Don't Let Him In: A Novel

I read this for the September meeting of the Pretty Page Turners book club. It kept me interested, but there’s no damn way that man would’ve gotten as far as he did with me! If I feel like the vibes are off, I’m gonna call you out. Haven’t these women ever heard the saying “If it’s too good to be true then it probably is”?

This novel is a well-crafted, engaging thriller, featuring concise chapters that facilitate a swift reading experience—an attribute I have come to associate with this author. The narrative frequently shifts between timelines and alternates between first- and third-person perspectives. While this narrative structure initially required some adjustment, it ultimately contributed to the book’s complexity. Although I remained interested in the story’s resolution, I found the plot relatively predictable and not as compelling as I had hoped. Regrettably, this particular work did not rank among my favorites from this author.

This reminded me of the show You, in a book version (though the show was originally a book series). There are a lot of characters to keep track of and at times it gets confusing who is who. I was often wanting to shake the shoulders of the women and their decisions, but the main character is unique in that there is nothing redeeming about him to us, the reader. He is always insufferable, unsympathetic, sociopathic. Fairly quick read, not Jewell’s best or worst book.

It was ok. I love twists.

This book is a masterclass in psychological suspense, woven around multiple women ensnared by one particularly magnetic, deeply dangerous man. Think The Tinder Swindler meets Dirty John—whoa! A gripping page-turner I couldn’t put down.