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No One Will Believe You
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jan 27From the author of Tell Me You Trust Me comes a claustrophobic thriller about a grieving widow trapped in a mansion full of secrets―and the children she’ll risk everything to save.
The nanny job sounds too good to be true, but I’m out of options. So, saddled with my late husband’s debts, I say yes to the wealthy stranger he trusted―and enter a whole new world.
The gated Heights neighborhood is picture perfect, and JJ Whitmore’s mansion is beyond pristine. Every room feels staged, observed. As if the mirrors have eyes. But there are too many doors…and too many locks.
The children are sweet, but something’s off. Twelve-year-old Alex, eight-year-old Violet, and five-year-old Finn whisper constantly, cry every night, and leave strange drawings lying around. I think they’re trying to warn me. But about what?
Their father charms, their grandmother rules, and their mother looks at me like I’m already gone. I don’t know who to trust or what happened to my predecessor. But I do know Whatever sick game I’ve been pulled into, I’ve got to get out.
And I’m not leaving without those kids.
The nanny job sounds too good to be true, but I’m out of options. So, saddled with my late husband’s debts, I say yes to the wealthy stranger he trusted―and enter a whole new world.
The gated Heights neighborhood is picture perfect, and JJ Whitmore’s mansion is beyond pristine. Every room feels staged, observed. As if the mirrors have eyes. But there are too many doors…and too many locks.
The children are sweet, but something’s off. Twelve-year-old Alex, eight-year-old Violet, and five-year-old Finn whisper constantly, cry every night, and leave strange drawings lying around. I think they’re trying to warn me. But about what?
Their father charms, their grandmother rules, and their mother looks at me like I’m already gone. I don’t know who to trust or what happened to my predecessor. But I do know Whatever sick game I’ve been pulled into, I’ve got to get out.
And I’m not leaving without those kids.
- GenresThriller
315 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 1, 2027
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 13, 2026
After Samantha’s husband has died and left her drowning in debt, she was given a note to contact JJ. She takes a nanny job working for his wealthy family but quickly enough she realizes something is very wrong.
This had a great setup and a creepy atmosphere, but I found myself wanting more clarity and stronger character development. The mystery kept me reading, but I never felt fully invested in the people at the center of it. And the grandmother? All I could picture was Dolores Umbridge with “I MUST HAVE ORDER.” 😂
This had a great setup and a creepy atmosphere, but I found myself wanting more clarity and stronger character development. The mystery kept me reading, but I never felt fully invested in the people at the center of it. And the grandmother? All I could picture was Dolores Umbridge with “I MUST HAVE ORDER.” 😂
August 26, 2026
I thought this book would be right up my alley, but I honestly didn’t really enjoy this. I wasn’t a huge fan of the execution and I found this book to be pretty boring. I not only found myself struggling to connect with all of the characters, but I also didn’t like any of them. I felt as though something was missing within this book and prevented the story from really grabbing my attention.
It was reminiscent of a few other books that I’ve previously read, but just not as good to me. I liked the start of this book but unfortunately it didn’t hold up for me. I actually don’t think that this is a bad book but it simply wasn’t my cup of tea. I could see this book being successful for others and I’ll definitely give this author another chance in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
It was reminiscent of a few other books that I’ve previously read, but just not as good to me. I liked the start of this book but unfortunately it didn’t hold up for me. I actually don’t think that this is a bad book but it simply wasn’t my cup of tea. I could see this book being successful for others and I’ll definitely give this author another chance in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I honestly do not know where to start with this one. Definitely not for me. Almost a DNF but managed to push through and I don't think it was worth it. The story was all over the place. Lots of SMH moments and why would you stay at this place and for this particular job?? The story just really devolved as it progressed and I struggled with this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.
October 1, 2026
Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for providing the copy of No One Will Believe You by Elle Owens. This was a strange book. At first I loved how creepy it was and I had no idea what was going on, which kept me reading to find out. The creepiness turned into strange humiliation ‘games’ with s3xual undertones, and punishment of children. I’m sorry I didn’t stop reading it because the conclusion wasn’t worth having that abuse live in my head now. I’m disappointed that the initial promise showed Owens can craft an atmospheric story, but it devolved into something yucky. 2 stars
June 11, 2026
2.5 Stars⭐️⭐️.5
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I liked this one, but I really wanted to love it. It’s a concept we’ve seen before: a young woman is hired as a nanny by a strange family in a mysterious mansion, that may or may not have a connection to her husband’s death. Personally, I love this premise and will never get tired of it. It always makes me want to blast through the book to get to the end.
The story itself was propulsive and interesting, but I hoped for more in terms of the execution.
I didn’t really connect with the FMC. We didn’t get enough of her backstory to make her odd choices make any sense.
The story structure itself was solid, but the real potential was overshadowed by the flowery prose, but of course that is a matter of taste. My main issues were at the line level. The dialogue felt a bit forced, and the prose was quite flat. Lots of metaphors and similes, the overuse of ellipses and the words “sharp” and “deliberate” was kind of distracting. Sharp, or a variation of it, was used 116 times. An excessive use of things being described as “too ___”, with a very repetitive sentence structure that took me out of the narrative once I noticed it.
I could tell the author had an amazing sense of the space the story was set in, but they were hard to picture as the reader. A lot of focus on little details instead of the overall setting.
I loved the music knowledge peppered throughout the story. As a music lover, I adored all the references and the technical jargon, and the playlist is great!
This writer is clearly super talented, but there was just something missing.
However, I was still super keen to finish and see how everything tied together, and I’m glad I did! Overall 2.5 stars for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I liked this one, but I really wanted to love it. It’s a concept we’ve seen before: a young woman is hired as a nanny by a strange family in a mysterious mansion, that may or may not have a connection to her husband’s death. Personally, I love this premise and will never get tired of it. It always makes me want to blast through the book to get to the end.
The story itself was propulsive and interesting, but I hoped for more in terms of the execution.
I didn’t really connect with the FMC. We didn’t get enough of her backstory to make her odd choices make any sense.
The story structure itself was solid, but the real potential was overshadowed by the flowery prose, but of course that is a matter of taste. My main issues were at the line level. The dialogue felt a bit forced, and the prose was quite flat. Lots of metaphors and similes, the overuse of ellipses and the words “sharp” and “deliberate” was kind of distracting. Sharp, or a variation of it, was used 116 times. An excessive use of things being described as “too ___”, with a very repetitive sentence structure that took me out of the narrative once I noticed it.
I could tell the author had an amazing sense of the space the story was set in, but they were hard to picture as the reader. A lot of focus on little details instead of the overall setting.
I loved the music knowledge peppered throughout the story. As a music lover, I adored all the references and the technical jargon, and the playlist is great!
This writer is clearly super talented, but there was just something missing.
However, I was still super keen to finish and see how everything tied together, and I’m glad I did! Overall 2.5 stars for me.
July 2, 2026
This one kept me entertained, but mostly in a “what the heck is going on?” kind of way.
The FMC was deeply unrelatable in her responses to the situation at hand 😅
The FMC was deeply unrelatable in her responses to the situation at hand 😅
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was honestly just so bad that I don't even know where to begin. Seriously. There isn't a single thing that comes to mind that wasn't lacking or just downright horrible in some way, shape, or form. The characters were vile (save for the children), the plot was so ridiculously over the top that it became laughable, and the continuity errors were so glaring that I have to wonder if this book was ever actually read by anyone, much less edited. But I suppose since the characters and plot are so irrevocably intertwined, we'll just tackle them together.
To start, this book was neither a domestic thriller nor a psychological thriller. No, what I got was some sort of weird humiliation ritual that didn't even bother trying to disguise itself as anything else.
Sure, there were moments when Samantha was with the children, trying to decipher whatever strange message they were attempting to communicate to her. There were also moments involving JJ, who was entirely too handsy and flirty for a married father of three. But what stole the show time and again (and not in a good way) was the way Eleanor treated Samantha. Now, I understand what the author was trying to do here. They wanted to convey that something wasn't quite right in this house, and honestly? They were doing a pretty good job of it at first. The entire house looks more like a showroom than an actual home. The children are kept in their own wing, they're always quiet, always perfectly dressed, and there are these strange little details that make you feel like something is seriously off. The maintenance workers never speak (one of them is apparently mowing the lawn even though the mower isn't even turned on), the children occasionally refer to “the others” who are in the house. For me? There was SO much potential here. I strongly believe that the author had everything they needed to create this incredibly creepy, claustrophobic atmosphere where Samantha slowly realizes that something is very, very wrong with this family.
And then the story veered directly into whatever bizarre humiliation kink the author apparently wanted to write instead. I mean, it was already difficult enough to overlook Eleanor praising Samantha for “finding something appropriate to wear” to dinner when her dinner outfits were literally provided to her. But then we get lines like: “When I lift my hand you will speak, when I lower it you will stop", “You will smile when you speak", And "Are you going to be disobedient? We can work with that if so". As if that weren't bad enough, Samantha is then forced to sit on the laps of strange men while they touch her, all while she's expected to smile and say whatever they're telling her to say. I'm sorry, but what the hell am I reading?
But because apparently the book hadn't given me enough reasons to be annoyed, we have the continuity errors.
Good lord. It was like this book was written, uploaded, and sent out into the world without anyone ever bothering to read it again (the author included). For example, JJ upsets Samantha, so she escapes to her room and LOCKS THE DOOR BEHIND HER. Later, she wakes up from her nap and absolutely freaks out because her door is locked. She starts wondering who could have locked it. She even tells herself that she wouldn't have done it. Except, Girl. YOU DID DO IT. Then there's Finn pushing peas around on his plate during dinner. Except dinner is served several pages later. And no, peas aren't even on the menu. Or how about the time when JJ tells Samantha they're having guests for dinner that night. Except the dinner party happens the next day. And let's not forget the ballgown that apparently only comes down to Samantha's knees or the fact that somehow JJ's wife manages to thrust said dress into Samantha's hands when her hands had been filled with folded napkins literally seconds earlier. But my personal favorite has to be Samantha somehow managing to hide an entire cell phone under her armpit. At this point, I wasn't even questioning the plot anymore. I was just waiting to see what bizarre continuity error would show up next.
Although, this brings me to a really strong final statement on my thoughts for this novel. One of Eleanor’s favorite teaching moments was this; “When you err, you will say, Thank you for correcting me. Then in one sentence, you will explain how you will improve.” Elle, you erred when you advertised this book as a thriller. Even your weak attempt to liken it to the Hostel movies did not disguise what this actually was.
To start, this book was neither a domestic thriller nor a psychological thriller. No, what I got was some sort of weird humiliation ritual that didn't even bother trying to disguise itself as anything else.
Sure, there were moments when Samantha was with the children, trying to decipher whatever strange message they were attempting to communicate to her. There were also moments involving JJ, who was entirely too handsy and flirty for a married father of three. But what stole the show time and again (and not in a good way) was the way Eleanor treated Samantha. Now, I understand what the author was trying to do here. They wanted to convey that something wasn't quite right in this house, and honestly? They were doing a pretty good job of it at first. The entire house looks more like a showroom than an actual home. The children are kept in their own wing, they're always quiet, always perfectly dressed, and there are these strange little details that make you feel like something is seriously off. The maintenance workers never speak (one of them is apparently mowing the lawn even though the mower isn't even turned on), the children occasionally refer to “the others” who are in the house. For me? There was SO much potential here. I strongly believe that the author had everything they needed to create this incredibly creepy, claustrophobic atmosphere where Samantha slowly realizes that something is very, very wrong with this family.
And then the story veered directly into whatever bizarre humiliation kink the author apparently wanted to write instead. I mean, it was already difficult enough to overlook Eleanor praising Samantha for “finding something appropriate to wear” to dinner when her dinner outfits were literally provided to her. But then we get lines like: “When I lift my hand you will speak, when I lower it you will stop", “You will smile when you speak", And "Are you going to be disobedient? We can work with that if so". As if that weren't bad enough, Samantha is then forced to sit on the laps of strange men while they touch her, all while she's expected to smile and say whatever they're telling her to say. I'm sorry, but what the hell am I reading?
But because apparently the book hadn't given me enough reasons to be annoyed, we have the continuity errors.
Good lord. It was like this book was written, uploaded, and sent out into the world without anyone ever bothering to read it again (the author included). For example, JJ upsets Samantha, so she escapes to her room and LOCKS THE DOOR BEHIND HER. Later, she wakes up from her nap and absolutely freaks out because her door is locked. She starts wondering who could have locked it. She even tells herself that she wouldn't have done it. Except, Girl. YOU DID DO IT. Then there's Finn pushing peas around on his plate during dinner. Except dinner is served several pages later. And no, peas aren't even on the menu. Or how about the time when JJ tells Samantha they're having guests for dinner that night. Except the dinner party happens the next day. And let's not forget the ballgown that apparently only comes down to Samantha's knees or the fact that somehow JJ's wife manages to thrust said dress into Samantha's hands when her hands had been filled with folded napkins literally seconds earlier. But my personal favorite has to be Samantha somehow managing to hide an entire cell phone under her armpit. At this point, I wasn't even questioning the plot anymore. I was just waiting to see what bizarre continuity error would show up next.
Although, this brings me to a really strong final statement on my thoughts for this novel. One of Eleanor’s favorite teaching moments was this; “When you err, you will say, Thank you for correcting me. Then in one sentence, you will explain how you will improve.” Elle, you erred when you advertised this book as a thriller. Even your weak attempt to liken it to the Hostel movies did not disguise what this actually was.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hmm this is one of those books that had me a bit all over the place. Parts I liked, thought were really interesting but also parts that were so unrealistic and annoying that I didn’t know if I was going to persist.
You definitely need to suspend all thoughts of a story set in realism. There are far too many left of centre events for this. I almost felt like this book was written by two people and I could clearly define which writer was writing what.
The basic plot is a Nanny takes up a job in a posh big home to look after 3 children but also to be a toy and gameplay for the very freaking weird family that live there. We have the psychotic sociopathic controlling Matriach, her Narcissistic creepy and manipulative son and his confusing sycophantic wife. Our FMC who has taken this Nanny job ends up there via a specific series of events. That’s all revealed as it comes to an end.
Our FMC was so annoying at times. She fluctuated between being a strong, tough cookie who wasn’t going to take any crap to a really annoying pathetic grovelling snivelling victim. Especially when around JJ (the narcissistic son who is obsessed with her). Why was she so ridiculous around him.
There is some confusion or smokescreens if you like as to WHAT this game is that she is there for. The real purpose. Not to care for the children but her role in a sick and twisted series of events. When this was revealed I was like “yes! Let’s go!” As it was a good concept, I’ve seen it done before in books and movies but still I really thought we were going to take off. Nope. It went by in a flash and ended in the most pathetic bathroom scene which had me eye-rolling and wanting to shake the woman and give JJ a good kick in the you know what.
The children are good characters. Redeeming elements of the book. Her innate desire to want to protect them from this sick perverted family made for some good scenes. A definite strength of the book. Then there are reveals and moments at when I was like “are you kidding me?” Is that really where we are? From what should be complex and intriguing to predictable.
So I struggle. I admit the first 40% of the book I was bored and had no idea where it was going and not that invested then when the big reveal happens my interest perked up. So I did fly through the latter half of the book. You know when you are in a book that you know could be written so much better, with less repetitive statements and themes (if JJ lightly brushed her skin one more time I was gong to clock him one) but it’s lingering in states of disbelief? Well that. But I kept reading. Conflicted. Very.
I see I’m not alone with some early reviews but I honestly don’t know where I sit with this so I’m going with 3 stars. Not intriguing enough for 4 stars but also not SO awful to warrant 1 or 2 stars. I also know some types of readers will like this.
It was like a genre blender party too. I could list snippets of the book that fit numerous book categories and that in itself was part of the problem.
I had a moment of thinking if it flipped into dark romance, enemies to lovers, then the revenge plot of the year we’d have a great novel. Did I mention how many times JJ lightly brushed her skin or his gaze lingered or his breath could be felt on her cheek? It drove me nuts.
The grand finale is a rush of action and a number of exposes that I got into and I liked the follow on to the chaotic ending. I was pretty satisfied with that. Could be left open for a follow on but don’t know if any plans for that. Blimey I’ve written a lot, trying to get all the conflicting thoughts out.
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.
If you are an Author or Publisher and would like to ask me to review any books my email address is in my bio.
You definitely need to suspend all thoughts of a story set in realism. There are far too many left of centre events for this. I almost felt like this book was written by two people and I could clearly define which writer was writing what.
The basic plot is a Nanny takes up a job in a posh big home to look after 3 children but also to be a toy and gameplay for the very freaking weird family that live there. We have the psychotic sociopathic controlling Matriach, her Narcissistic creepy and manipulative son and his confusing sycophantic wife. Our FMC who has taken this Nanny job ends up there via a specific series of events. That’s all revealed as it comes to an end.
Our FMC was so annoying at times. She fluctuated between being a strong, tough cookie who wasn’t going to take any crap to a really annoying pathetic grovelling snivelling victim. Especially when around JJ (the narcissistic son who is obsessed with her). Why was she so ridiculous around him.
There is some confusion or smokescreens if you like as to WHAT this game is that she is there for. The real purpose. Not to care for the children but her role in a sick and twisted series of events. When this was revealed I was like “yes! Let’s go!” As it was a good concept, I’ve seen it done before in books and movies but still I really thought we were going to take off. Nope. It went by in a flash and ended in the most pathetic bathroom scene which had me eye-rolling and wanting to shake the woman and give JJ a good kick in the you know what.
The children are good characters. Redeeming elements of the book. Her innate desire to want to protect them from this sick perverted family made for some good scenes. A definite strength of the book. Then there are reveals and moments at when I was like “are you kidding me?” Is that really where we are? From what should be complex and intriguing to predictable.
So I struggle. I admit the first 40% of the book I was bored and had no idea where it was going and not that invested then when the big reveal happens my interest perked up. So I did fly through the latter half of the book. You know when you are in a book that you know could be written so much better, with less repetitive statements and themes (if JJ lightly brushed her skin one more time I was gong to clock him one) but it’s lingering in states of disbelief? Well that. But I kept reading. Conflicted. Very.
I see I’m not alone with some early reviews but I honestly don’t know where I sit with this so I’m going with 3 stars. Not intriguing enough for 4 stars but also not SO awful to warrant 1 or 2 stars. I also know some types of readers will like this.
It was like a genre blender party too. I could list snippets of the book that fit numerous book categories and that in itself was part of the problem.
I had a moment of thinking if it flipped into dark romance, enemies to lovers, then the revenge plot of the year we’d have a great novel. Did I mention how many times JJ lightly brushed her skin or his gaze lingered or his breath could be felt on her cheek? It drove me nuts.
The grand finale is a rush of action and a number of exposes that I got into and I liked the follow on to the chaotic ending. I was pretty satisfied with that. Could be left open for a follow on but don’t know if any plans for that. Blimey I’ve written a lot, trying to get all the conflicting thoughts out.
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.
If you are an Author or Publisher and would like to ask me to review any books my email address is in my bio.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
No One Will Believe You is a wonderfully claustrophobic, slow‑burn suspense novel that pulls you into its unsettling world from the moment the protagonist steps through the gates of the Heights. Elle Owens has a talent for creating tension out of the ordinary — a pristine mansion, too many locks, mirrors that feel like they’re watching — and it all builds into a deliciously creeping sense of dread.
The nanny premise is familiar, but Owens gives it emotional weight by grounding it in grief and desperation. The widow’s need for stability makes her vulnerable, and that vulnerability is what makes the story so compelling. You feel her unease grow with every whisper from the children, every strange drawing left out, every moment where the house seems to shift around her.
The children themselves are beautifully written — fragile, frightened, and clearly carrying secrets they don’t know how to voice. Their fear becomes the emotional core of the book, and it’s easy to root for the protagonist as she slowly realises she’s the only adult willing to protect them.
The Whitmore family dynamic adds another layer of tension: a charming father, a controlling grandmother, and a mother who seems to see danger long before anyone else. The question of what happened to the previous nanny hangs over every chapter, and Owens releases answers at just the right pace.
By the time the truth begins to surface, the atmosphere is thick with paranoia and urgency. The final act is sharp, breathless, and satisfying — exactly what a psychological thriller should deliver.
Elegant, eerie, and emotionally charged, No One Will Believe You is perfect for readers who love domestic suspense with a gothic edge and a heroine who refuses to walk away from the children who need her most.
with thanks to Elle Owens, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The nanny premise is familiar, but Owens gives it emotional weight by grounding it in grief and desperation. The widow’s need for stability makes her vulnerable, and that vulnerability is what makes the story so compelling. You feel her unease grow with every whisper from the children, every strange drawing left out, every moment where the house seems to shift around her.
The children themselves are beautifully written — fragile, frightened, and clearly carrying secrets they don’t know how to voice. Their fear becomes the emotional core of the book, and it’s easy to root for the protagonist as she slowly realises she’s the only adult willing to protect them.
The Whitmore family dynamic adds another layer of tension: a charming father, a controlling grandmother, and a mother who seems to see danger long before anyone else. The question of what happened to the previous nanny hangs over every chapter, and Owens releases answers at just the right pace.
By the time the truth begins to surface, the atmosphere is thick with paranoia and urgency. The final act is sharp, breathless, and satisfying — exactly what a psychological thriller should deliver.
Elegant, eerie, and emotionally charged, No One Will Believe You is perfect for readers who love domestic suspense with a gothic edge and a heroine who refuses to walk away from the children who need her most.
with thanks to Elle Owens, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Samantha’s husband dies, he leaves her drowning in debt. Her Hail Mary arrives in the form of a note telling her to contact JJ Whitmore, a friend who can help. Despite the fact that her husband never once mentioned JJ, she takes the bait (and all of her belongings) to the Whitmore estate, where she’ll be working as a live-in nanny.
The kids are odd, JJ’s wife is strange, JJ’s mother is unhinged, and the house has too many mirrors, too many locks, and WAY too many unsettling rules.
Samantha quickly finds herself struggling with not just the atmosphere of the house, but the two sides of her late husband - the one JJ tells her about who left her drowning in debt, and the one she thought she knew for so many years.
Twisted questions, warnings from the kids, and the mounting sense that Samantha is being watched and manipulated made this one hard for me to put down. Samantha wasn’t particularly likable, but her dedication to the children made her bearable, and I was invested enough in figuring out exactly what was happening inside the Whitmore estate that I flew through it.
And when the pieces finally started coming together? Completely deranged. Exactly what I want from this kind of thriller.
Well written, wildly unhinged, and a good little popcorn thriller. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4, and I’ll definitely be reading more from Elle Owens!
Huge thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC!
The kids are odd, JJ’s wife is strange, JJ’s mother is unhinged, and the house has too many mirrors, too many locks, and WAY too many unsettling rules.
Samantha quickly finds herself struggling with not just the atmosphere of the house, but the two sides of her late husband - the one JJ tells her about who left her drowning in debt, and the one she thought she knew for so many years.
Twisted questions, warnings from the kids, and the mounting sense that Samantha is being watched and manipulated made this one hard for me to put down. Samantha wasn’t particularly likable, but her dedication to the children made her bearable, and I was invested enough in figuring out exactly what was happening inside the Whitmore estate that I flew through it.
And when the pieces finally started coming together? Completely deranged. Exactly what I want from this kind of thriller.
Well written, wildly unhinged, and a good little popcorn thriller. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4, and I’ll definitely be reading more from Elle Owens!
Huge thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A copy was given to me by netgalley in change of a honest review.
After the sudden death of her husband, Sam accepts a job as a nanny for a man who was supposedly a friend of her late husband—someone she has never even met. From the very beginning, something feels off. The family is unsettling: the grandmother seems heartless, the mother is cold and constantly drunk, the children are quiet and unusually reserved, and the father is far too familiar.
The story takes its time before revealing the disturbing game that is being played. However, Sam quickly realizes that her only chance is to do everything she can to survive. She also becomes determined to save the children and take them with her if she manages to escape.
Through the music that is familiar to Sam, we gradually learn more about her life with her husband, adding depth to her character. JJ's backstory is also explored through memories from the past, making it increasingly clear that he is a psychopath. I would have liked to learn more about the grandmother and the mother, as their characters felt less developed.
Some chapters could have been a little shorter, as there was some repetition that made parts of the story feel slightly drawn out. Even so, the suspense never lets up, and the book kept me engaged from beginning to end.
After the sudden death of her husband, Sam accepts a job as a nanny for a man who was supposedly a friend of her late husband—someone she has never even met. From the very beginning, something feels off. The family is unsettling: the grandmother seems heartless, the mother is cold and constantly drunk, the children are quiet and unusually reserved, and the father is far too familiar.
The story takes its time before revealing the disturbing game that is being played. However, Sam quickly realizes that her only chance is to do everything she can to survive. She also becomes determined to save the children and take them with her if she manages to escape.
Through the music that is familiar to Sam, we gradually learn more about her life with her husband, adding depth to her character. JJ's backstory is also explored through memories from the past, making it increasingly clear that he is a psychopath. I would have liked to learn more about the grandmother and the mother, as their characters felt less developed.
Some chapters could have been a little shorter, as there was some repetition that made parts of the story feel slightly drawn out. Even so, the suspense never lets up, and the book kept me engaged from beginning to end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC of No One Will Believe You.
No One Will Believe You follows Samantha, a widow who discovers her late husband left her buried in debt. Desperate for a fresh start, she accepts a live-in nanny position with JJ, a man who supposedly was one of her husband's closest friends. Once she arrives, however, she quickly realizes something isn't right. The children are strange, JJ's wife barely speaks, his mother is controlling, and the household becomes increasingly unsettling.
I wanted to like this one, but it fell a little flat for me. I love books about wealthy, dysfunctional families, but this story felt disjointed and increasingly over-the-top. My biggest issue was Sam herself. The red flags were everywhere from the beginning, yet she continually ignored them and stayed in situations that made less and less sense. Between the whispering in the walls, the bizarre family dynamics, and the increasingly outrageous things Sam was asked to do, I found myself rolling my eyes more than feeling suspense. Instead of wondering what would happen next, I kept wondering why she hadn't packed her bags and left already. Overall, an intriguing premise that didn't quite work for me.
No One Will Believe You follows Samantha, a widow who discovers her late husband left her buried in debt. Desperate for a fresh start, she accepts a live-in nanny position with JJ, a man who supposedly was one of her husband's closest friends. Once she arrives, however, she quickly realizes something isn't right. The children are strange, JJ's wife barely speaks, his mother is controlling, and the household becomes increasingly unsettling.
I wanted to like this one, but it fell a little flat for me. I love books about wealthy, dysfunctional families, but this story felt disjointed and increasingly over-the-top. My biggest issue was Sam herself. The red flags were everywhere from the beginning, yet she continually ignored them and stayed in situations that made less and less sense. Between the whispering in the walls, the bizarre family dynamics, and the increasingly outrageous things Sam was asked to do, I found myself rolling my eyes more than feeling suspense. Instead of wondering what would happen next, I kept wondering why she hadn't packed her bags and left already. Overall, an intriguing premise that didn't quite work for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had a pretty good time with No One Will Believe You. The creepy children were definitely my favourite part — Alex, Violet and Finn were just strange enough that I couldn't decide whether I felt sorry for them, trusted them, or was actually more worried about them 😂.
I liked the whole setup of the nanny arriving at this beautiful, seemingly perfect house and slowly realising that things aren't quite adding up. Between the children's behaviour, the previous nanny and the different family members, I was constantly changing my mind about who I thought was hiding something.
It was definitely one of those books where I kept thinking okay, something is NOT right here, and I enjoyed trying to work out what it was. I also liked that the house itself felt like part of the story rather than just a setting.
Some of the twists didn't completely surprise me, though, and a few of the characters felt a little like they were there to make me suspicious rather than characters I became really attached to. So while I enjoyed it, it didn't quite have that I need to tell everyone about this thriller feeling.
Still, it was an easy, creepy read and I was definitely entertained.
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
I liked the whole setup of the nanny arriving at this beautiful, seemingly perfect house and slowly realising that things aren't quite adding up. Between the children's behaviour, the previous nanny and the different family members, I was constantly changing my mind about who I thought was hiding something.
It was definitely one of those books where I kept thinking okay, something is NOT right here, and I enjoyed trying to work out what it was. I also liked that the house itself felt like part of the story rather than just a setting.
Some of the twists didn't completely surprise me, though, and a few of the characters felt a little like they were there to make me suspicious rather than characters I became really attached to. So while I enjoyed it, it didn't quite have that I need to tell everyone about this thriller feeling.
Still, it was an easy, creepy read and I was definitely entertained.
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.
This was a chilling, suspenseful thriller packed with some of the most twisted, malevolent characters I've come across in a long time.
Poor Samantha. After the death of her beloved husband, she's left drowning in crushing debt. Thank goodness his will directs her to his former best friend for help.
It seems like a dream come true—a job as nanny to three children in a picture-perfect mansion.
Too bad she never heard the saying, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
I have to admit, I rushed through the final chapters because the tension was almost unbearable and I had to know how it ended. Then I immediately went back and reread those chapters to catch everything I'd missed.
This book is dark, unsettling, and incredibly suspenseful. The characters are depraved, the atmosphere is chilling, and the tension never lets up. If you enjoy psychological thrillers filled with shocking twists and deeply sinister characters, this one is well worth reading.
This was a chilling, suspenseful thriller packed with some of the most twisted, malevolent characters I've come across in a long time.
Poor Samantha. After the death of her beloved husband, she's left drowning in crushing debt. Thank goodness his will directs her to his former best friend for help.
It seems like a dream come true—a job as nanny to three children in a picture-perfect mansion.
Too bad she never heard the saying, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
I have to admit, I rushed through the final chapters because the tension was almost unbearable and I had to know how it ended. Then I immediately went back and reread those chapters to catch everything I'd missed.
This book is dark, unsettling, and incredibly suspenseful. The characters are depraved, the atmosphere is chilling, and the tension never lets up. If you enjoy psychological thrillers filled with shocking twists and deeply sinister characters, this one is well worth reading.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First of all, a big thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first book by Elle Owens, and it certainly won’t be my last. The premise immediately piqued my interest, and from the very beginning I was hooked. I spent the opening chapters trying to work out where the story was heading and what kind of thriller I was settling into—and I genuinely couldn't figure it out.
Around the halfway point, this book took a turn I never saw coming. The atmosphere became incredibly creepy, claustrophobic, and deeply unsettling, and I found myself racing through the pages to see how it would all unfold.
I did find parts of the ending a little difficult to believe... which, given the title certainly feels rather apt!
Overall, though, this was a thoroughly enjoyable thriller with plenty of surprises, and it has definitely left me wanting to read more from Elle Owens.
This was my first book by Elle Owens, and it certainly won’t be my last. The premise immediately piqued my interest, and from the very beginning I was hooked. I spent the opening chapters trying to work out where the story was heading and what kind of thriller I was settling into—and I genuinely couldn't figure it out.
Around the halfway point, this book took a turn I never saw coming. The atmosphere became incredibly creepy, claustrophobic, and deeply unsettling, and I found myself racing through the pages to see how it would all unfold.
I did find parts of the ending a little difficult to believe... which, given the title certainly feels rather apt!
Overall, though, this was a thoroughly enjoyable thriller with plenty of surprises, and it has definitely left me wanting to read more from Elle Owens.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars rounded up. I loved Elle Owens's debut novel (Tell Me You Trust Me) so was thrilled at the opportunity to read an early copy of her sophomore novel. No One Will Believe You is a claustrophobic, deliciously creepy psychological thriller that had me whispering "what is happening!?" to myself multiple times. Main character Sam's first mistake is taking the nanny job in the first place - but she is desperate, grieving her husband's death (in a car crash) and suffering financially (as her dead husband's secrets come to light). Most of the characters in the novel are quite unlikable (but that is the point), but you'll find yourself rooting for Sam and the children. I really couldn't figure out how Owens was going to bring everything to its ultimate conclusion - which kept me turning the pages well into the wee hours.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the advance reader's digital copy. #NoOneWillBelieveYou #NetGalley
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the advance reader's digital copy. #NoOneWillBelieveYou #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In this psychology thriller you’ll find it hard to trust anyone even to the last page you’ll still wonder and think about who was right about what and who. I could not put this book down. Every page was filled with twist and turns and have you wondering what was happening or how it’ll play out.
Sam Wells has found a new path in life when her husband passes from a car accident. When her husband passed away she found out all about there money troubles and the debt he left to her. With no money or savings to get them out of the hole he’s put them in, she receives his will and in it has the information to one of his good friends, JJ Whittmore. She calls him and he offers her a job for the summer teaching his children music and being a live in nanny. The job that was supposed to help her quickly turned into a life or death situation. With many twist and turns you’ll find yourself questioning your own sanity by the end of the book.
Sam Wells has found a new path in life when her husband passes from a car accident. When her husband passed away she found out all about there money troubles and the debt he left to her. With no money or savings to get them out of the hole he’s put them in, she receives his will and in it has the information to one of his good friends, JJ Whittmore. She calls him and he offers her a job for the summer teaching his children music and being a live in nanny. The job that was supposed to help her quickly turned into a life or death situation. With many twist and turns you’ll find yourself questioning your own sanity by the end of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Thomas & Mercer for an ARC of this novel.
Regarding the dedication - Elle, I have to say I agree with your mom on this one...what a story!! This is not your typical down and out woman finds a live-in nanny role with creepy kids.
We are following Samantha who is still grieving her recently deceased husband. His will tells her seek out JJ if anything happens to him and that is exactly how she finds herself as the live-in nanny for his family. Initially, there are a few happenings that feel questionable, but they are easy enough to justify when your main character is grieving and completely out of her element. Then as you get deeper into the story, you discover that nothing is as it seems.
I couldn't put this book down, I needed to know what the heck was actually happening!
Regarding the dedication - Elle, I have to say I agree with your mom on this one...what a story!! This is not your typical down and out woman finds a live-in nanny role with creepy kids.
We are following Samantha who is still grieving her recently deceased husband. His will tells her seek out JJ if anything happens to him and that is exactly how she finds herself as the live-in nanny for his family. Initially, there are a few happenings that feel questionable, but they are easy enough to justify when your main character is grieving and completely out of her element. Then as you get deeper into the story, you discover that nothing is as it seems.
I couldn't put this book down, I needed to know what the heck was actually happening!
August 24, 2026
Have you seen The Haunting of Bly Manor? Because that’s exactly how I felt starting this book. Nothing supernatural happened, obviously, but the vibes were definitely there.
Was I going crazy along with Sam? Absolutely. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book where I had no idea what was happening, what to expect, or who to trust. Every reveal felt like a plot twist, and I loved every second of it.
The plot was well structured and flowed really well. The characters were difficult to decipher, which I actually enjoyed, and once everything started unraveling, I was completely hooked.
I think I expected the ending to have a little more impact. It was a great ending, but I imagined something different… maybe better? More complicated? The whole book was so twisty that I expected the ending to be just as twisty... But hey, I still had SO much fun reading this book! 🖤
Was I going crazy along with Sam? Absolutely. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book where I had no idea what was happening, what to expect, or who to trust. Every reveal felt like a plot twist, and I loved every second of it.
The plot was well structured and flowed really well. The characters were difficult to decipher, which I actually enjoyed, and once everything started unraveling, I was completely hooked.
I think I expected the ending to have a little more impact. It was a great ending, but I imagined something different… maybe better? More complicated? The whole book was so twisty that I expected the ending to be just as twisty... But hey, I still had SO much fun reading this book! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advanced copy for my review.
I really enjoyed No One Will Believe You! The creepy mansion, strange family dynamics, and secrets surrounding the children kept me interested and wondering what was really going on.
I loved the unsettling atmosphere and the feeling that something was wrong from the very beginning. There were plenty of suspicious characters, and I enjoyed trying to figure out who could actually be trusted. A few parts moved a little slower than I would have liked, but the mystery kept me reading.
Overall, this was a suspenseful and entertaining thriller with plenty of secrets and twists. Definitely worth picking up if you enjoy domestic thrillers with creepy families and a main character who knows something isn't right!
I really enjoyed No One Will Believe You! The creepy mansion, strange family dynamics, and secrets surrounding the children kept me interested and wondering what was really going on.
I loved the unsettling atmosphere and the feeling that something was wrong from the very beginning. There were plenty of suspicious characters, and I enjoyed trying to figure out who could actually be trusted. A few parts moved a little slower than I would have liked, but the mystery kept me reading.
Overall, this was a suspenseful and entertaining thriller with plenty of secrets and twists. Definitely worth picking up if you enjoy domestic thrillers with creepy families and a main character who knows something isn't right!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this new thriller by Elle Owens. This one really kept me guessing!
After his death in a car crash, Sam’s husband Michael leaves instructions in his will for her to go see JJ Whitmore, a friend of Michael’s from college. Michael promises that JJ will take care of Sam and all the debts Michael left behind. Or will he…? This book is equal parts shocking, infuriating, and surprising. I loved the relationships Sam built with the kids, and how she stayed strong for them and for herself.
I definitely would read more from this author, and recommend this book for thriller readers!
After his death in a car crash, Sam’s husband Michael leaves instructions in his will for her to go see JJ Whitmore, a friend of Michael’s from college. Michael promises that JJ will take care of Sam and all the debts Michael left behind. Or will he…? This book is equal parts shocking, infuriating, and surprising. I loved the relationships Sam built with the kids, and how she stayed strong for them and for herself.
I definitely would read more from this author, and recommend this book for thriller readers!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m not a fan of horror but this psychological thriller kept me reading. Sam can’t trust what she sees or hears and makes the reader wonder if she’s an unreliable narrator. Is the house a true house or a set where every moment is filmed? A lot of questions remain unanswered even at the end and I’d love a prequel or sequel to understand why the bets and games occurred. Who were the neighbors? Was Katie a pawn or prisoner? Was JJ sane or insane? Super freaky read but if you like disturbing reads, you might like this.
#NoOneWillBelieveYou #NetGalley
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #ARC #advancedreadercopy
#NoOneWillBelieveYou #NetGalley
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #ARC #advancedreadercopy
June 30, 2026
eARC. This one caught me off guard with a pretty unique setting. While the style was right up my alley, I found the execution to be horror-esque (seemingly to the author’s intent). As my first introduction to the author, I really liked this one and found a lot of the ideas to feel more original than a lot of similar thrillers. I will definitely keep an eye out for more of her work, and I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys the darker thrillers out there.
July 22, 2026
This has all the right ingredients for a perfect fast-paced, claustrophobic popcorn thriller. Entertainment gold is the best way to explain it.
We have a grieving widow who takes a nanny job due to having nowhere else to go and …. Sh*t hits the fan.
It’s eerie, creepy, unsettling, and you are on the edge of your seat, having no clue where this is going to go!
Thank you, Netgalley, for the eARC in return for my honest review
We have a grieving widow who takes a nanny job due to having nowhere else to go and …. Sh*t hits the fan.
It’s eerie, creepy, unsettling, and you are on the edge of your seat, having no clue where this is going to go!
Thank you, Netgalley, for the eARC in return for my honest review
July 18, 2026
My God Elle Owens!!!
Reading this story caused so much anxiety! (Not in a bad way!) I was anxious to see how it ended.
I loved the kids and I loved the main character. She was the perfect choice for those kids. To get them out and to safety.
Also… Michael??? Seriously. I can’t believe it!!!
Soooo good!!!
Reading this story caused so much anxiety! (Not in a bad way!) I was anxious to see how it ended.
I loved the kids and I loved the main character. She was the perfect choice for those kids. To get them out and to safety.
Also… Michael??? Seriously. I can’t believe it!!!
Soooo good!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book had me invested from the first chapter. Six hours later I was finished. The whole time I was like, "What?", "WTH", "No way!". Each page had me questioning/guessing what was really happening. If you are debating reading this, just do it, you will not be disappointed.
September 8, 2026
This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest review.
THIS BOOK WAS CRAZY! I needed to know what was going on immediately. Sam lived my NIGHTMARE and my heart was pounding with hers when she was dealing with new situations.
Check this book out!!
THIS BOOK WAS CRAZY! I needed to know what was going on immediately. Sam lived my NIGHTMARE and my heart was pounding with hers when she was dealing with new situations.
Check this book out!!
August 24, 2026
After the death of Samantha's husband she discovers he left her drowning in debt. She receives a note instructing her to contact a man named JJ. Taking the risk, showing up at his home, she is hired as a nanny for this wealthy family. With the growing feeling something is not right, the chaos begins. From JJ's "I MUST HAVE ORDER" mother, his bitter wife to the kids who are far from living a normal life. Samantha is determined to discover just whats going on and take the kids with her if necessary.
I would descibe this book as Mommy Dearest meets The Truman Show
I like the concept and creepy atmosphere. Some situations were a little to exaggerated. Samanthas character was back and forth in my opinion. It kept my curiosity up enough to finish the book. Wasn't a 5 star for me but I have read worse.
Thank you to NetGalley for this AR copy.
I would descibe this book as Mommy Dearest meets The Truman Show
I like the concept and creepy atmosphere. Some situations were a little to exaggerated. Samanthas character was back and forth in my opinion. It kept my curiosity up enough to finish the book. Wasn't a 5 star for me but I have read worse.
Thank you to NetGalley for this AR copy.
June 22, 2026
I had the pleasure of meeting Elle Owens (aka Jacqueline Snowe) last year and I’ve gotta admit… I much prefer her thrillers to her romantic comedies.
At first, this felt like familiar thriller territory: a down-on-her-luck young woman takes a nanny job with a wealthy family. The parents are unsettling. The grandmother? Somehow even creepier. The house itself feels off. I spent the opening chapters convinced I was heading into haunted-house territory and fully asking myself: Are there ghosts? Are the kids ghosts? WHAT is happening?
But then… this book takes a sharp left turn. The middle section had me hooked because it got genuinely weird in the best way (creepy, unsettling, impossible to predict) and suddenly I needed to know where it was going.
That said, I wanted more depth from our FMC, and I wanted the ending to go harder. After all that eerie buildup and strange momentum, the resolution felt a little too neat for me. There’s some ambiguity (“are they actually safe… or not?”), but I was waiting for one final jaw-dropping twist that never quite came. Still, if you like thrillers that start familiar and then go delightfully off the rails, this one is worth the ride.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC! “No One Will Believe You” hits shelves November 10, 2026.
At first, this felt like familiar thriller territory: a down-on-her-luck young woman takes a nanny job with a wealthy family. The parents are unsettling. The grandmother? Somehow even creepier. The house itself feels off. I spent the opening chapters convinced I was heading into haunted-house territory and fully asking myself: Are there ghosts? Are the kids ghosts? WHAT is happening?
But then… this book takes a sharp left turn. The middle section had me hooked because it got genuinely weird in the best way (creepy, unsettling, impossible to predict) and suddenly I needed to know where it was going.
That said, I wanted more depth from our FMC, and I wanted the ending to go harder. After all that eerie buildup and strange momentum, the resolution felt a little too neat for me. There’s some ambiguity (“are they actually safe… or not?”), but I was waiting for one final jaw-dropping twist that never quite came. Still, if you like thrillers that start familiar and then go delightfully off the rails, this one is worth the ride.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC! “No One Will Believe You” hits shelves November 10, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this advanced copy.
The book made me have a feeling of claustrophobia throughout, and it did keep my attention, but I was kind of confused about "the games". Once I read the Author's note, I understood a little better. It was good, I would recommend it to someone, and this is my honest opinion.
The book made me have a feeling of claustrophobia throughout, and it did keep my attention, but I was kind of confused about "the games". Once I read the Author's note, I understood a little better. It was good, I would recommend it to someone, and this is my honest opinion.
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