Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Dreadful Things

Rate this book
How do you survive a serial killer when you’re the only one that believes he exists?

Harlyn Wade thought moving halfway across the country would help her outrun the nightmares. Her twin sister was murdered a year ago, and the case went cold. When objects start moving in her rental condo and another body turns up, Harlyn realizes the killer isn't finished. He's been watching. Waiting. And now he's ready to claim his real prize.



FBI profiler Boone Landry doesn't believe in coincidences. The moment he meets Harlyn during a podcast interview, he knows she's in danger. What he doesn't expect is the fierce need to protect her or the way she makes him break every rule he's ever followed. When the stalker escalates, Boone has one choice. Keep Harlyn close and use her as bait to draw out a killer who's already taken everything from her.



In a deadly game of cat and mouse where obsession masquerades as love and protection borders on possession, only one question remains. Who should Harlyn fear more, the killer who wants her dead or the man who refuses to let her go?



Discover the answers in Dreadful Things, a dark romantic suspense featuring a possessive FBI hero, a triple POV cat and mouse game, and the kind of love that saves you when the darkness closes in.

426 pages, Paperback

Published March 30, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Albany Walker

34 books2,130 followers
Albany lives in Michigan where she's happily married to her high school sweetheart. She spends most of her time juggling her four children's extracurricular activities, with her nose stuck in a book. When not reading you can find her writing her very own book boyfriends. Albany's passion is writing romance with real characters that are far from perfect, but always seem to find their own happily ever afters.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
72 (45%)
4 stars
55 (34%)
3 stars
24 (15%)
2 stars
6 (3%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Inkheart’s Bookshelf.
54 reviews
April 2, 2026
Dreadful Things By Albany Walker

This murder mystery/romance builds up very nicely. You find yourself hooked and on the edge of your seat within the first couple of chapters. I enjoyed how descriptive the author was over the little struggles the MFC went through since her twin’s death. She did a really good job of showing how something small can be triggering for someone who’s gone through trauma and how they battle daily dealing with it. I really loved how the MFC and MMC relationship unfolds and develops. It showed how even relationships that develop quickly have layers and complex emotions within them. The only flaw I found with the story was the end. It felt a bit lackluster after so much build up. I think the book could have been a bit longer to really delve into the climax and what came after. I think the story would have been better balanced and would have had better closure for the characters. Despite that I would recommend this to others to read. It was my first time really delving into mystery romance and I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Toy.
249 reviews4 followers
April 5, 2026
UnPutDownable

Albany Walker has a unique gift for blending high-stakes tension with undeniable chemistry, and "Dreadful Things" is a masterclass in why she remains a powerhouse in the world of romance. Whether it’s paranormal or suspense.

If you are looking for a story that is as haunting as it is heart-racing, this is the one. Although friends with monsters remains my all-time favorite this book isn’t too far behind.

Book Review: Dreadful Things

Author: Albany Walker

Genre: Romantic Suspense / Psychological Thriller

The Vibe: Gritty, Obsessive, and Heart-Pounding

Also, let me note that I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I was super excited to receive my first ever ARC from one of my favorite authors and it did not disappoint. I also downloaded the Kindle unlimited to re read later.


The Synopsis

Harlyn Wade’s life stopped the night her twin sister Hayzel (my Grandmother’s name) was murdered. A year later, with the case having gone cold and the police looking the other way, Harlyn is the only one who refuses to let go. She knows the killer is still out there—mainly because she can feel him watching her.

Moving to Michigan for fresh start (although she had another purpose) doesn’t quite work out the way she planned.


Desperate to find the monster who took her sister, Harlyn’s path collides with FBI profiler Agent, Boone Landry. He’s sharp, ruthless, and trained to see through the eyes of predators. While Landry recognizes the dangerous obsession driving Harlyn, he find himself unable to stay away. But as their connection deepens, the darkness closing in on Harlyn proves that the monster isn’t just hiding in the shadows anymore—he’s coming for her.

Why It’s a 4-Star Read

* The Atmosphere: Walker excels at creating a sense of sadness and "dread" that lives up to the title. From the very first page, there is a chilling introduction that puts you in the mindset for what to expect in the novel going forward thus making the suspense feel incredibly visceral.

* Harlyn & Landry’s Chemistry: The dynamic between Harlyn and Agent Landry is electric. Landry is the perfect "protective yet intense" hero, and his sharp, professional exterior provides a brilliant foil to Harlyn’s raw, grief-driven determination. Because of his profession, he reads her so well, which only enhances their connection.

* Dual POV Brilliance: By utilizing a dual perspective, Walker lets us inside the heads of both characters, heightening the emotional stakes and making every near-miss with the killer feel that much more urgent.

* The "Albany Walker" Signature: Like her previous works, this book doesn't shy away from the darker side of human nature, but it balances that darkness with a romance that feels earned and deeply passionate. As I stated earlier, the friends with Monster series was my first introduction to Walker and one of my all-time favorite series. I’ve read the books and listened to the audiobooks more than once. I read books 1 & 2 of the Ivy Institute last week, then Just yesterday I finished up the three book audiobook series for Tasting Madness, which was narrated beautifully and also a suspenseful series (I finished in just two days). And today I’ve read Dreadful Things in one day straight through. Next I’m going to buy the Infinity Chronicles on Audible as they are on sale. I also read them a few years ago. Lastly, I will be reading the Corrupt Credence series next.


Final Verdict
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dreadful Things is a pulse-pounding reminder of why Albany Walker is a must-buy author. It is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of grief, justice, and the thin line between protection and obsession. For fans of romantic suspense that actually delivers on the "suspense," this book is an absolute triumph.

"He sees the danger in her determination, the recklessness in her eyes—and he wants her anyway."

Profile Image for SmuttyBuddy.
770 reviews165 followers
April 11, 2026
Harlyn and Boone's MF story- (Tropes and triggers and content info at the end)

When the police cast off Harlyn's sister Hayzel's m*rder as nothing more than a crime of opportunity, and fumble the entire investigation, Harlyn is left reeling and feeling scared and alone. She flees the apartment she shared with her sister in Texas, to a new rental in Michigan. Hopefully now she is far away from the worries, the stress, and the dangers she faced in her old life.

Harlyn is invited to be a guest on a true crime podcast, where she meets Special Agent Boone Landry with the FBI. It is immediate attraction between them, and they start to become involved quickly. Boone is a profiler, and a damn good one at that. Harlyn knows that with his help, she can show everyone that Hayzel's murder wasn't a one off, and that a serial killer is still out there.

And then, all the things Harlyn thought she had left behind in Texas start happening again. Items begin to move in her apartment, things go missing or get destroyed, and Harlyn knows the k*ller has followed her to this new state, even though she feels like she has been so careful.

Together with Boone's help, she is hoping they can catch a k*ller, before the k*ller gets to them first!

I have been reading Albany's books since around 2019 with her Friends With The Monsters series, and it has been such a joy to experience the growth and change in Albany's work! This book especially has been different from books she has written in the past, and because of the unique (to her) structure, it kept me guessing the whole way through! I thought for sure at one point I knew who the killer was, and my (wrong) assumption made one of the chapters kind of confusing for a little bit! The red herrings in this book threw me off a couple of times

Tropes, Triggers, and content info

Profile Image for Caylee T..
1,126 reviews16 followers
March 27, 2026
Holy Moly!

This book was so intense.

Harlyn is still reeling from the loss of her sister. And she is still trying to do whatever she can to find the person responsible for it.

And a trip to Michigan for a crime podcast is how she thinks she’ll get that help. She just never imagined meeting Special Agent Landry at this podcast. And she definitely didn’t imagine that for the first time in a long time, she would find herself attracted to this man.

But then she realizes he may be able to help her with her sister’s case. And a new bond quickly forms. Because Agent Landry also seems to feel connected to her too.

And what follows is those two trying to deny whatever feelings they have whilst also trying to find new leads in the case. They eventually give in to those feelings & it was magnificent.

But lines a blurred, a serial unaliver is still out there & it seems Harlyn is his next target. The tension in this book was definitely top tier because I found myself on the edge of my seat trying to figure if they would catch him.

This was definitely an intense book but it definitely had me hooked in pretty quickly.

Amazing job!
Profile Image for Jens_Book_Cubby.
1,557 reviews56 followers
March 27, 2026
Dreadful Things is a standalone, dark, romantic suspense. The story is told in first person with multiple POV.

Harlyn's sister has been killed and now she might be next. She is running scared. Enter Special Agent Boone Landry, an FBI Profiler. Can he make Harlyn feel safe again, and maybe catch her sister's killer? Or will they both end up being the killer's next victims?

This was an intriguing read with suspense, romance, danger, and more. I loved the emotion, excitement, and the sizzling chemistry between Harlyn and Boone. It's been quite a while since I've read a book like this, but it was very much worth taking a chance on.

This was an awesomely written book with amazing plot, pace, flow, characters, storyline, storytelling, character development, relationship development, and world building. If you are looking for an intriguing read with the FMC on the run from a killer, obsessed stalker, then I'd definitely recommend this book.

Thank you so very much to Albany Walker for the ARC; all thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
36 reviews
April 2, 2026
Dreadful Things by Albany Walker is a novel that really kept me on my toes. I’m not usually into stalker type stories, but Harlyn and Boone completely pulled me in. The chemistry between them was one of my favorite parts. Watching them navigate their complicated situation (figuring out their relationship while also trying to keep Harlyn safe) had me hooked the whole time. Their dynamic felt tense, emotional, and at times surprisingly heartfelt.
There was one moment (no spoilers!) that actually made me yell out loud. I definitely scared my partner as much as the characters were in that scene. I love when a book can get that kind of reaction out of me. Overall, this was a gripping and intense read that I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I did (not super into stalker books, but always willing to read an Albany Walker book!). If you’re into suspense with strong character chemistry, this one is worth checking out.
Profile Image for Jjs_booknook.
155 reviews
April 5, 2026
I don’t know what I excepted but this book was so amazing. It grabbed you right away and kept you locked in until the last sentence.
Harlyn is so strong and vulnerable but refuses to give up for her sister. Boone is amazing, protective, emotionally intelligent (kind of) and so in love. The entire time I would not have guessed the stalker. I did like the twists of their relationship too and how interwoven but separate the case was. This will become a favorite and reread for me!
Harlyn Wade is loving in dread after her twin sister’s death and not finding her k*ller. After being invited on a true crime show to talk about her sister’s death, she meets FBI profiler Boone. Along with instant attraction they also realize that her sister’s k*ller was als a stalker and Harlyn looks to be next. Navigating sudden intense emotions, unsolved mysteries, and stalking, Harlyn and Boone have so much stacked against them. Can they make it out alive and together?
Profile Image for JJ Cornette.
310 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 23, 2026
This book had me on my toes in suspense while also making me swoon for Harlyn and Boone. Harlyn is currently being stalked by her twin sister's killer. It's been a year since the murder and Harlyn is looking for a change, to be braver, and to bring some attention to help solve her sister's murder. She decides to go on a podcast for public attention and meets FBI profiler, Boone. Their chemistry immediately leaps from the page. The back and forth between these two in trying to figure out the best way to give into their chemistry almost keeps you on your toes as much as the murderer does. Boone is immediately protective of Harlyn and only wants to keep her safe. I could not put this book down, I was drawn into their world and couldn't wait to find out what happened. If you're looking for a great romantic suspense this is what you want!
Profile Image for A. Clements.
89 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2026
Rating: 5/5⭐️
Romance: 4.5/5 🖤
Suspense: 5/5 🎀

🖤🎀 This book had me pacing at 2 in the morning. The suspense was suspensing. Leave it to Albany Walker to make me lose sleep over a book because I needed to know what happened next.🎀🖤

Albany keeps you guessing through out this whole book. just when you think you're about to catch on, another twist, another clue that throws you for a loop. The twists will catch you off guard. There was a few times I have to go back and reread a chapter or two because I was flabbergasted.

The chemistry between Harlyn and Boone is off the charts. I'm talking next level protectiveness.

If you want a dark suspends romance that will have you pacing, rereading, and questioning the books plot...then this one is for you.

🖤🎀Now go pick this book up like the good girl you are and start reading.🎀🖤

Profile Image for DyAnna Baker.
191 reviews5 followers
April 4, 2026
Where to begin!!! I love all things Albany and this was such a change on her previous works! It was a little fast paced for me only because I wanted to surround myself in this story and get lost in it for days, but I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one.

The chicken nuggets! Never have I found someone who eats them how I do, with honey and ketchup! So to find that in this story was a special treat for me.

The insta attraction was so good. It didn’t feel forced or rushed. The chemistry between Harlyn and Boone was there from the start. I liked how the stalker aspect didn’t focus solely on him but on the actual story of H & B.

As always, Albany has written a story I will read over and over again. The ending about had me throwing my phone thinking it was going one way and I usually can guess in Stalker books who it was but this one took me totally by surprise.

Albany has a style of ending her books that always has me wanting more and making my own stories of how the characters lives continued into happiness.

I can’t wait to get a physical copy and add to my shelf to read again.
Profile Image for Marie.
387 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2026
I love this author and have read almost all of their books and rated almost all 4 or 5 stars. This one was a miss for me. I took some time to try to decide what happened and I think it was that everything felt rushed, especially the ending. I have loved all of their books series and was excited to get a stand alone but I think this one needed more time to be fully fleshed out. I also hated the way he reacted to her finding the “rain check” text and seemed to blame her. Also, her response to the fight felt very immature. The side characters, especially her best friend, felt very one dimensional and also reacted strangely to her wanting some time alone and not being honest. The book was very bingable otherwise and I did love the twist at the end. However, it wasn’t really explained well who the other guy was.
Profile Image for RomanceBookLoverinSeattle.
1,139 reviews16 followers
March 26, 2026
This intrigued me from the start. Harlyn is headed to a new place to live to get away from her nightmares after her twin sister was murdered the year before. When she shows up to be a guest on a podcast aimed at giving attention to her sister's case she meets Boone, an FBI agent whose a guest on the show to help add insight. The attraction between them is instant and Boone offers to help review Harlyn's sisters case with her. From there the story really takes off as Harlyn and Boone not only have her sisters case, but the fact that Harlyn herself is in danger. This keeps you on the edge as you follow along waiting to see what will happen next.
Profile Image for Mrs T.
397 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2026
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed Dreadful Things.

Harlyn's twins sister was murdered and she fears that she is now a target.

On the surface, being the target of a serial killer and having the trauma of your twins death, wouldn't necessarily be prime romance material.

Until you factor in Agent Boone Landry.

The fact that Boone is a profiler adds a depth to both Harlyn's emotions and reactions.

He provides a steady presence and although he can be possessive, it's from a protective stance (& it's really hot).

The suspense and danger intertwine perfectly with the budding relationship and keeps you wanting to see where it's all going to end.

Superbly written and engaging.
193 reviews
April 24, 2026
I wanted more from the stalker, it felt to random. focused to much on the relationship and not enough on the situation. I really struggled with the relationship in this one, they didnt seem to have at click moment for me and i just couldn't get into it but it could be due to being rushed as it is a stand alone there is to build up.
5 Star - Couldn't put this book down. Its stay up late reading and be late to work good.
4 Stars - Couldn't put this book down but I still got a goodnights sleep
3 Stars - An enjoyable read that took me a few days to a week to finish
2 Stars - An okay book that I struggled to get through in places - next book is still on my TBR list
1 Stars - DNF
Profile Image for Cortina.
29 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2026
Harlyn is on the run from the person who killed her twin sister. She meets Boone, an FBI profiler, while going on a podcast to discuss her sister’s murder. The two have an instant connection and Boone is determined to keep Harlyn safe from her stalker. I love the chemistry between them. There was a brief moment of miscommunication that made me want to smack Boone. However it was quickly cleared up. Albany Walker has a way of creating characters that stay with you long after you read their stories. I’m so glad that I read this.
60 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2026
Albany Walker hit it out of the park with her stand-alone romantic suspense/thriller Dreadful Things. Harlyn is trying to find answers about her twin sister’s murder and has no idea that she is in the killer’s sight.
Boone, tall and handsome FBI agent, meets Harlyn when they are on a crime podcast together, and the romantic sparks fly.
This book sucked me in right from the beginning, and I did not want to put it down. I wish the ending would have been drawn out a bit longer. It felt just a bit rushed. But overall, a great read by a favorite author.
Profile Image for brii h.
420 reviews
April 1, 2026
Ms Walker has written a darker suspenseful book this time. Harlyn is bravely trying to be her twin sisters voice and help Search for the person who took her life. During a trip to visit with a true crime podcast she meets Boone, an agent for the FBI. This is where the story truly begins. Boone our MMC wants to keep Harlyn safe, while Harlyn our FMC wants her sisters murder solved. The suspense will keep you reading / return to reading until the very end. What really happened to Hayzel? Is it the same person after Harlyn? Can Boone keep her safe and identify the ki||er? Will the they find there hea? This one gives all the feels while keeping you on the edge.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
31 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2026
This kept me awake, in the best way

First, don't start this book before bed if you're scared of the dark. The mood and feel for the book was perfect for the theme and characters. It felt spooky and tense - I loved it.

I'm going to try and keep spoilers out of my review.

There are a bunch of stalker books in dark romance that end up with the FMC, and others where the stalker is also the good guy. This book had me unsure. Is it 2 people? Is the MMC also the killer?

Albany dropped little hints for us along the way. I enjoyed guessing.

I liked this book. We even get a little epilogue with some hope core.
Profile Image for Rebecca Duemmler.
77 reviews
March 31, 2026
I don’t usually read suspenseful/thriller type books very often but Dreadful Things is all of that. I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would, I loved this book!

This book kept me in the edge of my seat. I truly could not stop reading it because I HAD to know what happened next. It was suspenseful, romantic, dangerous, everything you could want in a book.

If I could give it 10 stars I would!
Profile Image for thenerdybookworm_.
1,681 reviews66 followers
April 4, 2026
Harlyn is still reeling from the loss of her sister a year later. Determined to find the killer, she seeks help from a crime podcast. Enter FBI Profiler Boone Landry.

Their chemistry is immediate. The back and forth tension is enough to keep you hooked as much as finding out whodunit.

The twists and clues throughout the story create amazing suspense and keep the story alive. It’ll keep you on your toes until the very end.

Profile Image for Gab.
370 reviews18 followers
April 4, 2026
Albany Walker gives us romantic suspense in this book and I ate it up with all of the utensils possible.

Harlyn and Boone are everything you’d want in two characters in a book like this. The instant attraction was written perfectly. I loved how Harlyn was as a main character, especially the fear and the attraction she had being so well balanced.

Albany Walker is an amazing author and easily one of my go-tos!
Profile Image for Crystal.
163 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2026
Fast Paced Romantic Thriller

I don't think I've read a romantic thriller by Albany Walker before, but I was not disappointed! The pacing was just fast enough to hold your attention and the premise was interesting- and a change of pace for Walker. Def had a good time reading it, and now I'm back to waiting with bated breath for her next release 😭
Profile Image for Winter Wray.
349 reviews19 followers
March 28, 2026
Holy addicting! I couldn’t put this book down. What’s not to love? Suspense, romance, amazing character and plot, a grieving victim desperate for someone to believe her and to be safe, a special agent who is enraptured by her, protective MMC, strong but vulnerable FMC, need I go on…oh yeah, it’s by Albany freaking Walker, so you know the writing is fire. I cannot wait for the audiobook!!
Profile Image for Ashton Hennings.
13 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2026
Another great book from Albany! This is an instant read author for me, and she never disappoints. My only gripe is that I wish this was longer or had multiple books, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Loved the connection Harlyn and FBI Profiler Boone had from the get go, I really rooted for a happy ending for them both!
Profile Image for Danielle.
267 reviews13 followers
March 30, 2026
Definitely a thriller from start to finish. Harlyn is a very strong female character. She’s trying to solve her twin sister’s murder searching everywhere she can think of including a pod cast which leads her to meeting FBI Special Agent Boone Landry. When it seems that Harlyn is in danger Boone helps protect her. I didn't enjoy this one as much as I have her other books.
349 reviews
April 27, 2026
Almost 2.5⭐️. All aspects of this one were kind of bland. Murder mystery storyline was decent, but the ending was unsatisfying. The FMC was unremarkable and the MMC was a very lite version of possessive. The romance storyline was unfulfilling and the spice scenes were only so-so. Overall, no hook to make me think I’m going to remember the storyline later.
Profile Image for Jamie.
1,125 reviews5 followers
May 8, 2026
Page Turner

I loved that Harlyn found love & happiness in the end . Boone was a all around great guy. They both fell fast & hard for one another. I understood to an extent why the person was targeting her sister , but the reason why fell flat for me. The person came out of the blue & you will be suprised. I hope the author chooses to write more of the genre.
Profile Image for Kelly.
17 reviews
March 26, 2026
I loved it! Amazing story that kept me hooked from the very beginning. I will definitely read it again. I did feel like the ending was really rushed and would have loved more of an explanation. But overall a really good read.
Profile Image for Sue Harbers.
1,482 reviews14 followers
March 26, 2026
Wow I gobbled this 👏 book 👏 up 👏!! I am a big fan of true crime and the mysteries behind it and, of course, I love romance! This book is the perfect marriage of both things. Harlyn and Boone jumped off the pages for me, their banter and chemistry was untouchable. Highly recommend!
1,081 reviews8 followers
March 26, 2026
Dreadful Things by Albany Walker is a suspenseful, stalker, FBI read. Harlyn is being stalked by her twin sister's k1l1er. Harlyn meets Boone, FBI profiler. Such a good story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews