Leslie Scrivener of The Toronto Star explained "Then They Came for Me is a gripping story that weaves his family's history of incarceration by Iranian rulers with his own." Mother Jones magazine wrote that "Then They Came for Me is not only a fascinating, human exploration into Bahari's personal experience but it also provides insight into the shared experience of those affected by repressive governments everywhere." Kirkus Reviews praised the book for "Providing an illuminating glimpse into the security apparatus of one of the world's most repressive countries.
The reference quotes several publications, including The Toronto Star, Mother Jones magazine, and Kirkus Reviews, which highly praise "Then They Came for Me" for its engaging story, thought-provoking exploration of personal experiences, valuable insights into the effects of oppressive governments, and insightful look at a country's security systems.