4.3 (4 ratings)
ThrillerPsychological ThrillerDomestic ThrillerCrime Thriller
What She Thought She Saw
A Psychological Thriller
Dan GryllesSuspenseHistorical SettingDark SecretsAtmospheric ThrillerNeighborhood SecretsLiesTwist EndingGaslighting
Los Angeles, 1977. Gwen Hansen has left her past behind - or so she tells herself.
A fresh start in sunny California with her husband Roy, a detective working Hollywood's mean streets. New friends in the neighborhood. Weekly therapy sessions. A chance to forget what happened back in Kansas City.
But the past doesn't stay buried.
Roy comes home late, evasive about his cases. Her new friends - beautiful, confident Dianne; gossipy Tina; fitness-obsessed Sean. All have opinions about what to wear, where to go . . . and what Roy might be doing.
When women start turning up dead - the Hillside Strangler's latest victims - Gwen's carefully constructed world begins to fracture. She sees things. Hears things. Questions everything.
Is Roy hiding an affair? Are her friends really her friends? And if she's killed to protect those she loves before...
Could she do it again?
In a city where no one is who they seem, Gwen must untangle truth from deception before she loses everything she's fought so hard to keep.
Start this twisty and suspenseful psychological thriller today!
A fresh start in sunny California with her husband Roy, a detective working Hollywood's mean streets. New friends in the neighborhood. Weekly therapy sessions. A chance to forget what happened back in Kansas City.
But the past doesn't stay buried.
Roy comes home late, evasive about his cases. Her new friends - beautiful, confident Dianne; gossipy Tina; fitness-obsessed Sean. All have opinions about what to wear, where to go . . . and what Roy might be doing.
When women start turning up dead - the Hillside Strangler's latest victims - Gwen's carefully constructed world begins to fracture. She sees things. Hears things. Questions everything.
Is Roy hiding an affair? Are her friends really her friends? And if she's killed to protect those she loves before...
Could she do it again?
In a city where no one is who they seem, Gwen must untangle truth from deception before she loses everything she's fought so hard to keep.
Start this twisty and suspenseful psychological thriller today!
Reader Reviews
Gracey .
Mar 31, 2026
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. 😂
Kai J.
Mar 23, 2026
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.
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.
Carol G.
Mar 18, 2026
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.
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.
Taryn N.
Mar 15, 2026
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!
About the Author
Dan Grylles is an award-winning author. At a young age he developed three lifelong passions - writing computer programs, writing music to play on his guitar, and reading mystery/crime novels. Later, lured by the intrigue of thriller mysteries, he began writing those too.
Dan's professional background includes many years managing a pet sitting business which inspired his fun and quirky novella, M is for Dog Show. After his day job at a top-secret lab, he writes stories in the deep dark hours of the night, taking breaks for walks with his writing assistant, Princess Peach (his patient dog).
Dan's professional background includes many years managing a pet sitting business which inspired his fun and quirky novella, M is for Dog Show. After his day job at a top-secret lab, he writes stories in the deep dark hours of the night, taking breaks for walks with his writing assistant, Princess Peach (his patient dog).