Book Review: Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
He’s the perfect man. It’s a perfect lie
Looking for a summer read that’ll keep your heart racing faster than a second glass of chilled rosé on a hot day? Well, grab your beach towel and maybe lock your doors—because Don’t Let Him In by British suspense queen Lisa Jewell is here to mess with your mind in the best way possible.
I’ve devoured plenty of Lisa Jewell’s books over the years, and let me tell you—this one cranks the tension (and the crazy) up to eleven. It’s fun in that “awful people doing awful things” kind of way. You know, the kind of fun where you’re yelling at the characters, “Don’t open that door!” or “Why are you trusting this guy?!”
Now, reviewing this without giving away spoilers is like trying to eat chips without getting salt on your fingers—tricky but doable. So let’s dance carefully around the details…
Meet Nick Radcliffe. On paper, he’s the perfect man—suave, successful, and sending sympathy notes to grieving widows. Nina Swann, newly widowed, receives a condolence note from Nick, who claims to be an old friend of her late husband. And boom—just like that, he’s in her life. I’m picturing a middle-aged charmer with a twinkle in his eye and a closet full of secrets. I may actually fall for him myself!!
Nina is drawn to him. Her teenage daughter Ash? Not so much. Ash has her spidey senses tingling from the start, and she makes it her mission to uncover who Nick really is. Is he who he claims to be? Is Ash overreacting—or dangerously spot-on?
Meanwhile, meet Martha. She’s a florist in a quaint little town, married to her oh-so-devoted husband Alastair, with a sweet baby girl and a growing sense that something just isn’t right. Alastair’s job takes him away a lot, and he tends to disappear mid-trip without explanation. But he always has a good excuse. Always. Should Martha believe him?
Jewell masterfully weaves these lives coming together—Nina, Martha, Ash—and soon, what starts as suspicion turns into a tangled web of lies, manipulation, and danger. The side plots are juicy too: controlling boyfriends, manipulative men, and even a paid escort thrown in for good measure. A few plot points stretch the imagination a bit, but it’s so fast-paced and addictive, you won’t even mind. You’ll be too busy flipping pages and muttering, “Oh no he didn’t…”
This one had me hooked from chapter one and didn’t let go until the final twist. It’s sharp, dark, and deliciously entertaining.
Wine Pairing: 2023 Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé
Light, crisp, and subtly seductive—just like Nick pretends to be. This Provence rosé is elegant without trying too hard, with notes of strawberry, citrus, and a touch of minerality. It’s the perfect summer sipper for when you’re reading a book filled with secrets, lies, and “who-can-you-trust” vibes.
Serve chilled. And maybe keep one eye on the door.
