Book Review: Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
When I first heard about Don’t Let Him In, I was instantly intrigued—not just by the title but by the promise of a gripping psychological thriller from Lisa Jewell. With rave reviews swirling around her previous works, I couldn’t resist diving into this one. I had no idea what to expect, but my curiosity (and the recommendation from friends) compelled me to explore its pages. Little did I know, I was in for a wild ride that would keep me awake long into the night!
At its heart, Don’t Let Him In weaves together the lives of three women, each grappling with their own struggles and secrets. Nina, who is still healing from the tragic loss of her husband, finds solace in the charming and seemingly perfect Nick Radcliffe. However, her perceptive daughter Ash senses something off about him, leading to an unsettling tension that permeates their lives. Meanwhile, Martha, who has her own idyllic yet fragile life as a mother and wife, begins to notice unsettling changes in her husband Alistair’s behavior. As the plot unfolds, the connections between these characters deepen, revealing a chilling web of lies and manipulation.
Jewell’s writing grabbed my attention from the start, and I found myself spellbound by her clever prose. Each chapter flowed seamlessly, drumming up tension and anticipation. I adored how she gradually peeled back the layers of her characters, allowing readers to question not just their motivations but also the very nature of trust. The pacing was perfect—just when I thought I had an inkling of where the story was headed, Jewell would throw in a twist that made my pulse race.
One standout feature of this book is how effectively it captures the essence of fear and paranoia within domestic spaces. The warning echoed throughout—"don’t let him in"—resonated deeply as I navigated the intricate relationships and dark secrets that lay beneath the surface. Jewell’s character development is nothing short of brilliant, especially in how she crafts the villain—a deeply ingrained misogynist whose manipulations left me seething. I often found myself wanting to shake the protagonists and shout, “Wake up!” The stark portrayal of gaslighting and the emotional turmoil it causes is both powerful and disturbing.
As I closed the book after the final chapter, I realized that the characters would linger in my mind long after the last word. Lisa Jewell skillfully tied up loose threads, producing an ending that left me satisfied yet yearning for just a little more. The slow unraveling of backstories kept me guessing, turning the pages in a feverish desire to uncover the truth.
I wholeheartedly recommend Don’t Let Him In to fans of psychological thrillers and anyone who enjoys a story rich in character development and suspenseful twists. This book is a must-read for those who appreciate an intricate narrative filled with psychological depth and emotional nuance. If you’re like me and you find joy in a good mystery that keeps you up at night, grab a copy, and prepare for a literary journey you won’t soon forget!
Special thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! This was my introduction to Lisa Jewell, and I now find myself eagerly looking forward to exploring more of her work.