What She Thought She Saw

This is a tense, slow-burn psychological thriller that keeps you questioning every character—and every perception. The atmosphere is thick with paranoia, blurring the line between intuition and delusion in a way that feels both intimate and unsettling. Sharp, uneasy, and gripping, it leaves a lasting impression.

This book feels like stepping into a sunlit room where the windows are open and then realizing something unseen is quietly rearranging the furniture behind you.

Set against the hazy glow of 1977 Los Angeles, the story follows Gwen Hansen, a woman trying to press restart on her life. New city, new people, new routines. On paper, it’s a clean slate. In reality, it’s more like writing over something that never fully erased. The tension builds not with loud crashes, but with subtle cracks, the kind that makes you lean in a little closer because you’re not sure if you imagined them.

I didn’t think anyone overthinks more than I do, but here we are. Gwen deserves a trophy. Every glance, every conversation, every late night thought spirals into something bigger, and somehow the book makes you spiral right along with her. It’s like your brain is playing detective and suspect at the same time.

And the things that take place in this book, my goodness. Gwen’s world is fracturing and you’re left constantly questioning what’s real, what’s fear, and what’s something far more dangerous.

By the end, I was half convinced I needed Gwen’s therapist’s number myself. Not even joking.

Bottom line: this is a must read page turner. Twisty, addictive, and just chaotic enough to keep your brain buzzing long after you close the book.

It was a story that you’ll follow ‘til the end, in order to find out the truth behind everything. You’d be asking yourself what was really happening. And that twist at the end, oddly satisfying! There was a part of me that hates Gwen and Dianne, and part of me that pities Roy. But at the end of the day, both ladies deserve the palm of hand. One high five for Gwen, and a slap on the face for Dianne. 😂

4.5 ⭐️

What She Thought She Saw was such a rollercoaster ride that had me screaming at its main character Gwen. From just page one I was sucked in and committed to see where the story would go and it exceeded my expectations. The amount of secrets, antics, and paranoia written within these pages were enough to last a lifetime. I often found myself shouting internally because it’s just that good. The plot and twist were well crafted and executed flawlessly. This is by far a must read for all. This is my first novel from Dan Grylles but not my last.


Thank you InsideStory and Dan Grylles for the eARC. This review is that of my own.

Set in sunny California in 1977, What She Thought She Saw offered a delightful escape into the 1970s. It tells of a fresh start for Gwen and an opportunity to escape her past. But it's never that easy, is it?

The tension builds, and the climax is full of twists, which I thoroughly enjoyed! So, if you want a book where you question everything and everyone, give it a go! Releases March 31.

Thank you to Inside Story and the author for this ARC read.

For me, it started out a bit slow, but I continued to keep reading, because I'm not a quitter 😂. The further I read, the more I found myself yelling at the fmc. Gwen. I was constantly saying wtf. Gwen is diabolical...and bat-shit crazy. Her rants would have me questioning if she was ok. I did catch on about the baby and the mom about 3/4 through, but not the hows, but the rest? Not even close. And that ending? Chef's kiss! 👌. I can't wait to read another by this author. I hope it is as good as this one!