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The Man
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Expected 7 Jul 26From the highly acclaimed author of How Can I Help You, a New York Times Best Thriller of the Year, a singular take on the domestic suspense novel that follows a 1960s housewife turned amateur photographer who begins to fear for her life when she notices the dark silhouette of a man in the background of her self-portraits.
The photos Judith Stanley takes are just for her, a private passion to fill her suburban days. But when she shares them with Paul Sorenson, her new photography instructor, she's unprepared to hear his astonished praise. "Stunning," he calls her photos. "Extraordinary." She has an uncanny eye, he says, and should consider publication. He could help. Except Judith has no interest in sharing her work; in fact, the mere idea of it frightens her.
Still, emboldened by Paul’s encouragement, Judith ventures out beyond her quiet neighborhood to the city in search of increasingly striking images. When she starts to notice the dark shape of a man in the corner of her self-portraits, Judith is certain he's an attacker from her past. She doesn't know why he has returned, but she's sure of his the hoarse sound of his breathing, his hard grip on her elbow. Perhaps it would appease the man if she were to put her camera down and give up her private passion. But she can't; she refuses. Until one night when the man finally emerges from the shadows, and Judith’s story suddenly and irrevocably becomes his own.
Chilling and heart-poundingly propulsive, The Man is a phenomenal and timely novel exploring the inescapable fear of living as a woman, the tantalizing seduction of artistic freedom, and the very real dangers that lurk both inside and outside the confines of the mind. The Man marks Laura Sims as an extraordinary talent at the top of her game; and this, her third novel, is her greatest achievement yet.
The photos Judith Stanley takes are just for her, a private passion to fill her suburban days. But when she shares them with Paul Sorenson, her new photography instructor, she's unprepared to hear his astonished praise. "Stunning," he calls her photos. "Extraordinary." She has an uncanny eye, he says, and should consider publication. He could help. Except Judith has no interest in sharing her work; in fact, the mere idea of it frightens her.
Still, emboldened by Paul’s encouragement, Judith ventures out beyond her quiet neighborhood to the city in search of increasingly striking images. When she starts to notice the dark shape of a man in the corner of her self-portraits, Judith is certain he's an attacker from her past. She doesn't know why he has returned, but she's sure of his the hoarse sound of his breathing, his hard grip on her elbow. Perhaps it would appease the man if she were to put her camera down and give up her private passion. But she can't; she refuses. Until one night when the man finally emerges from the shadows, and Judith’s story suddenly and irrevocably becomes his own.
Chilling and heart-poundingly propulsive, The Man is a phenomenal and timely novel exploring the inescapable fear of living as a woman, the tantalizing seduction of artistic freedom, and the very real dangers that lurk both inside and outside the confines of the mind. The Man marks Laura Sims as an extraordinary talent at the top of her game; and this, her third novel, is her greatest achievement yet.
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 7, 2026
4 people are currently reading
1345 people want to read
About the author
Laura Sims
14 books559 followersLaura Sims’s third novel, THE MAN, is due out from Putnam in July of 2026. Her novels HOW CAN I HELP YOU (2023) and LOOKER (2019) have been on Best Books lists in The New York Times, Vogue, People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Real Simple, Publishers Weekly, and more. An award-winning poet, Sims has published four poetry collections; her essays and poems have appeared in The New Republic, Boston Review, Lit Hub, and Electric Lit. She lives in New Jersey, where she works part-time as a children’s librarian.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 25, 2026
It’s the 1960s, and Judith Stanley carries her Nikon camera with her, taking pictures for her own satisfaction. She joins a photography class and Paul, her teacher, describes her work as stunning and that she has an uncanny knack of knowing when to snap the shutter. Encouraged by his interest and positive feedback, she ventures out to take more and starts to notice a shadow in the corner of one of her unusual self portraits. Judith is sure it’s The Man. The man who leaves her physically scarred and mentally haunted as a 16-year-old. Common sense should tell her to stop but she won’t, until one night when he emerges from the shadows.
This is a chilling and haunting novel, which has me constantly questioning what’s real and what an illusion but wherever the truth lies it’s certain to be very disturbing. It’s a shocker in more ways than one as ambition overcomes scruples and so it becomes a very twisted and obsessive tale. I’m caught up in the storytelling and find it hard to put down.
It has a black and white movie feel perhaps from the 1940s. The shadow on the photographs strongly reminds me of Alfred Hitchcock’s own shadow but also his use of shadows to create a very unsettling effect, exactly what the author achieves here– it’s very clever and creepy.
This novel would be a great book club choice and would lead to many questions and interesting discussions about Judith, Paul and the enigmatic ending. Does anyone really know Judith? What do her photographs tell us about her? What exactly happens to her as a 16-year-old? What about Paul?
This is an excellent psychological suspense novel which explores the impact of trauma and also what ambition can lead to. I think Laura Sims has written another best seller.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to VERVE Books for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
December 5, 2025
4.5 stars
✨Wow! This is a truly haunting and disquieting, yet quite powerful, read. It’s an absolute page-turner delivered with a pervasive sense of dread and a point of view shift that left me with my jaw on the floor.
✨The book is suspenseful thriller, but it’s also a scathing examination of female agency and gender power dynamics that confronts the ways vulnerable women are exploited or dismissed. While the timeline is 1960s, the themes continue to ring true today.
✨Complex topics like mental health, untreated trauma and women in middle age heightened the tension and have me thinking on this book days after turning the last page.
✨I think this is a book everyone will be talking about when it comes out July 7.
🌿Read if you like:
✨Domestic suspense
✨Psychological thrillers
✨Historical fiction
✨1960s era
✨Photography
✨Atmospheric tension
✨The art world
✨Wow! This is a truly haunting and disquieting, yet quite powerful, read. It’s an absolute page-turner delivered with a pervasive sense of dread and a point of view shift that left me with my jaw on the floor.
✨The book is suspenseful thriller, but it’s also a scathing examination of female agency and gender power dynamics that confronts the ways vulnerable women are exploited or dismissed. While the timeline is 1960s, the themes continue to ring true today.
✨Complex topics like mental health, untreated trauma and women in middle age heightened the tension and have me thinking on this book days after turning the last page.
✨I think this is a book everyone will be talking about when it comes out July 7.
🌿Read if you like:
✨Domestic suspense
✨Psychological thrillers
✨Historical fiction
✨1960s era
✨Photography
✨Atmospheric tension
✨The art world
February 24, 2026
”Photography is an art, and art can be a razor blade, peeling back layers of civility to reveal stark truths…”
I really enjoyed this- couldn’t put it down! ‘The Man’ is the second book I’ve read by Laura Sims now, and I’ve enjoyed them both equally. She’s definitely an author to watch.
‘The Man’ is a dark thriller full of atmosphere, with themes of creativity, ethics, and gender dynamics. The story is set in the 1960s, and focuses on Judith Stanley, a middle-aged housewife who has taken up an evening photography class to try and rediscover herself. Judith has quite a talent, but shuns the spotlight as she’s hiding from a traumatic past - but she finds great comfort and joy in her newfound hobby, until she starts seeing a dark figure appear in the background of all her self-portraits.
The POV shifts unexpectedly half-way through the novel, taking the story in a whole new direction - and opening up a lot of moral questions, like how far is it acceptable to go for the sake of art? Or whose right is it to tell a person’s story? I was pleasantly surprised by this twist, and it reminded me a lot of one of my favourite books, ‘A Ladder to the Sky’ by John Boyne.
I found it very interesting how the concept of ‘The Man’ could be seen as literal, or quite figurative, manifesting in different ways throughout the story. I also loved how well the author captured the inner lives of the two main characters, helping us to understand their actions (even if nefarious at points). The ending leaves things open to interpretation - we don’t get all the answers, which some readers may find frustrating.
Overall, very enjoyable- I’d highly recommend to thriller fans. ‘The Man’ is published by VERVE books and will be out in the UK 23rd July 2026. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC.
I really enjoyed this- couldn’t put it down! ‘The Man’ is the second book I’ve read by Laura Sims now, and I’ve enjoyed them both equally. She’s definitely an author to watch.
‘The Man’ is a dark thriller full of atmosphere, with themes of creativity, ethics, and gender dynamics. The story is set in the 1960s, and focuses on Judith Stanley, a middle-aged housewife who has taken up an evening photography class to try and rediscover herself. Judith has quite a talent, but shuns the spotlight as she’s hiding from a traumatic past - but she finds great comfort and joy in her newfound hobby, until she starts seeing a dark figure appear in the background of all her self-portraits.
The POV shifts unexpectedly half-way through the novel, taking the story in a whole new direction - and opening up a lot of moral questions, like how far is it acceptable to go for the sake of art? Or whose right is it to tell a person’s story? I was pleasantly surprised by this twist, and it reminded me a lot of one of my favourite books, ‘A Ladder to the Sky’ by John Boyne.
I found it very interesting how the concept of ‘The Man’ could be seen as literal, or quite figurative, manifesting in different ways throughout the story. I also loved how well the author captured the inner lives of the two main characters, helping us to understand their actions (even if nefarious at points). The ending leaves things open to interpretation - we don’t get all the answers, which some readers may find frustrating.
Overall, very enjoyable- I’d highly recommend to thriller fans. ‘The Man’ is published by VERVE books and will be out in the UK 23rd July 2026. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC.
January 15, 2026
The Man is about a woman, Judith Stanley, a photography student that keeps seeing a man in all her self portraits. It’s based on real life stalking cases from the 1960s, but it is also about so much more than that.
“Photography is art, and art can be a razor blade, peeling back layers of civility to reveal stark truths.”
The stark truth of this novel explores the inescapable fear of living as a woman with the tension of artistic freedom. The push and pull of this thriller examines identity, agency, and often blurs the lines between past trauma and present dangers. It’s also about men, and what they think they deserve/are entitled to.
This was a thoughtful and impactful story. My only complaint was too much time spent on Paul’s POV and not Judith’s.
✨4 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for this e-arc. The Man comes out July 7, 2026.
“Photography is art, and art can be a razor blade, peeling back layers of civility to reveal stark truths.”
The stark truth of this novel explores the inescapable fear of living as a woman with the tension of artistic freedom. The push and pull of this thriller examines identity, agency, and often blurs the lines between past trauma and present dangers. It’s also about men, and what they think they deserve/are entitled to.
This was a thoughtful and impactful story. My only complaint was too much time spent on Paul’s POV and not Judith’s.
✨4 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for this e-arc. The Man comes out July 7, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Photography is an art, and art can be a razor blade, peeling back layers of civility to reveal stark truths[...]
This is a book which is full of atmosphere and full of questions, many of which do not get answers. I am not surprised to hear that Sims' past books are divisive — I'm guessing maybe for the same reasons as this one — but I also ended up really enjoying The Man. I could hardly put it down.
Don't expect a typical thriller. It has more of a Runcie's Bring the House Down vibe, but darker. The Man's true mysteries are moral questions, such as: whose right is it to tell a person's story? How much is truth and how much is perception? And how far is it acceptable to go for "art"?
All of these questions emerge through the story of Judith Stanley, middle-aged 1960s housewife turned amateur photographer. Judith doesn't want fame — she has a traumatic past that she'd rather hide from — but she has found some comfort and passion in her new hobby, especially when she discovers that she's actually very good at it. However, when a dark shadow of a man starts to appear in the corner of her photographs, Judith starts to fear her past has come back to haunt her.
It is a very interesting book in which the concept of "The Man" is both literal and figurative, and manifests in various ways throughout the novel. It is also a book where the second half is quite a departure from the first, and I was pleased to find the story went places I was not expecting.
There is a very fascinating kind of despicable character portrayed in this book, one that called to mind another of my favourites, Boyne's A Ladder to the Sky. I found them exceptionally fun to read about— the exact kind of unlikable character that can keep me invested. Even as I watched this scumbag shit on others, invade their privacy and ignore their wishes, their inner life was conveyed spectacularly. They, too, were haunted by demons. It was interesting to see how their demons mirrored and differed from Judith's.
Overall, a super interesting read about art, ethics, and gender dynamics.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Laura Sims’ artistically provocative literary thriller “The Man,” in which photography enthusiast Judith Stanley is being traumatized by mysterious things that seem to be going on both in her photos and her real life, takes a distinctly surprising turn at its halfway point in the manner of a similarly startling development that comes at the very beginning of another recent thriller, Loretta Rothschild's “Finding Grace.”
Which may be giving away the game for those familiar with Rothschild's novel, but just as in that novel, with its dramatic turn concerning a significant character, here too there is a sudden character development which risks loss of readers’ interest with how it removes from the main action a character with whom readers have become deeply emotionally invested.
Still, even with that development, the book continues to hold reader interest with its combination of thriller elements and, of especial interest to anyone with artistic inclinations, issues of artistic composition – something of particular importance for Judith, with how she keeps being troubled by a figure she seems to be seeing in the background of her self-portraits that may just be a photographic glitch or perhaps nothing at all.
Not just in her craft, though, is she feeling troubled, but also in her personal life, where she is enduring unsettling telephone calls from an unidentified person as well as alarming physical encounters with someone who may or may not be the unknown caller.
And then there’s the question of what exactly happened in an assault she suffered in her childhood which might or might not be tied to whatever is going on now – questions made all the more frustrating for a reader by the elliptical way in which the details of the attack are teased out a bit at a time.
Indeed, ellipticalness could be said to be the defining feature of the novel, which, as I’ve indicated, could be seen not just as a straight thriller but also a depiction of Judith’s artistic aspirations which have her spreading her photographic wings a bit after the instructor in a course she’s taking is smitten enough with her work that he urges her to let him try to publish it. But as in the other aspects of the novel, all is not as it appears with his seemingly benevolent interest in her work, something that becomes clearer in the novel’s second half.
Saying more would be giving away too much about the novel, which, as I’ve indicated, alternates between straight thriller fare and more distinctly artistic fare in the vein of another author whose very hallmark might be said to be ellipticalness, John Fowles, whose “French Lieutenant’s Woman” Judith is reading and which is very much about authors and their art.
Which may be giving away the game for those familiar with Rothschild's novel, but just as in that novel, with its dramatic turn concerning a significant character, here too there is a sudden character development which risks loss of readers’ interest with how it removes from the main action a character with whom readers have become deeply emotionally invested.
Still, even with that development, the book continues to hold reader interest with its combination of thriller elements and, of especial interest to anyone with artistic inclinations, issues of artistic composition – something of particular importance for Judith, with how she keeps being troubled by a figure she seems to be seeing in the background of her self-portraits that may just be a photographic glitch or perhaps nothing at all.
Not just in her craft, though, is she feeling troubled, but also in her personal life, where she is enduring unsettling telephone calls from an unidentified person as well as alarming physical encounters with someone who may or may not be the unknown caller.
And then there’s the question of what exactly happened in an assault she suffered in her childhood which might or might not be tied to whatever is going on now – questions made all the more frustrating for a reader by the elliptical way in which the details of the attack are teased out a bit at a time.
Indeed, ellipticalness could be said to be the defining feature of the novel, which, as I’ve indicated, could be seen not just as a straight thriller but also a depiction of Judith’s artistic aspirations which have her spreading her photographic wings a bit after the instructor in a course she’s taking is smitten enough with her work that he urges her to let him try to publish it. But as in the other aspects of the novel, all is not as it appears with his seemingly benevolent interest in her work, something that becomes clearer in the novel’s second half.
Saying more would be giving away too much about the novel, which, as I’ve indicated, alternates between straight thriller fare and more distinctly artistic fare in the vein of another author whose very hallmark might be said to be ellipticalness, John Fowles, whose “French Lieutenant’s Woman” Judith is reading and which is very much about authors and their art.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you so much to VERVE Books, Laura Sims and NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Man before it is released! I first came across Laura Sim's work with her 2024 release, How Can I Help You and LOVED it! So when I spotted The Man on NetGalley, I jumped at the chance to read it early.
I was sucked into the story from the first page and had to remind myself that it was set in 1960s often. Honestly, it could be set now and I would believe it. The Man is a haunting and has an underlying sense of dread running all the way through it. At only 288 pages, I found it impossible to put down and ended up reading it in two sittings. It is now the bar for all domestic suspense/psychological thriller reads from now on. I absolutely devour books with unreliable narrators and The Man was no exception to this rule. I just know that this story is going to stick with me for a long time, I don't think I've read anything like it before and I'm not sure anything will come close to how this has left me feeling anytime soon. I love reading books like this!!!!! A true readers' high!!!!
I've spotted that Laura Sims has another book, Looker - I've added it to my Libby holds so I can't wait to jump back into another Laura Sims story soon! The Man is sure to be a talked about book this summer when it's released and I can see it being a book club pick! I'm excited to see what more people think about it. The Man is out 7th July on ebook and 23rd July in paperback! I can't wait to listen to this on audiobook when it's available!
I was sucked into the story from the first page and had to remind myself that it was set in 1960s often. Honestly, it could be set now and I would believe it. The Man is a haunting and has an underlying sense of dread running all the way through it. At only 288 pages, I found it impossible to put down and ended up reading it in two sittings. It is now the bar for all domestic suspense/psychological thriller reads from now on. I absolutely devour books with unreliable narrators and The Man was no exception to this rule. I just know that this story is going to stick with me for a long time, I don't think I've read anything like it before and I'm not sure anything will come close to how this has left me feeling anytime soon. I love reading books like this!!!!! A true readers' high!!!!
I've spotted that Laura Sims has another book, Looker - I've added it to my Libby holds so I can't wait to jump back into another Laura Sims story soon! The Man is sure to be a talked about book this summer when it's released and I can see it being a book club pick! I'm excited to see what more people think about it. The Man is out 7th July on ebook and 23rd July in paperback! I can't wait to listen to this on audiobook when it's available!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Man is one of those novels that gets under your skin in the most unsettling way. Laura Sims has created a slow‑burn psychological suspense that feels both intimate and claustrophobic, following Judith—a 1960s housewife whose private passion for photography becomes the doorway to something far darker.
Judith is such a compelling narrator. Her world is small, orderly, and carefully controlled, and watching her step beyond the boundaries of her suburban life is fascinating. The early chapters have a dreamy, almost nostalgic quality, which makes the creeping dread that follows all the more effective. Sims captures that era’s quiet domestic constraints so well, and then cracks them open with a single, haunting detail: the shadowy figure appearing in Judith’s self‑portraits.
The tension builds beautifully. Is the man real? Is he a memory? A threat? Sims keeps you hovering in that uneasy space where fear and imagination blur, and it’s incredibly effective. The sensory details—the click of the camera, the hush of Judith’s home, the city’s pulse—add to the atmosphere without ever overwhelming the story.
What I loved most is how the novel explores the vulnerability of being a woman, especially in a time when your voice and your fears were so easily dismissed. Judith’s desire for artistic freedom collides with the terror of being watched, followed, remembered. It’s haunting, but also deeply human.
Elegant, eerie, and quietly propulsive, The Man is a standout domestic suspense novel that lingers long after the final page.
With thanks to Laura Sims, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Judith is such a compelling narrator. Her world is small, orderly, and carefully controlled, and watching her step beyond the boundaries of her suburban life is fascinating. The early chapters have a dreamy, almost nostalgic quality, which makes the creeping dread that follows all the more effective. Sims captures that era’s quiet domestic constraints so well, and then cracks them open with a single, haunting detail: the shadowy figure appearing in Judith’s self‑portraits.
The tension builds beautifully. Is the man real? Is he a memory? A threat? Sims keeps you hovering in that uneasy space where fear and imagination blur, and it’s incredibly effective. The sensory details—the click of the camera, the hush of Judith’s home, the city’s pulse—add to the atmosphere without ever overwhelming the story.
What I loved most is how the novel explores the vulnerability of being a woman, especially in a time when your voice and your fears were so easily dismissed. Judith’s desire for artistic freedom collides with the terror of being watched, followed, remembered. It’s haunting, but also deeply human.
Elegant, eerie, and quietly propulsive, The Man is a standout domestic suspense novel that lingers long after the final page.
With thanks to Laura Sims, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley, VERVE Books, and Laura Sims for an ARC of 'The Man'.
This book follows Judith, a 1960s housewife with a quiet life and a passion for photography. But she has a darkness looming over her: a man who appears as a blurry silouhette in the background of her shots, as an anonymous caller, lost in the faces of New York crowds, and ultimately at the other end of a blade. Following her murder, the narrative is picked up by her photography lecturer Paul, a kleptomaniac who becomes obsessed with championing Judith's work, no matter the cost.
But who is this man? He is simultaneously a literal figure stalking his victims and a figurative representation of everything negative in their lives. He is a manifestation of Judith's submissive, oppressed, sheltered, traumatised life. He is an embodiment of Paul's violent tendencies, his criminal acts, his greed, his lust. I particularly enjoyed the theme of photography in this dynamic, symbolising the interplay between the constructed illusions caught by Judith on camera and the illusions which creep into our everyday lives... through tricks of the light, and tricks of the mind. I also liked the questions raised my 'The Man' around moral obligation, obsession, and gender dynamics - I found it interesting that the only man who champions Judith does so violently, against her will, and for his own gain.
While I mostly enjoyed this book, I was left feeling unsatisfied by its end. Quite what or who "the man" is, and what actually happens to Judith and Paul, remain unclear. I understand it is left purposefully vague, but instead of feeling like a mystery, the puzzle just felt unfinished. Unconsidered by the author. Overall, though, a good read.
This book follows Judith, a 1960s housewife with a quiet life and a passion for photography. But she has a darkness looming over her: a man who appears as a blurry silouhette in the background of her shots, as an anonymous caller, lost in the faces of New York crowds, and ultimately at the other end of a blade. Following her murder, the narrative is picked up by her photography lecturer Paul, a kleptomaniac who becomes obsessed with championing Judith's work, no matter the cost.
But who is this man? He is simultaneously a literal figure stalking his victims and a figurative representation of everything negative in their lives. He is a manifestation of Judith's submissive, oppressed, sheltered, traumatised life. He is an embodiment of Paul's violent tendencies, his criminal acts, his greed, his lust. I particularly enjoyed the theme of photography in this dynamic, symbolising the interplay between the constructed illusions caught by Judith on camera and the illusions which creep into our everyday lives... through tricks of the light, and tricks of the mind. I also liked the questions raised my 'The Man' around moral obligation, obsession, and gender dynamics - I found it interesting that the only man who champions Judith does so violently, against her will, and for his own gain.
While I mostly enjoyed this book, I was left feeling unsatisfied by its end. Quite what or who "the man" is, and what actually happens to Judith and Paul, remain unclear. I understand it is left purposefully vague, but instead of feeling like a mystery, the puzzle just felt unfinished. Unconsidered by the author. Overall, though, a good read.
February 15, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley and VERVE Books for the advance copy!
Set to be the book club staple for 2026 and for good reason, The Man by Laura Sims is a suspense novel that looks at trauma, tension and gender dynamics. It follows 1960s housewife Judith, who lives with a dark history and a passion and unique skill of photography, who after a small tragedy starts to see a mysterious figure appearing in her self-portraits and seems to be following her. Judith finds her escape in photographic and is extremely skilled as pointed out by her professor Paul who reminds her of her worth throughout, but the escape starts to be impacted by this man who won’t leave Judith alone.
I did enjoy this overall, especially the split parts which made for a tone change I didn’t expect to see, and which kept me guessing even when I was convinced I knew what was happening a few times. An engaging read but one that felt a little bogged down in some themes that left me feeling like this was unresolved, which may be part of the point, I get. The look at how our inner demons can overtake and invade all parts of our lives even when we think we have a hold on things was done very well, but unfortunately the ending didn’t work for me completely, which was a shame!
As mentioned, this is something a lot of people will enjoy and get a lot from, and will definitely spark great conversations about trauma, gender dynamics, the ethics of art and the nature of ownership.
Set to be the book club staple for 2026 and for good reason, The Man by Laura Sims is a suspense novel that looks at trauma, tension and gender dynamics. It follows 1960s housewife Judith, who lives with a dark history and a passion and unique skill of photography, who after a small tragedy starts to see a mysterious figure appearing in her self-portraits and seems to be following her. Judith finds her escape in photographic and is extremely skilled as pointed out by her professor Paul who reminds her of her worth throughout, but the escape starts to be impacted by this man who won’t leave Judith alone.
I did enjoy this overall, especially the split parts which made for a tone change I didn’t expect to see, and which kept me guessing even when I was convinced I knew what was happening a few times. An engaging read but one that felt a little bogged down in some themes that left me feeling like this was unresolved, which may be part of the point, I get. The look at how our inner demons can overtake and invade all parts of our lives even when we think we have a hold on things was done very well, but unfortunately the ending didn’t work for me completely, which was a shame!
As mentioned, this is something a lot of people will enjoy and get a lot from, and will definitely spark great conversations about trauma, gender dynamics, the ethics of art and the nature of ownership.
December 9, 2025
The Man by Laura Sims was so riveting, I couldn’t put it down. This story lingered long after I finished, leaving me deep in thought. We follow Judith Stanley, a housewife with a passion for photography, as she navigates past trauma while taking a photography course. She's incredibly talented, and her professor, Paul Sorenson, pushes her to share her art with the world. As Judith works on her craft, she becomes tormented by the unsettling feeling that someone is watching her from the shadows and the events that unfold are truly haunting.
What makes The Man even more gripping is experiencing the unfolding events through the eyes of deeply unreliable narrators. You’re left questioning everything, what really happened, who can be trusted, and how much is shaped by perception. There’s a rawness and creepiness woven into this story that gets under your skin in the best way. Following the characters’ thoughts and unraveling their psyches through their shifting points of view is deeply compelling and eerie. We come across themes of self-discovery and how trauma can linger for years, resurfacing as fear and self-doubt. The paranoia of surveillance and being watched pulses through these pages. There are powerful explorations of perception, blurred realities and entitlement. This truly is psychological thriller at its finest!
What makes The Man even more gripping is experiencing the unfolding events through the eyes of deeply unreliable narrators. You’re left questioning everything, what really happened, who can be trusted, and how much is shaped by perception. There’s a rawness and creepiness woven into this story that gets under your skin in the best way. Following the characters’ thoughts and unraveling their psyches through their shifting points of view is deeply compelling and eerie. We come across themes of self-discovery and how trauma can linger for years, resurfacing as fear and self-doubt. The paranoia of surveillance and being watched pulses through these pages. There are powerful explorations of perception, blurred realities and entitlement. This truly is psychological thriller at its finest!
April 26, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and GP Putnam’s Sons for the eARC.
Judith is a housewife, a mother. A regular 1960s woman who does all her chores and waits for her husband to come home for dinner. She has a keen eye for photography, and she proceeds to take photography classes at a local college. However, the more she immerses herself in her hobby, the more her past comes back to haunt her. Until one day she can no longer fight back.
I had no idea what to expect from this book and I went in mostly blind. I was so blown away and it evoked such strong emotions within me while reading. Anger, hatred, pity, sorrow, and of course, massive anxiety. Judith is a very likable character. I feel for her, but also knowing that this story takes place in the 1960s, expectations and such need to be managed. Women did not have what we have nowadays, and many times they were seen as below men. A standard patriarchal society.
I don’t want to give anything away, because this whole story took me by surprise halfway through. But if you’re looking for a character spirals, a domestic thriller, and varied characters, and also okay with ambiguous endings… definitely give this a go. It’s so tense, and I had a hard time putting it down. I did have to take breaks because I was so anxious though! I really wanted to know more about Judith, but it seems that the author intentionally left some things unsaid.
Judith is a housewife, a mother. A regular 1960s woman who does all her chores and waits for her husband to come home for dinner. She has a keen eye for photography, and she proceeds to take photography classes at a local college. However, the more she immerses herself in her hobby, the more her past comes back to haunt her. Until one day she can no longer fight back.
I had no idea what to expect from this book and I went in mostly blind. I was so blown away and it evoked such strong emotions within me while reading. Anger, hatred, pity, sorrow, and of course, massive anxiety. Judith is a very likable character. I feel for her, but also knowing that this story takes place in the 1960s, expectations and such need to be managed. Women did not have what we have nowadays, and many times they were seen as below men. A standard patriarchal society.
I don’t want to give anything away, because this whole story took me by surprise halfway through. But if you’re looking for a character spirals, a domestic thriller, and varied characters, and also okay with ambiguous endings… definitely give this a go. It’s so tense, and I had a hard time putting it down. I did have to take breaks because I was so anxious though! I really wanted to know more about Judith, but it seems that the author intentionally left some things unsaid.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went into The Man with zero expectations since this was a new-to-me author, and ended up feeling like I’d taken a slow, eerie walk through someone’s mind. This isn’t a flashy, twisty thriller — it’s quiet and unsettling, with more focus on atmosphere and psychology than plot.
The story follows Judith Stanley, a 1960s housewife who notices a mysterious man appearing in the background of her self-portraits, and from there explores obsession, fear, and what it means to feel seen or invisible. What worked for me was the haunting, introspective writing and the moody 1960s domestic vibe, which felt more like a psychological portrait than straight suspense. I also liked how Judith’s passion for photography was woven into her identity and growing unease.
A couple things that didn’t work for me, though, were mainly the pacing and tension. It’s very slow, and I found myself wanting more urgency or at least one real pulse-pounding moment. Some of the ambiguity felt intentional but ended up a little foggy instead of intriguing.
Although this wasn’t a particularly interesting read for me, I’d recommend this for those who enjoy atmospheric, character-driven psychological fiction rather than fast-paced thrillers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the advance copy of this new-to-me author in exchange for my honest review.
The story follows Judith Stanley, a 1960s housewife who notices a mysterious man appearing in the background of her self-portraits, and from there explores obsession, fear, and what it means to feel seen or invisible. What worked for me was the haunting, introspective writing and the moody 1960s domestic vibe, which felt more like a psychological portrait than straight suspense. I also liked how Judith’s passion for photography was woven into her identity and growing unease.
A couple things that didn’t work for me, though, were mainly the pacing and tension. It’s very slow, and I found myself wanting more urgency or at least one real pulse-pounding moment. Some of the ambiguity felt intentional but ended up a little foggy instead of intriguing.
Although this wasn’t a particularly interesting read for me, I’d recommend this for those who enjoy atmospheric, character-driven psychological fiction rather than fast-paced thrillers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the advance copy of this new-to-me author in exchange for my honest review.
March 28, 2026
The story involves Judith, a housewife with a passion and talent for photography. She begins to notice a man in the background of all her self-portraits and starts to wonder if her past is coming back to haunt her.
For the first 50% I was heavily invested in Judith’s story. It was heartening to see that, even with such a difficult past and constant attempts to force her hand, she remained strong.
I found Paul unlikeable from the beginning, both haunting and devious. This won’t come as a surprise given what he represents.
Where this fell short for me was the ending. All of the excellent build-up of tension seemed to come to nothing. I don’t mind ambiguity, but this felt like no real answers were given and no conclusion was reached, which was a little disappointing.
I would still recommend this as overall I did enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For the first 50% I was heavily invested in Judith’s story. It was heartening to see that, even with such a difficult past and constant attempts to force her hand, she remained strong.
I found Paul unlikeable from the beginning, both haunting and devious. This won’t come as a surprise given what he represents.
Where this fell short for me was the ending. All of the excellent build-up of tension seemed to come to nothing. I don’t mind ambiguity, but this felt like no real answers were given and no conclusion was reached, which was a little disappointing.
I would still recommend this as overall I did enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.
Judith Stanley is a middle aged housewife-turned-hobby-photographer with a talent that goes beyond that of her younger night school professor, Paul. Captivated by her innate ability, Paul unsuccessfully encourages Judith to allow him to submit her photographs to a magazine, not understanding the depth of her protests. Judith has been cropping a dark, menacing stalker out of her work.
The book considers gender disparity and outlines people’s response to gender based violence in the 1930’s and 60’s well, invoking anger at ‘The Man’, the art world and human nature’s morbid curiosity.
Having not one but two unreliable narrators (a split I was not expecting) emphasises the suspense throughout the novel, keeping you guessing when you think you can predict what happens next.
Ultimately, the ending was not satisfying enough and left me with too many questions! What actually happened?!
Judith Stanley is a middle aged housewife-turned-hobby-photographer with a talent that goes beyond that of her younger night school professor, Paul. Captivated by her innate ability, Paul unsuccessfully encourages Judith to allow him to submit her photographs to a magazine, not understanding the depth of her protests. Judith has been cropping a dark, menacing stalker out of her work.
The book considers gender disparity and outlines people’s response to gender based violence in the 1930’s and 60’s well, invoking anger at ‘The Man’, the art world and human nature’s morbid curiosity.
Having not one but two unreliable narrators (a split I was not expecting) emphasises the suspense throughout the novel, keeping you guessing when you think you can predict what happens next.
Ultimately, the ending was not satisfying enough and left me with too many questions! What actually happened?!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Man by Laura Sims
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Life, death and photography: The Man is a dark character study about inspiration and ownership. 60's housewife and amateur photographer Judith begins to fear for her life when a dark figure starts appearing in her photos. Her instructor, Paul, finds Judith's photos stunning but she's not interested in displaying them. As Judith descends into a mental health spiral, her worst fears begin to come true.
This was a glaring and terrifying portrayal of what life as a woman in a patriarchial society is like and it was horrifying to see Judith's fears (which are ultimately the fears of most women) begin to manifest. Thwre's a huge twist which turns the story on its head, so it's difficult to say too much about the story without giving this away. The book also delves into themes and discussions around art and the ownership of art, which are really interesting. A great book for sparking debate and discussion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Life, death and photography: The Man is a dark character study about inspiration and ownership. 60's housewife and amateur photographer Judith begins to fear for her life when a dark figure starts appearing in her photos. Her instructor, Paul, finds Judith's photos stunning but she's not interested in displaying them. As Judith descends into a mental health spiral, her worst fears begin to come true.
This was a glaring and terrifying portrayal of what life as a woman in a patriarchial society is like and it was horrifying to see Judith's fears (which are ultimately the fears of most women) begin to manifest. Thwre's a huge twist which turns the story on its head, so it's difficult to say too much about the story without giving this away. The book also delves into themes and discussions around art and the ownership of art, which are really interesting. A great book for sparking debate and discussion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The vibes are
✅ ominous
✅ unreliable narrator(s)
✅ questioning reality
✅ claustrophobic mental instability
Imagine if Vivian Maier were being stalked by a shadow of a man, visible only in her photos once they were developed. The first half of the book has us questioning our own shifting reality right along with her. To say what happens next would be a disservice to the experience of reading this book. Just know that if you like one unreliable narrator, you’ll love two.
I was so stoked to get this advance reader’s copy of The Man after devouring both How Can I Help You and Looker. Highly recommend this one if you like an unconventional thriller that leaves just the right number of unanswered questions.
Thanks to NetGalley, VERVE books & Laura Sims for the digital arc.
✅ ominous
✅ unreliable narrator(s)
✅ questioning reality
✅ claustrophobic mental instability
Imagine if Vivian Maier were being stalked by a shadow of a man, visible only in her photos once they were developed. The first half of the book has us questioning our own shifting reality right along with her. To say what happens next would be a disservice to the experience of reading this book. Just know that if you like one unreliable narrator, you’ll love two.
I was so stoked to get this advance reader’s copy of The Man after devouring both How Can I Help You and Looker. Highly recommend this one if you like an unconventional thriller that leaves just the right number of unanswered questions.
Thanks to NetGalley, VERVE books & Laura Sims for the digital arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and verve publications for my advanced reader copy.
The man follows the story of Judith Stanley, an amateur photographer, who is intensively private about her work and life.
She attends Paul Sorenson’s photography classes as a mature student and shares her work with him.
Judith is plagued by a traumatic childhood and is being stalked by someone who appears in her photos.
The man leaves you questioning what you think this book is about, what you think is happening, and where it’s going to end.
It’s gripping, creepy and hard to put down.
This book will definitely spark interesting conversations in book clubs about morals, ownership and toxic masculinity.
The man follows the story of Judith Stanley, an amateur photographer, who is intensively private about her work and life.
She attends Paul Sorenson’s photography classes as a mature student and shares her work with him.
Judith is plagued by a traumatic childhood and is being stalked by someone who appears in her photos.
The man leaves you questioning what you think this book is about, what you think is happening, and where it’s going to end.
It’s gripping, creepy and hard to put down.
This book will definitely spark interesting conversations in book clubs about morals, ownership and toxic masculinity.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This dark, domestic suspense novel centers on a 1960s housewife named Judith. She has some trauma in her past and is working through it by taking a photography class.
Her professor, Paul, encourages her work and compliments her talent. She loves taking pictures, however, the mysterious face of a man in her photos creeps Judith out. Who is it?
And then the POV switches and things get even more tense, even more dark. It's disturbing, and you will be looking over your shoulder long after you've finished reading the book.
Her professor, Paul, encourages her work and compliments her talent. She loves taking pictures, however, the mysterious face of a man in her photos creeps Judith out. Who is it?
And then the POV switches and things get even more tense, even more dark. It's disturbing, and you will be looking over your shoulder long after you've finished reading the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Judith Stanley is a 1960s housewife, taking a photograph my class as a hobby. It is quickly revealed that she has a great talent, her teacher Paul, is keen to push her talents out to the word.
She starts to notice a “man” in the background of her shots, mostly self portraits.
This book uses many societal perceptions and standards, of its time, to bring the story to a close. I couldn’t put this one down!
One small note, I believe the reader could have the context made clearer at the beginning without damaging the story.
Thank you VERVE books for this ARC opportunity ✨
She starts to notice a “man” in the background of her shots, mostly self portraits.
This book uses many societal perceptions and standards, of its time, to bring the story to a close. I couldn’t put this one down!
One small note, I believe the reader could have the context made clearer at the beginning without damaging the story.
Thank you VERVE books for this ARC opportunity ✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars rounded up!
This was an interesting read - the unreliable narration (particularly in the second half) which moulds Judith's story and how she is presented to the world is really well done but I don't feel like the synopsis really gives an accurate idea of what you get when you read this. The ending felt a little anticlimactic and there was a lot left unanswered.
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc
This was an interesting read - the unreliable narration (particularly in the second half) which moulds Judith's story and how she is presented to the world is really well done but I don't feel like the synopsis really gives an accurate idea of what you get when you read this. The ending felt a little anticlimactic and there was a lot left unanswered.
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc
November 19, 2025
Haunting, atmospheric, and relentlessly unnerving, THE MAN kept me up late reading...and had me looking over my shoulder on dark corners. Beneath the muscular prose and quiet sense of dread is a thoughtful exploration of power imbalances, our relationship with art, and the roles we allow women to play.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A very well-written thriller, with twists I didn't see coming. Food for thought on the nature of the art world, as well as how mental illness can coexist or collide with artistic vision. Kept me reading, very entertaining. Would definitely read another of hers. Very visual descriptions, which I enjoyed!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A housewife in the 1960's with an extraordinary talent and love of photography fears she is in danger when she see a "man" in her photographs. It is her story and the story of her photography professor, an almost success who encourages her to publish her work. There is a subtle disturbing element in the book and some unanswered questions 3.5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I haven't read such a riveting, smart, and richly layered psychological thriller in a very long time. Truly an original, truly disturbing, and intensely thought-provoking. Highly recommend for book clubs. There's so much to discuss! I won't forget THE MAN anytime soon.
December 3, 2025
Such a great book that I had to read it over and over and over and over...and over again. And now I'm done.
I hope you enjoy it!
I hope you enjoy it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Creative and intense. Kept me on edge throughout. Will be recommending it to patrons.
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February 18, 20263.5….Had a hard time putting this down even if it feels almost claustrophobic and mentally exhausting at times. Liked the 1960s art world elements and it did keep me guessing though I did not love the ending- felt abrupt and I’m still not entirely sure what exactly transpired.
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April 8, 2026Reading List 2026 #26
December 4, 2025
A jaw-dropping POV shift, and elegant yet propulsive prose, make THE MAN a chilling page-turner that explores art, ambition, gender dynamics, and true fear. Creepy, disturbing, and dripping with dread, I had to force myself to put it down!
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