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Night Calls
A mother who has vanished into seclusion is forced to revisit her son’s heinous crimes in a haunting psychological thriller by the Edgar Award–winning author of Or Else.
Eight years ago, Hattie Conlee’s world was torn apart when her son, Tommy, was convicted of being a serial killer known as the Bedfellow. When Tommy escaped custody, he simply disappeared. So did Hattie. She changed her name and moved to a coastal town in Maine to build an anonymous new life. No one would find her here. Hattie couldn’t have been more wrong.
Now investigative journalist Ross Eeling has come calling. He agrees to keep Hattie’s new identity a secret on one Hattie tell him things she’s never told the vultures of the press before—about her son, the murders of so many innocent women, its impact on a devastated family, and the depths of a mother’s love. Ross wants the truth.
Dredging up the most painful moments of her life is a revelation for Hattie too. Because the past is more complicated and disturbing than she realizes. And its deadly repercussions are far from over.
Eight years ago, Hattie Conlee’s world was torn apart when her son, Tommy, was convicted of being a serial killer known as the Bedfellow. When Tommy escaped custody, he simply disappeared. So did Hattie. She changed her name and moved to a coastal town in Maine to build an anonymous new life. No one would find her here. Hattie couldn’t have been more wrong.
Now investigative journalist Ross Eeling has come calling. He agrees to keep Hattie’s new identity a secret on one Hattie tell him things she’s never told the vultures of the press before—about her son, the murders of so many innocent women, its impact on a devastated family, and the depths of a mother’s love. Ross wants the truth.
Dredging up the most painful moments of her life is a revelation for Hattie too. Because the past is more complicated and disturbing than she realizes. And its deadly repercussions are far from over.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2026
About the author
Joe Hart
54 books1,452 followersJoe Hart is the Edgar Award-winning and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of seventeen novels including The River Is Dark, Obscura, The Last Girl, and Or Else. His work has been optioned for film and translated into eight languages. He lives with his family in Minnesota.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Night Calls by Joe Hart
Hattie Conlee has been in hiding for years. She had a different name but it's connected to her son, Tommy, who was convicted of heinous crimes, a son who should be in prison if he hadn't escaped, a son who she loves but also a son who scares her. Where did she go wrong to raise a son who would do all the horrible things he did. How can she live through the guilt of accepting that her son did these things when her heart wants to think he didn't do those things. Her husband couldn't handle it all anymore and now she is alone, truly alone, without a past that can be spoken of or admitted.
But now investigative journalist Ross Eeling has found Hattie and he threatens to destroy this new life that Hattie has created. Actually, anything he does could destroy this new life, a life that is so important to Hattie thanks to the relationship she has developed with her next door neighbors and their young son. That boy is so important to Hattie and she is so worried about him and tendencies that may be starting to express themselves. She wants to help the boy but she risks being kept out of his life if she makes even one wrong move.
It's not always clear to me that Hattie okay. She sees an owl often but then nothing is there. She also feels like someone is watching her and she often seems to lose track of time and place. Events in her life have made her fragile in many ways and there is no one at all she can talk to about all that weighs on her heart.
Now things have become very dangerous. Has her son found her? Hattie is so torn with not wanting her son to know where she is and with wanting to see her son again. But what will Hattie have if her friendship with her neighbors means she can never see her young neighbor again? And is anyone safe with her son still out there, possibly lurking nearby?
The oppressive atmosphere feels smothering, a feeling that makes me feel like this cannot go on, cannot be maintained. The grief is never-ending and since Hattie hears her husband talking to her, advising her, we can't be sure just how sound minded she is in her fragile emotional state. But it's up to Hattie to make sense of things going on, to stop something bad happening, or to find out who is doing what before what little she has left is lost. I was so wrapped up in Hattie and the emotions she carries in her heart and wanted her pain to be eased. We do get answers, we get some resolutions, but when they come they almost seem like too much happening, too many things had to go right to make things work for the one doing things wrong. I plan to read more of Joe Hart's books since I've enjoyed the two books of his I've read so far. There was so much to discuss with Jayme, Mary Beth and DeAnn, this is a great book to read with others, so be sure to check out their thoughts on this story.
Publication September 22, 2026
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC
Hattie Conlee has been in hiding for years. She had a different name but it's connected to her son, Tommy, who was convicted of heinous crimes, a son who should be in prison if he hadn't escaped, a son who she loves but also a son who scares her. Where did she go wrong to raise a son who would do all the horrible things he did. How can she live through the guilt of accepting that her son did these things when her heart wants to think he didn't do those things. Her husband couldn't handle it all anymore and now she is alone, truly alone, without a past that can be spoken of or admitted.
But now investigative journalist Ross Eeling has found Hattie and he threatens to destroy this new life that Hattie has created. Actually, anything he does could destroy this new life, a life that is so important to Hattie thanks to the relationship she has developed with her next door neighbors and their young son. That boy is so important to Hattie and she is so worried about him and tendencies that may be starting to express themselves. She wants to help the boy but she risks being kept out of his life if she makes even one wrong move.
It's not always clear to me that Hattie okay. She sees an owl often but then nothing is there. She also feels like someone is watching her and she often seems to lose track of time and place. Events in her life have made her fragile in many ways and there is no one at all she can talk to about all that weighs on her heart.
Now things have become very dangerous. Has her son found her? Hattie is so torn with not wanting her son to know where she is and with wanting to see her son again. But what will Hattie have if her friendship with her neighbors means she can never see her young neighbor again? And is anyone safe with her son still out there, possibly lurking nearby?
The oppressive atmosphere feels smothering, a feeling that makes me feel like this cannot go on, cannot be maintained. The grief is never-ending and since Hattie hears her husband talking to her, advising her, we can't be sure just how sound minded she is in her fragile emotional state. But it's up to Hattie to make sense of things going on, to stop something bad happening, or to find out who is doing what before what little she has left is lost. I was so wrapped up in Hattie and the emotions she carries in her heart and wanted her pain to be eased. We do get answers, we get some resolutions, but when they come they almost seem like too much happening, too many things had to go right to make things work for the one doing things wrong. I plan to read more of Joe Hart's books since I've enjoyed the two books of his I've read so far. There was so much to discuss with Jayme, Mary Beth and DeAnn, this is a great book to read with others, so be sure to check out their thoughts on this story.
Publication September 22, 2026
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Even Serial Killers were someone’s child once…
Eight years ago, Hattie Conlee’s son, Tommy, was convicted of being a serial killer known as the Bedfellow but he escaped while being transferred to the facility where he would spend the rest of his life, and he hasn’t been seen since. As if that wasn’t devastating enough, she also lost her husband around the same time.
With no support system in place, Hattie did what she needed to do to survive-she disappeared too.
She changed her name to Mary and moved to a small coastal town in Maine where she hoped nobody would recognize her and nobody would find her. She assists an elderly man named Sloan with his grocery shopping and they have become friends. And, she has exchanged keys with the neighbors next door, whose child she babysits.
But, somehow, investigative journalist Ross Eeling has tracked her down, and he is threatening to destroy her newfound peace unless she consents to an interview. He agrees to keep Hattie’s new identity a secret IF she provides him with the answers he needs to write his book.
Surprisingly, SHE may actually learn more from him, than he learns from her.
Psychological Thrillers are driven by emotion, focusing on the minds and actions of the characters and this one is done really well. The atmosphere was often rainy, and Hattie often felt as if she was being watched by an Owl in the surrounding woods, adding to the Suspense and dread of this SLOW BURN story. It was interesting to explore the emotions of a Victim we don’t always meet-the parents who become ostracized from the lives they have built because of the actions of their children, and the story felt very credible for the first 75%.
Where the book loses a star, is in the final quarter, where it loses its HARD EARNED credibility, by taking things TOO FAR in the opposite direction, and failing to tie up a loose end with the reporter. I can’t say more as I don’t want to spoil this book for anyone else.
Despite this, I DO RECOMMEND this book, which kept me turning the pages late into the night. It was my first read by Joe Hart, but I was impressed and will definitely be checking out past and future titles.
Glad to have read this with Marilyn, Mary Beth and DeAnn as there was MUCH to discuss! Be sure to watch for their reviews.
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Thomas & Mercer for the gifted ARC provided by NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
Eight years ago, Hattie Conlee’s son, Tommy, was convicted of being a serial killer known as the Bedfellow but he escaped while being transferred to the facility where he would spend the rest of his life, and he hasn’t been seen since. As if that wasn’t devastating enough, she also lost her husband around the same time.
With no support system in place, Hattie did what she needed to do to survive-she disappeared too.
She changed her name to Mary and moved to a small coastal town in Maine where she hoped nobody would recognize her and nobody would find her. She assists an elderly man named Sloan with his grocery shopping and they have become friends. And, she has exchanged keys with the neighbors next door, whose child she babysits.
But, somehow, investigative journalist Ross Eeling has tracked her down, and he is threatening to destroy her newfound peace unless she consents to an interview. He agrees to keep Hattie’s new identity a secret IF she provides him with the answers he needs to write his book.
Surprisingly, SHE may actually learn more from him, than he learns from her.
Psychological Thrillers are driven by emotion, focusing on the minds and actions of the characters and this one is done really well. The atmosphere was often rainy, and Hattie often felt as if she was being watched by an Owl in the surrounding woods, adding to the Suspense and dread of this SLOW BURN story. It was interesting to explore the emotions of a Victim we don’t always meet-the parents who become ostracized from the lives they have built because of the actions of their children, and the story felt very credible for the first 75%.
Where the book loses a star, is in the final quarter, where it loses its HARD EARNED credibility, by taking things TOO FAR in the opposite direction, and failing to tie up a loose end with the reporter. I can’t say more as I don’t want to spoil this book for anyone else.
Despite this, I DO RECOMMEND this book, which kept me turning the pages late into the night. It was my first read by Joe Hart, but I was impressed and will definitely be checking out past and future titles.
Glad to have read this with Marilyn, Mary Beth and DeAnn as there was MUCH to discuss! Be sure to watch for their reviews.
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Thomas & Mercer for the gifted ARC provided by NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
September 19, 2026
Hattie Conlee’s son, Tommy, is known as the Bedfellow Killer. When his alleged crimes came to light, Hattie disappeared from her former life, and then Tommy escaped custody and disappeared as well.
Now living under a new identity, Hattie considers her current existence a second life. She has no intention of revisiting the horrors she left behind, much less sharing them publicly. That changes when journalist Ross Eeling discovers her secret and blackmails her into telling him what happened. Desperate to protect her new identity, Hattie begins recounting what it was like to discover that her son may be a serial killer.
Hattie is not one to be pushed around by a stranger, however. Even as Ross forces her to relive the most traumatic period of her life, she investigates him and searches for a way to stop him from destroying everything she has rebuilt. This gives the novel an intriguing dual tension: Hattie must confront the past while attempting to protect her future.
Disturbing revelations emerge from the beginning of Hattie’s story. Beyond the brutality of the Bedfellow Killer’s crimes, Hattie harbors secret homicidal thoughts of her own, raising uncomfortable questions about how much she might have in common with her son. She also receives silent phone calls that she believes are from Tommy. Although the police dismiss them as pranks, Hattie speaks into the silence as though she knows exactly who is listening.
What begins as an unwilling retelling of Hattie’s most painful memories gradually becomes an investigation into everything she failed to understand at the time. As new information surfaces, doubts arise about whether Tommy committed the murders and, if he did, whether he acted alone. The mystery pulled me in several directions before finally revealing the truth.
Emily Sutton-Smith’s voice and cadence suit the dark, unsettling tone of the story. Some of the additional female character voices sounded unusually rough to my ear, although that may have been an intentional part of their characterization. Overall, her performance complements the novel’s steadily building tension and Hattie’s complicated perspective.
Night Calls is a disturbing psychological thriller about maternal fear, buried secrets, and the unsettling possibility that the truth you escaped may not be the truth at all.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Now living under a new identity, Hattie considers her current existence a second life. She has no intention of revisiting the horrors she left behind, much less sharing them publicly. That changes when journalist Ross Eeling discovers her secret and blackmails her into telling him what happened. Desperate to protect her new identity, Hattie begins recounting what it was like to discover that her son may be a serial killer.
Hattie is not one to be pushed around by a stranger, however. Even as Ross forces her to relive the most traumatic period of her life, she investigates him and searches for a way to stop him from destroying everything she has rebuilt. This gives the novel an intriguing dual tension: Hattie must confront the past while attempting to protect her future.
Disturbing revelations emerge from the beginning of Hattie’s story. Beyond the brutality of the Bedfellow Killer’s crimes, Hattie harbors secret homicidal thoughts of her own, raising uncomfortable questions about how much she might have in common with her son. She also receives silent phone calls that she believes are from Tommy. Although the police dismiss them as pranks, Hattie speaks into the silence as though she knows exactly who is listening.
What begins as an unwilling retelling of Hattie’s most painful memories gradually becomes an investigation into everything she failed to understand at the time. As new information surfaces, doubts arise about whether Tommy committed the murders and, if he did, whether he acted alone. The mystery pulled me in several directions before finally revealing the truth.
Emily Sutton-Smith’s voice and cadence suit the dark, unsettling tone of the story. Some of the additional female character voices sounded unusually rough to my ear, although that may have been an intentional part of their characterization. Overall, her performance complements the novel’s steadily building tension and Hattie’s complicated perspective.
Night Calls is a disturbing psychological thriller about maternal fear, buried secrets, and the unsettling possibility that the truth you escaped may not be the truth at all.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Umm…hello?! HOLY AMAZEBALLS?!? A slow-burning serial killer thriller with heart, Night Calls was yet another example of Mr. Hart’s insanely talented brain. Weaving together an unreliable narrator, dark family secrets, and palpable emotion into one stunning tale, there wasn’t a chance of my putting this book down until I reached the end of the jaw-dropping last few chapters. You see, this suspense-laden tale oozed tension, grief, and just the smallest spark of hope. In between the three, a genre-bending story smoldered hot and ready to blow, where nothing was as it seemed and a heart-rending family drama laid the way to an explosive second half. Twist-heavy and full of careful misdirection, I was utterly shocked by the way it all came together in the end. After all, just when I thought it was all nicely resolved, another reveal meant the revelations were oh so very far from over.
I do have to warn you, though, that this book wasn’t a straightforward thriller. Combining tear-jerking scenes, complex characters, and mind-bending paranoia into one superlative story, there was a very Lisa Jewell-meets-Alex Michaelides-like vibe alongside of the classic feel of Hart’s other thrillers. That being said, this one takes the cake for me out of his entire roster due to the thought-provoking themes and raw, emotional depth. Exploring guilt, trauma, and nature vs nurture with a deft hand, it was a total no-brainer that this was going to be a one-sitting read. I mean, who could resist a premise where there’s a true-crime journalist hunting for the truth while a woman hides her identity from her small town? Altogether, it was a deeply layered, intricate novel full of secrets, intrigue, and lies that I utterly loved. All the stars go to this absolute banger of a read! Rating of 5+ stars.
Read if you’re a fan of:
- Long-buried secrets
- Dual timelines
- Psychological slow burns
- Shocking twists
- A sense of paranoia
- Palpable emotion
- Complex characters
- Family drama
- Unreliable narrators
- Clever plotting
- Thought-provoking themes
- Serial killer stories
BRIEF BLURB:
PLEASE OH PLEASE go into this one BLIND! An intricate plot that was much better without being aware of what was to come, all you really need to know is the following…
After fleeing her old life following a trauma, Hattie Conlee has started over and found a comfortable existence on the coast of Maine. But when a true-crime journalist named Ross Eeling comes calling with questions about her past, she fears all of that is about to go up in smoke. You see, she’s hiding more than just the fact that she once went by another name. In almost a decade, Hattie hasn’t told a soul about what happened in her old life. Will she be able to hold her world together and evade suspicion? Or will this man’s questions change everything for her in a way she could never have imagined? Guess you’ll have to read the book to find out!
Thank you Joe Hart and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 22, 2026
Content warning: blackmail, intrusive thoughts/mental illness, death of a spouse, heart attack, bullying, murder/suicide, suicidal ideation, violence, gun violence, mention of: drug overdose
I do have to warn you, though, that this book wasn’t a straightforward thriller. Combining tear-jerking scenes, complex characters, and mind-bending paranoia into one superlative story, there was a very Lisa Jewell-meets-Alex Michaelides-like vibe alongside of the classic feel of Hart’s other thrillers. That being said, this one takes the cake for me out of his entire roster due to the thought-provoking themes and raw, emotional depth. Exploring guilt, trauma, and nature vs nurture with a deft hand, it was a total no-brainer that this was going to be a one-sitting read. I mean, who could resist a premise where there’s a true-crime journalist hunting for the truth while a woman hides her identity from her small town? Altogether, it was a deeply layered, intricate novel full of secrets, intrigue, and lies that I utterly loved. All the stars go to this absolute banger of a read! Rating of 5+ stars.
Read if you’re a fan of:
- Long-buried secrets
- Dual timelines
- Psychological slow burns
- Shocking twists
- A sense of paranoia
- Palpable emotion
- Complex characters
- Family drama
- Unreliable narrators
- Clever plotting
- Thought-provoking themes
- Serial killer stories
BRIEF BLURB:
PLEASE OH PLEASE go into this one BLIND! An intricate plot that was much better without being aware of what was to come, all you really need to know is the following…
After fleeing her old life following a trauma, Hattie Conlee has started over and found a comfortable existence on the coast of Maine. But when a true-crime journalist named Ross Eeling comes calling with questions about her past, she fears all of that is about to go up in smoke. You see, she’s hiding more than just the fact that she once went by another name. In almost a decade, Hattie hasn’t told a soul about what happened in her old life. Will she be able to hold her world together and evade suspicion? Or will this man’s questions change everything for her in a way she could never have imagined? Guess you’ll have to read the book to find out!
Thank you Joe Hart and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 22, 2026
Content warning: blackmail, intrusive thoughts/mental illness, death of a spouse, heart attack, bullying, murder/suicide, suicidal ideation, violence, gun violence, mention of: drug overdose
September 30, 2026
I enjoyed this book from start to finish in a way I wasn’t expecting— like at all. I found myself constantly wanting to get back into the story to see what was happening next, and I may or may not have had a few jump scares while home alone, from the pure intensity this story brings to bear.
The unreliable narrator added to an already high-intensity serial killer plot line, making the reader feel as lost as the woman at the center of this suspense. The jarring confusion coupled with stream of consciousness (that I normally don’t love but worked well here) made for a wild ride full of twists both unsurprising and shocking.
This may be my first Joe Hart novel, but it certainly will not be my last. Also terrific on audio and as an immersive read.
📚 Book club selection
The unreliable narrator added to an already high-intensity serial killer plot line, making the reader feel as lost as the woman at the center of this suspense. The jarring confusion coupled with stream of consciousness (that I normally don’t love but worked well here) made for a wild ride full of twists both unsurprising and shocking.
This may be my first Joe Hart novel, but it certainly will not be my last. Also terrific on audio and as an immersive read.
📚 Book club selection
October 22, 2026
What would you do if your son was convicted of being a serial killer?
Would you change your name and move away to a small coastal town?
- Claustrophobic
- Intense
- Sense of paranoia
Joe Hart’s writing style is beautiful.
October 4, 2026
the setup…
Eight years ago, Hattie Conlee left her home in Pennsylvania and escaped to Lantern Cove, Maine, legally becoming Mary Whittaker. Her son Tommy had been convicted of being the notorious Bedfellow serial killer and later escaped from prison. She escaped from her own private hell and is living somewhat peacefully until investigative reporter Ross Eeling shows up on her doorstep and threatens her new life and others close to her. Hattie agrees to work with him after he blackmails her into acquiescence. It unleashes the next step in Hattie’s nightmares.
the heart of the story…
Hattie’s is the sole point of view and she’s not the most reliable with her vivid nightmares, which she calls “daymares.” It was often difficult to distinguish them from reality…sightings of a foretelling owl, conversations with her dead husband, seeing non-existent figures (maybe) in the shadows and mysterious calls in the middle of the night on her old phone. It’s a highly atmospheric setting, too, which heightens the creep factor.
the narration…
Emily Sutton-Smith was absolute perfection as Hattie. She gave nothing away and contributed to the mysteriousness with her excellent storytelling.
the bottom line…
It’s an intense psychological suspense that takes it time. The pace is a bit slow in the beginning as it gradually builds to a pretty exciting crescendo. I’m glad I hung in because it has a satisfying payoff, some I suspected but most I didn’t. I continue to be a big fan of the author and look forward to what’s next.
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Eight years ago, Hattie Conlee left her home in Pennsylvania and escaped to Lantern Cove, Maine, legally becoming Mary Whittaker. Her son Tommy had been convicted of being the notorious Bedfellow serial killer and later escaped from prison. She escaped from her own private hell and is living somewhat peacefully until investigative reporter Ross Eeling shows up on her doorstep and threatens her new life and others close to her. Hattie agrees to work with him after he blackmails her into acquiescence. It unleashes the next step in Hattie’s nightmares.
the heart of the story…
Hattie’s is the sole point of view and she’s not the most reliable with her vivid nightmares, which she calls “daymares.” It was often difficult to distinguish them from reality…sightings of a foretelling owl, conversations with her dead husband, seeing non-existent figures (maybe) in the shadows and mysterious calls in the middle of the night on her old phone. It’s a highly atmospheric setting, too, which heightens the creep factor.
the narration…
Emily Sutton-Smith was absolute perfection as Hattie. She gave nothing away and contributed to the mysteriousness with her excellent storytelling.
the bottom line…
It’s an intense psychological suspense that takes it time. The pace is a bit slow in the beginning as it gradually builds to a pretty exciting crescendo. I’m glad I hung in because it has a satisfying payoff, some I suspected but most I didn’t. I continue to be a big fan of the author and look forward to what’s next.
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 serial killer stars
*now available
Would you know if your son was a serial killer? That news shocked mother Hattie Conlee, but eventually she believed all the evidence against her son, Tommy. Accused of being The Bedfellow, Tommy was sentenced to jail but somehow escaped during his jail transfer. Now he’s been on the run for 8 years. And Hattie went into seclusion, changed her name, and moved to a small town in Maine.
When a journalist, Ross Eeling, turns up on Hattie’s doorstep, she’s forced to talk to him, or else he will give away her identity. She wants to know how the journalist found her. As she tells her story to Ross, we learn Tommy's story, more about his friends, and the painful journey of the last few years, including the death of her husband. Hattie experiences some disturbing daymares and I wasn’t sure what to make of those. Is Hattie ok mentally?
This chilling tale was a compelling read that kept me turning the pages. Very much a character-driven story and on the slow-burn side. I loved the atmospheric setting of Maine. The ending was imperfect for me, but I still recommend this book, and I will read more from this author.
This was a great buddy read with Jayme, Marilyn, and Mary Beth, be sure to see what they thought.
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one.
*now available
Would you know if your son was a serial killer? That news shocked mother Hattie Conlee, but eventually she believed all the evidence against her son, Tommy. Accused of being The Bedfellow, Tommy was sentenced to jail but somehow escaped during his jail transfer. Now he’s been on the run for 8 years. And Hattie went into seclusion, changed her name, and moved to a small town in Maine.
When a journalist, Ross Eeling, turns up on Hattie’s doorstep, she’s forced to talk to him, or else he will give away her identity. She wants to know how the journalist found her. As she tells her story to Ross, we learn Tommy's story, more about his friends, and the painful journey of the last few years, including the death of her husband. Hattie experiences some disturbing daymares and I wasn’t sure what to make of those. Is Hattie ok mentally?
This chilling tale was a compelling read that kept me turning the pages. Very much a character-driven story and on the slow-burn side. I loved the atmospheric setting of Maine. The ending was imperfect for me, but I still recommend this book, and I will read more from this author.
This was a great buddy read with Jayme, Marilyn, and Mary Beth, be sure to see what they thought.
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐ A Strong Premise Undone by Pacing and a Too-Neat Ending
I received Night Calls by Joe Hart as an ARC from NetGalley, and it was a book I genuinely wanted to enjoy. The premise immediately caught my attention. Hattie Conlee has spent years living under the shadow of her son Tommy's crimes after he was convicted as a serial killer. When investigative journalist Ross Eeling enters her life with new questions and new evidence, Hattie is forced to revisit a past she has spent years trying to escape. What appealed to me most was that this was not really a novel about a serial killer. Instead, it was a story about guilt, shame, family loyalty, and what happens to the people left behind when someone they love commits terrible acts.
Unfortunately, the novel takes a very long time to reach its most compelling material. For roughly the first sixty-five percent of the book, the pacing is painfully slow. I found myself moving from chapter to chapter waiting for meaningful developments, only to receive small pieces of information that did little to advance the story. There were multiple points where I considered setting the book aside altogether. Once the narrative finally shifts into a more active phase, however, the book becomes considerably stronger. The tension increases, the revelations become more interesting, and I found myself eager to keep reading. Ross Eeling was easily the character who intrigued me the most. Much of the novel's momentum comes from the questions surrounding him, and his presence creates a sense of mystery that the book often lacks elsewhere.
What makes the final result so disappointing is that the strongest section of the novel arrives just in time for the ending to undermine it. After investing in the mystery and the growing tension, I expected a conclusion that would challenge the characters and force difficult choices. Instead, the resolution felt overly convenient and surprisingly neat. The novel spends hundreds of pages exploring complicated emotions and fractured relationships, yet the ending resolves matters in a way that felt far easier than the story had earned. I appreciate the themes Joe Hart explores, particularly the emotional burden carried by the family members of notorious criminals, and there were moments when I could see the excellent novel this might have become. In the end, though, the slow pacing and unsatisfying conclusion prevented it from fully delivering on its promise.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Joe Hart, and Thomas & Mercer Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#NightCalls #NetGalley
I received Night Calls by Joe Hart as an ARC from NetGalley, and it was a book I genuinely wanted to enjoy. The premise immediately caught my attention. Hattie Conlee has spent years living under the shadow of her son Tommy's crimes after he was convicted as a serial killer. When investigative journalist Ross Eeling enters her life with new questions and new evidence, Hattie is forced to revisit a past she has spent years trying to escape. What appealed to me most was that this was not really a novel about a serial killer. Instead, it was a story about guilt, shame, family loyalty, and what happens to the people left behind when someone they love commits terrible acts.
Unfortunately, the novel takes a very long time to reach its most compelling material. For roughly the first sixty-five percent of the book, the pacing is painfully slow. I found myself moving from chapter to chapter waiting for meaningful developments, only to receive small pieces of information that did little to advance the story. There were multiple points where I considered setting the book aside altogether. Once the narrative finally shifts into a more active phase, however, the book becomes considerably stronger. The tension increases, the revelations become more interesting, and I found myself eager to keep reading. Ross Eeling was easily the character who intrigued me the most. Much of the novel's momentum comes from the questions surrounding him, and his presence creates a sense of mystery that the book often lacks elsewhere.
What makes the final result so disappointing is that the strongest section of the novel arrives just in time for the ending to undermine it. After investing in the mystery and the growing tension, I expected a conclusion that would challenge the characters and force difficult choices. Instead, the resolution felt overly convenient and surprisingly neat. The novel spends hundreds of pages exploring complicated emotions and fractured relationships, yet the ending resolves matters in a way that felt far easier than the story had earned. I appreciate the themes Joe Hart explores, particularly the emotional burden carried by the family members of notorious criminals, and there were moments when I could see the excellent novel this might have become. In the end, though, the slow pacing and unsatisfying conclusion prevented it from fully delivering on its promise.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Joe Hart, and Thomas & Mercer Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#NightCalls #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5
Expected publication September 22, 2026
"Because every monster had once been someone’s child."
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse, Joe Hart, and Thomas & Mercer for providing this gifted eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily. Keep the Joe Hart novels coming!
Most thrillers rarely leave me speechless, but "Night Calls" left me absolutely gobsmacked. The ending is wild, clever, and so satisfying.
Eight years ago, Hattie's life was destroyed when her son, Tommy, was convicted as a serial killer. Before sentencing, Tommy escaped custody and vanished.
Now alone, Hattie goes into hiding, reinvents herself as Mary, and settles in an isolated coastal town in Maine, where she buries the secrets of her past. Bless her optimistic heart.
Then Ross Eeling, an investigative journalist, knocks at her door. He's got dirt on Hattie and promises to keep her secrets if she spills all the juicy details about Tommy. His questions force Hattie to relive memories she wants to forget.
This isn't your usual fast-paced thriller. It's a psychological slow burn, thick with tension. The isolation feels creepy, and Hattie's mix of fear, guilt, and grief adds emotional depth.
The heart of the story is Hattie and Tommy's relationship. Hart faces the tough question: What does a mother do when her child is called a monster? Hattie is complex and secretive, and sometimes she's frustrating, but that makes her believable. I couldn't stop reading.
Paranoia and doubt fill this story. I didn't trust anyone, not even Hattie's memories, and Hart kept me guessing right up to the end. The killer ending really delivers.
"Night Calls" is dark, unsettling, and full of emotional twists. It's the kind of thriller you should read without knowing too much.
Expected publication September 22, 2026
"Because every monster had once been someone’s child."
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse, Joe Hart, and Thomas & Mercer for providing this gifted eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily. Keep the Joe Hart novels coming!
Most thrillers rarely leave me speechless, but "Night Calls" left me absolutely gobsmacked. The ending is wild, clever, and so satisfying.
Eight years ago, Hattie's life was destroyed when her son, Tommy, was convicted as a serial killer. Before sentencing, Tommy escaped custody and vanished.
Now alone, Hattie goes into hiding, reinvents herself as Mary, and settles in an isolated coastal town in Maine, where she buries the secrets of her past. Bless her optimistic heart.
Then Ross Eeling, an investigative journalist, knocks at her door. He's got dirt on Hattie and promises to keep her secrets if she spills all the juicy details about Tommy. His questions force Hattie to relive memories she wants to forget.
This isn't your usual fast-paced thriller. It's a psychological slow burn, thick with tension. The isolation feels creepy, and Hattie's mix of fear, guilt, and grief adds emotional depth.
The heart of the story is Hattie and Tommy's relationship. Hart faces the tough question: What does a mother do when her child is called a monster? Hattie is complex and secretive, and sometimes she's frustrating, but that makes her believable. I couldn't stop reading.
Paranoia and doubt fill this story. I didn't trust anyone, not even Hattie's memories, and Hart kept me guessing right up to the end. The killer ending really delivers.
"Night Calls" is dark, unsettling, and full of emotional twists. It's the kind of thriller you should read without knowing too much.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I struggled so much with this book. The premise seemed good. The mother of a serial killer and her story behind that role. It was very wordy and drawn out and you could read many pages to have learnt absolutely nothing new. When a Journalist appears to expose her now life in secret and hurt the family around her I thought it was going to get good, sadly not.
I expected something much more than this and found it incredibly bland despite it having such good promise. Most of what I read is like a meandering telling of mundane aspects of her life and memories in too much detail to be of interest. I tried hoping that it would improve but it let me down. It stood out after reading so many incredible books lately.
If you are expecting this to be anything like a serial killer thriller or even just a thriller I’d think again. I truly hoped the ending would redeem it but it just left me with questions and a sense of frustration. There are mixed early reviews so as with all books some may love it and others not.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my ARC of this novel.
Thanks so much for taking a little time to read my review. Your likes and comments mean a lot to me. 😻 Feel free to add me as a friend or follow me for more book reviews.
I expected something much more than this and found it incredibly bland despite it having such good promise. Most of what I read is like a meandering telling of mundane aspects of her life and memories in too much detail to be of interest. I tried hoping that it would improve but it let me down. It stood out after reading so many incredible books lately.
If you are expecting this to be anything like a serial killer thriller or even just a thriller I’d think again. I truly hoped the ending would redeem it but it just left me with questions and a sense of frustration. There are mixed early reviews so as with all books some may love it and others not.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my ARC of this novel.
Thanks so much for taking a little time to read my review. Your likes and comments mean a lot to me. 😻 Feel free to add me as a friend or follow me for more book reviews.
July 2, 2026
Joe Hart has quickly emerged as an auto-read author for me. His novels are gripping, mysterious, and laced with emotion.
Night Calls hits all those marks. A grieving mother with a serial killer for a son. Worse yet, he's on the lamb leaving behind more questions than answers. When a nosy journalist starts poking around it threatens to shatter Hattie's house of cards but also ignites something far worse...hope.
There are a lot of red herrings in this book and I think I made about 20 wrong predictions. It kept me guessing until the very last page. However, this is more a character study than an edge of your seat thriller. While it has all the elements of a solid mystery, it's fairly slow-paced and I think what I enjoyed most was the inward reflection it forced. Imagining my son being a convicted serial killer. Living a secret life in order to maintain a hidden connection to a loved one. The doubt, the not knowing, the fear, the shame.
Thriller Book Lovers the Pulse put Joe Hart on my radar and I'm grateful that they did! Night Calls releases September 22, 2026.
Night Calls hits all those marks. A grieving mother with a serial killer for a son. Worse yet, he's on the lamb leaving behind more questions than answers. When a nosy journalist starts poking around it threatens to shatter Hattie's house of cards but also ignites something far worse...hope.
There are a lot of red herrings in this book and I think I made about 20 wrong predictions. It kept me guessing until the very last page. However, this is more a character study than an edge of your seat thriller. While it has all the elements of a solid mystery, it's fairly slow-paced and I think what I enjoyed most was the inward reflection it forced. Imagining my son being a convicted serial killer. Living a secret life in order to maintain a hidden connection to a loved one. The doubt, the not knowing, the fear, the shame.
Thriller Book Lovers the Pulse put Joe Hart on my radar and I'm grateful that they did! Night Calls releases September 22, 2026.
October 22, 2026
This is one of the most gripping, suspenseful and haunting thrillers I have read recently. In Night Calls Joe Hart has created a literary master class in building unrelenting tension. It is almost impossible to review this story without revealing too much information. Hattie is a strong and admirable main character whose son, Tommy, has been convicted of being a serial killer. The story progressed with astonishing twists and turns and I finished it in two sittings. Highly recommended.
October 3, 2026
This haunting psychological thriller begins eight years ago when Hattie Conlee's world was torn apart.
Hattie's son Tommy was convicted of being a serial killer known as the Bedfellow. When Tommy escapes custody he disappears and so does Hattie. She changes her name and moves to a small coastal town in Maine to start a new life. No one can find her there until someone does and he happens to be an investigative journalist. He agrees to keep Hattie's identity a secret if she reveals all she knows about her son and the murders. He wants the truth! Dredging up these painful memories are both complicated and disturbing and the consequences are far from over.
Haunting and brilliant!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Hattie's son Tommy was convicted of being a serial killer known as the Bedfellow. When Tommy escapes custody he disappears and so does Hattie. She changes her name and moves to a small coastal town in Maine to start a new life. No one can find her there until someone does and he happens to be an investigative journalist. He agrees to keep Hattie's identity a secret if she reveals all she knows about her son and the murders. He wants the truth! Dredging up these painful memories are both complicated and disturbing and the consequences are far from over.
Haunting and brilliant!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
May 21, 2026
WOW!
thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review
i don’t have the right words to describe how fantastic this book was.
i’ve been in a reading slump for over six months and if i could read books this gripping every single day i would never be in one again. it captivated me from the very first page and i devoured it in one sitting and even stopping reading long enough to use the bathroom felt like too long!
joe hart has a way of writing books that grip you and don’t let you go and that’s at the core of what’s so magical about reading. i felt fully immersed into the world he created and i didn’t want to leave
the mystery he wove in this book was completely unique and i was desperate to find out more. the characters were so well developed and complex, leaving you wondering just who you’re supposed to be suspicious of at every turn
i’ll be thinking about this book for awhile and will definitely pick up more books by joe hart
thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review
i don’t have the right words to describe how fantastic this book was.
i’ve been in a reading slump for over six months and if i could read books this gripping every single day i would never be in one again. it captivated me from the very first page and i devoured it in one sitting and even stopping reading long enough to use the bathroom felt like too long!
joe hart has a way of writing books that grip you and don’t let you go and that’s at the core of what’s so magical about reading. i felt fully immersed into the world he created and i didn’t want to leave
the mystery he wove in this book was completely unique and i was desperate to find out more. the characters were so well developed and complex, leaving you wondering just who you’re supposed to be suspicious of at every turn
i’ll be thinking about this book for awhile and will definitely pick up more books by joe hart
October 1, 2026
I just finished the book "Night Calls: A Thriller" by Joe Hart. I just won this advance copy of an ebook by Kindle thru Goodreads, here is my review!
Is my son a killer? Could he have really done all those henious crimes? He was raised well. His father and I have loved him very much. What happened to cause all this anger, all the aggression?
That's the thread of this book. "Night Calls." Just eight years ago, Hattie Conlee's son, Tommy, is charged and convicted of being a seriel killer, nicknamed Bedfellow, but he craftily escaped from jail and transport as he was getting transferred to the area where he most likely would spend the balance of his life. Not long after this, Hattie has to suffer the loss of her husband, best friend and soul mate, Ed. Their marriage was drifting somewhat due to the problems identified with Tommy.
Changing her name to Mary, and moving to a town in Maine is all she could do, hoping she would be safe and most of all nobody identifying her. A favorite part of the book was her relationship with an older gentleman named Sloan, a binocular’s peek away. She'd help him in his home, do grocery shopping for him, and make him snacks weekly for his pleasure. They thought of each other as best friends.
She is located by a man named Russ Eiling. She becomes terrified of him, as he interviews her about her son's crimes. Her mind is always working it seems, on full throttle. Whether in working on this case of in some of her daydreams, where she wanders off into another sphere. She had medication for this in the past, but had none now. She really needs to gain help again to get a grip on them. Wanting to confront Eiling, she goes to his rental house to speak to him, and from here to end is full of spoilers. But excitement awaits!
Putting one small piece to another, with a lot of analysis and pain, the story starts coming together, to come to the end.
This book is quickly paced, has short chapters, and I felt no dragging in the book. First e-book I've read in a long time. I, in a way missed the audio version. What a thriller this is. At about 20% in, I was hooked, held my breath and waiting for the conclusion. The scenes were beautiful, been to Maine once and loved it. I was in Hattie’s head most of the book, and hoping it comes to a decent conclusion. Recommend. Rate 4.0 stars
Is my son a killer? Could he have really done all those henious crimes? He was raised well. His father and I have loved him very much. What happened to cause all this anger, all the aggression?
That's the thread of this book. "Night Calls." Just eight years ago, Hattie Conlee's son, Tommy, is charged and convicted of being a seriel killer, nicknamed Bedfellow, but he craftily escaped from jail and transport as he was getting transferred to the area where he most likely would spend the balance of his life. Not long after this, Hattie has to suffer the loss of her husband, best friend and soul mate, Ed. Their marriage was drifting somewhat due to the problems identified with Tommy.
Changing her name to Mary, and moving to a town in Maine is all she could do, hoping she would be safe and most of all nobody identifying her. A favorite part of the book was her relationship with an older gentleman named Sloan, a binocular’s peek away. She'd help him in his home, do grocery shopping for him, and make him snacks weekly for his pleasure. They thought of each other as best friends.
She is located by a man named Russ Eiling. She becomes terrified of him, as he interviews her about her son's crimes. Her mind is always working it seems, on full throttle. Whether in working on this case of in some of her daydreams, where she wanders off into another sphere. She had medication for this in the past, but had none now. She really needs to gain help again to get a grip on them. Wanting to confront Eiling, she goes to his rental house to speak to him, and from here to end is full of spoilers. But excitement awaits!
Putting one small piece to another, with a lot of analysis and pain, the story starts coming together, to come to the end.
This book is quickly paced, has short chapters, and I felt no dragging in the book. First e-book I've read in a long time. I, in a way missed the audio version. What a thriller this is. At about 20% in, I was hooked, held my breath and waiting for the conclusion. The scenes were beautiful, been to Maine once and loved it. I was in Hattie’s head most of the book, and hoping it comes to a decent conclusion. Recommend. Rate 4.0 stars
July 26, 2026
🔪 M U R D E R E R M O N D A Y review & book tour 🔪 featuring “Night Calls” by Joe Hart!
8 years ago, Hattie Conlee’s life was shattered when her son Tommy was convicted of being the notorious serial killer, The Bedfellow Killer. However, Tommy managed to escape custody and disappeared on the run. With Tommy gone, Hattie decided to do the same. She moved to remote coastal Maine where she created a brand new identity for herself.
Living an anonymous and quiet life doesn’t last for long once investigative journalist Ross Eeling shows up at her door. He has an ultimatum for Hattie … either she tells him everything she knows about her son OR he will expose her new identity and location to the press. Ross wants to write a book on The Bedfellow Killer that isn’t necessarily about the crimes committed, but about the people connected to Tommy … especially his own mother.
Left without a choice, Hattie decides to get the interview over with and is forced to revisit Tommy’s horrific crimes that never made sense to her. She soon finds out that Ross’s book is trying to clear Tommy’s name and show proof that he was set up. This sends Hattie into an investigative spiral of her own focusing on the people in her old life that she thought she could trust the most.
💭 One of my favourite books of the year! This is a raw story about a serial killer’s mother and how she can still stand by and love a monster regardless of his heinous crimes. Hattie’s grief, guilt and heartbreak plays on repeat throughout the story as she is forced to face and fight for the truth. After Tommy’s disappearance she has had no reassurance that he is even still alive besides some silent phone calls in the night. Her isolated life adds such a tense, chilling and foreboding vibe overall that will grip you with shock and anxiety!
Thank you kindly to @joe_hart_author @thrillerbookloversthepulse @thomasmerceruk for my advanced digital copy and spot on this book tour. All opinions are my own. This 5⭐️ book releases on September 22, 2026!
8 years ago, Hattie Conlee’s life was shattered when her son Tommy was convicted of being the notorious serial killer, The Bedfellow Killer. However, Tommy managed to escape custody and disappeared on the run. With Tommy gone, Hattie decided to do the same. She moved to remote coastal Maine where she created a brand new identity for herself.
Living an anonymous and quiet life doesn’t last for long once investigative journalist Ross Eeling shows up at her door. He has an ultimatum for Hattie … either she tells him everything she knows about her son OR he will expose her new identity and location to the press. Ross wants to write a book on The Bedfellow Killer that isn’t necessarily about the crimes committed, but about the people connected to Tommy … especially his own mother.
Left without a choice, Hattie decides to get the interview over with and is forced to revisit Tommy’s horrific crimes that never made sense to her. She soon finds out that Ross’s book is trying to clear Tommy’s name and show proof that he was set up. This sends Hattie into an investigative spiral of her own focusing on the people in her old life that she thought she could trust the most.
💭 One of my favourite books of the year! This is a raw story about a serial killer’s mother and how she can still stand by and love a monster regardless of his heinous crimes. Hattie’s grief, guilt and heartbreak plays on repeat throughout the story as she is forced to face and fight for the truth. After Tommy’s disappearance she has had no reassurance that he is even still alive besides some silent phone calls in the night. Her isolated life adds such a tense, chilling and foreboding vibe overall that will grip you with shock and anxiety!
Thank you kindly to @joe_hart_author @thrillerbookloversthepulse @thomasmerceruk for my advanced digital copy and spot on this book tour. All opinions are my own. This 5⭐️ book releases on September 22, 2026!
September 2, 2026
This is my first novel by this author and I was totally blown away. It’s a well-written psychological suspense read with emotional depth.
This is the story of Hattie, a mother whose adult son is a convicted serial killer, and, eight years later, is trying to rebuild her life, with a new name in a small, rural town. But then an investigative reporter comes calling. Secrets, loss, and betrayal abound as the past come rushing back.
The story slowly unfurled with a sense of dread and unease. As a mother, I was especially immersed in Hattie’s story of how would one deal with the engulfing grief and trauma of being the mother of a multiple murderer, “because every monster had once been someone’s child.”
The autumn/winter setting and Hattie living in a house by the sea miles away from the nearest town was so atmospheric. I could feel the loneliness and isolation and the dreary landscape.
While the story was character-driven for the first half, it shifted to a faster pace as a mystery unfolded in the second half. I equally enjoyed both parts of the book, both the look at Hattie’s emotional turmoil and the twists and turns and the tense scenes building up to the ending.
I really enjoyed this read. Will be one of my favourite thriller/domestic suspense reads this year.
Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
This is the story of Hattie, a mother whose adult son is a convicted serial killer, and, eight years later, is trying to rebuild her life, with a new name in a small, rural town. But then an investigative reporter comes calling. Secrets, loss, and betrayal abound as the past come rushing back.
The story slowly unfurled with a sense of dread and unease. As a mother, I was especially immersed in Hattie’s story of how would one deal with the engulfing grief and trauma of being the mother of a multiple murderer, “because every monster had once been someone’s child.”
The autumn/winter setting and Hattie living in a house by the sea miles away from the nearest town was so atmospheric. I could feel the loneliness and isolation and the dreary landscape.
While the story was character-driven for the first half, it shifted to a faster pace as a mystery unfolded in the second half. I equally enjoyed both parts of the book, both the look at Hattie’s emotional turmoil and the twists and turns and the tense scenes building up to the ending.
I really enjoyed this read. Will be one of my favourite thriller/domestic suspense reads this year.
Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
July 30, 2026
Night Calls is my third book of Joe Hart’s and he’s officially become an auto-buy author for me!
In this psychological thriller, Hattie changes her identity and starts her life over after her son is convicted as the Bedfellow serial killer. Right after the trial, her son manages to escape police custody and vanishes without a trace.
With the press coverage and non-stop attention Hattie is receiving as the mother of the infamous Bedfellow she decides to disappear as well.
That is until 8 years later when she is found by an investigative journalist intent on writing a book and spilling all of the family secrets.
The story goes back and forth between two timelines and the suspense of the reveals and twists are shocking and utterly delicious.
I really felt for Hattie throughout even though at times she felt like an unreliable narrator. But most of all I absolutely adored her relationships; one with her neighbor’s young son, and the other with her other elderly neighbor.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next. In the meantime, I’ll need to check out his massive backlist.
*Thanks so much to Thomas & Mercer and to NetGalley for the gifted e-ARC!*
In this psychological thriller, Hattie changes her identity and starts her life over after her son is convicted as the Bedfellow serial killer. Right after the trial, her son manages to escape police custody and vanishes without a trace.
With the press coverage and non-stop attention Hattie is receiving as the mother of the infamous Bedfellow she decides to disappear as well.
That is until 8 years later when she is found by an investigative journalist intent on writing a book and spilling all of the family secrets.
The story goes back and forth between two timelines and the suspense of the reveals and twists are shocking and utterly delicious.
I really felt for Hattie throughout even though at times she felt like an unreliable narrator. But most of all I absolutely adored her relationships; one with her neighbor’s young son, and the other with her other elderly neighbor.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next. In the meantime, I’ll need to check out his massive backlist.
*Thanks so much to Thomas & Mercer and to NetGalley for the gifted e-ARC!*
September 27, 2026
Where should I start with Joe Hart's Night Calls? I'll begin by saying it was an interesting ride.
Hart introduces us to Hattie Conlee. We meet Hattie eight years after her son, Tommy, was convicted of being the Bedfellow serial killer. The fun doesn't stop there because Tommy escapes custody. He's successfully been on the run for eight years. Hattie has successfully been on the run from her old life after adopting a new identity.
The heart always comes home
This new identity is in jeopardy when an eager investigative journalist threatens to expose Hattie as living a lie, unless she agrees to an interview. Feeling like she has no choice, Hattie recalls how her life became undone eight years earlier.
Joe Hart's Night Calls is initially captivating. I have a PHD in Dateline so the premise of getting the inside scoop from the mother of a serial killer, is quite captivating. The first half of this novel is easy to devour and read at breakneck speed.
Hart blends a typical thriller read with hints of psychological horror. I mean... what is up with the owl? No offense to Hattie, but I wasn't sure if I could trust her or not which is strange because I really liked her. There were moments in the story where I couldn't decide if Hattie was the real threat.
I guess that's the point. It kept me reading. Although Night Calls really boils down to a whodunit, I found it to be an enjoyable and fast read.
Would definitely recommend.
Copy provided by Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley
Hart introduces us to Hattie Conlee. We meet Hattie eight years after her son, Tommy, was convicted of being the Bedfellow serial killer. The fun doesn't stop there because Tommy escapes custody. He's successfully been on the run for eight years. Hattie has successfully been on the run from her old life after adopting a new identity.
The heart always comes home
This new identity is in jeopardy when an eager investigative journalist threatens to expose Hattie as living a lie, unless she agrees to an interview. Feeling like she has no choice, Hattie recalls how her life became undone eight years earlier.
Joe Hart's Night Calls is initially captivating. I have a PHD in Dateline so the premise of getting the inside scoop from the mother of a serial killer, is quite captivating. The first half of this novel is easy to devour and read at breakneck speed.
Hart blends a typical thriller read with hints of psychological horror. I mean... what is up with the owl? No offense to Hattie, but I wasn't sure if I could trust her or not which is strange because I really liked her. There were moments in the story where I couldn't decide if Hattie was the real threat.
I guess that's the point. It kept me reading. Although Night Calls really boils down to a whodunit, I found it to be an enjoyable and fast read.
Would definitely recommend.
Copy provided by Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley
October 8, 2026
This book has rave reviews so I really wanted to love it. And the blurb sounded amazing. But unfortunately the story itself is very different and doesn't live up to the hype. I was expecting a why done it but what I got instead was very long-winded plotless drivel. It was clear from the start there had been a gross miscarriage of justice and there really were only three possible suspects. The characters were wooden emotionless and unsympathetic, and the story too obvious and full of cliches.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When investigative journalist Ross Eeling starts chasing after Hattie Conlee, a woman who has retreated from the world since her son Tommy was convicted as the serial killer known as the Bedfellow, she is forced to confront her haunting past. Eight years after Tommy’s escape and her own transformation, Hattie finds herself drawn back into the chaos of her son’s atrocities, the consequences for their family, and her unwavering love for him. As the story unfolds, she grapples with painful truths that reveal the past is more intricate and dangerous than she ever imagined...
This was a fast-paced, heart-pounding read that I couldn't put down for an afternoon! The narrative is broken into six parts and weaves between dual timelines, allowing us to grasp the events of the past fully. Just picture being a mother, forced to hide from your own son who has escaped before serving his time! Hattie knows that if a journalist like Ross were to find her, it wouldn't be long before her son locates her, too. The twists kick in right from the start, and I was instantly glued to the pages! Ross is relentless in his pursuit of the story, interviewing Hattie’s family while withholding details of the book until the interviews are completed—how strange!
Meanwhile, Hattie receives eerie phone calls with no one on the other end, but deep down, she knows it’s Tommy trying to reach her. She attempts to convey that she’s okay, but each time the call disconnects before she can gather any clues about his whereabouts. There are many moments where you’ll find yourself stepping into Hattie’s shoes, pondering what you would do in her situation.
As we delve into the past, we learn a great deal about Tommy, his ex-girlfriend who was pregnant at that time, and others who were significant in Tommy’s life during his childhood. He had friends from unstable homes, and they practically grew up together. Long story short, a lot is going on, and the twists begin right in chapter two, keeping the momentum going. I didn’t see any of it coming; the story is truly well-crafted.
The author did an excellent job of keeping me engaged, painting a vivid atmosphere that had me feeling the chill and dampness of each page. I felt as if Tommy was watching me, constantly anticipating his return! When he finally makes an appearance, Hattie comes to realize that hiring a private investigator before agreeing with the courts regarding Tommy's guilt was a wise move. Unfortunately, the PI didn’t do a thorough job, as her son remains just as he was years ago, raising the question: who is the real killer? Could the danger have been lurking close all along?
This book is perfect for those who love suspense, unexpected twists, and unraveling the past to uncover hidden secrets. If you're into cold cases and enjoy amateur sleuthing alongside Hattie, don’t miss out on this gripping story. I was completely captivated, and the mind-blowing twists and the ending left my jaw on the floor! I couldn't believe the direction it took, with impeccable timing and flawless execution of lies and deceit! The themes of family dynamics, the nature of innocence until proven guilty, and a mother’s love and desire for second chances are all explored. It’s intriguing how often the greatest dangers lie closer than we think, shrouded in shadows, but who can we truly trust?
Thank you, ThrillerBookLoversThePulse and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a fast-paced, heart-pounding read that I couldn't put down for an afternoon! The narrative is broken into six parts and weaves between dual timelines, allowing us to grasp the events of the past fully. Just picture being a mother, forced to hide from your own son who has escaped before serving his time! Hattie knows that if a journalist like Ross were to find her, it wouldn't be long before her son locates her, too. The twists kick in right from the start, and I was instantly glued to the pages! Ross is relentless in his pursuit of the story, interviewing Hattie’s family while withholding details of the book until the interviews are completed—how strange!
Meanwhile, Hattie receives eerie phone calls with no one on the other end, but deep down, she knows it’s Tommy trying to reach her. She attempts to convey that she’s okay, but each time the call disconnects before she can gather any clues about his whereabouts. There are many moments where you’ll find yourself stepping into Hattie’s shoes, pondering what you would do in her situation.
As we delve into the past, we learn a great deal about Tommy, his ex-girlfriend who was pregnant at that time, and others who were significant in Tommy’s life during his childhood. He had friends from unstable homes, and they practically grew up together. Long story short, a lot is going on, and the twists begin right in chapter two, keeping the momentum going. I didn’t see any of it coming; the story is truly well-crafted.
The author did an excellent job of keeping me engaged, painting a vivid atmosphere that had me feeling the chill and dampness of each page. I felt as if Tommy was watching me, constantly anticipating his return! When he finally makes an appearance, Hattie comes to realize that hiring a private investigator before agreeing with the courts regarding Tommy's guilt was a wise move. Unfortunately, the PI didn’t do a thorough job, as her son remains just as he was years ago, raising the question: who is the real killer? Could the danger have been lurking close all along?
This book is perfect for those who love suspense, unexpected twists, and unraveling the past to uncover hidden secrets. If you're into cold cases and enjoy amateur sleuthing alongside Hattie, don’t miss out on this gripping story. I was completely captivated, and the mind-blowing twists and the ending left my jaw on the floor! I couldn't believe the direction it took, with impeccable timing and flawless execution of lies and deceit! The themes of family dynamics, the nature of innocence until proven guilty, and a mother’s love and desire for second chances are all explored. It’s intriguing how often the greatest dangers lie closer than we think, shrouded in shadows, but who can we truly trust?
Thank you, ThrillerBookLoversThePulse and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 24, 2026
Interconnected web of dark family secrets, trauma, and hidden identities and unreliable characters.
Hattie Conlee (alias Mary Whittaker): She is a grieving mother burdened by intense guilt and paranoia after her son is convicted of heinous serial murders. To protect herself and start over, she flees to Maine, changes her name, and meticulously guards her anonymity. As the reader you see mainly Hattie’s POV, inner monologues and descriptive daymares as she calls them.
I love that we get glimpses of her intrusive thoughts. I think it really adds another layer to the story!
Tommy Conlee is Hattie’s 22-year-old son. He was convicted of a series of ritualistic, gruesome murders where he would stab victims and sleep in their beds. He escaped custody before sentencing and has been a ghost for eight years. The puzzle pieces regarding Tommy's old school friends (Dustin, Colm, and Leah) coming together later in the book, but I felt like this was needed to build the plot. This worked well in this book and had no lull. Kept my attention the whole time bending and twisting right to the end!
Narrated by Emily Sutton-Smith.
Duration ~ 10 hrs
Publication: September 22, 2026
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Hattie Conlee (alias Mary Whittaker): She is a grieving mother burdened by intense guilt and paranoia after her son is convicted of heinous serial murders. To protect herself and start over, she flees to Maine, changes her name, and meticulously guards her anonymity. As the reader you see mainly Hattie’s POV, inner monologues and descriptive daymares as she calls them.
I love that we get glimpses of her intrusive thoughts. I think it really adds another layer to the story!
Tommy Conlee is Hattie’s 22-year-old son. He was convicted of a series of ritualistic, gruesome murders where he would stab victims and sleep in their beds. He escaped custody before sentencing and has been a ghost for eight years. The puzzle pieces regarding Tommy's old school friends (Dustin, Colm, and Leah) coming together later in the book, but I felt like this was needed to build the plot. This worked well in this book and had no lull. Kept my attention the whole time bending and twisting right to the end!
Narrated by Emily Sutton-Smith.
Duration ~ 10 hrs
Publication: September 22, 2026
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2026
I've read plenty of serial killer thrillers, but one told from the perspective of the killer's mother? Now THAT had my attention!
Hattie has spent eight years trying to escape the fallout of her son's crimes, living under a new identity after he was convicted of multiple murders and subsequently escaped custody. Unfortunately, an investigative journalist has managed to track her down, and he's determined to get his story. So much for leaving the past in the past!
I really enjoyed the dual timelines and the exploration of motherhood, guilt, grief & the whole nature versus nurture debate. Rather than another investigation into the mind of a serial killer, we're exploring the aftermath from the perspective of someone who loved him. How much did she know? What has she chosen to forget? And just how reliable are those memories she's spent years trying to bury?
This was definitely more of a psychological slow burn than I'd anticipated, and I would've loved a little more momentum in the first half. However, the latter part delivered some excellent revelations, and I really enjoyed seeing how the past and present came together. A fascinating premise, plenty of family secrets & a rather different perspective on the serial killer thriller!
4⭐
Hattie has spent eight years trying to escape the fallout of her son's crimes, living under a new identity after he was convicted of multiple murders and subsequently escaped custody. Unfortunately, an investigative journalist has managed to track her down, and he's determined to get his story. So much for leaving the past in the past!
I really enjoyed the dual timelines and the exploration of motherhood, guilt, grief & the whole nature versus nurture debate. Rather than another investigation into the mind of a serial killer, we're exploring the aftermath from the perspective of someone who loved him. How much did she know? What has she chosen to forget? And just how reliable are those memories she's spent years trying to bury?
This was definitely more of a psychological slow burn than I'd anticipated, and I would've loved a little more momentum in the first half. However, the latter part delivered some excellent revelations, and I really enjoyed seeing how the past and present came together. A fascinating premise, plenty of family secrets & a rather different perspective on the serial killer thriller!
4⭐
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Finished reading: September 6th 2026
"No, usually it's tragedy that defines the beginnings and ends of lives."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
WARNING: it's another unpopular opinion...
October 26, 2026
Review: A Masterclass in Slow-Burn Psychological Suspense
At its core, this is a profoundly character-driven story. It eschews cheap jump scares in favor of a slow unraveling, building up the most intense sense of paranoia.
But what really sets it apart is how deep it goes into the emotional aftermath of a betrayal. It dives right into the gut-wrenching reality of loving someone who has done a terrible thing, and the heavy grief and guilt that comes with realizing you completely missed the red flags. It explores the terrifying friction of looking back at a shared life and wondering how much of it was a lie, and how much you willingly ignored. It makes you look at the characters and wonder: How well can we ever really know the people closest to us?
It is a deeply layered, complex narrative that sits with you long after the final page is turned, forcing you to confront the darkest corners of human intimacy.
The pacing is a flawless slow burn, trading rapid action for exquisite, tension-filled psychological suspense. If you are looking for a story that prioritizes deep emotional complexity over easy answers, put this one at the top of your TBR list immediately.
At its core, this is a profoundly character-driven story. It eschews cheap jump scares in favor of a slow unraveling, building up the most intense sense of paranoia.
But what really sets it apart is how deep it goes into the emotional aftermath of a betrayal. It dives right into the gut-wrenching reality of loving someone who has done a terrible thing, and the heavy grief and guilt that comes with realizing you completely missed the red flags. It explores the terrifying friction of looking back at a shared life and wondering how much of it was a lie, and how much you willingly ignored. It makes you look at the characters and wonder: How well can we ever really know the people closest to us?
It is a deeply layered, complex narrative that sits with you long after the final page is turned, forcing you to confront the darkest corners of human intimacy.
The pacing is a flawless slow burn, trading rapid action for exquisite, tension-filled psychological suspense. If you are looking for a story that prioritizes deep emotional complexity over easy answers, put this one at the top of your TBR list immediately.
September 23, 2026
I really enjoyed this one!
I listened to the audiobook and finished in less than 24 hours. I love a good book about a serial killer and this one gave off the best “there’s something not right” vibes right from the beginning.
I really enjoyed that the POV was the mother in this one and that it takes place years later, but get flashes that go back in time.
Such a great book!! I wasn’t sure about the narrator at first, but after a few chapters I realized her voice was perfect for this one!!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author & thrillerbooks the pulse for this alc!!
I listened to the audiobook and finished in less than 24 hours. I love a good book about a serial killer and this one gave off the best “there’s something not right” vibes right from the beginning.
I really enjoyed that the POV was the mother in this one and that it takes place years later, but get flashes that go back in time.
Such a great book!! I wasn’t sure about the narrator at first, but after a few chapters I realized her voice was perfect for this one!!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author & thrillerbooks the pulse for this alc!!
October 14, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This one started a little slow for me, but once it picked up, it really took off. I loved the mystery surrounding Hattie and her son, and there were enough secrets, red herrings, and twists that I kept changing my mind about what I thought was really going on.
The Maine setting was one of my favorite parts and seriously made me miss Maine. The atmosphere fit the story perfectly. And that ending? Brilliant. I actually gasped more than once because I did not see everything coming together the way it did. Such a clever, twisty psychological thriller, and easily a five-star read for me.
This one started a little slow for me, but once it picked up, it really took off. I loved the mystery surrounding Hattie and her son, and there were enough secrets, red herrings, and twists that I kept changing my mind about what I thought was really going on.
The Maine setting was one of my favorite parts and seriously made me miss Maine. The atmosphere fit the story perfectly. And that ending? Brilliant. I actually gasped more than once because I did not see everything coming together the way it did. Such a clever, twisty psychological thriller, and easily a five-star read for me.
Did Not Finish
September 19, 2026DNF. I received an ALC of this book, and it probably isn’t a bad book based off of the reviews. However, I cannot with the narrator. She sounds like a robot.
Review of advance copy
After her son was convicted as the notorious Bedfellow killer, Hattie knew she had to change her name and move away. She chose her current town for a specific reason. And now, a journalist has tracked her down!
Now she's forced to relive not only the horror of Tommy's conviction and trial, but the sudden death of her husband in the aftermath. What did she miss? Could she have changed the course of history so that Tommy never committed those murders? And what about the young boy she babysits? Is he just acting out, or does he, too, have dark tendencies?
This was a heartfelt story of hope, shattered lives, secrets, and emotional damage. There is an overarching chill in the air, an atmospheric fog over the water, and the menacing presence that Hattie feels when she returns to her cottage at night. The mysterious phone calls to her old phone. And the phrase that the journalist leaves her with: "Maybe you'll even thank me."
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for an eARC by an author I was long overdue to read!
Now she's forced to relive not only the horror of Tommy's conviction and trial, but the sudden death of her husband in the aftermath. What did she miss? Could she have changed the course of history so that Tommy never committed those murders? And what about the young boy she babysits? Is he just acting out, or does he, too, have dark tendencies?
This was a heartfelt story of hope, shattered lives, secrets, and emotional damage. There is an overarching chill in the air, an atmospheric fog over the water, and the menacing presence that Hattie feels when she returns to her cottage at night. The mysterious phone calls to her old phone. And the phrase that the journalist leaves her with: "Maybe you'll even thank me."
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for an eARC by an author I was long overdue to read!
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