Having not read but watched the Apple series of the first book in this series, I was accustomed to holding my breath. The first book, THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME, was nonstop action practically from the start. I won’t disclose much about THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME since the plot line was intricate and absorbing. Important to note that I think the first book should be read prior to entering the world of THE FIRST TIME I SAW HIM. It absolutely sets the stage which is interesting once you realize the author Laura Dave, had no original intention of writing a sequel. The characters you meet in the first book will now be carried over in some fashion. It’s important that you face the expectation that you will not get anything done until you come to the conclusion of the sequel.

Laura Dave has us off and running, no pun intended here – you will understand that once you start THE FIRST TIME I SAW HIM, from the first couple of chapters. Six years have passed. Hannah and Bailey are in different places in their lives. Their relationship has flourished. Hannah has been enjoying being part of Bailey’s extended family. They have become a strong team, mom and daughter, for the most part. But each maintains a carefully laid out life full of contingency plans, it seems.

Since Owen’s disappearance, Hannah and Bailey have constructed a system of consciousness that hopefully will never be needed. No more running. No more looking over their shoulders. But in actuality, we know that it is impossible. Being on guard is now and forever their mantra.

And so it is no surprise that we find them on the run once again.

You know the saying, the devil you know. Well, Bailey’s grandfather Nicholas has accrued many enemies during his life. His work for a mob boss had provided a lush lifestyle for his family. It is this same choice of a career that puts his family in jeopardy. It seems all bets are off for any promises made in the past. Something that is really jarring for Nicholas and his family.

Well, the worst thing has transpired with the unexpected death of Nicholas. Then comes a message from Owen. Promises made to Nicholas from his boss appear to be compromised, which means Hannah and Bailey are no longer expected to be safe.

One of the chapters is entitled – You can’t plan for what you can’t plan for. So very cryptic and yet you are not surprised at the author’s tone here. It’s what you’ve become accustomed to reading with Laura Dave. THE FIRST TIME I SAW HIM is penned by an ingenious author, which is going to win her tons of new fans and encourage her fans to keep looking for more.