Book Review: Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
From the moment I heard about Don’t Let Him In, I felt a magnetic pull towards it. I had heard whispers of Lisa Jewell’s talent, but this book promised more than just a tale—it teased something wild, intense, and deeply psychological. It drew me in, making me weeknights were all about diving deep into its pages.
At its heart, Don’t Let Him In intricately weaves the stories of Nina Swann and Martha, two women trying to navigate the complexities of love and loss. Nina, grappling with the painful memories of her late husband, finds herself enchanted by the suave Nick Radcliffe. His charm is undeniable, but his presence raises red flags, especially for her perceptive daughter Ash. Meanwhile, Martha’s seemingly perfect life crumbles when her husband Alistair begins to act unjustifiably distant, highlighting the fragile nature of appearances and the real horrors lurking beneath.
Jewell’s exploration of themes like trust, betrayal, and the psychological strain of gaslighting is riveting. One moment I would be mesmerized by a beautifully written scene, and the next, I’d be filled with a gut-wrenching anxiety as the characters edged closer to uncovering truths that could shatter their lives. The air was thick with tension, as if I were part of that secretive, unsettling world. Jewell’s ability to foreshadow events while throwing in twisty breadcrumbs kept me questioning everything.
The writing style is where Jewell truly shines. She captivates with her clever prose, crafting scenes that balance heartwarming moments with chilling undertones. I found myself lost in her words, to the point that I stayed glued to my seat, ignoring sleep for just one more chapter. The pacing is masterfully done—each revelation hits at just the right moment, propelling the suspense to dizzying heights without feeling rushed.
Of particular note is the villain, Nick. Despicable doesn’t even begin to cover it. His character is a calculated psychopath who embodies gaslighting in a way that made me want to scream—each manipulation felt like a punch to the gut. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes, wanting to shout at the characters: “Wake up! Don’t let him in!” Jewell portrays him with such depth that I found myself both repulsed and enthralled.
As the story unfolds, the intertwining of the characters’ perspectives reveals complex backstories that blur the lines between truth and manipulation. The ending? Pure brilliance. Just when I thought I had it figured out, Jewell threw in a twist that made my heart race and my mind spin.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Don’t Let Him In for anyone who savors psychological thrillers with rich character studies. If you enjoy stories with complex women navigating treacherous waters and possess a flair for the darkly gripping, this book is undoubtedly for you. It left me reflecting on my own relationships and the invisible shadows that may lurk within them.
A huge thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing me with this e-ARC for my honest review. It was an honor to delve into my first Lisa Jewell novel, and I can hardly wait to see what she conjures up next! If you’re curious, mark your calendars for its expected publication on June 24, 2025. Trust me; this is one ride you don’t want to miss!