Ask for Andrea
- Judith D Collins
- Oct 27
- 5 min read
Ask for Andrea #1
By: Noelle West Ihli
Narrator: Allison Delaney
Simon Maverick
ISBN: 9781496758002
Publisher: Kensington Books
Publication Date: 10/28/2025
Format: Other
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC)
In a hauntingly unique, compulsively readable, engrossingly intense psychological thriller for readers of Freida McFadden, Jason Rekulak, Clémence Michallon, Robyn Harding, and The Lovely Bones, three women murdered by the same man unite in the afterlife to find justice.
*Now a deluxe paperback with gorgeous stenciled edges!*
“Hands down, one of my favorite reads of the year!” —Freida McFadden, author of The Housemaid
Meghan, Brecia, and Skye have just one thing in common. They were all murdered by the same man.
He hunted them online, masquerading as an eligible bachelor. Then he played the perfect gentleman, a thick layer of charm and a thousand-watt smile hiding the fact that his first dates end in shallow graves.
He’s gotten away with murder three times now.
The only thing that might keep him from killing again? The women he murdered.
Meghan, Brecia, and Skye might be dead, but they’re not gone. They’ve found each other. And they won’t rest until they find a way to stop him.
A devastating tale of female rage and righteous vengeance, Ask for Andrea will leave readers gutted—and asking for more.
My Review
International bestselling author Noelle W. Ihli presents her captivating masterpiece, "ASK FOR ANDREA," featuring stand-out, elegant stenciled edges offered by the publisher, Kensington.
This hauntingly beautiful novel weaves together elements of crime, psychological intrigue, horror, literary, and the supernatural, delving into the gripping narrative of three women whose lives were tragically cut short at the hands of the same serial killer.
In a compelling afterlife, these women unite as ghosts, determined to prevent James—a man they encountered on a dating app—from committing further atrocities. Through their ethereal influence on the living world, they embark on a quest for justice, seeking to reclaim their voices and ensure that their stories are not forgotten.
About...
-The Victims:
Brecia: First victim
Megan: Second victim
Skye: Third victim
All from different states, all murdered by James
-The Killer:
James Carson, a serial killer who uses dating apps to find and murder women, then hides his actions by leaving his victims in shallow graves. The charming and manipulative serial killer hunts his victims on dating apps. He has a wife, April, and two daughters, who are unaware of his dark side.
-The Afterlife:
After their deaths, the women meet as ghosts and realize they have a shared connection through James.
-Seeking Justice:
The women, despite the limitations of being ghosts, work together to find a way to stop James from harming other women.
-April, the wife:
April begins to suspect her husband's violent nature, though she initially denies her fears. With the ghosts' subtle guidance, she becomes aware of the imminent danger to herself and her daughters.
My thoughts...
Heartbreaking. Haunting. Dark. Relentless. Terrifying. Heartpounding. A powerhouse!
Reflecting on my recent literary journey, I unfortunately initially missed ASK FOR ANDREA upon its release and, since glowing reviews, and could not wait to read Noelle W. Ihli's entire backlist!
I later acquired the audiobook, beautifully narrated by Allison Delaney, and subsequently delved into the book. To my delight, upon finishing, I received an advanced reading copy of the prequel, FORGET YOU SAW HER, set to be released on Nov 4, 2025. This prequel serves as a compelling introduction to "ASK FOR ANDREA," and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
FORGET YOU SAW HER enriches readers with the backstory of Andrea, drawing inspiration from the true story of Cathy Terkanian and her daughter Alexis, who was renamed Aundria Bowman after her adoption by Dennis and Brenda Bowman. Complementing this narrative, I also watched the Netflix documentary "Into the Fire," which is an essential companion to both the prequel and "ASK FOR ANDREA."
This marks my first encounter with the author, and I am thoroughly impressed by her lyrical prose and the deeply moving emotions interwoven with suspense, intrigue, thriller vibes, and supernatural elements. With strong female characters who are persistent and resilient in their quest for justice.
The electrifying narrative captivates readers from the very first page to the last, establishing itself as an instant classic that has resonated with hundreds of thousands of readers globally. Prepare to be left breathless as you engage with this enthralling tale.
The author masterfully highlights the strength found within female communities, illustrating the power of support and collaboration. The ghosts in the story rely on one another, while in the tangible world, characters like Officer Domanska and Skye's mother fight valiantly for justice.
Title Significance:
The title cleverly draws from the initiative that empowers women to discreetly signal for help by using the phrase "Ask for Andrea," enabling them to escape unsafe situations during dates.
Themes Explored:
- The Dangers of Online Dating
- The Persistence of Unresolved Crime
- Female Empowerment and Community
- Concealing True Nature
- Supernatural Limitations
- The Strong Bond of Family
Content Warning:
This novel and accompanying guide address sensitive, unsettling topics, including murder, violence against women, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Recs...
ASK FOR ANDREA is a must-read for enthusiasts of the genre, particularly those who appreciate the compelling narratives crafted by authors such as Karin Slaughter, Frieda McFadden, Lisa Jewell, Chevy Stevens, Clémence Michallon, Robyn Harding, Laura McHugh, Rebecca McKanna, Heather Gudenkauf, and Willow Rose. Dive into this captivating thriller and discover your next favorite read!
Special thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the audiobook and look forward to seeing the hardcover with stenciled edges.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 28, 2025
Praise
“Hands down, one of my favorite reads of the year!”
—Freida McFadden, author of The Housemaid
“A propulsive story that haunts and mesmerizes”
—Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author of This Is Why We Lied
“A true classic in the genre.”
—Lisa Jewell, # 1 New York Times bestselling author of Don’t Let Him In
“As pulse-pounding as it is poignant. Do yourself a favor - clear your schedule and crack open this novel!”
—Lisa Gardner, New York Times bestselling author of Before She Disappeared
“Noelle has mastered the art of keeping readers on the edge of their seats.”
—John Marrs, bestselling author of The One
“Utterly gripping . . . I couldn't put it down.”
—Nicola Sanders, author of Don't Let Her Stay
“What could be better than a thriller AND a ghost story? Left me equal parts terrified and haunted.”
—Ellery Kane, author of The Good Wi
Forgot You Saw Her
COMING NOV 4
Check out #LitLiftMiniAuthorChat with the author.
A prequel to the international bestseller Ask for Andrea.
The lost her daughter once. Now, she’ll go to hell and back to find her.
Seventeen years ago, Sabina made the most difficult decision of her life: giving her newborn daughter, Andrea, up for adoption. She’s lived with the guilt ever since, clinging to the hope that Andrea was safe, happy, and loved.
Then the letter from the police arrives.
Andrea Beaumont is a missing person.
Desperate for answers, Sabina dives headlong into a frantic search for the daughter she never knew. But the deeper she digs, the more certain she becomes that Andrea isn’t coming home.
And yet … as Sabina follows the disturbing trail of evidence, she swears she can feel her daughter reaching through her dreams, warning her—and guiding her toward the truth.
But someone else is watching—and keeping close tabs on Sabina’s search. And they’ll do whatever it takes to make sure the truth stays buried.
Inspired by true events, Forget You Saw Her is a standalone prequel to the international bestseller Ask for Andrea.
About the Author
Noelle W. Ihli is the author of six thriller-suspense novels. She lives in Idaho with her husband, two sons, and two cats. When she's not plotting her next thriller, she's scaring herself with true-crime documentaries or going for a trail ride in the foothills (with her trusty pepper spray). WEBSITE
