Night Calls

 

Night Calls by Joe Hart
9/22/26; 367 pages
Thomas & Mercer

Night Calls by Joe Hart is a highly recommended character based psychological thriller. This one is heavy on the psychology in the character development and not really a thriller until later in the novel. 

After her husband Ed died from a heart attack, Hattie Conlee escaped her life in Pennsylvania, moved to a coastal town in Maine, and is now known as Mary Whittaker. Eight years ago, Ed and Hattie's son, Tommy, was convicted of being a serial killer known as the Bedfellow. Tommy managed to escape custody and disappeared. Hattie now lives a quiet life next door to Kevin and Wendy Crawford, and is a reliable babysitter for their son Julian, the son they adopted. What they don't know is that Julian is actually Tommy’s child and Hattie’s grandchild.  

Unexpectedly, investigative  journalist Ross Eeling has tracked her down. He shows up at her door, threatening to tell the Crawford's her secret if she doesn't talk to him about a book he is writing. After setting her own demands, she agrees to tell Eeling about her son and the events in 2018 along with the accompanying guilt, shame, memories, repercussions, and grief. Then several unexpected events happen which change the trajectory of everything.

The narrative is well-written, but the plot is very slow moving until later in the novel. For much of the beginning it is really focus much more on the character development of Hattie and what she is experiencing. It is clear that Hattie may not be okay. She feels watched. She sometimes loses track of where she is and gets lost in her thoughts. She sees owls where there are none. She is still grieving the loss of her husband and her son. It seems she is strong, but, simultaneously, her mental state is also very fragile. She is in great pain internally, but outwardly keeping it all together, in spite of the momentary lapses into internal thoughts. There is no one she can confide in, no one supporting her.

Once the tone changes in the narrative, the true thriller portion of the novel starts. The pace picks up dramatically, along with the plot twists and multiple dangers. The ending does stretch credulity, but there is no question that it is also very compelling and will hold your full attention right to the end.

Night Calls is a great choice for those who appreciate a deep dive into character development along with a thriller. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.