I could not believe I was approved for a Lisa Jewell ARC so I was obviously very excited to read this and can say the thriller queen has done it again!

Every time I thought I had guessed who “he” might be, I would be shocked by the next flash back chapter. This book is unhinged and twisted and I predict this is going to be a hit once released!!

HE THRILLER QUEEN DOES IT AGAIN!

This may be the most deranged and unhinged book of hers yet and I absolutely LOVED IT. I don’t want to give too much away, but in true @lisajewelluk fashion this book will have turning the pages until the end, and then have you thinking, “what did I just read?” BRAVO!

📚: Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
⭐️: 3.5/5 (rounding up on #goodreads)

Lisa Jewell is always an auto-buy author for me, so when I got a copy of her forthcoming book, Don’t Let Him In, I nearly screamed with joy.

Three POVs, one truly evil misogynist of a man. This is best to go into blind plot-wise - and buckle up, because this plot is a ride.

A rounded up score because this is a solid read, with twists and turns that are dizzying. However, I didn’t find myself compulsively reading, needing to know what’s going to happen next. I was able to put this down, even at pivotal points, and I don’t know why.

Big thank you to Atria Books via @netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Don’t Let Him In is out on June 24, 2025.

I want to preface this review by saying that when I saw I was approved for this ARC, I screamed, danced around in a circle, dropped everything, and began reading. So thank you so much net galley for a digital copy of this book.
I have never trusted a man before, but after reading this book, I will definitely never trust a man in this lifetime or the next.
Don’t Let Him In is essentially a story about a bunch of women getting scammed and love bombed and manipulated by the same man.
For the first 60% of this book, I really had to fight to read it. The beginning and middle is extremely repetitive. It goes through the same cycle and makes it feel like the story isn’t really going anywhere and that it would probably have an abrupt ending. (I later find out the ending wasn’t abrupt. it was the best thing about this book.)
I understand that the level of frustration and confusion I felt most likely was on purpose, but it still kind of ruined my reading experience. The villain in this story is a con artist who switches names all the time because of that and because of the many people he cons, I eventually got lost in a sea of names. That was the confusion part. The frustration part was how in love these women were for this man. Again, I understand it was probably done on purpose but DAMN these women were blind. Even though it was hard to find a likeable character, there was one character that I loved. The daughter of one of them women he’s trying to scam is one of the main characters and oh how I love her. She was onto the villain’s bs since day one. Granted, her initial reasonings for doubting him were a little sus but still.
I wish we didn’t get the POV of the villain right away. I wish there was most mystery leading up to it. I wanted to learn things with Ash, the daugher. I think his POV is definitely essential though and I loved it closer to the end.
The plot was so stretched out it hurt but the ending my god was it good. Once I got 66% of the way I could not put it down. It saved this book from being a 2 star to a 3. I still feel like 3 is a bit generous but I will not lie, I am bias towards Jewell. The ending was a perfect ending for a story like this. It was dark, delicious, and riveting. I wish the majority of the book was like this.
If you’re a Lisa Jewell lover, I think this book is worth pushing through. It’s not her best but the ending was enjoyable enough to justify reading it. If you’ve never read a Lisa Jewell book or think her books are ok, maybe don’t read this one.

Dont' wait on this one. Run and read it. I was hooked from the start and couldnt wait to see how it ended. Another hit for Lisa Jewell.

Ash Swann’s life is in shambles. After returning to her parents’ home in disgrace, she’s reeling from the murder of her beloved father — a loss that’s left her utterly bereft.

A year later, Ash is still stuck at home, grappling with grief and shame, too paralyzed to return to her life in London. To make matters worse, a man calling himself Nick Radcliffe has wormed his way into her mother’s life. Ash’s gut tells her something is off, but she can’t decide if her suspicions are justified — or just echoes of the paranoid thinking that drove her home in the first place.

As Ash begins to investigate this Nick Radcliffe, and as he narrates his own perspective, the reader eventually realizes that this man is not merely a con artist after money and affection. His motives are twisted, personal, and deeply vengeful.

I will admit that deciding on a star rating for this book was a difficult decision. Don’t Let Him In is a slow burn that takes its time to unravel. For some readers, the glacial pacing of the first two-thirds might be an enormous test of patience. Jewell keeps much of the intrigue bottled up until the final act, where an avalanche of revelations and resolutions feels rushed and underdeveloped compared to the painstaking setup. This structural imbalance means the story struggles to maintain tension early on and risks losing readers before it hits its stride. I feel that Jewell missed an opportunity to focus on Ash's backstory as more of the core of the novel. The reader is given mere hints, but the full truth sounds like an engaging read.

That said, there’s a genuinely chilling tale here for those willing to stick it out. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of None of This Is True, Jewell’s signature psychological depth and eerie atmosphere are still present. For the patient reader, the payoff is worth it — but it’s a journey that demands commitment.

(3.5) This my 8th Lisa Jewell novel, I've been a big fan since I got back into reading as a young adult so there was no way I wasn't going to request this one and read it asap. From the jump it's very intriguing. Reading this reminded me so much of a Dateline episode or a documentary about a long term con man. It was intriguing getting to be inside the head of the bad guy too, it added another element to this storyline that kept me reading. Before I made it halfway I started to lose interest. The overall mystery was still intriguing but the storyline felt bogged down. And by the end that still felt true. I felt that had we had less of the relationship with Martha and more of the resolution at the end and some of the small stuff we gloss over toward the end it would have made the story hit harder for me. Regardless though, I like how the story was weaved together with different timelines and points of view. I always love Jewell's writing so I will be eager to see what she does next!

Lisa Jewell’s Don’t Let Him In is a wild psychological thriller that grabs you from the first page and refuses to let go.

When Paddy Swann, a beloved restaurateur, unexpectedly dies, his wife Nina and daughter Aisling are left grappling with their grief. Aisling moves back home to support her mother, but when Nina begins dating the charming and enigmatic Nick Harding, Aisling’s alarm bells start ringing. Something about Nick feels off. His stories don’t quite add up, and his charm feels calculated. Aisling can’t shake the feeling that he’s hiding something, but every time she tries to catch him out, Nick proves he’s always one step ahead.

Meanwhile, Jewell introduces us to Martha, a small-town florist navigating the chaos of a newborn late in life. Exhausted and overwhelmed, she’s growing increasingly frustrated with her husband Alistair’s constant absences. But what starts as marital resentment spirals into something much darker when secrets about Alistair begin to surface.

As the story unfolds, Jewell expertly builds the tension, connecting these two seemingly separate lives in ways that are as shocking as they are brilliant. Clues are scattered like breadcrumbs, and just when you think you know where the story is going, it twists in an entirely unexpected direction.

This isn’t just a tale of suspense—it’s a deep dive into trust, deception, and the ways people aren’t always who they seem to be. Jewell’s gift for crafting deeply flawed yet compelling characters shines here, and the pacing is relentless, with every chapter leaving you desperate for the next.

If you love stories that keep you guessing and characters that stay with you long after the final page, Don’t Let Him In is a must-read. Be prepared for a rollercoaster ride of twists, lies, and an ending that will leave you stunned.

#DontLetHimIn #LisaJewell #AtriaBooks

I was so excited to receive an ARC of Lisa Jewell’s latest book, “Don’t Let Him In” and it exceeded my expectations.

I received the ARC last night and I stayed up all night until I finished the last page.

What a thriller!

Loved the multiple POV’s , the insanity of the protagonist/antagonist, but most of all, I loved the ending.

You’ll have to read it to find out.

Highly recommend .

I gave this book a 4/5 stars and here is my review. Also included in goodreads. Thank you for the opportunity to read this gem!

"Oh my gosh.
The rollercoaster this book gave me. Absolutely captivated by EVERY SINGLE WORD written in this damn book that I finished it in one night. You know the book is written well when you just want to throat punch the MMC. Absolutely just 'strangle' the guy.

First of all, the first couple chapters gave me a run for my money trying to keep up with everything that is going on. SO many POVs that I had to write everything down. A little slow start but shortly becomes such a thrill to read. Secondly, now, my only opinion, wish there were POV names so I wouldn't get so confused. Also, the first and third person stuff too. IDK, all the new characters that showed up got me hella messed up. It would've been a 5 if this wasn't an issue, but anyways.

Nina, had just lost her beloved husband due to a madman pushing him in front of a train. Ash, Nina's daughter having to move back home after a mental setback from her previous job. Martha, a mother of two grown boys and a newborn baby. All connected through something evil. Or dare I say, someone.

A must read. ABSOLUTE MUST READ. So many twists and turns and slaps in the face and GAH. I can't even.

Special shoutout to Netgalley for providing me with this rollercoaster of a book to mentally destroy me."

Another Lisa Jewell banger in the works. Per usual, highly readable, single day read. This one is a little bit more psychological and less thriller-y than some of the others (because you already know who the villain is from the start) - it reminded me a little of her earlier work (The Third Wife) -- still, incredibly enjoyable; I sped through it!!

OMG! I just finished Lisa Jewell’s Don’t Let Him In, and that is my take-away: OMG!!! The fact that Ms. Jewell’s mind came up with this insane psychological thriller is just mind-blowing.

From word one, my hackles were raised by the antagonist’s words and behaviors, but I had no idea how depraved one person could behave. As the novel progressed and the plot and timelines came together like puzzle pieces, it only made the revulsion grow stronger. But that is what makes the best art: being able to tap into our feelings and elicit a reaction.

In my case, with this novel, the reaction was not a mild one. The empathy that I felt for all of the people impacted by the lies and manipulation was extreme. It made me remember that one partner that always had all of the answers to my questions, but never could be depended on for consistency or reliability. That was always borrowing on tomorrow’s gamble and never repaying debts. Ms. Jewell hit the nail on the head with her prose, and it was terrifying in its universality.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this outstanding and unforgettable ARC!!!

5 Stars – Absolutely Gripping!

Lisa Jewell has done it again! Don't Let Him In is a masterclass in suspense, weaving together a story so gripping I couldn’t put it down. I was fortunate to read this ahead of its July 2025 release, and I can confidently say it’s one of her best works yet.

The story pulls you in from the very first chapter, and the tension never lets up. Jewell’s ability to create layered, believable characters shines here, making it impossible to tell who to trust. Just when you think you’ve figured everything out, she throws in twists that leave you completely stunned.

As someone who has read and loved all of Lisa Jewell’s books, this one felt like a step above—an intricate puzzle with emotional depth and heart-pounding suspense. It’s the kind of book that keeps you reading late into the night because you have to know what happens next.

If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, mark your calendar for July 2025. This is one book you won’t want to miss!

I’d give this a 2.5. I was pumped to get this ARC from NetGalley and I think I just had higher expectations from the get go. Nothing surprised me here at all. Even the final reveals that we were led to believe would be shocking I had called. After reading some reviews and the synopsis I thought this one was gonna really knock my socks off but in the I felt it went on a bit longer than it needed to, was predictable, and didn’t really give the women the ending they actually deserved after all they’d been through – even if he did get what he deserved. Some characters also felt like they existed solely to move the plot along and had no real role or reason for being included.

This one fell short for me! Can’t win em all.

I’ve been a Lisa Jewell fan for many years, but I don’t think this book was one of her best. It would have been a DNF if it was by any other author. I’m glad I stuck it out until the end, but I wouldn’t recommend it as one of her top stories.

Thanks of much for the review copy. This is quite the page turner. Parts of the book reminded me of the You series in a good way. People are going to love this one.

Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
Publishing date - 06/24/25
Rating (5/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Atria Books, Simon & Schuster, and Lisa Jewell for this eARC. Lisa Jewell fans, you WILL not be disappointed with this one! This is my new favorite Lisa Jewell book! I have read most of her thrillers and this is the BEST one yet. I could not put this one down!! Finished in a few days … sitting here Christmas night … exhausted but had to keep reading to see what was going to happen with this one. Loved the shocking ending and gripping storyline. Highly recommend this one!!

Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
Publishing date - 06/24/25
Rating (5/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Atria Books, Simon & Schuster, and Lisa Jewell for this eARC. Lisa Jewell fans, you WILL not be disappointed with this one! This is my new favorite Lisa Jewell book! I have read most of her thrillers and this is the BEST one yet.

I won’t spoil plot or provide a synopsis of this one for you. I went into this book blindly and not knowing anything about what it was about has made this book one of my top reads for this year.

Gripping and intense ; this domestic thriller is one I highly recommend when it releases next year.

Don’t Let Him In
By Lisa Jewell

💝 First of all, thank you to Atria Books, Simon & Schuster, and Lisa Jewell for providing me with this early copy for free in exchange for my honest review.

I wanted to like this book so badly. But man, it was hard. First of all, this story has been told before. The Dear John events, podcast, and Netflix show all exist and Jewell didn’t even mention them. The similarities are too obvious to be ignored. Because the story is familiar, it was incredibly predictable. By the 50% mark, I was bored. The pacing slowed and I couldn’t help but just want it to wrap up already.

I also hated every single character in this book. There wasn’t a single one that I related to or wanted to be friends with. Six or seven women and every single one of them was dumb as rocks and weak minded enough to continue to fall for such obvious bullshit. It was offensive to women everywhere and cheapened the abused spouse experience. When they finally got their revenge it wasn’t even fun to witness!

It did have some redeeming characteristics. Lisa Jewell is a great story teller and she wove this web and then ripped it apart masterfully. I also really enjoyed having Nicks point of view throughout. I think Jewell did a nice job climbing into the head of a psychopath and showing the reader just how mental unhinged he was, as we watched him convince himself that he was a decent man throughout.

Overall, I was disappointed that the story had been told before. Have we reached the point in history where we’ve run out of unique ideas? And there was a missed opportunity to reference that this was based off a true story and to credit the original women and reporter who were involved in the dear John saga.

I would recommend this to people who enjoy predictable popcorn thrillers with weak female main characters.

#eARC # advanced copy #bookreview #bookstagram #booktok #booklover #domesticthriller #thriller

Not my favorite of Lisa Jewell’s. The constant POV switching and back and forth of the timeline made it to where you always knew what was happening. There wasn’t any “twists” or anything unexpected. I enjoyed the development of the plot and the resolution at the end. 3.5/5 for me!

Thanks Net Galley for the ARC for this read!