3.5 STARS

Impressive debut. A little slow in the middle but the ending was well done. I would recommend the audio book as the multiple narrators have great presence.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for my arc in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the one time where I’m glad that I listened to peer pressure and requested this audiobook but I loved it so much! I’m a huge true crime junkie, so knowing that the author hosts a true crime podcast and has such a strong connection to a true crime herself sold me as well.

This story gripped me from the very beginning. I love a good thriller story, especially one that keeps me on my toes and guessing about who the killer could be. I’m usually really good at figuring out who the villain is, but this one had me questioning everyone, including myself (not as the killer just my judgement lol).

The narrators were A1! Both of them embodied the characters and gave each one their own unique personality and voice. The production was clear and well executed. I had an amazing experience listening to this story and so glad I went the audiobook route because it elevated my experience with the story.

I received an advance copy of this audio book for review. It’s a quick read/listen and I loved it! I must admit, for a moment, I was questioning if several of the folks we knew were the killer. I loved how it was framed, drawn out and wrapped up.

All hail Queen Daphne!! 👑 This is how you write a thriller! Was this really your debut? And what are you working on next because I will read it. Grocery list? Celeb crushes? Let me hit that preorder button.

This was a thriller with just enough horror elements to make me thoroughly creeped out without being too gory. From beginning to end, this book just gave me this sense of unease like entering a dark room and not knowing who (or what) is inside. I also appreciated that it wasn’t full of unnecessary details or fluff- every detail mattered in the ultimate reveal of who The Hiding Man really was.

I went the audiobook route and it was absolute perfection! In whatever format you prefer, just add this banger of a thriller to your TBR and don’t forget to lock your doors 👀

Thank you so much NetGalley and Hatchette audio for this ALC!

Solid mystery thriller debut with a strong element of true crime and psychological suspense.

A late night radio host in Portland, Oregon, Nola Strate, experienced a terrifying event as a child. Her babysitter was murdered in front of her by a notorious serial killer dubbed "the Hiding Man." He was never caught. Even though 20 years has passed, it all comes back when a woman calling in to Nola's show is actually killed while on air with her show. Is the killer active again after all these years? And most concerning to Nola -- has he returned to get her?

This was fast paced and I read it this evening in one sitting. The characters were an interesting mix and the plot was fairly predictable with some red herrings and additional threats. The detective and the investigation seemed rather inept as was the focus on a particular suspect (who was a loser but not a killer). I think the most disappointing part was the revelation of the identity of the killer -- what a stretch and a let down. I definitely would have enjoyed more elements that featured Nola working on her actual radio show and other callers. This really wasn't particularly scary and it was never really fully explained how the perpetrator managed to elude law enforcement all those years.

One of the most interesting aspects of the book was when the author talks about herself, her own true crime podcast, and her Aunt Carol. This was not included in the e-book ARC but only on the audio as an introduction. She also discusses ethics and the societal impact of crime and those who investigate it while also expressing true concern for the victims and their families.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrators are the talented duo of Helen Laser and Will Collyer. They both brought great dramatic flair to the production and definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

Read it in a day! NIGHT WATCHER was a gripping, fast-paced thriller.

It's a whodunit while also giving the reader the suspense of feeling like Nola might be the next victim (or might be framed for murder).

Narrator Will Collyer brought me into the story right away, and then Helen Laser kept me going throughout. No notes for them.

I also appreciated the author's note, written and read by Daphne Woolsoncroft.

One critique: I really did not like one of the last sentences. Sometimes a sentence rubs me the wrong way here or there, but it always sticks out when it's in the final few sentences of the whole book! I do feel like it goes against the espoused values of the author - not only did I personally not like it, I didn't think it made sense after reading the author's note.

I had to turn the audio off at night because it was so scary!! If you love true crime/crime podcasts/90s scary movies, I think you would love this book!

I loved the babysitter scene, the generally creepy atmosphere and that call-in scene!!! Goosebumps throughout.

I loved the narration for both the female & male characters. The prologue by the author had me instantly hooked! The real life inspiration definitely came across in the emotion throughout the story.

Thanks to Hachette Audio and Grand Central Publishing for the audio arc! Highly recommend trying this on audio.

Nola Strate is a late-night radio host. But years ago, she was the only victim of the Hidng Man to survive his killing spree. Now she gets a call from someone who makes her think that the killer is back and has a score to settle with her.

This was one creepy story! It was well-written, and the audio narration was fantastic. I highly recommend this story.

The audiobook narration for this one was great! It sounded like an actual podcast host speaking and the different characters didn’t feel overdone. I especially enjoyed the portions from the killer’s perspective and having those only in the last section of the book really upped the tension.

The character of Nola was pretty well fleshed out, but I didn’t find her particularly sympathetic. However, she was balanced by the other victims and witnesses, creating a mass of counterpoint to the killer. I was changing my mind up until the very end on who the masked villain was! With the popularity of true crime and podcasts, I think this will be very popular!

Night Watcher is a terrifyingly immersive debut that will keep listeners on edge. With stellar narration and a plot full of twists, it’s a must-listen for fans of true crime, psychological thrillers, and suspenseful storytelling. Woolsoncroft is definitely a new voice to watch in the genre.

The climax had all the tension, but the resolution felt like it came a little too quickly. With a bit more story building toward the end, especially around the fallout for Nola and the final confrontation, it could’ve added more emotional payoff and wrapped things up with a punch. Maybe even a deeper look into the killer’s psyche or more twists about her father's past would’ve given it that extra layer of suspense. The story builds such a rich web that you expect more closure—and when it doesn’t fully land, it leaves you itching for answers. Maybe that's part of the tension Woolsoncroft was going for... or maybe we’re due for a sequel???

Helen Laser and Will Collyer really bring Night Watcher to life. Both narrators switch moods and pacing seamlessly depending on the scene, pulling listeners deeper into the psychological drama. They don’t just read the lines—they inhabit the characters, making the tension and fear feel immediate. Great narration can transform a solid thriller into an unforgettable experience, and these two absolutely nailed it.

I truly enjoyed this audiobook start to finish.

Thank you to @hachetteaudio and @netgalley for my gifted audiobook!

So right off the bat, this cover just really gives off the creepy vibes, and this book immediately captures that same feeling. After getting mayyybe 10% into this book, I decided it was a daytime-only listen. The creepy feeling was really creepin’ in this one.

I’m a huge true crime fan, though, and didn’t know before reading that the author is the host of a true crime podcast, but it definitely shows in the best of ways. She knows how to write a story that feels like it could actually be real, with an investigation that likewise feels real and not greatly fabricated for the enhancement of the story.

I was definitely on the edge of my seat and full of anxiety while listening and had no idea how it would end. Ultimately, I was definitely surprised but was wanting just a little more out of the ending. I felt like there was a lot of buildup to a relatively short resolution.

Just the concept of a serial k*ller watching (as the title boldly declares), and then intentionally trying to freak out their victims led to lots of heart-pounding moments. This was a true thriller and a very well done one at that!

I highly recommend to anyone who loved a pulse-pounding thriller, and not only to true crime aficionados, but I think there’s an extra level of enjoyment if you do like true crime.

🎧I’ve loved Helen Laser’s narration since The Wedding People, one of my all time favorite audiobooks. She does not disappoint here and is the perfect female narrator. The male narrator was just okay for me, but overall I think this is a great one to listen to and really amps up the adrenaline!

Thank you netgalley and Hachette Audio | Grand Central Publishing for the arc for my honest opinion.

Night Watcher was an enjoyable listen, I just couldn't get enough of this book. I think that the creepiest part of this book is know that some of these things could really happen. Nola and all the other characters were well developed. The narrators did a great job with this audio book! I can't wait to see what other books Daphne Woolsoncroft will write.

This is a debut novel written by the True Crime Podcast Host of Going West. I have read a few Thrillers by current True Crime podcasters, and they have been hit or miss. Maybe it's because Daphne has a true crime case in her own personal life or maybe she can just tell a great story, but this novel is fantastic.

I was about a third of the way into the book when I realized that I may have to sleep with the lights on for the night. Everything about the current and past (dual timelines but minimal) was terrifying, you truly felt the fear. The descriptions are so wild and vivid.

The end was not completely predictable but if you are looking for this major plot twist that you never see coming, you are not going to find it. That's what makes this book so good, it's realistic. Most crimes and killers do not have a dramatic flair at the end.

I had the audio version of this book, and I highly recommend it. The fear construed from the narrator had me looking over my shoulder.

First of all, for a debut, this book is impressive. Many writers struggle with their first novels, or hit a wall with their follow-ups, but this author has laid a solid foundation they can build upon.

As for the reading experience itself, I was surprised by how quickly I finished it which is in just three days. That’s unusual for me, as I’m typically a slow reader. But the book held my attention enough to keep me focused, which says a lot. That said, by the last 5 or 6 percent, I felt emotionally done with the story. It felt like it had already concluded, and I was just waiting for the formal wrap-up.

I listened to the audiobook version via NetGalley, as I received an ARC, which I really appreciate. I definitely recommend the audiobook experience. The tense moments came alive thanks to the voice actors, and having different voices for different characters helped break the monotony of the investigative parts.
My full review with spoilers are on StoryGraph.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for giving me the chance to listen to this book.

Thank you to Hachette Audio & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an ALC of Night Watcher. Here are my thoughts!

When Nola was a child, she witnessed the horrifying murder of her babysitter by a serial killer who never got caught. As an adult, she is the host of a radio call in for people who want to share their scary stories and experiences. One evening, she gets a chilling call that transports her back to that horrific day when she was a child. The murderer is back, and Nola is terrified he’s closer to her than she knows.

This was a very spooky read. I was listening to the scene where all the horror and suspense starts up while I was walking and I was checking over my shoulder. There are so many pieces to this book that are very creepy, and the author nailed it with those little details that make the goosebumps raise on your arms. I was terrified for Nola every time she turned any corner. The narration was great and totally added to the suspense.

I really have a lot of respect for this author. She talks about her own personal experience with death and her work as a true crime podcaster. I think she brings this expertise, and care into this novel, keeping victims in mind but telling a story just right. It’s hard to believe this one is a debut, and I will be picking up future books by Daphne!

I absolutely loved this book, it kept me on my toes the entire time and kept me guessing! I thought I knew how it was going to end but I was totally wrong! Will definitely be on my reread list and the audio made it even better!

Night watcher ALC review

Ok, I LOVED this book. I want to start off by thanking Netgally, Daphne Woolsoncroft, and Hatchett audio for the opportunity to listen to the ALC copy of this book. I really enjoyed the different perspectives we got between all the characters, and even got some parts from the infamous Hiding Man.

Daphne did such a great job of leading us through Nola’s story and guiding us through her past experiences without just “telling” us what happened. I also really liked the variety of perspectives we got from Nola, where as sometimes we’d be reliving a memory in the first person perspective with her, sometimes it was her recounting how she felt and the events that occurred around it, and it helped me to understand other characters past through her memories. It really made the book feel dynamic.

The pacing of this book was great. It always kept me on my toes without feeling too rushed and I wasn’t able to predict the ending, which I’m usually pretty good at guessing for books like this. The narrators did such a great job conveying the emotion and and tension that it kept you engaged throughout this book as well.

Story Rating-4.5 ✨
Narrators- 4.5 ✨

How could a book about a serial killer be this boring?

I had no idea that this book was going to have chapters from the police officer's POV and if I had, I probably wouldn't have read this one. These types of books are very hit or miss for me in general- but this one just really fell flat for me. I couldn't bring myself to actually care about Nola, there wasn't any actual tension. I never felt fully invested in this story and there was a lot of POV hopping that was completely unnecessary. Nola's father was horrible and that conversation at the end made me want to gag.

I read this one in Audio:
I did like that the Audiobook had dual narrators, Nola's narrator was fantastic, however there were so many male POV chapters from different characters with only one male narrator it got a bit confusing at times. I also didn't like that you could hear this intense intake of breath before every sentence the male narrator spoke- that was extremely irritating.

Overall not for me. I was bored.

I thought the audio for this was great. I always love multiple narrators. It was very scary and the narrators followed suit. The only thing I didn't love was the ending. Fell a little flat for me, but otherwise I was gripped the whole time.

Nola is a radio host who 20 years earlier survived a serial killer that left her babysitter dead. Now, it appears he’s back and ready to terrorize her.

This was compelling enough for me to finish especially with the narrators who all had an excellent performance but overall the plot and character development was pretty flat.

I found points of the plot pretty unbelievable or overly convenient (like breaking into a murder scene and conveniently finding the password on a sticky note), answering the door at midnight when you’re already freaked out, etc. Some of the dialogue and introspection was pretty cheesy and generic as well.

I did enjoy the setting of Portland as I’m from there and thought the author did a great job of incorporating my city.

.