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How It Ends
For fans of Lisa Unger and Shalini Boland comes a propulsive short thriller about a mysterious attack and a young woman who must uncover the truth to protect herself.
Marti Greenwood has just moved into a brand-new home after a bitter divorce from her husband Emery, and while she’s still not quite done with him—of course, some of her most cherished possessions are nowhere to be found once she unpacks her things—a fresh start in a beautiful LA neighborhood is exactly what she needs.
But days after her arrival, Marti is attacked in her home. She's found shaken and beaten, and her neighbors immediately call the police. She never saw the face of her attacker, so there is little to go on as detectives open an investigation—but Marti will do whatever it takes to find her assailant.
Please note: This audio contains strong language, distressing situations, and descriptions of violence that some listeners may find upsetting. Discretion is advised.
Marti Greenwood has just moved into a brand-new home after a bitter divorce from her husband Emery, and while she’s still not quite done with him—of course, some of her most cherished possessions are nowhere to be found once she unpacks her things—a fresh start in a beautiful LA neighborhood is exactly what she needs.
But days after her arrival, Marti is attacked in her home. She's found shaken and beaten, and her neighbors immediately call the police. She never saw the face of her attacker, so there is little to go on as detectives open an investigation—but Marti will do whatever it takes to find her assailant.
Please note: This audio contains strong language, distressing situations, and descriptions of violence that some listeners may find upsetting. Discretion is advised.
3 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 25, 2021
70 people are currently reading
994 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Howzell Hall
34 books2,449 followersRACHEL HOWZELL HALL l is the critically acclaimed author and Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist for And Now She’s Gone, which was also nominated for the Lefty-, Barry-, Shamus- and Anthony Awards and the Audible Originals bestseller How It Ends. A New York Times bestselling author of The Good Sister with James Patterson, Rachel is an Anthony-, International Thriller Writers- and Lefty Award nominee and the author of They All Fall Down, Land of Shadows, Skies of Ash, Trail of Echoes and City of Saviors in the Detective Elouise Norton series. Her next thriller, These Toxic Things, out in September 2021, recently received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, calling the novel ‘cleverly-plotted’ and ‘a refreshing take on the serial killer theme.’
Rachel is a former member of the board of directors for Mystery Writers of America and has been a featured writer on NPR’s acclaimed Crime in the City series and the National Endowment for the Arts weekly podcast; she has also served as a mentor in Pitch Wars and the Association of Writers Programs. Rachel lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter. For more information, visit www.rachelhowzell.com
Her next novel And Now She’s Gone will be published in September 2020. You can find her at www.rachelhowzell.com and on Twitter @RachelHowzell.
Rachel is a former member of the board of directors for Mystery Writers of America and has been a featured writer on NPR’s acclaimed Crime in the City series and the National Endowment for the Arts weekly podcast; she has also served as a mentor in Pitch Wars and the Association of Writers Programs. Rachel lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter. For more information, visit www.rachelhowzell.com
Her next novel And Now She’s Gone will be published in September 2020. You can find her at www.rachelhowzell.com and on Twitter @RachelHowzell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 467 reviews
August 22, 2021
A fast paced and suspenseful short thriller
Marti, an author is in the middle of a tough divorce, but was delighted to move into her own beautiful home to start her new life. Unfortunately she was attacked in her dream house, but who was it?
Audible UK finally got the audible plus catalogue, so at last I have access to amazing short stories like this without using a credit 🙌
I was immediately hooked into this creepy thriller by the wonderful narrator Janiece Abbott Pratt. I loved her accent, and the tone of her voice, she portrayed Marti brilliantly! I whizzed through the book quickly, and was impressed by author Rachel Howzell Hall's dark yet realistic themes. I hadn't heard of her, but will definitely be looking up her other books!
I loved Marti! A smart, strong, independent black woman determined to move on after her divorce, she was likeable and relatable. It was horrible living the vicious attack through her, and her PTSD and fear after. Was it a stranger who attacked her? A neighbour? Her creepy gaslighting ex? Marti didn't see her attacker so everyone was a suspect! Home should be a safe haven, so it was scary seeing how unsafe and watched she felt. Sadly, many women will identify with Marti, as they recognise some of the things she had to put up with from the men around her.
The ending was both surprising, but satisfying! 😏
I highly recommend this short audio, but a warning, there is quite a bit of colourful language and violence, so take care! 🍊🍊🍊🍊
Marti, an author is in the middle of a tough divorce, but was delighted to move into her own beautiful home to start her new life. Unfortunately she was attacked in her dream house, but who was it?
Audible UK finally got the audible plus catalogue, so at last I have access to amazing short stories like this without using a credit 🙌
I was immediately hooked into this creepy thriller by the wonderful narrator Janiece Abbott Pratt. I loved her accent, and the tone of her voice, she portrayed Marti brilliantly! I whizzed through the book quickly, and was impressed by author Rachel Howzell Hall's dark yet realistic themes. I hadn't heard of her, but will definitely be looking up her other books!
I loved Marti! A smart, strong, independent black woman determined to move on after her divorce, she was likeable and relatable. It was horrible living the vicious attack through her, and her PTSD and fear after. Was it a stranger who attacked her? A neighbour? Her creepy gaslighting ex? Marti didn't see her attacker so everyone was a suspect! Home should be a safe haven, so it was scary seeing how unsafe and watched she felt. Sadly, many women will identify with Marti, as they recognise some of the things she had to put up with from the men around her.
The ending was both surprising, but satisfying! 😏
I highly recommend this short audio, but a warning, there is quite a bit of colourful language and violence, so take care! 🍊🍊🍊🍊
May 7, 2021
I always feel a little more legit if I listen to a good thriller while folding laundry. 😏 Another Rachel Howzell Hall for the win!
November 5, 2022
One of the best short stories AND one of the best audiobooks I’ve listened to this year. Marti, who I loved instantly thanks to both Howzell Hall’s gorgeous writing and Joneice Abbott-Pratt’s wonderful narration, is going through an extremely difficult divorce. She moves to the perfect LA house with a beautiful orange tree to make a new start....but it’s there that her nightmare begins.
This novella poses a question...who is more dangerous, the creepy guy you know and once loved, or the stranger? An age-old story, but done SO well here. Creepy dudes everywhere you turn. This is exactly the kind of crap women have to deal with just to get a great orange tree.
This is my first book by Howzell Hall and it was so good that I immediately went to Amazon and put two of her other books into my cart. I would love to read more books about Marti. She is fierce, has a typewriter collection, is a writer, and is basically everything.
As a side note, I have learned from Howzell Hall that some readers are not picking up on the fact that Marti is Black. I’m a little flummoxed by that, but yes, let it be said that is is a great book by a Black woman about a Black woman. And it’s a scary as hell story that I think every woman will relate to.
Off to read this author’s backlist ASAP and hoping for more books featuring Marti (and this narrator!)
This novella poses a question...who is more dangerous, the creepy guy you know and once loved, or the stranger? An age-old story, but done SO well here. Creepy dudes everywhere you turn. This is exactly the kind of crap women have to deal with just to get a great orange tree.
This is my first book by Howzell Hall and it was so good that I immediately went to Amazon and put two of her other books into my cart. I would love to read more books about Marti. She is fierce, has a typewriter collection, is a writer, and is basically everything.
As a side note, I have learned from Howzell Hall that some readers are not picking up on the fact that Marti is Black. I’m a little flummoxed by that, but yes, let it be said that is is a great book by a Black woman about a Black woman. And it’s a scary as hell story that I think every woman will relate to.
Off to read this author’s backlist ASAP and hoping for more books featuring Marti (and this narrator!)
April 19, 2021
This novella was a fast paced thriller that had a shocking ending I didn’t see coming. Just when I thought I had figured every out, the story took an unexpected turn that was intriguing and clever. The narration was spot on and added the perfect combination of humor and suspense. I enjoyed the inventive plot with witty book references throughout the story. The conclusion was surprising and satisfying proving you should never judge a book by its cover. 😉
May 31, 2024
Quick, thriller- not the best, but not the worst. 🤷🏼♀️
May 29, 2021
The audible original, “How it Ends” is a freebee from my membership. It’s 2 ½ hours of suspense. I’m a fan of great novellas that can capture your full attention, tell a complete tale, in a short amount of time. This is narrated by Joniece Abbot-Pratt who renders a pitch perfect performance for this creepy story.
The story centers around Marti who has just moved into a home in a new neighborhood right at the time she is completing her divorce from her emotionally abusive husband. Marti learns that her new neighbor was accused of murdering his wife with the charges dropped under suspicious circumstances.
Shortly after moving in, Marti is viciously attacked in her home. The attacker is at large. Marti has PTSD from her marriage and from her attack. She lives in fear, and we live in fear with her. What makes this a great listen is how believable the story is.
I recommend this for when you want a quick and intelligent thriller.
The story centers around Marti who has just moved into a home in a new neighborhood right at the time she is completing her divorce from her emotionally abusive husband. Marti learns that her new neighbor was accused of murdering his wife with the charges dropped under suspicious circumstances.
Shortly after moving in, Marti is viciously attacked in her home. The attacker is at large. Marti has PTSD from her marriage and from her attack. She lives in fear, and we live in fear with her. What makes this a great listen is how believable the story is.
I recommend this for when you want a quick and intelligent thriller.
October 26, 2023
Story 4 stars**
Audio 4.25 stars**
Narrator Jonice Abbott-Pratt
Audio 4.25 stars**
Narrator Jonice Abbott-Pratt
January 23, 2022
This audio novella was only 2 hours in length but felt like it took 12 hours to finish. Not a lot happened and I'm surprised to see so many call the ending a shocking twist.
Marti is separating from her odd, repulsive husband Emery. She moves into a new home where of course she has a creepy neighbor. Before she has time to settle into her new home, she is viciously attacked.
What follows is extreme paranoia that I found to be frustrating as it led Marti to make countless poor, irrational decisions. Overall, this isn't bad writing or an awful story. It's just very blah and feels like an iteration of a thriller/mystery you've already read. Nothing new.
I've always heard good things about this author and will give her longer novels a read but this one missed the mark for me. However, I will say the narrator did a fantastic job.
2.5 stars, rounding up.
Marti is separating from her odd, repulsive husband Emery. She moves into a new home where of course she has a creepy neighbor. Before she has time to settle into her new home, she is viciously attacked.
What follows is extreme paranoia that I found to be frustrating as it led Marti to make countless poor, irrational decisions. Overall, this isn't bad writing or an awful story. It's just very blah and feels like an iteration of a thriller/mystery you've already read. Nothing new.
I've always heard good things about this author and will give her longer novels a read but this one missed the mark for me. However, I will say the narrator did a fantastic job.
2.5 stars, rounding up.
March 27, 2021
Audio - 5 Stars
Story - 4.25 Stars
Story - 4.25 Stars
September 12, 2021
3.5 🍊🍊🍊
An entertaining, 3am-I can't sleep, black noise distraction.
An entertaining, 3am-I can't sleep, black noise distraction.
November 3, 2025
A revenge-focused suspense thriller where our FMC in California is a writer going through a divorce, and has a strong revenge motivation. Her revenge is both plotted out and carried out; but not at all in the way she was intending. A 1-2 hour audio book with a moderately brisk pace, so that I can check something off my to do list :D
3.8*
3.8*
March 29, 2021
This was an interesting story to say the least....excellent narration
May 18, 2022
THAT OPENING LINE... ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! 😳😳😳
WOW! YES!
WOW! YES!
October 25, 2023
3.5 stars.
October 25, 2023
I would give this audiobook 6 stars if I could!
This book was good although a short read but very good nonetheless!
Marti is a woman that has endured horrible divorce from a very horrible man and this is the point where people lives start! New things are coming and opportunities awaits. For Marti this is where her nightmare begins and from there the book takes off into a horrific scenario. There is a valuable lesson to be taught in all of this be careful who you wrong because it always comes back!
This book was good although a short read but very good nonetheless!
Marti is a woman that has endured horrible divorce from a very horrible man and this is the point where people lives start! New things are coming and opportunities awaits. For Marti this is where her nightmare begins and from there the book takes off into a horrific scenario. There is a valuable lesson to be taught in all of this be careful who you wrong because it always comes back!
April 24, 2021
Marti has recently filed for divorce from her cheating lowlife husband. She works full time but is also a published author. Her husband has never really appreciated what she has contributed to their marriage and she is making sure that the divorce settlement reflects that.
Two days after moving into her new home, she is attacked in her house. While the police try to figure out who was responsible for the attack, Marti struggles to remember all the details that could reveal the offender. On top of that her ex is being difficult about the divorce, her creepy neighbour keeps coming over to help himself to her garden and seems to be popping up when she doesn't want him to.
The story ends with the attacker being revealed, her neighbour getting his just desserts and her husband finding out what revenge really feels like. So this was a really interesting read that kept me entertained doing my Saturday housework!
Two days after moving into her new home, she is attacked in her house. While the police try to figure out who was responsible for the attack, Marti struggles to remember all the details that could reveal the offender. On top of that her ex is being difficult about the divorce, her creepy neighbour keeps coming over to help himself to her garden and seems to be popping up when she doesn't want him to.
The story ends with the attacker being revealed, her neighbour getting his just desserts and her husband finding out what revenge really feels like. So this was a really interesting read that kept me entertained doing my Saturday housework!
January 30, 2023
Short but this one packs a punch. I was instantly pulled in. I liked Marti and her interesting life. The action was fast, the story opens and is very fast moving. The audio was well done, I enjoyed the narrator. Sometimes you just need an audio that is fast and enjoyable and this one definitely was!
October 17, 2023
Meh. Short and okay.
August 15, 2022
3.5* rounded up to 4, thanks to the awesome narration. Short thriller, quite compelling, with a satisfying twist. Mentions of blood and a quite descriptive attack on the main character that made me stop listening for a day or two (it could be triggering). I don’t really read thrillers, so I don’t have a lot to compare it with, but, IMHO, a pretty good read. Now, the ending was a bit forced, but satisfying overall.
December 15, 2021
3/5 ⭐️
Fairly good
Fairly good
April 13, 2021
For a 2 hr and I believe 30 min audio book that's a thriller story. Was pretty good.
August 6, 2022
Saw the ending coming from a mile away but it was pretty entertaining nonetheless!
January 5, 2023
TUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! The endinnnnnnnnnng!!!
December 24, 2021
Another good Audible Original. Perfect for Audio-Cleaning...
May 22, 2024
it was a little slow paced at first which is surprising since it’s just a short story. I will say though, that the ending caught me off guard and I really liked that.
March 28, 2021
Short thriller with a big punch. It was a little cheesy in that way some stories can be when they’re a bit too on the nose at times, but overall it pretty good. Your classic retribution story told from a young, female perspective. I’d listen to more by the author for sure - 4 stars.
August 21, 2023
Pretty predictable audible novella. The author did a decent job with the writing and the character development, but the overall plot was lacking for me. I guessed the twist and the ending before it happened. The narration was great.
June 26, 2021
This was a great thriller novella! I read They All Fall Down and really enjoyed the writing style so I was excited about reading this one and it did not disappoint. One thing I think she does really well is write unreliable narrators/main POV characters and that’s really helpful in adding to the suspense of the plot. Also, I like that her twist be actual twists but are also hella realistic. A lot of thrillers will have twists or an ending that cause you to suspend your common sense but not Rachel Howzell Hall and I love that. In this text there is some violence and physical assault and the anxiety, ptsd, etc that can come from that which was, again, very realistic, familiar and believable. Also, as this is an audiobook, I gotta give it up to the narrator. She did her thing! Anyways great read, highly recommend.
March 22, 2024
Read this short story on a long car ride.
This is one of the dumbest main characters I have ever come across. There were so many things she did that made me pinch the bridge of my nose and sigh, scream at the car speakers, and just nod my head in defeat. The story was interesting, but how the character reacted to things was just infuriating.
This is one of the dumbest main characters I have ever come across. There were so many things she did that made me pinch the bridge of my nose and sigh, scream at the car speakers, and just nod my head in defeat. The story was interesting, but how the character reacted to things was just infuriating.
September 4, 2021
Solid little novella from Rachel Howzell Hall.
This one was a good, quick read. It had some VERY dark themes and was quite visceral at times, but it was only a short so didn't go into as much detail as it could have done.
A problem I had with HOW IT ENDS, was the time jumping. I think as I listened to the audio you didn't always know where/when you were - whereas in a book the dates/times at the beginning of chapters would have helped a lot. This was a bit confusing, because it took you a minute to realise where in the timeline you were and by the time you had you had to go back and start that bit again so you could understand it properly.
Overall I did enjoy this book, very predictable - even the ending, unfortunately. So I've given it 3 star rounded up from 2.5.
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
This one was a good, quick read. It had some VERY dark themes and was quite visceral at times, but it was only a short so didn't go into as much detail as it could have done.
A problem I had with HOW IT ENDS, was the time jumping. I think as I listened to the audio you didn't always know where/when you were - whereas in a book the dates/times at the beginning of chapters would have helped a lot. This was a bit confusing, because it took you a minute to realise where in the timeline you were and by the time you had you had to go back and start that bit again so you could understand it properly.
Overall I did enjoy this book, very predictable - even the ending, unfortunately. So I've given it 3 star rounded up from 2.5.
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
Displaying 1 - 30 of 467 reviews