that the psychological elements added to the danger rather than feeling exaggerated just for shock value. Unfortunately, people like Coyote exist, and that realism made the story even more disturbing.
That said, the slow and somewhat confusing beginning kept this from being a full five-star read for me. I understand why the author structured it this way, but it took me a while to feel grounded in the story. Once I was invested, though, I flew through the rest of the book.
Overall, I’m giving When They Find Me 4 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy dark psychological thrillers, character-driven suspense, survival stories, and small-town thrillers with heavy emotional tension.
Content warnings for violence, predatory behavior, psychological trauma, manipulation, mental illness themes, and threats against women and children.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow. Just wow.
When They Find Me is not only my favorite Poisoned Pen Press read so far, but it's also the best ARC I've read in my last five books.
From the very first few pages, I was hooked. There was no slow start, no waiting around for the story to get going, and no point where I felt tempted to put it down. The pacing was relentless in the best possible way. Every chapter seemed to reveal something new while somehow creating even more questions.
The characters were fantastic, especially the female main character. She was intelligent, tough, and more than capable of handling herself. I found myself rooting for her from the beginning and loved watching her navigate everything that was thrown her way.
The mystery and suspense were top-notch. Carter Wilson managed to keep me guessing the entire time, and even though all the clues were there, I completely missed the twist. Looking back after the reveal, I can see the breadcrumbs and Easter eggs he carefully placed throughout the story, which honestly made me appreciate the book even more. Those are my favorite kinds of twists—the ones that surprise you but make perfect sense once you know the truth.
The atmosphere was intense from start to finish. The combination of mystery, thrills, and gore kept me fully invested, and there were multiple moments where I found myself thinking, "Just one more chapter," only to keep reading far longer than I planned.
What impressed me most was the creativity behind the story itself. This was my first Carter Wilson novel, and if this book is any indication of what his writing is like, it definitely won't be my last. The concept, execution, and plotting all felt incredibly well thought out.
By the time I reached the end, I was equal parts shocked, impressed, and wishing I had another Carter Wilson book ready to start immediately.
If you love fast-paced thrillers with strong characters, plenty of suspense, graphic moments, and twists that actually work, I highly recommend picking this one up.
This is an easy 5-star read for me and one I'll be recommending often.
When They Find Me is not only my favorite Poisoned Pen Press read so far, but it's also the best ARC I've read in my last five books.
From the very first few pages, I was hooked. There was no slow start, no waiting around for the story to get going, and no point where I felt tempted to put it down. The pacing was relentless in the best possible way. Every chapter seemed to reveal something new while somehow creating even more questions.
The characters were fantastic, especially the female main character. She was intelligent, tough, and more than capable of handling herself. I found myself rooting for her from the beginning and loved watching her navigate everything that was thrown her way.
The mystery and suspense were top-notch. Carter Wilson managed to keep me guessing the entire time, and even though all the clues were there, I completely missed the twist. Looking back after the reveal, I can see the breadcrumbs and Easter eggs he carefully placed throughout the story, which honestly made me appreciate the book even more. Those are my favorite kinds of twists—the ones that surprise you but make perfect sense once you know the truth.
The atmosphere was intense from start to finish. The combination of mystery, thrills, and gore kept me fully invested, and there were multiple moments where I found myself thinking, "Just one more chapter," only to keep reading far longer than I planned.
What impressed me most was the creativity behind the story itself. This was my first Carter Wilson novel, and if this book is any indication of what his writing is like, it definitely won't be my last. The concept, execution, and plotting all felt incredibly well thought out.
By the time I reached the end, I was equal parts shocked, impressed, and wishing I had another Carter Wilson book ready to start immediately.
If you love fast-paced thrillers with strong characters, plenty of suspense, graphic moments, and twists that actually work, I highly recommend picking this one up.
This is an easy 5-star read for me and one I'll be recommending often.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've never read anything by Wilson before, so this was a great introduction to his work. I'm eager to read more from him.
The premise of this story is great and hooked me from the beginning: what happens if you've prepared for your home to be invaded by vengeful killers and when that knock comes, vengeful killers are on the other side of the door--but they're not looking for you? This is what happens to Annie when Riven, her brother, and their father, Coyote, show up on her doorstep.
Wilson tells this story from two POVS, Annie's and Riven's. He does this in a way that made reading the story compelling and fast-paced. Each time the POV shifts, the action picks up right where we left it. The chapters are short and the stakes are high. I read until the wee hours one night because I just didn't want to stop.
Annie and Riven both have tragic backstories. Annie is consumed with keeping her 12-year-old daughter, Coral, safe from the men they've been running from. Riven is trying to live the life her father tells her she should be living, but her own humanity butts up against that. Being in her POV, it's easy to feel her fear, her frustration, and her desire for something different. I rooted for both Annie and Riven, even though they were ostensibly on opposite sides.
I almost gave this five stars. This book has everything you want in a thriller. It's fast-paced; the characters are fully fledged and interesting, even if they're not all likeable; the setting is compelling and plays its own part in the story; and the stakes are high. I held back and gave it four stars because some of the plot points stretched my willingness to suspend disbelief just a bit too far. Not so far that it took anything away from my enjoyment of the book, but far enough that at times I stopped and scratched my head and said, "Really?"
Overall, this is a fantastic ride and worth your time. I'm grateful to Carter Wilson, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for the advance copy of the book in exchange for this honest review.
The premise of this story is great and hooked me from the beginning: what happens if you've prepared for your home to be invaded by vengeful killers and when that knock comes, vengeful killers are on the other side of the door--but they're not looking for you? This is what happens to Annie when Riven, her brother, and their father, Coyote, show up on her doorstep.
Wilson tells this story from two POVS, Annie's and Riven's. He does this in a way that made reading the story compelling and fast-paced. Each time the POV shifts, the action picks up right where we left it. The chapters are short and the stakes are high. I read until the wee hours one night because I just didn't want to stop.
Annie and Riven both have tragic backstories. Annie is consumed with keeping her 12-year-old daughter, Coral, safe from the men they've been running from. Riven is trying to live the life her father tells her she should be living, but her own humanity butts up against that. Being in her POV, it's easy to feel her fear, her frustration, and her desire for something different. I rooted for both Annie and Riven, even though they were ostensibly on opposite sides.
I almost gave this five stars. This book has everything you want in a thriller. It's fast-paced; the characters are fully fledged and interesting, even if they're not all likeable; the setting is compelling and plays its own part in the story; and the stakes are high. I held back and gave it four stars because some of the plot points stretched my willingness to suspend disbelief just a bit too far. Not so far that it took anything away from my enjoyment of the book, but far enough that at times I stopped and scratched my head and said, "Really?"
Overall, this is a fantastic ride and worth your time. I'm grateful to Carter Wilson, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for the advance copy of the book in exchange for this honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
★★★★☆ (4/5)
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 💙📚
From the very first chapter, When They Find Me hooked me with its eerie atmosphere and lingering sense of unease. Carter Wilson does an excellent job of creating a story where the truth is constantly shifting, making it impossible to know who to trust. Every time I thought I had figured out where the story was headed, another revelation made me question everything all over again.
The pacing is one of the novel’s strongest qualities. It balances quieter, character-driven moments with bursts of suspense that kept me turning the pages long into the night. The winter setting added another layer of tension, making the story feel isolated, chilling, and almost cinematic. It was the perfect backdrop for a mystery filled with secrets, trauma, and buried truths.
I also appreciated that the characters weren’t simply good or bad. They were flawed, complicated, and shaped by their pasts, which made their choices feel believable. As the layers were peeled back, I found myself becoming more invested in uncovering not only what happened, but why it happened.
The reason this wasn’t quite a five-star read for me is that there were a few moments where the middle slowed down, and I felt some twists were explained a little too thoroughly rather than allowing readers to connect the dots themselves. While the ending was satisfying and emotional, I wished for just a little more impact in the final reveal.
Overall, When They Find Me is an engaging psychological thriller with strong atmosphere, compelling characters, and enough twists to keep mystery lovers entertained from beginning to end. If you enjoy suspense that slowly builds before delivering an emotional payoff, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. If you love psychological thrillers filled with secrets, unreliable perspectives, emotional depth, and a chilling winter setting, this one is well worth picking up. 🩵❄️📖
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 💙📚
From the very first chapter, When They Find Me hooked me with its eerie atmosphere and lingering sense of unease. Carter Wilson does an excellent job of creating a story where the truth is constantly shifting, making it impossible to know who to trust. Every time I thought I had figured out where the story was headed, another revelation made me question everything all over again.
The pacing is one of the novel’s strongest qualities. It balances quieter, character-driven moments with bursts of suspense that kept me turning the pages long into the night. The winter setting added another layer of tension, making the story feel isolated, chilling, and almost cinematic. It was the perfect backdrop for a mystery filled with secrets, trauma, and buried truths.
I also appreciated that the characters weren’t simply good or bad. They were flawed, complicated, and shaped by their pasts, which made their choices feel believable. As the layers were peeled back, I found myself becoming more invested in uncovering not only what happened, but why it happened.
The reason this wasn’t quite a five-star read for me is that there were a few moments where the middle slowed down, and I felt some twists were explained a little too thoroughly rather than allowing readers to connect the dots themselves. While the ending was satisfying and emotional, I wished for just a little more impact in the final reveal.
Overall, When They Find Me is an engaging psychological thriller with strong atmosphere, compelling characters, and enough twists to keep mystery lovers entertained from beginning to end. If you enjoy suspense that slowly builds before delivering an emotional payoff, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. If you love psychological thrillers filled with secrets, unreliable perspectives, emotional depth, and a chilling winter setting, this one is well worth picking up. 🩵❄️📖
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Some secrets don’t fade. They hunt …
The town of Expanse, Colorado, is so remote that it barely exists on the map, making it a perfect hiding place for Annie and her daughter, Coral. Their cabin in nearly off grid and she has done everything she can to keep them both safe. There are people hunting Annie from their past life and these people don’t forgive and definitely won’t forget.
Riven and her family are looking for justice. She knows about survival and alongside her dad and big brother, Boone, she has lived off the land for years, moving like a shadow in the wilderness. It’s time for her to prove to her Dad that she can live up to his expectations. When he leads his family to this forgotten town, tracking an individual who he says destroyed their past life, Riven is supposed to go in, stroke fast, take revenge and leave. But when she knocks on Annie’s door, their isolated lives collide.
What occurs within the home is darker, stranger and more dangerous than either of them could have imagined. It’s time for the truth, no matter the cost …
What an amazing read!! Firstly what I loved about this book is the interactive nature of it. There is hand drawn maps and room layouts and CW has also created a playlist of music to make you feel fully submerged in the story.
The remote atmosphere of a 300 person town, the snow storm and majority of the story being within a single home was like a pressure cooker and will keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting for it to erupt. The characters and their backgrounds were equally as complex and so well developed!
With themes of punishment, deteriorating mental health, motherhood and domestic hierarchy, this story is intense, fast paced and wildly twisty! I was captivated from the very beginning and each cliffhanger did not disappoint! I have never read anything from this author before but I look forward to reading lots more 🤩
Lastly … Chapter 86 🤯 oh lordyyyyy! 👏
Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and Carter Wilson for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
The town of Expanse, Colorado, is so remote that it barely exists on the map, making it a perfect hiding place for Annie and her daughter, Coral. Their cabin in nearly off grid and she has done everything she can to keep them both safe. There are people hunting Annie from their past life and these people don’t forgive and definitely won’t forget.
Riven and her family are looking for justice. She knows about survival and alongside her dad and big brother, Boone, she has lived off the land for years, moving like a shadow in the wilderness. It’s time for her to prove to her Dad that she can live up to his expectations. When he leads his family to this forgotten town, tracking an individual who he says destroyed their past life, Riven is supposed to go in, stroke fast, take revenge and leave. But when she knocks on Annie’s door, their isolated lives collide.
What occurs within the home is darker, stranger and more dangerous than either of them could have imagined. It’s time for the truth, no matter the cost …
What an amazing read!! Firstly what I loved about this book is the interactive nature of it. There is hand drawn maps and room layouts and CW has also created a playlist of music to make you feel fully submerged in the story.
The remote atmosphere of a 300 person town, the snow storm and majority of the story being within a single home was like a pressure cooker and will keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting for it to erupt. The characters and their backgrounds were equally as complex and so well developed!
With themes of punishment, deteriorating mental health, motherhood and domestic hierarchy, this story is intense, fast paced and wildly twisty! I was captivated from the very beginning and each cliffhanger did not disappoint! I have never read anything from this author before but I look forward to reading lots more 🤩
Lastly … Chapter 86 🤯 oh lordyyyyy! 👏
Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and Carter Wilson for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"How far would you go to protect the people you love... when there's no one left to save you?"
When They Find Me 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
@carterwilsonauthor 👏👏
Pub Date: November 10, 2026
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
#ARCREVIEW
Thank you to @netgalley , Carter Wilson, and @poisonedpenpress for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
I don't even know where to start... THIS BOOK!! 🤯
I picked it up at 1 a.m. because I couldn't sleep. Worst decision for my sleep... best decision for my reading life. I finished it in 5 hours! 😭
Picture this...
A storm is raging outside. You're in the middle of nowhere. No neighbors. No help. Then a family of cold-blooded killers knocks on your door.
I kept asking myself, "What would I do?" Honestly... I'd be dead in five minutes. 😭 Annie, on the other hand, is an absolute badass. She would literally give her life to protect her daughter... and even her dog. She doesn't hesitate, she doesn't back down, and she'll do whatever it takes to keep them safe. THIS is the kind of female lead I love reading about.
The suspense is insane. Every time I thought Annie had a chance... something else happened. My heart was racing the entire time. It gave me the same feeling I had watching Panic Room for the first time I couldn't relax for a single second.
I also loved that this wasn't just action for the sake of action. There were secrets, twists, and so many "OH NO!" moments that kept me flipping the pages.
A huge shoutout to Carter Wilson for making every scene so easy to picture. The illustrations/maps throughout the book were such a cool touch and made the story even more immersive. It honestly felt like I was watching a movie unfold in my head.
P.S. Be ready for that heartbreaking ending. 💔
If you're looking for a thriller that will steal your sleep, make your heart race, and have you saying, "Just one more chapter..." this is it.
Highly, highly recommended! 👌
#WhenTheyFindMe #NetGalley #PsychologicalThriller
When They Find Me 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
@carterwilsonauthor 👏👏
Pub Date: November 10, 2026
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
#ARCREVIEW
Thank you to @netgalley , Carter Wilson, and @poisonedpenpress for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
I don't even know where to start... THIS BOOK!! 🤯
I picked it up at 1 a.m. because I couldn't sleep. Worst decision for my sleep... best decision for my reading life. I finished it in 5 hours! 😭
Picture this...
A storm is raging outside. You're in the middle of nowhere. No neighbors. No help. Then a family of cold-blooded killers knocks on your door.
I kept asking myself, "What would I do?" Honestly... I'd be dead in five minutes. 😭 Annie, on the other hand, is an absolute badass. She would literally give her life to protect her daughter... and even her dog. She doesn't hesitate, she doesn't back down, and she'll do whatever it takes to keep them safe. THIS is the kind of female lead I love reading about.
The suspense is insane. Every time I thought Annie had a chance... something else happened. My heart was racing the entire time. It gave me the same feeling I had watching Panic Room for the first time I couldn't relax for a single second.
I also loved that this wasn't just action for the sake of action. There were secrets, twists, and so many "OH NO!" moments that kept me flipping the pages.
A huge shoutout to Carter Wilson for making every scene so easy to picture. The illustrations/maps throughout the book were such a cool touch and made the story even more immersive. It honestly felt like I was watching a movie unfold in my head.
P.S. Be ready for that heartbreaking ending. 💔
If you're looking for a thriller that will steal your sleep, make your heart race, and have you saying, "Just one more chapter..." this is it.
Highly, highly recommended! 👌
#WhenTheyFindMe #NetGalley #PsychologicalThriller
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
WOWZA! This book was intense! It had so many HOLY CRAP moments and I could not stop turning the pages. WHEW! Talk about suspense, twists, and a jaw dropping reveal!!!!!! In case you didn't guess it, I thought this book was fantastic! I loved the tension and dread that seeped from the pages! I had my fingers crossed, and my heartbeat was elevated for most of this book. This is how you do it!
Expanse, Colorado. Population 313
You know small towns are where everyone knows your name, but they might not know your secrets. Expanse is where Annie Wolfe is hiding with her daughter, Coral. Annie has taken all the precautions that she can think of. You see, Annie is being hunted....
Riven and her family have lived off the grid for a long time. Her father and brother have come to Expanse, Colorado with her. They are on a mission of vengeance and revenge to find someone who has destroyed their lives. When Riven knocks on Annie's door, Annie knows it is not the Avon lady calling.....
Holy Moly! As I mentioned, this book was off the hook! I loved the fast-paced action, getting into the characters' heads, the mounting suspense, the dread, the intensifying danger, and spine-tingling chilling moments. Just when I thought Carter Wilson was done knocking my socks off, he threw in one reveal which had me picking my jaw up off the floor!
All the stars and then some. When They Find Me is wonderfully written, well thought out, fast paced, and a thrill ride of a book! Whew! This is the third book that I have read by Carter Wilson, and all have been awesome. Which reminds me that I need to read more of his books.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Expanse, Colorado. Population 313
You know small towns are where everyone knows your name, but they might not know your secrets. Expanse is where Annie Wolfe is hiding with her daughter, Coral. Annie has taken all the precautions that she can think of. You see, Annie is being hunted....
Riven and her family have lived off the grid for a long time. Her father and brother have come to Expanse, Colorado with her. They are on a mission of vengeance and revenge to find someone who has destroyed their lives. When Riven knocks on Annie's door, Annie knows it is not the Avon lady calling.....
Holy Moly! As I mentioned, this book was off the hook! I loved the fast-paced action, getting into the characters' heads, the mounting suspense, the dread, the intensifying danger, and spine-tingling chilling moments. Just when I thought Carter Wilson was done knocking my socks off, he threw in one reveal which had me picking my jaw up off the floor!
All the stars and then some. When They Find Me is wonderfully written, well thought out, fast paced, and a thrill ride of a book! Whew! This is the third book that I have read by Carter Wilson, and all have been awesome. Which reminds me that I need to read more of his books.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lord help me, still trying to catch my breath after reading this one! What an action-packed ride!! I don't want to give anything away, so I'm just going to do a basic recap. Five years ago, something terrible happened to Annie Wolf and her daughter Coral. They were forced to run and go into hiding. They found the perfect place in Expanse, Colorado. Population 313. Like seriously EVERYONE is hiding in Expanse, Colorado, it is that remote. Coyote, not the sanest of individuals, is tracking the man supposedly responsible for ruining his life. He brings his slightly less crazy kids, son Boone and daughter Riven, along for the ride. Riven shows up at Annie's door and it all goes to hell in a handbasket. Prepare to lose sleep, ignore your kids and family, call in sick to work, forget to eat.....you get my drift. You will NOT put this book down. Carter Wilson masterfully jangles something shiny over here while the insanity you don't see coming happens over there! And there is not too much I don't see coming. I have literally read hundreds of thrillers in my lifetime. WHEW!! And look closely at the drawings! They add so much to the story! Just go in blind and thank me later. And Carter Wilson, where have you been all my life. I already had Tell Me What You Did in my TBR pile. Well, it is now my Next to Read, along with anything else you have written. My hat is off. I'm not worthy. Can't wait to see what you come up with next!
This story is perfect for fans of Taylor Adams and Tracy Sierra or anyone who wants non-stop, rip-roaring, edge-of-your-seat action
Thank you to Carter Wilson, #NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this much appreciated ARC. All opinions are my own.
This story is perfect for fans of Taylor Adams and Tracy Sierra or anyone who wants non-stop, rip-roaring, edge-of-your-seat action
Thank you to Carter Wilson, #NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this much appreciated ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My rating: 4.5 stars rounded up to 5
When They Find Me is a fantastic psychological thriller by Carter Wilson. This was my first novel by Wilson, and I was immediately impressed by how tightly crafted the story is. It pulled me in from the very first page, and the pacing never let up. With short, punchy chapters and not a wasted word in sight, this is absolutely one of those “just one more chapter” books. For me, one more chapter quickly turned into finishing the novel in less than a day. I couldn’t put it down.
Wilson does an excellent job building unease, leaning into a slow, creeping dread rather than nonstop action, which makes the payoff feel even more satisfying. He skillfully weaves between past and present, revealing just enough backstory to deepen the characters without slowing the momentum or tension. Annie and her daughter Coral completely stole the show for me, and I grew especially fond of their dog, Harley. Set in an isolated mountain cabin in a small town, with a massive snowstorm closing in, the novel delivers a chilling wrong-place, wrong-time story filled with suspense and danger. It’s a gripping tale about identity, survival, and the secrets people carry.
I won’t say much about the plot except not everything is as it seems!
When They Find Me is an excellent psychological thriller. Snuggle up and get comfortable when you pick up this novel. It’s fast-paced, immersive, and incredibly bingeable. This is the kind of book you’ll want to curl up with and lose yourself in for a day. I’m officially a fan of Wilson’s writing and can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Carter Wilson for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
When They Find Me is a fantastic psychological thriller by Carter Wilson. This was my first novel by Wilson, and I was immediately impressed by how tightly crafted the story is. It pulled me in from the very first page, and the pacing never let up. With short, punchy chapters and not a wasted word in sight, this is absolutely one of those “just one more chapter” books. For me, one more chapter quickly turned into finishing the novel in less than a day. I couldn’t put it down.
Wilson does an excellent job building unease, leaning into a slow, creeping dread rather than nonstop action, which makes the payoff feel even more satisfying. He skillfully weaves between past and present, revealing just enough backstory to deepen the characters without slowing the momentum or tension. Annie and her daughter Coral completely stole the show for me, and I grew especially fond of their dog, Harley. Set in an isolated mountain cabin in a small town, with a massive snowstorm closing in, the novel delivers a chilling wrong-place, wrong-time story filled with suspense and danger. It’s a gripping tale about identity, survival, and the secrets people carry.
I won’t say much about the plot except not everything is as it seems!
When They Find Me is an excellent psychological thriller. Snuggle up and get comfortable when you pick up this novel. It’s fast-paced, immersive, and incredibly bingeable. This is the kind of book you’ll want to curl up with and lose yourself in for a day. I’m officially a fan of Wilson’s writing and can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Carter Wilson for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
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