THE FIRST TIME I SAW HIM
Hannah Hall #2
By: Laura Dave
Published: January 6, 2026
Publisher: Scribner
Suspense
The long-awaited sequel to THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME was just as captivating and thrilling as the first. Laura Dave has satisfied her fans with the follow-up to Hannah, Bailey, and Owen’s story, along with more background on The Organization’s history and reasoning for Owen’s need to leave Hannah and Bailey behind.
This is definitely a sequel that requires you to read the first book in the series before reading this one. There is a lot of information that you will need to know and understand from the first novel that plays into what is happening in this novel. Aside from understanding, you want to read both because the story is so good.
“Because that’s the thing about faith. Even if the world decides it looks crazy, it shows up for you in the moment that you need it most. The moment that you need faith to remind you that you know better. That I know better. This is when I keep going.”
I became a fan of Hannah in the first book, rooting for her and understanding her need to protect Bailey as well as joining her in her anger for Owen while trying to grasp what could be behind his disappearance. This novel starts where the first left off, at one of Hannah’s furniture shows, where Owen shows up, 5 years after his disappearance. Hannah sees him for only a few seconds but knows there is a reason for his return and can’t imagine it is for good news. Thus ensues a suspenseful journey for Hannah and Bailey that hopefully ends with answers, safety, and maybe time with Owen again.
“Isn’t this how it happens? You can see the whole chessboard. You organize your life to see it. But you still miss it, the smallest of missteps.”
Even though I have no knowledge or background on what a crime family does or endures, Dave gives readers a glimpse into their lives, the sacrifices and business decisions to be made, and the danger each of them faces. There are several twists and surprises to keep the reader shocked and wanting to know what happens next. Short chapters and the shifting timeline from past to present make the story move quickly.
“This is what real danger feels like, isn’t it? It doesn’t announce itself at the door. It creeps up behind you until there’s nothing you can do but try-with everything you’ve got left-to breathe into it.”
If you read the first in the series, I likely don’t have to convince you to read this one. Just know you won’t be disappointed, finding the background you wanted in the first story and the closure you need in this one. The Apple+ series returns on February 20th, and you can bet I’ll be watching it.
Laura Dave is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of eight novels. She lives in Santa Monica, California, with her husband and their son. Check out her website, HERE.
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Posted Under Book Review, Laura Dave, suspense