Night Watcher by Daphne Woolsoncroft is a dark, twisty thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Nola Strate’s haunting past—the night she crossed paths with the infamous Hiding Man—comes crashing back with a vengeance when she starts sensing that she’s being watched again. As her paranoia grows, so does the body count, and the line between reality and nightmare begins to blur. The story plunges deep into the shadows of obsession, secrets, and a terrifying lurking menace that might be closer than Nola ever dared imagine. With a mysterious neighbor cloaked in darkness, her own father under scrutiny, and clues that suggest the killer might have resurfaced, the suspense operates on a razor’s edge. Every chapter ratchets up the tension, making it impossible to put down. Woolsoncroft expertly crafts an atmosphere thick with paranoia and dread, making you question everyone—even the ones you trust most. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, a twist hits you like a shock to the soul, leaving you reeling. The only downside? The ending hints at more darkness to come—an ominous promise of even deeper secrets waiting to be uncovered. If you love a thrill that crawls underneath your skin and exposes the monsters lurking just beyond the edge of perception, Night Watcher delivers—dark, disturbing, and irresistibly addictive.

9/10 i actually really enjoyed this book. the whole thing played out like a movie, and was paced the same. i didn’t find myself looking at how much time i had left, or wondering when it would be over. Nola was a neutral main character, written very believably. i liked the pace and structure of the book as well. my only thing was wishing who the killer was, maybe was more wound into the story versus being kind of random. there was an explanation and a one-off encounter. but it still felt like a random choice. otherwise, a great book.

This came highly recommended so I jumped right in. I didn’t due my due diligence, if I had realised it was another ‘serial k*ller from twenty years ago starts k*lling again’ storyline then I would have skipped it. That’s on me. I’ve read A LOT of similar storylines over the years.

It’s not bad at all, the use of the radio show is interesting, as is the daughter and father dynamic. It kept me entertained but overfamiliarity with this type of storyline means it isn’t something I could get excited about.

The narration was fine, I preferred the female narration, though that’s often the case.

I think it’s probably quite good overall, though hard for me to distance myself enough to say. I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt. Probably worth a read or listen, especially if you aren’t tired of this type of storyline.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Audio

This was an intense and exciting thriller audiobook. I couldn't stop listening. I liked the spooky story with an interesting twist. I liked the narrators. It was interesting that it was dual pov and created an immersive story about a crazied killer.

I loved this book. I thought that the ending may have been rushed but otherwise it was great. I would definitely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audio book.

I very much like this- podcaster-witness-past/now book. I had not listened to "Going West" but I will now. This was very entertaining... HOPE to see more books by this author.


Nola Strate is being watched, again.

After an encounter with a notorious serial killer in the Pacific Northwest as a child, Nola has grown up and tried her best to forget her traumatizing night with The Hiding Man. She installed security cameras outside her Oregon home, never spoke of her experience, and now hosts Night Watch, a popular radio call-in show her semi‑famous father used to run. When coincidences lead Nola to believe that she is being stalked, and a caller on Night Watch has a live incident with an intruder in the caller’s home—the description of whom is chillingly familiar—Nola is convinced that The Hiding Man has resurfaced and is coming for her.

With a mysterious next‑door neighbor lurking in the shadows, more people getting hurt, the police not taking her concerns seriously, and evidence pointing towards her own father, Nola decides to become, like her listeners, a Night Watcher herself, and uncover the monster behind The Hiding Man’s mask.

Wow

This is one of the best books I read so far this year. It was gripping from start to finish.

I loved the FMC I loved the true crime feel. Even though this is fiction it definitely reads like a true crime podcast. I absolutely loved the style.

This book was actually terrifying. The scenes, the guessing, the pace, everything was so good in this.

I highly recommend this if you like thrillers, horror, crime, podcast style. This was a perfect read for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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