Wendy Walker likes to write books where she leads you along a path, all while sprinkling little nuggets of info that make you question everything, and then throw in a couple major twists that hopefully make you scream “WHAT!??!” as you finish the book.

The writing was a little tough for me, at least the parts with Laura, because it was so much about her inner monologue. But the writing style became secondary as the pace and plot picked up. This isn’t my favorite suspense novel but it got the job done. 3.5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins Press.

This is the third book I have read by Wendy Walker and this one did not disappoint. I do not want to spoil this story, so will just give the basics. Something happened in Laura's past that had her fleeing her hometown after graduation. She has been in therapy and after another disappointment, has returned home to live with her sister Rosie and her family. After being there for a bit, Laura is ready to try dating again. She joins a dating site and goes out on her first date with a man named Jonathan. Her sister sees her off with some trepidation. The next morning, she realizes that Laura did not come home. What happened? Where is she? Who was the man she went out with? Rosie and her husband begin their own investigation.

This was a great story. I loved the premise and it kept me guessing throughout the story. It is told from the POV of both Laura and Rosie. It is told in the present, but there are some flashbacks to fill the reader in on why Rosie is so concerned. The secondary characters are interesting and add much to the story. This was a well-written thriller with an engaging story that had me reading/listening throughout the day. When I thought I had figured out what was happening there was a twist that had me smiling and flipping pages. This was one of those books you can't put down.

I really enjoyed this twisty, suspenseful mystery! The alternating storylines of Laura on her date the "night before" and Rosie's thoughts the next day, including the story of a younger Laura found holding the murder weapon standing next to her murdered boyfriend, kept the mystery intriguing and made me unable to put the book down. I loved that I couldn't figure it all out before the end. A solid 4 stars! I would absolutely recommend this book to any of my fellow mystery lovers!

Fun, thrilling read! I enjoyed this book in it's entirety but giving it 3 stars due to it's partially predicable outcome.

Thank you Netgalley for my copy of this book. I give my review voluntarily.

Damn, I love an addictive read. The Night Before is well paced and has enough suspense to keep you hooked from start to end. Told from Laura's POV and her sister Rosie's POV, it was great to dive a little deeper into the family dynamics. With some great twists and a few really well crafted thrills, this is an easy and entertaining read.

This was the second book I've read from Wendy Walker, and I enjoyed it just as much as Emma In The Night. Filled with mystery, suspense, and a whole handful of untrustworthy characters. I simply devoured it!

Thank you to NetGalley, as well as the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

The Night Before by Wendy Walker is a psychological thriller that will leave you guessing until the very end! The plot revolves around a character named Laura who has a troubled past . Many people feel that she killed a high school boy that she had a crush on. Although she was not prosecuted Kaura is not even sure whether she killed him or not. Laura has felt unloved her entire life. Her dad left the family for another woman and Laura’s mother has never really gotten over this. Laura has a series of dysfunctional relationships and always thinks that she is choosing men who will never really love her. She thinks she is unlovable. Laura’s most recent relationship has been ended with a text and Laura is devastated. Laura’s life is filled with strife and unexplainable circumstances. What is happening? Laura goes missing and Laura’s sister, brother-in-law, and close childhood friend try desperately to find her. You will enjoy this novel. The twists and turns keep the reader interested until the very end. Thank you to Wendy Walker, Macmillan USA, St.Martin’s Press, and netgalley for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.

When I read Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker a few years ago, I wasn’t wowed. But I thought I could be wowed by the author, so I didn’t ‘write’ her off. And am I glad I stuck around for this next release! (Though I’m reviewing it very late.) The Night Before is such an engrossing story. It was one I found impossible to put down, and with the combined narration of Saskia Maarleveld and Gabra Zackman, even more life was brought to this story.
Rosie might love her sister, Laura, but doesn’t have a high opinion of her. But that doesn’t matter. Family is family, and when Laura is in a tough spot, Rosie gives Laura a place to stay in an effort to help her get back on her feet. But after events of the past, she finds it hard to trust her sister, and when Laura disappears after a blind date, Rosie fears the worst. I liked both of the sisters here, and that’s a good thing, as this book is told from both of their points of view. Rosie is a dedicated wife and mother, and she wants what is best for everyone around her. Laura’s inner dialogue was so interesting. She feels like she can’t thrust herself, and her thoughts were just so gripping. There was tension between everyone in this book, and it seemed like no one knew who they could trust. There were a few major twists that I didn’t see coming, and when the truth was brought to light, I was so shocked. I loved how this delved into familial relationships and friendships, and how the past is never what it seems - even in your own mind.
Suffice it to say, I am so glad I picked this book up; it’s one of my favorite Thrillers I’ve read this year, and I could kick myself for not picking it up sooner. If you’re a fan of Wendy Walker and haven’t picked The Night Before up, what are you waiting for? Fan of a good thriller with twists and turns? This is for you, too. As for me, I’ll obviously be picking up her next book.

First book by Wendy Walker. Decided I'm going to have to read more!
Very well devolved mystery chock full of suspects, even the victim herself! Some mysteries I have figured out by the middle of the book, but this was a suprise!
Well developed characters, suspenseful plot and solid writing leave you with a book you wont be able to put down!
4 stars

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher and author for an ARC of this book.The opinions expressed are my own.

This one had me on edge with every page that I turned. Wanting more as I moved further into it. The creepy twist and turns kept me going though out the book. Why! No!., can’t believe that happened. Read to find out!

It really wasn't a book for me. It was slow and a lot of self-absorption. The ending had a twist but it was so slow that the twist didn't do anything for me either.

I’ve always enjoyed Wendy Walker’s books - this is different from her others, and still another amazing read! This is the book that you don’t want to put down because you want to know what happens next - a great book filled with suspense, can’t beat it!

This was my first book by Walker; I found the book to be fairly action-filled and suspenseful. There were some moments where I felt like the story dragged, but felt like overall it was an enjoyable read.

The Night Before will make you leery about dating. Wendy Walker creates a rich story about a woman who moves in with her sister after mysterious circumstances and then tries to move on with her romantic life with an internet date. From there the story picks up and a frantic tale ensues. The Night Before will suck you in and keep you guessing.

The Night Before is the first book that I have read by Wendy Walker. I am happy to say that I enjoyed it, and look forward to reading future releases from this author.

Thanks to Netgalley & St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
#thenightbefore #stmartinspress #netgalley
Laura Lochner goes out on a date one night and doesn’t come back home, her sister Rosie and brother-in law are worried and along with the help of their neighbor start looking through the dating website through which Laura met the man the night before.
What follows is a roller coaster ride of Laura’s past, her love life in New York before she moved to the suburb in Connecticut.
The reader learns details about Laura’s relationship with her brother-in law, Rosie is really worried as to what is really going on around her and the more she tries to figure it out, she realizes she should have not dug too much into this!

RATING: 4.5 STARS
2019; St. Martin's Press

In 2018, St. Martin's Press invited me to read and rate The Night Before. The catch was I had to read this novel asap. That turned out to be a super easy task, as I was hooked from the first page. I read this in one day, as I could not stop reading till I found out what happened! Since I read All Is Not Forgotten I have been a big fan of Wendy Walker's psychological thrillers. Walker has this great balance of suspense/mystery, and also a psychological thriller aspect to the stories. I highly recommend this novel, and am looking forward to her newest release.

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

This was my first book by Wendy Walker and I must say I really enjoyed this psychological thriller, specially the ending. I liked the alternating point of views and excellent pacing. Walker creates great tension throughout the novel. I would recommend to fans of thrillers.

Really enjoyed Wendy Walker! This book was excellent and such a thriller. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and overall story!

DNF

I have read a previous Wendy Walker and did enjoy it but this one was difficult to get into. I was not the biggest fan of the main character and was not gripped into the story right away. With thrillers I need have an aspect of the story that intrigues me or I lose interest quickly. I believe I got about 13% of the way through before I gave up and knew this wasn't going to work for me.