What the Nanny Saw is a quick, multi-POV, psychological thriller following Cecilia’s new stage of life – motherhood.
It’s important to note that this is the 3rd book in the series, starting with Best Day Ever and followed by The Second Mrs. Storm.

I wasn’t aware that this book was part of a series. Although some reviews stated that it could be read as a standalone, I wouldn’t recommend it.
There’s a tragic event in Paris mentioned repeatedly from the previous book (I think). While it provides enough information about what happened, I can’t help but feel I would’ve connected more if I had read the previous book in the first place.

The characters are not very likeable; in fact, one of them become quite unreliable as the story goes.
I didn’t know who to trust, who’s telling the truth or if it was just Cecilia’s paranoia.
This left me with many questions while reading, which was quite fun.

The last few chapters felt rushed and the twists are pretty predictable. Despite this, I still quit enjoy this psychological thriller drama.

I think I would’ve liked this book better if I had read the previous books. Cause then I would’ve had better understanding of the whole situation especially regarding the Paris tragedy and Cecilia’s ex-husband, Paul.

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Domestic abuse, manipulation, psychological manipulation

2.5 stars

For me this one didn't work. I thought I was going to like it and the beginning looked promising, but later the book got a bit boring. I wanted to know more about Lizzie and have more things happening in the book. I feel like everything was wrapped up soon at the ending and that it was missing more excitement.

Thank you for the free ARC!

Cecilia! Cecilia! She has it all but motherhood is starting to take a toll on her. Her body is still a mess from her fall in Paris and it is tiring having a baby! If she could just find someone to help her a little bit, then things would be great. When a random stranger offers to help at the coffee shop, it seems things are lining up. Lizzie is looking for a new nanny job as the family she is currently with, the kids are pretty much grown. As things all check out, Cecilia takes on Lizzie. It seems too good to be true at first. Lizzie knows just what they both need and Cecilia has nothing to worry about. But then there seems to be some odd signs and Cecilia, even with the help of Lizzie is still just so worn out and tired all the time. What is happening? Wanting to get back to being there for Peyton more, Cecilia gives Lizzie some time off. When she awakes from a longer than anticipated nap, she finds Peyton is missing. Who took her baby? As she works to untangle the web of who is being taking her daughter and what they want, she fears who might be behind it all. She also will do everything and anything in her power to get her daughter back. This was another great book in the Strom series. Thank you to the author for the complementary ebook. Thriller Book Lovers the Pulse has loved this series from the first book!

I just recently listened to The Second Mrs. Strom. I was delighted to see that Cecelia and Paul’s story continued. He played a very small part in this outing so I wasn’t able to chuckle at his ego, but I did get to see what happens to Cecelia after the wild ending of the previous book. While it is book 2 in the series and I easily think it can be read as a stand alone, it will spoil book one if you are planning to read it.

Cecelia has a daughter and is in need of a nanny and basically poaches one from her neighbors. She has a lot going on and is still healing from Paris, dealing with the breakup of her last relationship which is tied into her job, and is raising her daughter Peyton.

The author is known for her popcorn thrillers with their twisty plots, fast pace and generally unlikable characters. I was wondering if Lizzie was maybe going to break the mold. She thinks highly of herself, but seemed competent and did a good job taking care of young Peyton.

I binge read this one and spent a lot of time trying to determine what the twist could be. Maybe I should write a twisty thriller because I came up with so many ideas and not a one was right.

It’s another entertaining, bingeable read that kept me guessing up until the very end.

This was the sequel to The Second Mrs Strom, the third in this series. In this one we follow Cecelia (from book 2) as she tries to move on from the events in Paris. She has a new baby girl and a partner who isn't helping her at all. She kicks him out and hires a nanny to help while she recovers from some injuries. Only the nanny isn't the nice, helpful lady she made out she was.

I actually didn't realise this was part of the series when I signed up to read this one, so I'm glad I'd already read the first two books. It is definitely important to read both before reading this.
I genuinely felt so stressed reading this, because we all know what happens when someone hires a nanny in a thriller. I was absolutely glued to this one and I really hope there's another book coming, because this series is nowhere near ready to end.

The story pulled me straight into the seemingly flawless life of Cecilia, a mother with a picturesque home and a darling baby girl, Peyton. However, beneath this facade lies a murky undercurrent of secrets just waiting to surface.

I really enjoyed the dual perspectives: the keenly observant nanny and Cecilia herself, offering insight into their complex lives. Lizzie, the nanny, comes across as almost too good to be true, which sparked my immediate suspicion. As the plot thickens, both women are unveiled as harbouring dark secrets—Cecilia’s involving threats from her ex-husband—that escalate the tension dramatically.

Rouda skillfully weaves enough context from the previous novel 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦 to ensure newcomers (like myself) won’t feel lost, while keeping returning fans engaged in the unfolding drama.

One notable aspect of the narrative is that likability is scarce among the characters, reflecting the darker themes of the story. This lack of relatable protagonists may alienate some readers, but it enhances the psychological complexity of the story.

However, the ending felt abrupt, leaving a few plot threads unresolved and giving me a sense of incompleteness. While this may frustrate some, it does pique curiosity about where Rouda will take her characters next.

Ultimately, even with some frustrations regarding character depth and resolution, it remains a captivating read for fans of domestic thrillers!

This is such a guilty pleasure series for me, the true definition of popcorn thrillers and it was so much fun to be back in the world the author created again! This series is best read in order, you should at least read the previous book as that’s when we are first introduced to the main character here, Cecelia. Things pick up awhile after the last book ends and Cecelia hires a new nanny, Lizzie to help with her baby daughter. As always this was filled with unlikable characters, (the kind you love to hate) lots of twisty surprises, and juicy secrets and betrayals. It’s over the top and you may need to suspend some disbelief but it was a blast and a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

What the Nanny Saw is the third installment in Kaira Rouda’s Paul Strom series, and this time, we get to dive even deeper into Cecelia’s story. Picking up after the dramatic events of The Second Mrs. Strom, we see Cecelia navigating life after her traumatic anniversary trip to Paris, shifting the story’s focus from Paul to her perspective and experiences.

I became a fan of Rouda’s storytelling after The Second Mrs. Strom, where we were introduced to both Paul and Cecelia’s complex psyches. Paul’s unnerving personality makes him a fascinating villain, but Cecelia is equally intriguing, and I was thrilled to see her story continue in this novel. This time, we also meet Lizzie, the classic unreliable narrator—a character who appears good and innocent but hides much beneath the surface.

While I loved the pacing and suspense throughout, I felt that the thriller elements came in sporadic waves, rather than consistently building up. The climax arrives quite late in the book (around 85%), and though intense, it resolves quickly, which felt a bit rushed for me. That said, it’s still a page-turner, and the novel does a solid job setting up for future books in the Paul Strom series.

Overall, What the Nanny Saw serves as a refreshing return to Rouda’s dark, layered world and promises more intrigue to come. Thank you to Kaira Rouda, Bookouture, NetGalley, and The Pulse for the eARC! What the Nanny Saw publishes on November 13th.

Name :- What The Nanny Saw
Author :- Kaira Rouda
Genre :- Psychological Thriller
Disclaimer :- Please read BEST DAY EVER & THE SECOND MRS. STROM before reading this.
Plot :- What the Nanny Saw by Kaira Rouda is a suspenseful, slow-burn thriller that dives deep into the dark secrets of a seemingly perfect family. The novel follows the perspective of an unnamed nanny hired by Cecilia, a wealthy single mother who has no idea her new help has her own agenda and a haunting connection to Cecilia’s past. With a fresh and chilling approach, Rouda explores themes of obsession, deception, and betrayal in this twisted domestic tale.
Likes:
1 Creepy and Compelling Narrator: The nanny’s perspective is hauntingly intimate and her observations razor-sharp, offering readers a voyeuristic view into Cecilia's life. Her motivations remain a mystery for much of the book, which adds to the suspense.
2 Suspenseful Atmosphere: Rouda builds an atmosphere of creeping tension, making each interaction with Cecilia and baby Peyton feel fraught with hidden danger. The slow unraveling of the nanny’s plan keeps readers on edge.
Dislikes:
1 Pacing: While suspenseful, the story occasionally lags as the nanny’s intentions remain vague for a while. Some readers might wish for a faster escalation of events.
2 Predictable Twists: Although intriguing, some twists may feel familiar to avid thriller fans, with a few moments that are somewhat easy to anticipate.
3 You've to spend money on the books I've mentioned above and this is not worth it.
Overall :- What the Nanny Saw is an absorbing thriller with a psychological edge, perfect for fans who enjoy a slow-build mystery filled with secrets and suspense. Rouda crafts a haunting tale where a seemingly perfect life hides dark truths, and a nanny with a sinister agenda exposes just how fragile that life can be.
My rating :- 3/5

A totally epic book! The author has written the perfect domestic thriller that had me enthralled from the start right up to the end! I didn't care much for the characters but the plot more than makes up for it. I just had to keep going to find out what would happen next.

This is the 3rd book in the series, which I have really enjoyed the first two books. This book is addicting and has many twists and turns. I do believe you could probably read this even if you haven’t read the other books but I highly recommend reading the others as well! I’m excited for the next book.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What the Nanny Saw by Kaira Rouda is an exciting thriller full of manipulations, chills and worries!
I don't know why there is nowhere marked out that this is book three in the series! If this book sparks your interest, please, before you dive in, start from the beginning! (more details on the series at the end of this review!)

I added Kaira Rouda to my favourite author list! She has super quick and easy-to-follow writing! I am hucked from the first pages and always so interested in the story! Some would say it's a slow start but I will say, it's perfect to build the scene, it's perfect to know the characters and start to love or hate them. It's just perfect!

Lizzie is a nanny for 4 children in a rich neighbourhood. She is great with what is she doing but the family setting is wrong and Lizzie can't see herself staying there any longer.
Cecilia survives a shocking and traumatic event and now despite her all traumas she becomes a mother. But it's not all honey and roses and soon she realises, she needs help!

In a true Kaira Rouda style this book is filled with manipulation and secrets. Everyone has hidden motives, nothing is black and white!

To be honest I would love to read more of these series now we have new characters to follow!

About the series:
The first book Best Day Ever published in September 2017 will introduce Paul Storm's character. Paul is a sociopath. Well aware and well masked! This book will let you understand things better in the second book!

The Second book The Second Mrs. Strom published in August 2024 will carry on following Paul and his new developments after the disasters in the first book. Paul is back in his element with a new wife Cecilia by his side!

The third book What the Nanny Saw expected to be published on November 13, 2024, will follow Cecilia after shocking events in Paris. But now we have a new interesting character nanny Lizzie!

How I wish I read this series in the correct order!

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy!

In What the Nanny Saw, Kaira Rouda delivers another tense, twisty entry in her series following Cecilia Strom, the resilient and often embattled protagonist from Best Day Ever and The Second Mrs. Strom. This latest installment finds Cecilia in a new chapter of her life: single, raising her infant daughter Peyton alone after her turbulent marriage to Paul Strom has finally ended. Still haunted by her ex-husband’s presence—even with him in prison—Cecilia hires Lizzie, a seemingly perfect nanny, to help manage her life as she navigates single motherhood and tries to rebuild.

Rouda crafts Cecilia’s struggles with both authenticity and suspense. Her vulnerabilities around new motherhood, paired with the challenges of handling the fallout of her failed relationships, make her a deeply sympathetic, if flawed, character. Lizzie, the enigmatic new nanny, adds layers of intrigue, and as her backstory slowly unravels, readers are drawn into a tense guessing game. Can Cecilia trust Lizzie? Or is Lizzie’s arrival another complication in Cecilia’s already chaotic life?

Known for her fast-paced thrillers, Rouda once again presents readers with morally complex, often unlikeable characters that keep the plot simmering with suspicion and deception. The dual perspectives intensify the suspense, revealing just enough secrets to leave readers hooked, but never quite comfortable.

What the Nanny Saw may require a bit of suspension of disbelief, particularly as Cecilia juggles her wealth, status, and the ever-present chaos surrounding her. However, the story’s razor-sharp pace, palpable tension, and a jaw-dropping twist make it a binge-worthy read. Longtime fans of the series will appreciate the glimpses of Paul Strom's shadow over Cecilia's life, even as she strives to break free.

A gripping, fast-paced read with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end, What the Nanny Saw is a worthy addition to Rouda's portfolio of addictive thrillers. Recommended for anyone who loves a blend of domestic drama and psychological suspense. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Kaira Rouda for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

To the outside world, new mother Cecilia is the picture of perfection—a beautiful, wealthy woman with a precious baby and a stunning beach-side home in Malibu. But from the moment Lizzie spotted her in a bustling café, she knew Cecilia was far from flawless. When Lizzie offers her nanny services, Cecilia quickly agrees. After all, she’s just discovered that her baby’s father has been both unfaithful and neglectful. Lizzie is everything she needs: smart, nurturing, efficient, and experienced with babies. Without a second thought, Cecilia welcomes Lizzie into her home, unaware that she knows almost nothing about her new nanny—or that Lizzie has been watching her for a very long time.

This psychological thriller was absolutely gripping, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I loved the eerie atmosphere woven into both the story and the characters—none of whom were particularly likable, yet each was deliciously unhinged in their own way. From the very first page, it was clear the plot would only get darker and more twisted. The suspense was perfectly executed, with red herrings that kept me guessing until the end. This was my first read from Rouda, and it was an exciting, thrilling experience that left me eager for more.

The Strom's are back! One of my favorite dysfunctional couples is now trying to get divorced. Paul is in prison, and Cecilia has a new baby girl with Evan. Talk about moving fast. Cecilia has been struggling. Being a mom is not all that it is cracked up to be. She is beyond exhausted, cannot think straight, and Evan has been no help since the delivery. She needs someone to pick up the slack. Lizzie is a nanny for the most horrifyingly, terrible family. The father is a narcissist and thinks every woman wants him. His wife is always in bed, snuggling her bottle of wine. Leaving the four children in the capable hands of Lizzie. But Lizzie needs to be out of the situation. When she bumps into Cecilia, it appears as though fate has stepped in. She needs to be Peyton's nanny. She knows she can help Cecilia become the best mother. All she needs is for her to ask Lizzie to quit her job and move in.

This is a fast paced read, that had my attention from the get-go. I did not know who was still in touch with Paul and why. Lizzie's background comes out in fits and spurts. Cecilia is hanging on by a fingernail to her life. All that matters is Peyton. I wish Paul was in the book more. I missed that revenge seeking psychopath. Thank you to Kaira Rouda, Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, and Bookouture for my gifted copy.

I loved “what the nanny saw”. I didn’t realize before I started this book, but it’s the 3rd books with the Stroms from Kaira Rouda and I loved the continuation of the story. It’s not necessary to have read the other books, but definitely adds to the background of the characters.

I love Kaira Road books! This one had me on the edge of my seat just like the others in the series! Gripping, thrilling and wild! Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.

Such a good second story - I cannot wait for a finale in series! Cecila is such a strongly developed character in this story -you actually begin rooting for her!

What the Nanny Saw is what I would consider a popcorn read. The action within the story is so wild and bizarre that one needs a big tub of popcorn to eat while reading it. (Kind of like when you're watching a fight on a daytime talk show where people are throwing chairs.)

I had been looking forward to this novel ever since finishing The Second Mrs. Strom, and it did not disappoint! I enjoyed going back and forth between Lizzie and Cecilia's narratives. There was a lot of suspense and I just never knew what was going to happen next. I was definitely anxious for most of the story. I also couldn't decide who I wanted to have "win," even though one of the characters was clearly in the wrong. (Kaira Rouda wins for best "Zack Morris" effect.) Peyton sounded adorable and I felt bad for her having to be caught in the middle of so much drama with untrustworthy adults.

There were a lot of inconsistencies and I felt like some storylines got dropped. I believe I had an ARC, so maybe they will be fixed in the final print. The opulence annoyed me after a while, especially with Lizzie getting so caught up in it.

This novel can be read as a standalone, but it's much more fun if you read Best Day Ever and The Second Mrs. Strom first. Especially since this one has spoilers for the latter (which has spoilers for the former).

I am hoping that there will be another story in this Family Secrets series so we can read more about what Lizzie and Cecilia are up to. I'll need to make a double batch of popcorn for if and when that happens!

(Trigger warnings below.)

Movie casting suggestions (some from previous novels):
Lizzie: Grace Van Patten
Cecilia: Virginia Gardner
Evan: Max Lloyd-Jones
Marian: Marcia Cross
Paul: Mark-Paul Gosselaar

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*
TW: Death of family members, death of young child, domestic violence (all off the page), kidnapping

Thank you @kairarouda @bookouture and @netgalley
For the #gifted ebook.

Kaira Rouda has done it again! The crazy Storm family is back and as crazy and paranoid as ever. Talk about rich people behaving badly! Everyone over at @thrillerbookloversthepulse is raving over WHAT THE NANNY SAW.

Celia has recovered from Paul throwing her off the building in France and has a beautiful five month old daughter Peyton. She has everything, the perfect body, the beach house, the jewels and expensive car. But she finds her boyfriend has been cheating on her and kicks him out of the house. She starts receiving texts from Paul and is becoming paranoid that he is coming after her. Celia questions her ability to be a good mother to Peyton. She meets Lizzie at a coffee shop and hires her to be Peyton's nanny. But little does Celia know that Lizzie has been watching her and has secrets of her own.

WHAT THE NANNY SAW is the third book in the Strom series but can be read as a standalone. But I highly recommend you start with BEST DAY EVER and then read THE NEXT MRS STROM to get the full backstory of these crazy characters. As with all of Kaira's books, this is a fast paced twisty read with characters you love to hate. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and you just don't know what or who to believe. My favorite narcissist Paul only makes a cameo appearance in this book but I am hoping we haven't heard the last of him!