The First Time I Saw Him

by Laura Dave

A REESE WITHERSPOON BOOK CLUB SELECTION!

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Laura Dave continues Hannah Hall’s pulse-pounding journey in the riveting and deeply moving sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling blockbuster and Apple TV+ show, The Last Thing He Told Me.

How far would you go for a second chance?

Five years after her husband, Owen, disappeared, Hannah Hall and her stepdaughter, Bailey, have settled into a new life in Southern California. Together, they’ve forged a relationship with Bailey’s grandfather Nicholas and are putting the past behind them.

But when Owen shows up at Hannah’s new exhibition, she knows that she and Bailey are in danger again.

Hannah and Bailey are forced to go on the run in a relentless race to keep their past from catching up with them. As a thrilling drama unfolds, Hannah risks everything to get Bailey to safety—and finds there just might be a way back to Owen and their long-awaited second chance.

A gripping, rich, and deeply moving novel about the power of forgiveness, The First Time I Saw Him picks up right where the epilogue for the “genuinely moving” (The New York Times) The Last Thing He Told Me left off, giving readers the eagerly awaited and absolutely exhilarating sequel to Dave’s global blockbuster.

288 pages, Paperback

Published January 31, 2026

About the author

Laura Dave is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several novels including The Last Thing He Told Me and Eight Hundred Grapes. Her novels have sold more than six million copies and have been translated into thirty-eight languages. She resides in Santa Monica, California.

Her new novel, The First Time I Saw Him, will be released in January 2026

Website:www.lauradave.com

Instagram:www.instagram.com/lauradaveauthor

Reviews

[Kirsty & Erin Muir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me and picks up right where we left off. It goes straight into action as a message comes to Hannah that sparks her biggest fear and triggers her well laid escape plans.

Similar to the experience of reading first book this is a very compelling and page turning thriller. This time Hannah knows what she would do if the worst was to happen and we follow that plan unfolding as opposed to her trying to piece together the reason for her husband’s disappearance.

There are lovely relationships between some of the characters in this book including between Hannah and Bailey and also between Hannah, Bailey and Nicholas. Family bonds and the length you’d go to protect your family is a central focus in this thriller.

One little thing I would say is that I found it to all be a little coincidental for the majority of the book. Hannah’s plan just seemed to work out for her at every turn but that was eventually combatted with her plan changing influenced by someone unknown, so I could get over it.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this title

[A M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book immensely and was looking forward to getting my ears on this one. It started out well enough, but as it went on I found myself starting to roll my eyes more and more often. Is Hannah of this world or some supernatural one? Every single aspect of her planning always goes perfectly. She seems to be able to read people's minds, and her actions are always, ALWAYS exactly the right ones. Every single character seems to have a contingency for EVERY little detail. I truly couldn't wait to be done with it.

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this two-book series. Both novels are a quick read. I liked the first book more than this one. I do like that we came back into their world and revisited the characters.

I was watching the series on Apple TV while tandem reading the novels. I enjoyed that experience! I will continue to watch the series to see where it goes.


Spoiler ahead—
This novel felt a tad rushed. I expected more with the reunion between Hannah and Owen. I wanted more of them!

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't remember the first book; but this one was not all that interesting. At least the series is finished. There was a faked death to bring about closure. Not sure these people will ever be safe.

[Julie Snack Mastricola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t enjoy as much as the first book. Hannah became too much of a super hero - didn’t play well.

[Debbie Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Sarah Mathisen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story continues 5 years later and it gives you an ending! I loved it!!

[Terteach1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I enjoyed it more than the first one. It gives closure. The plot gets intricate and you have to stay alert and on top of it. But the read is quick and engrossing.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought it was ok,

[Cyanne Demchak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read most of this during a color appointment because I was sucked in immediately but as I was the first one. Brilliant twists and turns. Loved it.

[Pam Ward · Rating 1 out of 5]

The worst book ever. I absolutely hated it. Stupid, long, drawn out and just plain awful. Avoid it at all costs

[Tiffany Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

[Maria Pfister · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was so convoluted. Could have easily been wrapped up in the first book of the series.

[Christina White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the character build sometimes I needed a score card to see who was good and who was not. OK, let’s go.

[Francine Kessel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I would like this more than I did - I had heard such great things... I liked it but I didn't LOVE it. It wasn't memorable.

[Doreen Salmonsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read both books. SO good!!!!

[Abby Grassmeyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first one in this series, in my opinion, but still a solid follow up with some suspenseful story lines!

[Grace Huffman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the first book and the show was good. I wanted to like the sequel but it did not grab me at all.