Lisa Jewell has built her reputation as one of the leading voices in contemporary thrillers, and her latest novel Don’t Let Him In adds another layer to her body of work. Marketed as a kaleidoscopic domestic thriller, this story explores trust, deception, and the devastating consequences of letting the wrong person into your life.
The Story
The novel opens with Nina Swann, a widow grieving the sudden loss of her husband, Paddy, a well-known restaurateur who tragically died after being pushed in front of a train. In the wake of his death, Nina receives a condolence card and a small package from Nick Radcliffe, who claims to be an old colleague of her husband. His charm, sophistication, and seemingly sincere kindness soon draw Nina into his orbit.
But Nina’s daughter, Ash, is skeptical from the start. To her, Nick seems too perfect, too polished, and she feels compelled to investigate his past. What she discovers is unsettling and dangerous.
The second storyline follows Martha, a florist raising her children while her husband Al is constantly away for work. Her suspicions about his frequent absences grow stronger, leaving her unsettled and vulnerable. The two narratives eventually converge, tying together Nina, Ash, and Martha in a chilling revelation that makes the title of the book feel like a warning they all should have heeded.
Themes and Execution
At its heart, Don’t Let Him In is about manipulation, gaslighting, and the terrifying plausibility of predators who hide behind polished façades. Jewell crafts a villain so convincingly charming yet repulsive that readers will feel both captivated and infuriated. For some, like reviewer Heather, the story felt more exhausting than thrilling, weighed down by repetitive dialogue and a cast of too many characters. Others, like Nilufer, praised the book as one of Jewell’s best works to date, highlighting its slow-burn tension that escalates into jaw-dropping revelations.
This divide in reader response may come down to expectations. While not every twist lands with explosive shock, the novel’s strength lies in its unsettling realism. Nick Radcliffe embodies the type of antagonist who could walk among us unnoticed: outwardly perfect yet capable of dangerous deceit. For many, this grounded plausibility makes the story all the more disturbing.
Writing Style
Jewell’s writing is accessible and layered, though the alternating points of view can feel confusing in the early chapters. Once the narrative threads settle, the book becomes difficult to put down. Some readers may find the pacing uneven, with long stretches of manipulation and subtle psychological games rather than big action scenes, but those who enjoy character-driven thrillers will likely appreciate this approach.
Final Thoughts
Don’t Let Him In is not a universally loved thriller, but it is undeniably conversation-worthy. If you are looking for a story that explores the darker sides of human relationships and the insidious ways trust can be exploited, this novel is worth picking up. Fans of Lisa Jewell’s previous work will likely find much to enjoy, while newcomers may be divided between admiration and frustration.
For me, the novel succeeds in its ability to stir emotions anger, tension, and unease reminding us that danger often arrives dressed as charm.
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