4.75/5 No One Is Safe is a thriller set in 1980s NYC. We follow Simon, a serial killer with amnesia; he doesn't remember who he is or the crimes he committed. Together with Nomi Pace, a private investigator with a dark past, not only will he reconstruct his identity, but also discover a very dark side of himself that makes him rethink what he is capable of.

This book was an emotional slap in the face, in the best possible way. I already knew Simon from the None Shall Sleep trilogy, and in this book, we see another side, another interpretation of the character, which completely captivated me.

What I loved about this book, and didn't expect, is that it not only presents us with a case to solve but also raises some questions: What would happen if a killer lost all memories of their crimes? Can a sociopath change if they don't remember who they are? Is empathy something we are born with or something we learn? The central focus of the story isn't just the investigation, but the relationship between Simon and Nomi. I found this new character a welcome addition to the world and a complex and wonderful character, as is typical of Marney's female characters. She's strong, but not invincible, intelligent, but not a know-it-all. She makes mistakes and fails time and time again, yet she perseveres and always does the best she can in her situation. Although I mentioned a "relationship" between Simon and Nomi (and there were definitely some sparks flying from time to time), romance isn't the main focus. These characters are just getting to know each other under very particular circumstances, which don't allow for a sudden, abrupt "Shall we go on a date?" I can see a hint of romance, but it's more of a seed for something else to bloom. At times, the investigation felt a bit long, but everything makes sense and becomes relevant by the end of the plot. Another thing I want to highlight is the level of detail. It's clear the author researched the situation in NYC, and I'm also glad to see that the city's diversity and the role the LGBTQ+ community played during that time aren't ignored.

Is it necessary to read None Shall Sleep to understand this book? Honestly, no. It's one of those cases where if you've read the trilogy (which I highly recommend), you'll notice certain things and understand certain references. However, if you haven't read the trilogy, this book stands on its own. What I do recommend is reading None Shall Sleep to get a deeper understanding of our protagonist and fully grasp the skills he possesses and what he's capable of. I was definitely left wanting to know more and to see where Ellie will take us with these new characters.

Thanks again to Ellie and Thomas & Marcer for giving me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion.