Lisa Jewell's "Don't Let Him In": A Chilling Dive into Deception
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| Don't Let Him In: A Novel |
Don't Let Him In - A Psychological Thriller
"He's the perfect man. It's a perfect lie."
Lisa Jewell, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, delivers a masterclass in domestic suspense with her latest novel, Don't Let Him In. This "kaleidoscopic thriller" delves into the insidious nature of deception as three women find their lives inextricably linked by one charming, yet utterly sinister, man. If you're looking for a psychological thriller that will infuriate you as much as it enthrall, then prepare to be hooked.
The Plot Unfurls
The narrative unfurls through multiple perspectives, initially focusing on Nina Swann, a recent widow grappling with the unexpected death of her charismatic husband, Paddy. When she receives a condolence card from Nick Radcliffe, an old friend of Paddy’s, a connection sparks. Nick appears to be everything Nina needs: sophisticated, kind, and possessing a smile that could melt the coldest heart. However, Nina’s adult daughter, Ash, is immediately wary. To Ash, Nick is "too slick, too polished, too good to be true," prompting her to secretly delve into his past, where she uncovers unsettling truths. Simultaneously, Martha, a florist in a neighboring town, finds herself increasingly concerned by the frequent, unexplained absences of her devoted husband, Alistair. As the story progresses, the unsettling feeling that something isn't right becomes a palpable dread, drawing these women closer to a shocking, darker reality than any of them could have imagined.
Jewell's Masterful Suspense
Jewell is, without a doubt, a genius at building suspense. The novel expertly maintains a slow, controlled release of revelations, even as astute readers may pick up on the connections earlier on. The cutting between past and present, often with a mysterious male narrator, allows the tension to "ooze out," creating a constant sense of unease. Reviewers universally praise Jewell's ability to craft truly detestable villains, and the antagonist here is no exception. He is a "masterclass in suspense," a "chilling, unsettling villain" whose manipulations are so infuriatingly realistic that you'll want to "spit at the character and regularly punch him." The book excels in its portrayal of narcissistic and toxic relationships, making it a compelling, albeit at times aggravating, read about "how single women with not much family, or perhaps women who are vulnerable or dealing with a tragedy or grief can so easily get taken advantage of by men like Al (or whatever his name was)."
Reader Patience Tested
However, while the psychological depth is strong, some aspects may test readers' patience. The sheer number of characters and the frequent shifting between multiple POVs and timelines can initially be confusing, demanding "way too much brain power than I care to with a thriller." This convolution can lead to characters feeling "cliché and underdeveloped," with some readers questioning the "common sense" and "stupidity" of the female leads in their repeated susceptibility to the villain's tactics. Furthermore, while the central premise is gripping, the "man behaving badly" trope, despite its excellent execution, is seen by some as "getting tired." For those seeking constant twists, the book's nature as a "domestic suspense" rather than a "typical thriller" might mean less "twisty" surprises and more of a "waiting for the characters to catch up and find out what the reader already knows" experience. The ending, while providing a sense of justice, is described as somewhat "rushed and anticlimactic" by some, and "a little too tidy" by others.
Overall Impression
Don't Let Him In is a compelling and often infuriating read that demonstrates Lisa Jewell's undeniable talent for creating gripping psychological thrillers. Despite some minor structural complexities and a familiar core premise, the chillingly realistic villain and the mounting tension make it a highly compulsive read. If you enjoy domestic suspense that delves deep into the psychology of manipulation and deception, and you're prepared to be frustrated by the characters' struggles while simultaneously rooting for their awakening, then this book is for you. Fans of Jewell's previous works, especially The Family Upstairs and Then She Was Gone, will find her at her "mesmeric best," delivering a story that "hooked me from the first page and never let me go."
I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book from Atria Books via NetGalley. This did not influence my review.
Why Read This Book?
You should read Don't Let Him In if you crave a deeply unsettling and psychologically rich domestic thriller with a truly detestable villain that will make your blood boil and keep you glued to the pages, even as you desperately wish the characters would heed the warning: "Don't let him in."
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