What She Thought She Saw: A Psychological Thriller

by Dan Grylles

Los Angeles, 1977. Gwen Hansen has left her past behind - or so she tells herself.

A fresh start in sunny California with her husband Roy, a detective working Hollywood's mean streets. New friends in the neighborhood. Weekly therapy sessions. A chance to forget what happened back in Kansas City.

But the past doesn't stay buried.

Roy comes home late, evasive about his cases. Her new friends - beautiful, confident Dianne; gossipy Tina; fitness-obsessed Sean. All have opinions about what to wear, where to go . . . and what Roy might be doing.

When women start turning up dead - the Hillside Strangler's latest victims - Gwen's carefully constructed world begins to fracture. She sees things. Hears things. Questions everything.

Is Roy hiding an affair? Are her friends really her friends? And if she's killed to protect herself before...

Could she do it again?

In a city where no one is who they seem, Gwen must untangle truth from deception before she loses everything she's fought so hard to keep.

Start this twisty and suspenseful psychological thriller today!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Thriller

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2026

About the author

Dan Grylles is an award winning short story author. At a young age he developed three lifelong passions - writing computer programs, writing music to play on his guitar, and reading mystery/crime novels. Later, lured by the intrigue of thriller mysteries, he followed the clues of his own life and began writing those too. Dan's professional background includes many years managing a pet sitting business which inspired his fun and quirky novella, M is for Dog Show. Contact: Dan@DanGrylles.com.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a full spoiler version of this review, please check out my blog, spoiledbooks.blogspot.com

5 stars ⭐

Okay… I went into this expecting a random, under-the-radar thriller and instead got completely steamrolled by twists.

What She Thought She Saw follows Gwen, a woman who moves to 1970s Los Angeles with her detective husband, only to find herself increasingly unsure of what’s real—and what isn’t. Between strange neighbors, mounting paranoia, and her own fragile mental state, things spiral fast.

This is one of those unreliable narrator stories that actually earns it. Nothing feels cheap or thrown in just for shock value—it all clicks.

I flew through this—and honestly? this would make such a perfect movie. Every time I thought I had it figured out… nope.

[Dan Grylles]

AUTHOR NOTE:
What She Thought She Saw was one of my favorite, yet hardest, books to write. After several years and three failed attempts at a worthwhile introduction, the story finally came to fruition. It’s very satisfying to publish and bring this rich story in all its 1970s L. A. glory to readers!

Experts now affirm that many real life conditions affect people who are severely traumatized. When family life has fallen apart due to abuse and severe neglect, those affected may feel forced to take excessive steps to resolve it. Although not usually to the extreme we find in psychological fiction, but occasionally, yes, and we hear these stories in the news. If such a person is cleared legally, can they find normalcy in their life? How will they deal with the guilt of their actions? That’s the basis of this book.

I enjoyed placing the protagonist in a virtually no-win situation, brought on by forces out of her control. I let the reader decide what is true or deceptive through the eyes of Gwen, who questions almost everything she sees and hears . . . and take the reader down that path with her. Will she heal or will she struggle? Will there be justice for Gwen?

Make your plan to get What She Thought She Saw today. Release date is March 31, 2026, enter to win a copy in the March Goodreads Giveaway, calendar to download into KU that day, or preorder!

(For most of my books I leave a Goodreads Author Note, with no rating, simply to express some of my thoughts or process. Thank you for reading my books.)

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What She Thought She Saw” by Dan Grylles is a gripping psychological thriller set in late-1970s California that follows Gwen and Roy as they try to build a new life while Gwen attempts to work through her past with therapy, medication, and new friendships. It starts slowly and then Grylles pulls the rug out.
As the tension builds, Gwen begins questioning everyone around her. She doesn’t know if she can trust her friends, her therapist, or even her husband. The pacing is perfect, paranoia creeps in slowly, and the twists are genuinely shocking.
Intense, suspenseful, satisfying, and impossible to put down.

[Michael T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the fact that is was set in 1977. The historical references alone were worth reading. The story was fast paced and had lots of plot twists. Definitely my kind of thriller!

[Candy Galindo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well that was just an unsettling psychological thriller. You don't know who to believe and what is real. I found the end strangely satisfying except I wished for a different ending for Roy. (Not a spoiler cuz you don't know what happens unless you read the book)

[Kirsten Desorcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, what an ending to this book! It started off a bit slow, introducing the characters and helping the audience to get a sense of what was going on. As a reader I had a feeling that I knew something pretty early on (to avoid spoilers I won’t mention it, but I ended up correctly predicting an aspect of the story). I think it was done on purpose by the author - to make you wonder if the main character was truly seeing what she was seeing or if it was only what she thought she was seeing… a nod at the title here… I thought the book was well written, with the suspense getting amped up piece by piece as the story progressed. Then, the end leaves you with all sorts of feelings and thoughts, along with a racing heart. Well done! 👍 5⭐️

Thank you to the author for a complimentary advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own and are in no way influenced by the author.

[KwentongKuneho · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ for What She Thought She Saw by Dan Grylles

It was a story that you’ll follow ‘til the end, in order to find out the truth behind everything. You’d be asking yourself what was really happening. And that twist at the end, oddly satisfying! There was a part of me that hates Gwen and Dianne, and part of me that pities Roy. But at the end of the day, both ladies deserve the palm of hand. One high five for Gwen, and a slap on the face for Dianne. 😂

Thanks to Dan Grylles and Inside Story for the ARC.

#bookreview #thriller #insidestory

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What She Thought She Saw by Dan Grylles is a tense, slow-burn psychological thriller that keeps you questioning every character—and every perception. The atmosphere is thick with paranoia, blurring the line between intuition and delusion in a way that feels both intimate and unsettling. Sharp, uneasy, and gripping, it leaves a lasting impression.

[Megan Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first couple of chapters sucked me in. But it slowed down afterwards. The ending was great. I loved how it ended.

I love a physiological thriller that makes you question what is true and what isn't. Unfortunately, this one was a bit too predictable.

Thank you Dan for the digital copy!

[Felecia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book! I truly enjoyed the time frame that it was placed in and the characters!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, "What She Thought She Saw " was a bit of a slow burn. The first half didn't even feel very thrillerish. It did finally pick up on that vibe though. I did figure out a few parts of the story early on however I did NOT see that ending coming! Also, it was fun being set in 1977! I enjoyed all the references to things in my early childhood.

I received this book free through a Goodreads Giveaway. I would like to thank both the author and Goodreads for the opportunity to read this book.

[Cheyenne Joy Mijdam · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Release date: March 31, 2026
What She Thought She Saw by Dan Grylles

First of all—thank you Dan and Inside Story for this ARC. Really appreciate being mentally destabilized and side-eyeing literally everyone… including myself.

This book hooked me fast. But also… slow? Which makes zero sense, and yet here we are. It’s that kind of story that crawls under your skin while sprinting laps in your brain. One minute you think you’ve got it, the next you’re questioning everything. Who’s lying? Who’s broken? Who’s the victim? Am I the problem? Love that journey for me.

I had full conversations with myself while reading this. Out loud. The “I knew it—wait, no I didn’t—WHAT is happening?” kind of chaos. And honestly? Any book that can mess with my head like that and still land the punch the way this one did… yeah, that’s an easy five stars.

Being inside Gwen’s head felt… illegal. Like I overstayed my welcome in someone else’s trauma. By the end, I wasn’t just reading her story—I was stuck in it. And getting out felt less like finishing a book and more like escaping something I probably shouldn’t have entered in the first place.

And the memory stuff? Yeah. That hit a little too close to home. Not in a cute, relatable way—more in a “oh, I don’t like how this makes me feel” kind of way. The kind that lingers. The kind that quietly messes with you after you close the book.

Dan Grylles has this disturbing talent of making you feel like parts of your brain just… disappeared. Like they’ve been locked away somewhere for your own protection. And the worst part? You almost don’t want them back.

I know exactly what this says about me, by the way. I willingly walk into psychological warzones for fun. This is my version of comfort. Controlled chaos. Madness with an exit door.

So if you like your books twisted, disorienting, and just a little bit emotionally violent… welcome. You’ll feel right at home here.

No spoilers. Never. But if you’re the kind of person who enjoys having your brain scrambled and your sanity lightly questioned—go ahead and get on this 70s murder train.

Just don’t be surprised when you don’t come out the same.

[Texas · Rating 3 out of 5]

WHAT SHE THOUGHT SHE SAW - This book is a bit intense with the continuous mental illness and its predictably about many scenarios. Yet, the book is still an interesting read. Typical characters. Source: Booksprout. 3*

Detective Remy Ferguson Thriller Mystery Series:
Source: Booksprout.
DRAGGING DOWN, #0 - A simplistic, quickly read novella introducing Ferguson with an interesting twist in a case he is investigating. 4*

MYSTERY OF L'INCONNU, #1 - A more indepth killing spree. It drug on in the beginning but became more interesting as the story unfolded. Good story lines with a variety of characters, and plenty of misdirection to keep my interest. A bit wordy but a still entertaining. There is the L'Inconnu Passenger Manifest describing the passengers, which did not interest me. I wanted to read L'Inconnu fresh without knowing anything about the passengers. 4*

INNOCENCE LOST, #2 - A faster pace than 'Mystery of L'Inconnu' and filled with a lot of intrigue making for an interesting story. Bad news though, the multiple investigations are not finished making the story just stop point blank, to be continued. 4*

MASS INFLICTION, #3 - Interesting and intriguing, although the start was slow. Once the story picked up it was immersing with good story lines, plenty of misdirection (some obvious), and some surprises. Not as good as Innocence Lost, but still a good read. 4*

UNBALANCED, #5 - I am a little disappointed in this book. While the story lines are interesting and the characters are good, the book was so wordy that I was bored in several places. 3*
Detective Remy Ferguson Thriller Mystery Series end.

[Hayley Rader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trigger Warnings: domestic abuse, murder, substance use, mental illness/hallucinations, gun violence, grief/loss, mentions death of an infant (SIDS)

What She Thought She Saw is a gripping psychological thriller that hooks you from page one and refuses to let go. The storyline moves with a steady, deliberate pace that keeps you fully invested, always feeling like you’re inching closer to the truth only to realize you’re not as close as you thought.
I was convinced I had everything figured out. Truly convinced. I was sure I knew where the plot was heading and then the ending hit. I did not see that twist coming at all…not even close. Dan Grylles delivers a reveal that flips everything upside down in the most delightful, shocking way, making you rethink every assumption you made along the way. It’s the kind of twist that makes you sit back, blink a few times, and rethink the entire story.
Overall, this is a fantastic read- smart, suspenseful, and deeply satisfying. I highly recommend this psychological thriller to anyone who loves a story that keeps you guessing until the very last page and rewards you for paying attention.
#bookloungeteviewteam

[Shmuggz Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

What She Thought She Knew is an instant banger and the definition of a psychological thriller. It’s a mind warp that slowly devolves into absolute madness, in the most thrilling of ways. The entire read is like slowly drowning in a psychological blender. On multiple occasions, my jaw was on the floor after being hit with twists that came out of nowhere.

While I normally would write a summary for my reviews, I’m actively choosing not to write one. This book needs to be picked up and read blind.

I highly recommend adding this to your read immediately list. I managed to finish it in one sitting, I absolutely could not put it down!

5 out of 5, instant classic
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

What She Thought She Saw by Dan Grylles takes you back to California 1977. The details really make you feel like you are in 1977. Gwen and her husband Roy move to California for his new job as a police detective and for a chance to leave their past behind and start fresh.
The story unfolds a bit slowly in the beginning, and I find myself questioning what is going on. Next thing I know, I can’t put the book down. I think giving too much information on the story line will give spoilers. Read it, you won’t be disappointed and just when you think Grylles can’t throw you another twist, he does!

This was the first book I have read by this author and I will definitely be reading more.

[Darla Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review:
What She Thought She Saw by Dan Grylles, Crime Writer
It was cool being thrown back into 1977 - the references in the story, songs, movies, etc. But as for the story itself, nothing it what it seems. I began second guessing almost everything that was happening after Gwen and Roy moved to LA because they start out with secrets and that's never good for a relationship and as things move along her " friends" become more entwined with her life. Could it affect her relationship with Roy? Will she stay friends with her 3 besties? Find out in this psychological thriller that will have you reading all night. 5 stars 🤩

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

What She Thought She Saw was such a rollercoaster ride that had me screaming at its main character Gwen. From just page one I was sucked in and committed to see where the story would go and it exceeded my expectations. The amount of secrets, antics, and paranoia written within these pages were enough to last a lifetime. I often found myself shouting internally because it’s just that good. The plot and twist were well crafted and executed flawlessly. This is by far a must read for all. This is my first novel from Dan Grylles but not my last.


Thank you InsideStory and Dan Grylles for the eARC. This review is that of my own.

[Nora Flood-Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've yet to read a book by this author that I didn't become so absorbed in the story that the world around didn't become obsolete. This is one intense read. Gwen and Roy have made a move to make a new start. Gwen is trying to deal with her past but we know the past doesn't always stay buried, it can creep back into our subconscious and wreck havoc. Roy is a cop, with secrets. Gwen starts questioning everything and maybe she should. Perception can be accurate or distorted. Loved this psychological thriller. Ps. I miss Remy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allow two days (or a very long one) for this dark, twisted, adult, urban 1977 mildly sapphic, historical, psychological serial-killer procedural thriller, featuring broken-families, California, LGBTQ, politics, prostitution, PTSD, self-medication, counting blessings, controlling husbands, a pushy neighbor, California labor laws, golf, a man walking after 2 AM, a black eye, a vicious circle, drinking, glamor, therapy, sake, the death of Elvis, VCR, Pumping Iron, corruption, the La Brea Tar Pits, comeuppance, friends, and really wanting to know.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tammy Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one intense and twisted tale, Gwen is hoping for a fresh start after a tragic incident back in Kansas, LA is such a different type of vibe than she is used to but she tries to adjust to it wanting to start over for her and her husband Roy as he begins his job as a detective for the LAPD. She even makes friends in Dianne, Tina, Sean and Betty, but soon Roy is distant and she begins to doubts her new friends intentions. Honestly I twigged to some of twists near the end and it was still a guy punch.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bookdragon_Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, it started out a bit slow, but I continued to keep reading, because I'm not a quitter 😂. The further I read, the more I found myself yelling at the fmc. Gwen. I was constantly saying wtf. Gwen is diabolical...and bat-shit crazy. Her rants would have me questioning if she was ok. I did catch on about the baby and the mom about 3/4 through, but not the hows, but the rest? Not even close. And that ending? Chef's kiss! 👌. I can't wait to read another by this author. I hope it is as good as this one!

[Sandra Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast, exciting read.

Young woman, kills her Dad. Goes into the house and find Dad had killed her Mom. Was self defense.
She marries a policeman. He is given a promotion to Detective. So, the move to LA.
Wife makes odd friends, shoots a friends husband. Was self defense again.
Then, another friend is found murdered.
She finds out that she thinks her husband is having an affair with a woman. Ahe and her neighbor friend, follow the woman home. Detectives wife, tells woman to stay away from her husband. Thinks the other woman was going to shoot her, so she shoots first.
More craziness abounds.
Wife ends up in a mental institution.

[Carol Gulliford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in sunny California in 1977, What She Thought She Saw offered a delightful escape into the 1970s. It tells of a fresh start for Gwen and an opportunity to escape her past. But it's never that easy, is it?

The tension builds, and the climax is full of twists, which I thoroughly enjoyed! So, if you want a book where you question everything and everyone, give it a go! Releases March 31.

Thank you to Inside Story and the author for this ARC read.

[Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

What She Thought She Saw is a twisty, addictive ride that had me questioning everything right along with Gwen.

I didn’t think anyone overthinks more than I do, but here we are. Gwen deserves a trophy. And the things that take place in this book… my goodness. By the end, I was fully spiraling and honestly feel like I need Gwen’s therapist’s number.

Fast-paced, tense, and impossible to put down. Definitely a must-read page turner.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that stays with you long after you're done reading it. Twists and turns that keep you off balance through the whole book. I don't want to give anything away so I'll just say it's a good thriller and I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This psychological thriller is set in 1977 and has you guessing what is happening as the main characters move from Kansas to Los Angeles. He was recently promoted to detective and there were more job opportunities for him in LA. There are plenty of twists and turns, especially at the end in this fast-paced story.

[Michelle Godard-Richer · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the start, underlying tension builds as Gwen meets her new neighbors and settles into her new home. I could sense that something was off and scrutinized every character, wondering what they could be hiding. It turned out a lot was happening, and some of it truly surprised me. Fans of neighborhood psychological thrillers will enjoy this book.

[travel_thru_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had such a great time with this story—Dan really knocked it out of the park. It felt like a total stand‑out to me: sharp, tense, and honestly so mind‑bending. I loved how the book dropped me straight into 1977 L.A., where everything seemed sunny from the outside looking in but something underneath just feels wrong. As Gwen’s world slowly cracked open, I found myself side‑eyeing every single character because they all felt suspicious in the best way.

And those twists—WOW. I’m still thinking about them. Dan absolutely gave me a book hangover with this one.

This was such a fun, wild psychological thriller, and I loved how it kept me questioning everything right up to the last moment.

[Wade Wondercheck Kaylene Matlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

fast-paced psychological thriller, paranoia, secrets, and deception collide—where nothing is as it seems, and the most dangerous enemy may be the one next door.