The start of this book was good. It had the feel of Girl on a Train. Which is what I was hoping and looking forward towards. Ok, so this story started out slowly with nothing really chilling happening. Yet, I held hope because I thought this was going to be like a psychological thriller. In those type of books, sometimes the storyline is slow to build up but gets darker and darker as I get further into the story. Sadly, this was not the case for me. I felt the story slowly building up but it never really reached full dark mode. It was more like sweet and tangy. From everything that I did read, I enjoyed this book. I did read and finish it in two sittings. I know that this author can write a good book from I Let You Go. The next book will hopefully be as good as the prior novel.

Clare Mackintosh is the kind of author who writes books that stay with you, burrowing into your unconscious and making you see the world through Wes Craven colored glasses.

I See You will completely change forever how you watch romance movies with stories about those seemingly innocent love at first sight moments. As a woman, it’s impossible to ever feel completely safe again after reading this without realizing how easy it is for someone to invade your life beyond the normal threats we hear that come from oversharing on social media or getting your laptop camera hacked. It’s becoming the norm that instead of making us safer technology is exponentially increasing the danger in our lives and this book exploits that fact in one of the creepiest ways.

Mackintosh in her continued genius of writing intriguing thriller has created a new set of characters for you to follow. Like with her previous knockout novel, her experience in law enforcement continues to shine through as she is able to make police work, even the mundane aspects, seem interesting. Instead of detectives and police coming off as one dimensional filler material she makes them a very real part of the story so you don’t just blow through the chapters from their point of view.

Her plot line was fast paced and never let up even after the ‘Big Bad’ was caught. Just like with her previous novel those twists and turns literally did not stop until the last word of the book.

Mackintosh is one of those rare authors whose books you can pre-order in hardback without worrying that paying around $20 or more will feel like a rip off.

I purchased this book on release date after having really enjoyed the author's previous release, and this one definitely did not disappoint!

When Zoe Walker sees a picture of a woman that looks exactly like her in a classified ad for a FindTheOne.com, during her commute home from work, she finds herself more than a little concern. It doesn’t seem to help that despite the fact that she is sure that the picture is of her (but she doesn’t know where and how it was taken) her family doesn’t seem to feel the same way.

Not too long after, Zoe finds another woman that she knows of in the ad and the fact that a crime was committed against her. Soon a string of women appear, not too long after their pictures are displayed in the ad, with crimes committed against them.

Now Zoe is scared, not only for her own life, but how the ads might be related to the crimes.

This was an interesting story. It is told from the POV of Zoe Walker and also follows Kelly – a police officer that Zoe contacts about one of the women – that ends up working on the cases under a detective.

I admit, it took me a bit to get into the story and it wasn’t until about 40% in did I start to find myself invested. It felt slow at first, but once it took off I found it to be a real solid page turner.

I really liked the format of the book the most I think. I like how we got to see Zoe’s POV and how she was feeling and the fear she was dealing with while waiting for the police to do something. I also liked that we got to see Kelly in her role, while battling her own demons – and how the case slowly unfolded.

It was gripping, chilling, exciting, and nerve wrecking when it had at one point crossed my mind that things like this – can in fact happen.

It also makes me happier that I no longer take the subways in New York late at night like I use to before coming here.

Is the entire situation plausible? Maybe not. Not all women had crimes committed against them in the book, not all women followed, but there is a sense of realism to it that can feel a bit terrifying.

The ending was a bit nerve wracking and the epilogue was chilling. I wasn’t sure exactly if I agreed or liked, by the way things ended – because that part did not seem to make sense to me (about how someone like that is capable of what they did) – but nevertheless, the ending was jaw dropping and unexpected.

Overall, I really enjoyed this. Once the book started to move for me, I was immersed in the character and their stories. I wanted more, I needed to know who was behind this plan and what would come of it. As the layers peeled away, I found myself glued to the edge until the story was over.

I wasn't the audience for this book, but I know some readers who will enjoy it. Readers who don't quite understand modern technology and who get suckered in by scary click bait headlines and urban legends. The twist with the villain felt really forced.

The Short Of It:
A quick, creepy British thriller with average writing and plot.

The Long Of It:
Your life is quiet, comfortable, routine. And then one day on your train commute to work, you happen across something that changes everything -- your own photo in a very strange newspaper classified ad, accompanied only by a website URL -- findtheone.com -- and an invalid phone number. You do a little investigating and are horrified to discover that the ad features a different woman every day -- and that some of the women have subsequently been victims of crimes. You, of course, begin to wonder if you're next in line -- for stalking, burglary, or much worse.

That's the new normal for Zoe Walker, whose fears are brushed off by both her family and law enforcement. Enter police officer Kelly Swift -- a woman battling some demons of her own -- who takes Zoe seriously and is quick to see the potential danger in those alarming ads, which turn out to be far more twisted and disturbing than anyone could've imagined.

As with many thrillers, I had trouble actually connecting with and becoming invested in the fate of our main character -- so often, I feel like these protagonists lack depth. But while I didn't really care if Zoe lived or died or something in between, I was definitely curious to see what unfolded. And I did like Kelly -- enough that I almost wished this were the first in a detective series in which she was the star.

I admit to doing a bit of skimming here and there, because after all the whole point of a run-of-the-mill thriller is to find out whodunit and the middle parts can seem a bit tedious at times, but overall the pace was fast enough, the mystery was intriguing enough and the story was disturbing enough to keep me interested. The novel definitely had some of the lurking look-over-your-shoulder creepiness that so permeated Caroline Kepnes' "You," and it had me wanting to double-check the privacy settings on my Facebook page! "I See You" was your typical quick-read thriller-with-a-twist, and it's worth a chance next time you're craving something easy that'll keep you turning pages.

*I received a free advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

“I See You” is the second book by Clare Mackintosh following her breakout debut “I Let You Go” which I thoroughly enjoyed. This one, not so much.

The premise for this novel is basically the idea of cyber stalking, how much we are all exposed by the things we post on the internet and other social media platforms. We are becoming accustomed to revealing lots of our data on the web, assuming that it is protected. However tech savvy computer types can usually access most data. Just reading the news daily we know that the government, credit card hackers, etc. are becoming increasingly better at breaking code even at what was once thought to be deeply embedded software.

Zoe Walker is a victim of routine, as so many of us are, taking the same commute daily to and from work. She sees a photo in the classified section of a newspaper while on the train and recognizes the picture to be her own, even though she can’t place exactly when it was taken. As the novel proceeds Zoe is increasingly sure that she is in harm’s way and reports her suspicions to the police and her family and friends. Here begins my disbelief in the character. Although she suspects danger, she doesn’t do anything to change her routine or protect herself.
Zoe hasn’t had the easiest start with relationships, having been married and divorced with two teenaged children and now living with Simon, a man whom she has brought in to live with her and her and her kids. Considering all that she has gone through she still comes across to me as being naive and trusting.

Enter Kelly, a detective struggling to clear her name from a previous incident with a suspect in which she lost control and lashed out. She gets the call from Zoe and wants in on this case. She is my favorite character because she seems the most genuine. She learns from her mistakes, seems to be whip smart and cares about the victims. As the case progresses it is her quick thinking and willingness to think outside the box and put her reputation on the line to help Zoe that resolves the case. Upon researching there are links to the photos and women who have reported theft, being followed and even a murder. At this point Kelly’s supervisor is beginning to see the light and provides backup for Kelly’s investigation.

There is, of course, a whole cast of characters. Melissa, Zoe’s next door neighbor and best friend whom she has relied upon since the kids were little. Zoe’s kids, Katie a 19 year old with acting aspirations but not a lot of common sense and Justin, Katie’s older sibling who seems to have turned the corner after being in some trouble as a younger teen. Matt is Zoe’s ex-husband who stays very involved with his kids and seems to be the good one that got away.

My take on a psychological thriller is always that it has to be believable for me to get that tense, edge of your seat, quickly turning pages feeling. There should also be a sociopath controlling the reigns somewhere along the line. This book fell short for me because of the characters. I felt Zoe to be rather a weak character who has little control over what her kids do or say even though they are living under her roof. Having raised four daughters I think I have some good experience with teens. Simon was mushy sweet and shallow I couldn’t see how he could ever be accepted in this teenaged household nor why he would choose to be involved with Zoe and all of her emotional baggage.

I liked the epilogue but again found it unbelievable, just too much evil to be present in one person’s life among the people that she loves and trusts.

I am in the minority on this one so give it a whirl and see what you all think, I’ll be interested to read following reviews.

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley, thank you.


also posted to Amazon on February 25, 2017

3+ stars. I can't bring myself to give I See You 4 stars. There were a few too many things that bugged me. But it's definitely a tad higher than a 3 star read. I See You starts with middle aged mother of young adults Zoe seeing a photo of herself in the dating service section of a newspaper. She ends up in contact with police office Kelly. And the story unfolds from both their points of view. I can't say any more to avoid spoilers.

Some strengths:
-Near the beginning in a brief interlude, the unknown perpetrator declares "Routine will kill you". I loved that MacKintosh's book plays with the reality for urban commuters -- jammed together on subways, buses and streetcars everyday with the same people, but somehow assuming anonymity as we all pretend we're somewhere else through phones, books, daydreams or sleep.
-I liked Kelly. She reminded me a bit of Havers in Elizabeth George's Linley and Havers series -- well meaning and smart, but often overly eager.
-I didn't love Zoe as a character, but I did like the interactions with her various family members.
-The very end was clever, although awfully disturbing.

What bugged me:
-I never quite bought into the premise of the purpose for which Zoe and other women's photos ended up in the dating service section of the newspaper without their knowledge.
-Although generally very readable, the middle of I See You felt kind of slack and aimless.
-The "who" part of the resolution irked me. It didn't ring true.

Not a waste of time, but definitely not a favourite read. Many GR friends loved Mackintosh's I Let You Go, which I haven't read. I would definitely give it a try based on what I liked in I See You. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.

I loved Mackintosh's debut novel 'I Let You Go'and was thrilled to receive a copy of her newest novel. Though it was just as addicting the 'reveal' was not as climatic for me. Still a very good. There were several loose ends hanging, so I'm optimistic that there will visit these characters again. I will continue to highly recommend these novels for a quick satisfying read. 4 stars.

Clare Mackintosh's first novel was an excellent twisty thriller. There are plenty of clues scattered throughout the novel, but no matter how many times you guess the ending, you are wrong. The ending comes as a complete surprise and changes the meaning of the entire story.

Given its excellence, there were high hopes for Ms. Mackintosh's second novel. I See You should be just as amazing and equally thrilling. After all, what is more terrifying than someone stalking you without your knowledge? Unfortunately, lightning does not strike twice in this particular case.

The main disappointment is the fact that the ending is too predictable. You can envision how the story is going to end much too easily. Nothing is really a surprise. To make matters worse, you can accurately predict the ending less than halfway through the story. This is the death knell for thrillers because the minute you do so, the suspense disappears. Such is the case with I See You.

Moreover, Zoe is just plain annoying. She should be sympathetic as she has all of the reasons one should sympathize with her. Divorced, working a job that doesn't thrill her but keeps her busy, struggling to accept her children's life choices, and then dropped into the middle of this mystery that has all-too-real consequences. What she comes across as though is whiny, self-absorbed, and meddling. You are not rooting against her so much as you are just waiting for something to happen that will make her see the errors of her ways.

The female detective who takes an interest in Zoe's case is not much better. She is a person who thinks she has everyone and everything all figured out and rules are made to be broken if she feels it necessary. Except there is no reason for her to do so, and it just adds a layer of unnecessary frustration. Between the main character who I just wanted to stop being so selfish and the detective who I just wanted to get her head out of her ass and start listening to her superiors who knew better than she did, I was already rather aggravated with the story. When I figured out the culprit behind the crime at the halfway point, that is when I became truly disappointed.

Had her first novel not been so stellar with an ending that is the ultimate in shocks, I See You would have been a decent thriller. Because it was however, I was looking for the twist as well as the clues, and doing so ruined the story for me. While you should never judge one book by another, it is difficult to refrain from doing just that when written by the same author. In this case, I suspect that those unfamiliar with Ms. Mackintosh's previous novel will thoroughly enjoy this one. Those readers who enjoyed it though will be disappointed with her sophomore novel.

Clare Mackintosh has done it again! This is her second book and with a new author I am never sure what to expect. Clare has proven that she has talent! Her first book I Let You Go blew me away so I was hoping for the same result with I See You and I got it! I See You is amazing.

I was scared, worried, and terrified for the safety of the women who choose to ride the London Underground. They were being stalked, watched, followed, and their paths were being noted and share with men. The questions was how? And who?

I felt the fear of Zoe. She seemed to be the one who found the clues and put them together. She had a fear for herself and her safety but also for her daughter Katie and the rest of the women who are targets without even knowing they are.

I See You is a thriller. Now that I am done reading I continue to think about the what if’s, the could have beens, and the Oh My Gosh moments. There were so many clues given that could be leading in the right direction or could be leading in the wrong direction. I never saw the ending coming!

This is a book I recommend for all my thrill seeking readers.

I would like to thank Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

As a female, I was raised with words of caution that I always needed to do certain things to look out for myself, such as not going into certain parts of town alone after dark, or even alone at all. That I should carry my purse with its strap across my chest so that it is harder for someone to take it from me. That I always needed to keep an eye on what was going on around me and be aware of who and what is going on around me. I’ve even heard that it is not a good idea to get into the habit of following a routine for too long because someone could use that against you.

As a female who has been raised with these cautionary words ringing in my ears my whole life, I found this book to be the literary version of one of my worst nightmares come to life. In I See You, women who get into routines and follow that same comfortable routine on their way to work every day become the prey of men who may or may not have nefarious plans for them. And suddenly what used to be comfortable and familiar is frightening for the MC, Zoe Walker.

I distrusted almost every single male in this book by the end. I cannot think of another book where I have suspected so many different characters during the course of the story. Just when I was absolutely sure that I had figured it out, I would suddenly be absolutely sure that his next person was the bad guy, and off I would go again. And honestly, I loved every single minute. My blood was pounding and I was completely anxious for hours at a time while reading this book, but I was THERE…I was there on the Tube while Zoe was scared of everyone, and in her house, while she discussed things with her family. I was there with the police while they did their jobs.

I was able to experience this frightening story from the safety of my home, and I learned a lot. I got that (probably much needed) reminder that falling into a comfortable routine on one’s commute to work or school is not a good idea. As I’ve always been told, it’s best to mix it up with different times and different routes. Don’t make it easy for someone to take a shine to wanting to hurt you. Because while PROBABLY nothing will ever happen, who’s to know?

I’m giving this 5 stars because I really, really loved this book. I was emotionally invested and I lost myself in the story for what must have been hours on end without even realizing that time was passing.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am never compensated for my reviews.

When flipping through a London newspaper Zoe Walker comes across what looks to be a photo of herself in a rather sketchy ad in the classifieds section. No explanation of what the ad is meant to be about other than a website and phone number that doesn’t work.

The next day there is another ad with another woman, the day after yet another ad and another woman. Zoe doesn’t know what to make of the photos but when she finds that something starts happening to the other women pictured she becomes to determined to find out what is happening before she becomes a victim herself.

I See You by Clare Mackintosh was one of those books that was easy to become completely engaged in the story. This is the type of thriller read that gives me chills as I go along since the content seems so real to life that something like this could actually take place in today’s society which makes the story just that much more captivating waiting to find out just what will happen with our main character and how it will end.

The main character in this book is an average working mother who finds that she is being watched and really has no idea why or what it all means. With easy to relate to characters and a plot that seems like it could happen this was one that I just couldn’t put down at all. There are plenty of suspects to keep a reader guessing all throughout the book and wondering just how it will all work out in the end. Definitely one I’d recommend checking out if a fan of mystery/thrillers.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

From my blog: Always With a Book:

My thoughts: Clare Mackintosh became an immediate fan favorite for me after her debut psychological thriller, I Let You Go, last year. As soon as I saw her new book, I knew I had to read it and once again, she managed to hit it out of the park!

Having just been to London myself, I could really appreciate this story. One of the first things my husband and I noticed is that there are cameras everywhere in London - very different from here in the US. So, I could appreciate the "eyes" on you feeling that Zoe got and that is a major part of this story. It's chilling - how often do we find ourselves doing the same thing everyday - taking the same route to work, park in the same spot in the parking lot, going to the same coffee shop at the same time, etc? Could someone pin point your exact movements based on your daily routine?

This story grabs you from the start and doesn't let up. There are two strong female leads that narrate the story - Zoe and Kelly - as well as the perpetrator, who we do not find out the identity of until the very end. And let me just tell you, the sections told by this mystery person are quite chilling! I thought I had it figured out a few times as to who was behind everything only to be completely off-base - boy was I completely surprised when I came to the end!

Clare Mackintosh has proven with this book that she is definitely not a one-hit wonder! This book is just as good as her debut and I cannot wait to see what comes never from her...this girl can spin a mean tale!!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for a copy of the eARC in exchange for a fair review.


Zoe is a normal Londoner going about her daily business when she catches a picture in the adverts that takes her by surprise. Her picture, but she puts it out of her mind when she brings it up to her family and they aren't for sure it is her, until she sees and recognizes another picture. She then contacts Kelly and informs her of a crime and the pictures.



PC Kelly is a disgraced police officer working at the BTP, while looking into theft and possible connection between Zoe, the other woman, Zoe contacts her again this time with a picture in the adverts and a recent murder. PC Kelly then takes it to the murder squad and attempts to get on the case.


Zoe is getting more and more paranoid especially after she trips and almost falls in front of a train. When she sees the man who saved her twice more after the rescue she begins to feel like she is losing her mind. Until PC Kelly tells her there is a website and people are paying for women's information in order to stalk them or attack them. The adverts are now linked to one theft, two murders, and one rape.


As the case gets trickier and trickier will Zoe be able to stay ahead of her stalker, or will she lose the battle. Will PC Kelly and the murder squad be able to find out who is behind it before it is too late?


I read Mackintosh's I Let you go and was blown away so when I saw this I knew I had to request it and hope they would approve me. It didn't disappoint, I was on the edge of my seat the entire book, I couldn't read it quickly enough. I was so wrong too, but I am not mad I love the twists they are so freaking clever, Clare is definitely on top of her game writing thrillers!


I can't wait to see what she writes next, but for now if you haven't read either book I highly suggest you get out and read them both!

Sometimes you read a book and you decide that going outside is not worth it any more. The paranoia of who is watching you. The tickle in the back of your neck. That creepy feeling you get when something is just not right. All of those factors head the list with this read!

This book brings the goods and includes some police drama and action too! The author is very well versed in that arena as she is a past officer.

I See You is completely Engrossing! I loved every page and simply could not stop reading. Thankfully, I had a half a day set aside to devour this novel and that I did. With rich description and plenty of twists, this story kept me on my toes. I thought I had it figured out, but I loved that I was wrong! A stunning turn of events at the end that I certainly did not expect!

I love police drama, a bit of mystery, and suspenseful thrillers and this book hit all of my favorites. This author is definitely one to keep on your radar!

Completely by accident, Zoe Walker comes across an advert in the paper that happens to have a picture that appears to be of her. This discovery is strange and discomfiting, but it doesn’t really show her face and family is convinced it can’t be her because, why would it be? But it eats at her and she keeps checking the papers, seeing pictures of other women in the same advert, with similar pictures. Then one of the women has her keys stolen on the tube and Zoe contacts the police about the adverts. Then another of the women is murdered. Zoe doesn’t know what’s going on, but she doesn’t feel safe anymore. Who is doing this and why? And why have they chosen her?

One of my worries about this book was it wouldn’t hold up against I Let You Go (which I loved!). But it was brilliant. BRILLIANT!!! Clare Mackintosh is so very clever. The tales she spins are intricate and tricksy, so many amazing misdirections that I was never solidly sure who the perpetrator was. Her characters are well developed and easy to connect with. In fact, I’m left hoping that there is a chance at this being a first in series. There was certainly a door left open for it, and I enjoyed the pairing of PC Kelly Swift and DI Rampello. I would love to see them in future books.
While I don’t know if I’d use the word intense, I would say that I picked it up intending to read for only an hour, and instead found myself finishing it just past midnight without realizing what I was doing. Putting it down simply wasn’t an option once I started.

As much as I loved I Let You Go, I loved this book even more. So I’ll just be sitting here champing at the bit for the next one. No pressure, Ms. Mackintosh. No. Pressure.

My first experience with a Clare Mackintosh novel, I See You was a book that, in my opinion, lived up to the hype! A perfect psychological thriller, from the opening pages to the epilogue, I See You had me on the edge of my seat. I was completely gripped.

The concept of this one had me completely creeped out; a woman, Zoe, finds her picture in the back of a classified under some sort of dating website. She brushes it off, more confused if anything, until she sees other women appearing in the ads. Women that have become familiar to her; women she has viewed on television as victims of violent crimes. Once the nature of the dating website is revealed, Zoe’s confusion becomes dread. It’s an alternative dating website. A dating website that women are a part of even if they are not willing participants. As they go about their daily routines, men can choose and claim their prize. They can see you.

The creepiest part about this book was how real world it actually was; how many things do you do in a day purely out of habit? You go to the same place for coffee, take the same route to work, visit the same grocery stores. The fact that someone could choose to take the safety of routine and turn it into a nightmare had me feeling extreme paranoia throughout my reading! Kudos to Macintosh for instilling this type of fear!

Full of suspense and dynamic characters, it is no surprise to me that this book is getting rave reviews. I think I’ll take a different way to work over the next few days…just in case!

I really enjoyed how the pace of the book quickened at the end of the novel and really got your heart racing. I loved how Zoe finally took control of her life.