I’m continually impressed by Annalisa’s character. She’s unique in a way female detectives normally are not written. This book in the series literally states what makes her unique. Truth over justice, no matter who, and the fact that she actually lives it even through the emotional damage and conflicts her choices have left in their wake with those closest to her. But what’s unique too is how those closest to her are forced to confront their priorities being flipped from hers. They have chosen justice over truth. These conversations are always hard to read because to be honest I find myself instinctually trying to find who is right, but that’s the whole point. There isn’t a clear answer. And both characters continually have to have these conversations, in order to be healed with one another. I loved the conversation with her near Dad at the end.

The mystery itself was heartbreaking, and full of great twists. I will read this series until the author decides to wrap it up.

Oh yes….another good one!!

Annalisa Vega is back - pregnant and with no cases to solve until she hears from her brother who is serving prison time.

Annalisa was the one who put her own brother in prison, and he wants to see her.

She has no idea why he wants to see her but visits him out of curiosity.

Her brother Alex asks Annalisa to investigate a murder his fellow prisoner is accused of but is innocent. They all say that, don't they?

Annalisa finds out he may be right about his innocence, but the only problem is that her husband Nick is the one who put him away.

She takes the case and finds out more than she really wants to. Did Nick make a mistake?

Meanwhile there is a serial killer running rampant and throwing grown men into Lake Michigan along with MANY connected things happening.

Will Annalisa risk ruining her marriage again by discrediting Nick? She knows that's a possibility, but she has to do her job.

We follow Annalisa as she doesn’t give up and as we see how she takes care of everything as usual.

Things get tense as the book wraps up, and fans of Annalisa won't be able to put the book down.

GONE IN THE NIGHT can be read as a standalone. 5/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Every year I get so excited to be approved for the newest Annalisa Vega story ☺️ GONE IN THE NIGHT was a good addition to the series.

I loved the plot in this one. It definitely kept me guessing especially with the amount of characters involved. I also love how Schaffhausen weaves Annalisa’s personal/family life in to the story and we get updates on everyone.

I can’t wait for the next Annalisa Vega novel! Keep them coming!!

Thank you Minotaur books and Netgalley for the arc!

Gone in the Night is the fifth Detective Annalisa Vega mystery, although Annalisa is no longer a detective but a private investigator. She and her police detective husband, Nick, are married to each other for the second time and making a go of it, though Annalisa fears it might shake up their relationship if she finds that Nick was mistaken when he sent an accused killer to prison. Anna's brother is in the same prison for his part in a murder, and he pleads with her to investigate why an anonymous letter indicates the prosecution's eyewitness in the other inmate's case had lied.

This is such a thrilling, well-constructed story--one of the best in the series, in my opinion. The author creates an exquisitely intricate mystery where any character's identity--be it physical or assumed-- is subject to question. We learn about a long-ago child abduction, a local women's shelter, a myriad of suspects, and more than one murder, and the suspense rarely stops. In the middle of it all, we hear more about Annalisa's and Nick's troubled background--both suffered family disasters and tragedies earlier in life--as they cling to their own relationship and try to find moments to decide on an appropriate name for their first baby, due in just two months. And there's another case Annalisa has taken on: the disappearance of a wealthy client's cherished ring. I particularly enjoyed the juxtaposition of these three plots, as well as the expert writing style and storytelling skill of this exceptional author.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

Believe me, Gone in the Night is slotted with more mysteries than those embedded into a series of Russian Matryoshka dolls.

Joanna Schaffhausen has formulated the Detective Annalisa Vega Series into a plethora of pleasing novels from the very first one to this current one. She's got the character of Annalisa down pat from her earlier career as a detective for the Chicago Police Department to her current gig of being a private detective. Things are expanding including the fact that Annalisa is now expecting her first child.

We find Annalisa visiting her brother, Alex, in prison. Side note: Annalisa was the one responsible for throwing her devious brother into the clink. Family or no family, crime is crime. Alex' cell mate mentions that he has received a note stating that he is innocent of the murder rap he's been serving for thirteen years. He begs Annalisa to look into it. And so she does.......and the results are astounding.

But the release of Joe Green will lead to more and more entanglements. Bodies will start poppin' up along the frigid shore of Lake Michigan. Word on the street is that there's a serial killer active and out there in the Second City. This individual leaves a calling card with a particular mark on its victims. Both Detective Nick Carelli and his wife, Annalisa, are more than perplexed.

Although Gone in the Night is the fifth book in this series, it still can be read as a standalone. Schaffhausen fills in the blank spots well. She slides in women's issues alongside abusive relationships. Schaffhausen highlights a women's sanctuary known as Ruby's House that protects victims of abuse and their children. Somehow all the dots will be connected in this shifty and intriguing run-up to the finale. Don't miss this one.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Minotaur Books and to the talented Joanna Schaffhausen for the opportunity.

When Annalisa goes to visit her brother in jail, he convinces her to look into the case of one of his fellow inmates. This is a difficult case for Annalisa. Not only has she not forgiven her brother for his crimes, but her husband is the one who arrested the inmate in the first place. It’s complicated and to add to it, Annalisa is pregnant. Drama all around.

Really, when all is said and done, I need to stop requesting police procedural novels. I love them in Tv show form but get very bored in novel version.

Thank you St Martin’s Press, Joanna Schaffhausen and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Another great entry into this series!

Plot summary: PI Annalisa Vega is investigating what looks like a wrongly imprisoned man. As she discovers the background, it looks like the real killer might a serial killer, and there are a few people who could be next. As she gets thicker into the story, she may be onto a ring of people who are all in it together.

It started out in an interesting way, showing us exactly who the killer is, although we don't know any names yet.

This was a page-turner, as usual. The plot is well-balanced by the humanistic aspects of the story. It explores domestic and child abuse, as well as pedophilia and kidnapping, so be forewarned. These are major parts of the story.

It gets twistier and twistier, and soon we don't know if anyone is who they say they are. Vega is working with her cop husband, Nick, and they're relationship is tested as they figure out the killer.

There's a more light-hearted side story about another investigation for a missing ring, and Annalisa is pregnant, which adds another angle to the plot.

I did figure out the major twists, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur, and Joanna Schaffhausen for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.

I applaud Joanna for creating a well-written and dynamic multi-plot drama that kept me immersed in every detail from beginning to end, quickly becoming a page-turner. The mystery was staged with a bevy of characters who are somehow involved in the inmate being convicted and it’s up to Annalisa and Nick to figure out what they were hiding, now that they uncovered the truth. In the meantime, someone is killing men, and one must wonder if there is a connection. There was so much going on and the twists and turns in this solidly wicked plot kept me engrossed in what was happening on the page. The more the story progressed, the more we learned of the pivotal roles these characters played and the motives for this action. The pacing was on par with how well this story was being told and once again, I congratulate the author for a job well done in this riveting and grippingly terrific read.

Twisty plot, believable characters, nice writing
Seven-months-pregnant private investigator Annalisa is looking forward to having her first child, but prospective clients are reluctant to hire a woman in her condition, so business is slow. Her brother Alex is in prison for murder due to Annalisa turning him in for the crime, so she is especially intrigued when Alex calls her and asks her to come for a visit. He wants her to meet with his friend Joe, who is in prison for murdering his former wife’s lawyer. Joe says he did not commit the murder and would like Annalisa to investigate. As Annalisa begins her investigation, the situation becomes more difficult. There is more than one suspicious death that could be related to the murder for which Joe was convicted, and to top off the complication, Annalisa’s husband Nick is the police officer who arrested Joe!
Gone in the Night has a lot to enjoy. The plot is twisty and kept me wondering what was going to happen next! The characters are believable, especially Annalisa and Nick and the women at Ruby’s Place, a shelter for abused women and their children. These people are faced with some tough choices, and readers might well wonder what they would have done in a similar situation. The writing has lovely details and some clever clues that I will not describe to avoid spoilers. A number of elements made me smile for their cleverness even though they also often made me sad, such as when the shelter director, concerned about some potential trouble, goes to her desk to be sure her gun was there… and then checks another drawer to be sure her good gin is also available and fortifies herself with a drink!
This book is good enough that I certainly will be recommending it to friends, but if I had not seen a recommendation myself from a trusted friend, I might have stopped after the prologue, which begins with a married man picking up a woman in a bar while his wife is out of town and ends with violence and murder. I expect murders in my mystery reads, but I definitely want them to be offstage. If you share my preferences, rest assured that the rest of the book is not in this mode. There is nastiness and spousal and sexual abuse, but it is not described.
I had not read any of the previous books in this series but there was enough introduction to the characters that I could jump right in. I plan to look them up, though, and certainly hope that some of the references to her previous cases in Gone in the Night will not be spoilers!
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.

I would say this is one of the books that I have read that doesn’t put an emphasis on the narrator’s physical characteristics, like her pregnant belly, as much as other books that mention the narrator’s body shape in every chapter. This book gives a great dive into detective work and partner and friendship that takes a fresh approach and has a great ending at the end, giving a chance for people, or giving a chance for solving and re-solving another case(s).

With many twists and turns, I knew that someone was pretending to be the killer with another identity, hidden in plain sight. But I never would have thought that the person who seemed not to be involved much in the killings was the actual suspect, so great job in referencing the name similarities between their given name and their made-up name.

Overall, I would rate this 4.5 stars! It was a great experience to read, just the second case that was relatively minor to the big reveal was a little tedious to read. Other than that, it is a great read, and I would definitely read more of this type of book from Joanna!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Easily becoming one of my favorite police procedural/crime series! I love Annalisa even as she has gotten softer with impending motherhood. Her desire for truth and justice never wavers, even when it potentially means her loved ones must suffer the fallout.

This time it is her husband Nick that is in the hot seat. 13 years ago, he helped convict Joe Green of murder. Joe has sworn his innocence up and down to no avail -- but when he receives a letter in jail from someone saying they know he didn't do it, he hires Annalisa Vega to look into the evidence again. Anna quickly uncovers that the eyewitness testimony that sealed his fate is shaky, leading her to want to reopen the whole thing. But this will open a can of worms for an unhappy Nick, especially when all signs point to a missed serial offender that is decidedly not Joe Green.

A great plot start to finish -- hope there are many more books to come!

Gone In the Night is a deeply compelling and twisty mystery thriller that delves into what it means to do the “right thing” when the lines of what is ethically, socially, romantically, and legally “right” do not align.
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Plot Summary:
Former Chicago homicide detective turned PI Annalisa Vega has a massive problem. She’s now famous for capturing a serial killer, but also became a pariah in the department for turning in her beloved brother for his role in a crime. In this installment, the second where Annalisa is out on her own, we really get the sense that she’s having trouble finding her place outside the confines of the CPD and with her new role as impending mother and current step-mother.

When her brother asks for her help to get a fellow inmate out of prison, Annalisa accepts out of misplaced guilt and more than a bit of boredom. The problem is that her husband Nick was the detective who put this guy away originally, so if she overturns the conviction she also damages Nick’s reputation.

They soon discover this case is deeper and more terrible than either imagined, bringing their own fears and personal demons back up from where they were long buried.
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Thoughts:
When I received this ARC I decided to go backward and read the series in order. Every book is solid and the pacing makes them fast and satisfying reads. They also contain several storylines which run though and while they can be read as standalone, I think that would not do the overall character and story arcs justice.

The evolution of Nick and Annalisa’s relationship over the course of the five books is gripping. Their first attempt at marriage was painful and fraught, so it takes some deft writing to get me to believe this second chance is earned and the forgiveness and recommitment is believable. Schaffhausen could have taken the typical path, making Nick a magically changed man. But instead of delivering the ideal cinnamon roll, he’s still complex and imperfect. Annalisa also must confront her flaws, trust issues, and compulsions. I was convinced these two, for all their external complications and internal messiness, are going to make it this time.

These are not really Romantic Suspense, and yet the romance between Nick and Annalisa is the spine that they all ride on, so believing in their love story matters - especially in this installment. Annalisa has proven several times that her moral compass is so firmly pegged it’s like she’s standing on the pole itself. This is not a woman that gives grace often, even when it’s clear that it is a self-destructive proposition to keep pressing. Nick knows this about her, so when he faces the prospect of having miscarried justice he doesn’t bolt. He listens, fights back when necessary, and accepts what comes from that partnership.

In a way, we see how much Nick has truly evolved in this specific book, beyond the surface level issues when he was young and stupid. Annalisa also puts to rest a lot of her familial guilt and gives Nick what he needs most. Both these characters have shown each other all their cards and that means taking risks with the knowledge that the other person believes they have the other’s best interest at heart.

There’s a very dramatic moment between the couple that at first will shock every reader in this series. But when the secret is revealed about that scene it both proves how strongly forged their bond is as true partners, and makes it wholly believable that their path forward will always be together.

I’m not sure if more books are coming in this series, but I will certainly be reading if so.
———
Series: Detective Annalisa Vega #5

Series or Standalone: The mystery is standalone, somewhat. But you really would miss so much about this particular story without having Books 1-4 as a baseline.

Themes/Tropes: wrongfully accused, second chance, dysfunctional families, incarceration, criminal justice/miscarriage of justice themes

Setting: Chicago, IL modern day

POV: third person, past tense, multi POV

Cops/LEO: yes, heroine is a recently retired Chicago homicide detective turned PI and her husband is still a Chicago homicide detective

Does the Dog/Horse/Cat Die? Their new family cat remains happy and healthy throughout.

Does the relationship/romance survive? Yes, Nick and Annalisa are happily married and stronger than ever at the end, even after being extra fire-tested in this one.
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Thank you St Martin’s Press & Minotaur Books for the Advanced Reader Copy. Expected Publishing Date: Aug 12, 2025

This ARC was given to me by NetGalley. This is the 5th book in the Annalisa Vega series. I really enjoy this series. I think that the family dynamics are great and she is a strong main character. I will definitely continue reading

Gone in the Night is the fifth in the Annalisa Vega series and it starts with Annalisa desperate for cases to work on. It seems few are willing to hire a seven month pregnant PI. So, when her brother Alex calls from prison to say a fellow inmate needs her help to prove he’s innocent of the murder he was convicted of, she agrees to look into it. Sure enough, she quickly finds problems with the evidence used to convict him. What makes it complicated is that Nick is the cop who arrested this man. Shaffhausen does a good job portraying their marriage and the conflicts inherent in working on the same crime from different angles.
This is an intricate story involving spousal and sexual abuse and the vigilante justice against the perpetrators of the abuse. There are plenty of twists and turns, most of which caught me totally off guard. I did struggle with the dreams Annalisa had which become part of how she solves the case. Anything that strays into woowoo territory tends to be a miss for me. Still, for the most part, the story stays within the realm of the possible.
There’s a subplot involving a missing engagement ring which provided a little sweetness to counter the sadness of the main storyline.
While it will help the reader to have read the prior books, this could work as a stand-alone.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.

Every time I pick up one of Annalisa's stories, it feels like coming home. There’s something about the way the characters’ lives intertwine—especially the sense of family—that pulls me in every single time. Joanna's writing is such a clever mix of the ordinary and the investigative; she balances daily life with detective work in a way that feels grounded yet compelling. Honestly, this series has all the makings of a great TV show.

Annalisa herself is a standout—strong, sharp, and incredibly relatable as a cop turned PI. She doesn’t work with a full-blown team, but her dynamic with Nick is where the magic happens. There’s a comforting rhythm to their relationship, with just enough mystery to keep things interesting. You don’t *have* to read the series in order to enjoy each book, which I love, but if you really want to appreciate the development between Annalisa and Nick, starting from the beginning is the way to go.

The mystery in this installment was masterfully done. I thought I had it figured out more than once, only to realize I wasn’t even close. The way the plot unfolded—layer by layer instead of in one big twist—made the pacing feel natural and kept me turning the pages. That said, the side case Annalisa took on didn’t blend as seamlessly into the main plot. It felt a bit forced, but I can understand why it was included—it helps show her stepping into her own as a private investigator.

I’m grateful to St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Gone in the Night is an engaging addition to Joanna Schaffhausen’s Annalisa Vega series. As Annalisa investigates the case of Joe Green, a prisoner who claims innocence, I was immediately drawn into a web of deceit and hidden truths. The suspense builds at a steady pace. The author did a good job of making me question Joe’s guilt and the reliability of those around him, including Annalisa’s own husband, who complicates her quest for justice.

The story has many twists and turns, and the subplot involving a killer targeting victims in Lake Michigan adds an extra layer of urgency and danger. Annalisa is a well-crafted character who is determined, flawed, and relatable. Her struggle to reconcile her duty as a detective with her loyalty to her family resonates deeply, making her journey all the more impactful.

Overall, Gone in the Night is a skillfully written thriller that seamlessly blends mystery, family drama, and moral dilemmas. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast-paced, thought-provoking read.

#NetGalley @StMartinsPress

I thoroughly enjoy the Annalise Vega series and this one doesn’t disappoint! Schaffhausen is alsways at the top of her game and you can read her books in 2 days - perfect beach reads. Thanks for the ARC!

Annalisa’s life is a bit complicated. Her persistence in an earlier case resulted in the arrest of her brother who is still incarcerated. She has left the police department where her ex and now current husband, Nick, was her partner to open her own PI business and she is pregnant with their first child.

Her brother reaches out to her to take the case of a fellow inmate, Joe, convicted of a murder that he insists he didn’t commit and supports his assertion with a letter he received claiming the eyewitness to the killing lied. To further muddle the situation, her husband was the arresting officer.

As she unravels the tangled web of Joe’s history, similar murders are discovered and a missing person is somehow involved. Annalisa’s unwavering determination to uncover the truth puts her relationship with Nick at risk.

Joanna Schaffhausen has become one of my favorite writers. Well written, this was a great read. There is an intriguing plot and strong character development. The suspenseful and engrossing narrative keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Annalisa is a strong female protagonist, laser-focused on finding the truth, even if it strains her relationship with family members.

The fifth in this series, this would work well as a standalone. Schaffhausen provides valuable background information that enhances the reader’s understanding of the story. If you enjoy this book, be sure to check out the first four installments, as well as the author’s Ellery Hathaway series.


Trigger Warnings: Domestic and child abuse (non graphic).

Annalisa is a private investigator who, until this point, has received a number of dead end cases thanks to her father who is trying to keep her busy while she awaits the birth of her first child. She finally catches a break with an interesting case brought to her by her brother who is behind bars. His inmate friend asks for her help to figure out who really committed the murder in the case that resulted in his imprisonment.

As Annalisa unravels the mystery, she realizes that her husband was the detective on the case and that he inadvertently missed some of the most crucial leads and pieces of evidence. In a balancing act between not wanting to step on his toes and still find justice, Annalisa works diligently to seek justice for the victims.

I enjoyed this ARC! This was my first book that I’ve read by Joanna Schaffhausen and I’m definitely going to check out more of her books after this read! Despite it being the fifth installment of the Annalisa Vega series, I didn’t feel as though I was missing any key elements to the plot by not having read the first books in the series which is always a plus to me!

Thank you to NetGalley, Joanna Schaffhausen and St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review! You can find Gone in the Night on shelves near you on its pub date of August 12th, 2025.

#netgalley #goneinthenight #joannaschaffhausen #2025reads #ARCreader #mystery #thriller

4 private investigator stars

In the fifth installment of this series, we find Annalisa Vega still running her private investigation business and pregnant. Her cases are pretty light, and surprisingly, her brother finds her a new case from prison.

I appreciate that Schaffhausen has good story continuity with this series, and no miracle evidence has emerged to get her brother out of jail. That continues to be a sore spot with her family and hasn’t been forgotten as the series continues.

Joe Green, currently behind bars for murder, says he’s innocent and wants Annalisa to help prove it. The eyewitness testimony now appears shaky, and this could be a problem because this was Annalisa’s husband Nick’s case. Will this look like Annalisa is trying to outsmart her husband?

Joe is certainly no saint, but is he guilty of murder? People in his past don’t have nice things to say about him! And where is his first wife?

Annalisa and Nick interview staff at the local domestic violence shelter as more murders pile up. Could they somehow all be connected? Is there a serial killer operating? This one had some good twists, and I did not predict the ending!

I worried for Annalisa since she was pregnant and in some dangerous situations. Nick and Annalisa unofficially teamed up on this one, and I hoped they would make it through unscathed. I think they deserve some time off to enjoy a new baby!