Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I have read a few books by Kelley Armstrong and really enjoyed them, so I was excited to read this one. It was well written and provided enough suspense and intrigue, but it was gorey. There were moments in the book where I was confused at the story, but that might have just been where my mind was at. Overall a great read. 3.5 stars

Kelley Armstrong has been one of my all-time favourite authors since I was a teen in the late 2000s. Her captivating writing always entranced me from start to finish, and I'll Be Waiting was no exception.

I'll Be Waiting is a beautiful unsettling novel that walks the line between supernatural thriller and psychological drama. Set against the windswept shores of Lake Erie, the novel takes a more gothic turn compared to Armstrong’s usual action-oriented thrillers, trading chase scenes and complex conspiracies for creeping dread, emotional weight, and a deeply personal haunting.

The story centers on Nicola Laughton, who's carefully maintained world is upended when she marries Anton, a kind and gentle man who falls for her quickly, and dies just as suddenly in a car crash shortly after their wedding. His final words are “I’ll be waiting for you”, and they become an eerie thread that runs through the story, calling Nicola back to his family’s beach house, a place both emotionally charged and steeped in secrets.

Armstrong’s writing in this novel is restrained, allowing the setting to do a lot of the heavy lifting, and it works! The house most of the plot takes place at is isolated and perched at the edge of a harsh, unpredictable lake, pulsing with tension. It’s full of locked rooms, strange sounds, and fading memories, a perfect mirror for Nicola’s own mental state. Her grief is palpable, but never melodramatic. Her chronic illness, too, is written with sensitivity and realism. It isn’t used as a plot gimmick, but rather shapes Nicola’s outlook and interactions in subtle, powerful ways.

The novel unfolds in two timelines—past and present—which allows Armstrong to deepen the mystery piece by piece. As Nicola reconnects with Anton’s family and begins to uncover what really happened at the time of his death, she’s also navigating an eerie and possibly supernatural experience. Is Anton really trying to reach her from beyond the grave? Or is her grief—and her increasing isolation—warping her perception of reality?

What makes I’ll Be Waiting stand out is how personal it feels. The haunting, while possibly literal, is also deeply metaphorical. It’s about unresolved trauma, the lies people tell to preserve peace, and the painful process of accepting loss. This isn’t just a ghost story; it’s a meditation on letting go—of expectations, illusions, and even love when it turns dark.

That said, the book isn’t without its slower moments. The pacing, especially in the middle third, might feel slow to readers expecting a fast-paced supernatural thriller. Instead, the novel leans heavily on atmosphere and self-reflection. Those willing to go along for the ride will be rewarded, but action-focused readers may find it more muted than expected.

I'll Be Waiting is a slow-burn, character-driven gothic ghost story that explores the fragile threads between grief, memory, and identity. It’s eerie without being terrifying, emotional without being overwrought, and satisfying without sacrificing complexity. Armstrong proves here that she’s just as skilled at crafting intimate, moody suspense as she is with her more thrilling mysteries. A must-read for fans of gothic horror and atmospheric thrillers.

Thank you so much for an ARC of I'll Be Waiting by Kelley Armstrong! I always say in my reviews, but I do truly enjoy everything Kelley write.

I'll be waiting hits home with me as I used to work with an organization that raised funds for Cystic Fibrosis research and care. It isn't a disease often talked about, so I was very intrigued by the premise of the book and knowing so much about CF already.

I loved Nicola as a character, add in the supernatural aspects and twists, I was completely sold. I will say some parts were slightly repetitive, but overall it didn't really take away from the book.

If you like thrillers, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.

I love this author’s books but I think I prefer not to read horror. This one started slow for me, and it took me a while to get going. Once I did, it was hard to put down (which is common for me with this author’s books!). I guessed the culprit early on, although not their motivations. This was pretty gory and creepy, which is great if that’s something you get a kick out of, but it’s not really for me.

Thank you to the publisher - I received a complimentary eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Another fantastic book written by Kelley Armstrong.

This is a paranormal/supernatural style thriller.

It is based on following the life of Nicola, who as a child was diagnosed with CF. She is trying to live life to the best of her ability.
Shortly after her marriage to the love of her life, an accident occurs and she loses her husband. However, her search to reconnecting with him leads us to the story. Herself and some friends seek to reach out to the other side when strange things start to occur.

The story has some creepy moments and fixtures, some unexpected twists, paranormal moments all while secrets and hidden truths start to reveal themselves.

I really enjoyed this book! Well written, great descriptions and wonderful storyline.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.
While this book started out strong and had a hold on me for the first 30% it took a wrong turn after that. I found myself skimming and it couldn’t really hold my attention. Sadly I had to out the book down.
However, the spooky vibes were there and if I had read the book in October maybe I could give this book one more star.

The ambience and creep factor was so well done, especially in the audiobook, that I honestly had to stop listening lying in bed in the dark. The ending kind of lacked a little for me, it just fell into the category that I have seen and read before. It was still gripping and I just wanted to keep reading to see what was going to happen next.

This was atmospheric and creepy! But the second half did fall a little flat for me. It started to feel repetitive and at times silly. But the story was good & I would love to see what the author does next

Well that was more gruesome than I was expecting. This started out as a kind of spooky story involving grief, ghosts, and a plague of midges that kept me wondering where this story was really going. Unfortunately I didn’t like what it led up to. Certain actions still don’t make sense to me. The first half was great, but the second half felt rushed and unnecessarily gory. So 3 stars is my final rating.

Kelley Armstrong’s I’ll Be Waiting is a suspenseful ghost story about Nic, a woman struggling with CF and the recent death of her husband, and her attempts to contact her husband. With her BIL, friend, and a parapsychologist, she travels to a home once owned by her husband’s family to conduct a seance to reach her husband. As eerie events unfold, she feels she’s being contacted—by something not entirely human and something not entirely friendly. Blending psychological tension with the supernatural, the story delivers a chilling mystery.

🎬Pairing: There were several movies that made the mental list, but I think “Crimson Peak” (2015) is where I will settle. The creepiness factor, paired with the mystery, and certain aspects about the ghosts seem a fitting comparison.


🎵Pairing: “Unchained Melody” from Ghost. No explanation. Just gonna leave this here.


📖quote: “I rub my temples. Then I open the door wide. Making sure I have my cell phone in my pocket, I turn on the light, and I head down, one step at a time with my hand firmly on the railing.” I cannot tell you how many times I mentally yelled, “DON’T DO THAT”. STOP 👏 GOING 👏INTO 👏THE 👏CREEPY 👏BASEMENT👏



❤️ The way Armstrong builds suspense is incredible. From the very first page, there’s this creepy feeling that something isn’t right. As the tension slowly grew, so did my heart rate as I wondered what would happen next. The eerie moments—like feeling watched or hearing strange sounds—made the fear feel real.


Final Thoughts

💭Some parts towards the second part of the book dragged, and I felt like Nic was just spinning her wheels.
💭 I’m left with some questions about the ending.
💭 Overall, I liked this book even though it freaked me out.

Thank you for @netgalley and @stmartinspress and @kelleyarmstrongauthor for this ARC!

I've enjoyed Kelley Armstrong's writing for years and was thrilled to receive an ARC of "I'll Be Waiting."

This story follows Nic, a Cystic Fibrosis patient and newlywed who is grieving her husband, Anton. Nic and Anton were involved in a devastating car accident in which Anton passes away. Nic's tragedy is worsened when a bystander records and shares a very personal and emotional final exchange: Anton's last words, "I'll be waiting for you." Witnesses claim it wasn't a living person who makes this promise but rather, Anton's ghost.

Nic endures many visits to self-proclaimed psychics, only to encounter disappointment when these "mediums" are revealed to be con artists hoping to capitalize on her tragedy. Her loved ones find a professor who takes a more scientific approach to the paranormal, and they conduct a séance to contact Anton at a place once very dear to him, an old Lake Erie beach house.

Now cue the creepy.

Nightmares and flashbacks plague Nic. There are strange occurrences. Her past comes back to haunt her...

This title is creepy, atmospheric, and suspenseful. I struggled a bit with connecting with the characters. However, it was very easy imagining all of the spooky events and the writing in that regard is very strong. It was an enjoyable horror read and definitely one to pick up for the bleak fall and winter months when the dark creeps in a little earlier.

Thank you to #StMartinsPress and #NetGalley for an early opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

An entertaining supernatural thriller that is perfect for fall. I enjoyed all the plot twists and suspense. I continue to enjoy this author’s works!

This book was good! I liked it but didn’t love it. I definitely see potential in it and look forward to seeing what else the author does.

This was a really Gothic and atmospheric YA book that I definitely recommended to my younger sisters.

Whether you call it supernatural suspense or horror, Kelley Armstrong's "I'll Be Waiting" makes an impact. A fast-paced narrative grips you from the start, pulling you into a realm where the ordinary and the extraordinary collide. Where tension is immediate and each plot twist keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Unlike the slow burn of classic horror tales, where the buildup is paced and the dread slowly seeps in, Armstrong's story plunges headfirst into the action. Armed with a sharp mind and chronically ill body, Nicola Laughton navigates through a tense atmosphere where the supernatural feels eerily close to reality and fantastical elements make everything shocking and urgent.

This rapid pace doesn't just entertain; it mirrors the urgency woven into the narrative. The characters are not merely reacting to events; they are actively shaping the narrative, reflecting a shift in the genre from classic horror victims to empowered protagonists.

As the story unfolds, the blend of horror and thriller elements ensures that you're not just reading—you're experiencing the twists and turns as if you were right there alongside the characters. Armstrong’s ability to interlace classic horror themes with modern storytelling techniques creates a dynamic that feels fresh yet familiar.

By the end, you're left marveling at how seamlessly Armstrong merges the classic elements with the new. It's a journey that highlights the evolution of horror, from the slow, creeping dread to the fast-paced, multifaceted narratives of today. For those who love classic and contemporary horror, this book offers a thrilling ride that doesn't disappoint.

“I’ll Be Waiting” by Kelley Armstrong is a supernatural thriller about love, loss, and the unknown. Nicola Laughton, who has cystic fibrosis, defies expectations by living into her thirties and marrying Anton—only to lose him in a tragic accident. His final words, “I’ll be waiting for you,” haunt her, driving her to seek contact with his spirit. A séance at his family’s beach house stirs eerie events—unlocked doors, whispers, and unsettling visions—forcing Nicola to confront both supernatural forces and buried secrets from her past.

This book started out so strong, leaving me on the edge of my seat with tears in my eyes. I love how spooky this book feels and the sense of mystery that it wraps you up in. I also love the chronic illness representation. Although I’m thankful for a full closure ending, I think it could have been done a little better. All in all, this was a fun read! I recommend for those looking to explore themes of grief and the supernatural.

A truly outstanding read.

Kelley Armstrong delivers a fantastic exploration of grief, with a beautifully nuanced portrayal of chronic illness and disability. The pacing was spot-on—I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Haunting and atmospheric! What began as a ghostly tale of lost love quickly escalated into full-fledged horror, complete with chilling jump scares.

After a crash that killed Nicola’s (Nic) husband, Anton, and left her badly injured, witnesses claimed to have seen his spirit hovering over her body. Desperate to contact him, she turned to a spiritualist, leading her to a séance at Anton’s former family home—a remote, eerie estate perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Erie. Classic haunted-house elements set the stage, but as secrets unraveled, the supernatural dread deepened.

As Nic’s mental clarity wavered, the lines between the living and the dead blurred, and even the spirits couldn’t be trusted.

When I first picked up this book I had no idea it was by a Canadian author, setting in the cities I've lived in and with the main character named after one of my best friends! This book had me on my toes the whole time!

"I'll Be Waiting" is a spooky story centering on grief and loss.

Nic is a 37 year old woman who tragically loses her husband Anton and has a hard time coming to terms with that. She believes, as a chronic illness warrior, that it should have been her instead. Witnesses claim to have seen her husband's ghost hovering over her on the side of the road. She is then hounded by psychics and spiritualists all attempting to give her closure perhaps in the form of a seance. Nic has a secret. It wouldn't be her first seance and her past quickly comes back to haunt her.

This is a compelling idea but I think it may come across better as a movie. While the book is well written, it almost felt a little cheesy at times when it felt like the vibe was supposed to be more sinister. It kind of felt like it lost some of the steam in the second half.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for selecting me for this ARC.

If I could I’d give it 6 stars! Excellent mystery with lots of twists. Murder from the past haunts the present. Great characters and plenty of ghosts. Highly recommend this to YA and up.