A Good Girls Guide to Murder meets My Favourite Murder - I really enjoyed the twists and turns of this story. It was creepy enough to keep you interested but probably won't scare your pants off if you're a seasoned true crime junkie.

Combining the classic who-done-it with a podcast vibe is something I'm into at the moment.
<spoiler> The killers motive was so lackluster, but I don't think this is a reflection on the author, just that men have such fragile fucking egos</spoiler>

I really liked the female narrator, I think the audio book would have been a bit less jarring for me personally if it was her for the detectives parts as well, hearing her version of his voice and then his version made it feel like two different characters.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.

The first half of the book showed promise but it was dragged out and I started to lose interest in the ending. I stuck it out and tbh wished it was different.

This review is for the audio version of this book.

Narrators:
Helen Laser
Will Collyer
Daphne Woolsoncroft

I'm loving the more modern approach these audio books are taking, using multiple narrators to further immerse you into the story. It makes for a great experience.

When Nola was 8, she had an encounter with a brutal serial killer in Portland, Oregon. 20 years later she's the host of a somewhat successful talk radio show about things "that go bump in the night" called Night Watch.

When she takes and airs a call by a woman claiming to have a ghost in her house, the woman describes a being that has haunted her nightmares for 20 years.

Surely he can't be back though, the police think he's dead. Nola thinks differently. He told her he'd be back, all those years ago.

This was fun! It was such an easy read. It was put together in a way that made me think of true crime podcasts, and the kind of investigation and conversations that are going on behind what we hear. It was a little reminiscent of "Listen for the Lie". I really enjoyed the way it was told.

The characters were likable, mostly (I wanted to thwap that one character on the head), and story was interesting, and it moved at a decent pace.

Definitely a fun summer thriller/slasher story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

🔪 Debut Novel
🔪 Stalker Vibes
🔪 Podcast Host FMC
🔪 Serial Killer

Awesome debut! This audiobook was unsettling in the best way. It captured an oppressively atmospheric tone from the start. I enjoyed the fast pace, the background of the characters, and while I predicted who would be the one to look out for I still felt the ending was executed well!

🎧 Narrated by Helen Laser—who has narrated one my 5⭐️ listens from earlier this year, When the Wolf Comes Home—alongside Will Collyer, a new-to me narrator were perfect for this. These two enhanced the eeriness of this book and done at the perfect pace! The production quality is superb.

If you enjoyed Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson, None of This is True by Lisa Jewell, or Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera give this one a go!

Note: Sharing on Instagram the week of 06/16
Review shared on Goodreads

True crime podcaster, Nola survived an encounter with a serial killer when she was a child, but she’s never really gotten over it and a late night phone call reawakens her darkest fears.what is it about the Pacific Northwest? The area seems to produce more serial killers per square mile than any other region of America. This story wasn’t bad, but a clunky romance story line gets in the way and brings a good thriller down to a mediocre one

Review: Night Watcher by Daphne Woolsoncraft
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75/5)
Release Date: July 8, 2025

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC /audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Night Watcher is an atmospheric and suspenseful debut that immediately pulls you in with its haunting premise and layered storytelling. The plot centers on Nola, a woman who narrowly escaped an encounter with “The Hiding Man” when she was just eight years old. Now an adult and the host of a true crime podcast, Nola receives a chilling call that reignites her deepest fears—suggesting the monster from her past may have returned. From that moment, the story takes off, skillfully blending psychological suspense with a touch of horror.

The novel is told through multiple POVs, and the transitions between characters are handled smoothly—both in the writing and the audiobook. I appreciated the dual narration (male and female), which helped bring the perspectives to life. While the delivery could’ve used more emotional range at times, especially during key moments of intensity, the production was thoughtfully executed overall.

The pacing is a major strength. The story unravels with just the right amount of tension, and the opening chapters do a fantastic job of setting the tone with an eerie, slow-burn dread. The atmosphere—especially when read or listened to at night—is deliciously creepy, making it easy to immerse yourself in Nola’s world and her lingering trauma.

I especially enjoyed how the author kept the suspense high by deliberately playing with the reader’s expectations. Just when I thought I had identified the killer, the narrative pivoted and completely upended my theory, adding to the sense of unpredictability.

That said, the story wasn’t without its flaws. The romance subplot felt out of place and underdeveloped, especially in a story that leans more into psychological horror than emotional connection. Additionally, the final reveal—which wasn't too surprising—lacked the emotional payoff I was hoping for. The killer didn’t feel closely tied to the main characters, which made the climax feel a bit removed. I also wanted more insight into the antagonist’s motivations and choices, which could’ve added an extra layer of menace and depth.

Despite those minor drawbacks, this was a strong and impressive debut. The true crime podcast angle was a smart and timely hook, and the book delivered plenty of genuinely unsettling moments—especially for fans of eerie, character-driven thrillers.

If you enjoy serial killer mysteries, dark pasts coming back to haunt, and a story that plays with your mind until the final page, Night Watcher is absolutely worth a read.

I think this was my creepiest book of the year so far!! I have total paranoia after listening to this (and for some reason I think the audiobook is way creepier than reading it.) I enjoyed the different characters used in narration. I’m still not on the audiobook train yet, but this was a great one!

What a wild ride this audiobook was! Night Watcher delivers a dark, twisty thriller that kept me hooked from the very first chapter. I was gifted an advance copy of this audiobook, and truly, it felt like the perfect gift at just the right time.

The story centers on Nola Strate, a late-night radio host in Portland who spends her nights listening to callers share stories about hauntings and strange happenings. But one foggy evening, a caller’s eerie tale stirs up memories Nola has tried to bury for years. As a child, she survived a terrifying encounter with a serial killer known as The Hiding Man. Now, years later, it seems he may have returned to finish what he started.

The dual narration by Helen Laser and Will Collyer was spot on. Helen Laser is an auto-listen narrator for me, and once again, she did not disappoint. The pacing and tone of both performances pulled me in and never let go. It’s one of those audiobooks where you’re finding excuses to keep your headphones in just a little longer.

What stood out to me most was the storytelling. Daphne Woolsoncroft did a great job layering the suspense, giving just enough hints to make you feel clever until she flips everything on its head. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, a twist came along and sent me spinning. It had the perfect mix of creepy atmosphere, psychological tension, and emotional depth. There’s even a light thread of romance that didn’t overpower the story but added an extra layer of complexity.

After a streak of a few underwhelming thriller audiobooks, this one completely reset my expectations. It gave me that thrill I’ve been missing lately. I can easily see this becoming a big hit on Bookstagram and Booktok.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the chance to listen early. All thoughts are my own, and I’m so glad I got to experience this one. If you enjoy suspenseful thrillers with a strong female lead and a chilling backstory, this needs to be on your list.

Thank you, NetGalley and Hatchette Audio, for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!

Night Watcher is a suspenseful novel that is chilling and leaves you with an eerie feeling!!

The book follows Nola, who is the late-night host of a call-in radio show located in Portland, Oregon. One night, a woman calls in, but this isn’t a typical call they get on the show. The woman tells Nola that there is someone outside her house, which triggers memories of when Nola was able to escape a serial killer years ago, and now Nola thinks he is back to get her. Soon, Nola believes that she’s being stalked, with the police not caring and more people getting hurt, Nola knows she needs to figure this out herself.

Where do I start with this review?!! I sat down and almost listened to the entire book in one sitting, but it was almost midnight, and I had work the next morning. This book started with a bang, and it did not let up! I had to keep listening to figure out what was going to happen next. I liked the pacing of this book a lot. I felt like everything flowed together really well!

Can we talk about the ending? The entire last couple of chapters will have you gripping the edge of your seat, trying to figure out who could have killed these women. I loved the suspense, while also seeing from the killer’s POV, I thought that was a really nice touch. The descriptions throughout the book leave nothing to the imagination. You will be left wondering if YOU remembered to lock and door.

Overall, I really liked this book and would highly recommend it if you like thriller books! 5/5 stars!

Wow! I loved this. This is perfectly made for being an audiobook. I loved the twists. I loved the mysteries. I especially loved the ending. The narration was wonderful too.

✨I started this book just as a storm was blowing in, and boy did that ever set the scene for this knockout of a thriller.  From the very first page, I was completely drawn in. 
 
✨The tension in these pages is palpable, and the pervading sense of dread never lets up.  I was genuinely scared at times and caught myself glancing over my shoulder just to make sure. 👀 The atmospheric, stormy setting created the perfect backdrop for this truly tense and compelling read.   I’m so surprised this is a debut since the storytelling is top notch.   
 
✨The author is co-host of the true crime podcast  @goingwestpodcast, and her Instagram bio describes her as “basically Nancy Drew.” Yes - ON STEROIDS! 
 
✨Can we talk about this cover?  Doesn’t it just scream SPOOKY SUMMER?  🕸️☀️ I’m obsessed.
 
I highly recommend this for thriller lovers, but read this one with the lights on.  😳🫣
 
🌿Read if you like:
✨Being scared with a capital S
✨Impressive debuts
✨True crime radio/podcasts
✨Unsolved serial murder stories
✨Portland, Oregon settings
✨Horror lite 

🎧I listened to this book on audio and have to say that the production and narration by Helen Laser @hlaserwolf and Will Collyer @thewillcollyer were incredible.  I truly enjoyed this means of reading the book.

This story was so twisty and creepy, I felt the tension the entire time and absolutely devoured this book. The little clues we were getting throughout the story come together so well in the end and it had such a satisfying conclusion. Without giving anything away, I didn't know where the story was going but I greatly enjoyed the ride.

I listened to the audiobook and the dual narration was fantastic. Each narrator brought something different and really sucked me into the story. I believed they were feeling all the tension the characters were feeling and they passed that on to me.

Thank you Hachette Audio and Netgalley for this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.

It is not often that I can just sit and listen to an audiobook in one day, but I did with this one! While it was not the most spectacular one I have listened to, there was definitely something about it that keeps you listening. I truly enjoyed this one, it was creepy and unnerving, mostly importantly though it had characters you could root for! This is gonna be solid read for this fall!

4.5/5

I really enjoyed the plot of Night Watcher—it had the perfect mix of suspense and creep factor, especially when reading (or listening) at night. The pacing kept me engaged from start to finish, and the multiple POVs added a lot of depth to the story. I appreciated seeing different angles unfold without getting lost or confused.

I also liked how, just when I thought I had figured out who the killer was, the story literally investigated that possibility—then completely shut it down and killed my dreams, making the narrative feel active and unpredictable.

The audio production used both male and female narrators, which helped bring the different perspectives to life. It was a thoughtful choice that made the transitions between characters clear. That said, the delivery felt a little too flat—almost monotone—which sometimes dulled the emotional impact during intense moments. A bit more vocal range would have elevated the tension even further.

One part that didn’t quite work for me was the romance subplot. It didn’t feel natural in the context of a story that leaned heavily into horror and psychological suspense. I wasn’t looking for romantic tension; I was here for the eerie atmosphere, the mystery, and the threat lurking in the shadows.

I also wish the killer had been more closely tied to the main characters. While the story was chilling, the final reveal felt a little distant and didn’t land with the emotional punch I was hoping for. A more personal connection could have made the ending far more satisfying. I also wish there was more of an explanation into why he was doing these things and why he chose the people he chose (from his POV).

Still, this was a solid debut with a unique setup, strong pacing, and a genuinely unsettling tone. If you like thrillers with a slightly creepy edge and layered perspectives, this one is worth checking

Who better to write a book (albeit fictional) about a serial killer of young women than someone whose own aunt disappeared and was believed murdered when in her 20s and someone who now hosts a popular true crime podcast? You will definitely want to keep the lights on as you listen to Night Watcher because the fear and suspense are definitely real! The narration made it even more realistic as I could hear the Hiding Man’s voice in my head.

Nola Straight is a late night radio host in Portland, Oregon for a program she inherited from her father Chick. The show, Night Watch delves into haunting and creepy crawlers. One evening a woman calls into the show and is seemingly murdered on air--even more disturbingly she mentions a man in a white mask having been watching her before she starts screaming for her life.

This is especially meaningful to Nola, as her babysitter was murdered when she was a child, young Nola stumbling across the grisly scene and spotting a man in a creepy white mask. A man responsible for many murders who was never found, known as the Hiding Man. Is he back again after all of these years and can Nola solve the crimes, more importantly will she make it out alive?

The Night Watcher is a spooky novel that brings to words that that feeling you get on the back of your neck when something creeps you out. It has plenty of twists and turns that keep it interesting, my main complaint is the uncovering of the killer is quite underwhelming and didn't feel like a good enough payoff for a strong story. 3.5 stars.

I received this advance audio copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and feedback.

3.75 ⭐️ rounded up - Audio arc review.
Horror, mystery and thrillers are my favorite genres to listen to on audio, and this book packs a fun combo punch with elements from all three. The first 25% delivers some serious creepy chills that had me locking my door and thanking myself for living in an apt building with my windows several stories off the ground 🤣. Unfortunately, the final reveal felt a bit lackluster after a fun, suspenseful build up. While I did enjoy this book, I was hoping for a more exciting twist.

Both narrators deliver captivating reads that kept me fully immersed through the entire listen.

Thank you NetGalley & Hachette Audio for the audio arc.

Review: Night Watcher by Daphne Woolsoncroft

This is hands-down one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year! Night Watcher feels incredibly current, blending the unsettling presence of true crime with layered, relatable family dynamics. The plot takes you straight into a nightmare that feels just far enough removed from everyday life—until it suddenly doesn’t.

Nola is a compelling lead: guarded, determined, and shaped by a trauma no one would ever want to imagine. As the tension builds and the line between paranoia and truth blurs, you’re left wondering who you can trust right alongside her.

The audiobook version is exceptional—Helen Laser and Will Collyer truly bring the characters to life with performances that feel vivid and emotionally in tune with the story. They maintain a strong, steady pace that matches the intensity of the plot perfectly, never rushing but never dragging. Their narration adds an extra layer of suspense, making the eerie twists hit even harder. I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn’t bring myself to press pause.

If you love atmospheric thrillers with strong female leads, eerie twists, and a storyline that keeps you guessing until the final page, I highly recommend giving this one a go.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-audio arc in exchange for an honest review.

I needed a little more from this story. I needed it to feel thrilling, creepy, heart-pounding, and it just fell flat. I realize that the author is a true crime podcaster and I have listened to the audiobooks from true crime podcasters before, but the narration really threw me off and I believe a proper narrator could have saved the book a little. It had more of a William Shattner-esque tone to it to where it was very dry and disnegaging.

The premise was interesting with a true crime podcaster being stalked by a serial killer from her childhood, but it just didn't live up to the interesting premise. It was very slow paced, and there was not much character development (which I know in thrillers it is not particularly heavily needed, but you at least like to have some). Give it a try if you find it interesting, but my ultimate opinion is to pass.

I would like to note and appreciate the fact that the author has had a true crime experience happen within her family and although she was not alive for it she saw the impact that it had on other family members and her dedication to show the trauma of these experiences should be commended.

3.5 stars, rounded up. The atmosphere is tense and unsettling, and the premise had real potential. But the characters, especially the protagonist, felt somewhat underdeveloped, and several of her decisions strained plausibility. The ending was abrupt, almost as if the story ran out of runway. Overall, however, I enjoyed.