You Let Him In
by JA Andrews
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Pub Date Aug 19 2020 | Archive Date Aug 04 2020
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Description
The only thing she was guilty of was trusting him
All Jenny Clifton ever wanted was to be the ideal wife and mother. When she married Michael in a fairytale wedding, followed by the birth of baby Daniel, her life was complete.
Yet just three years later, the shine has faded. Now, money is tight, and the occasional argument has become daily screaming matches between Jenny and Michael.
Something needs to change… and it does, when Michael is killed in a brutal hit and run, breathing his last with a stranger holding his hand.
Lonely and distraught, Jenny strikes up an unlikely friendship with the witness to the accident, clinging to the connection with the man who watched Michael die.
But as she uncovers the secrets that her husband was keeping, Jenny realises that her perfect life may have been a perfect lie - and worse, that her new friend may be harbouring dangerous secrets of his own…
A gripping, twisty psychological thriller packed with suspense and a jaw-dropping ending. Fans of T.M. Logan, C.L. Taylor and K.L. Slater won’t be able to put this one down.
Available Editions
ISBN | 9781912973507 |
PRICE | £1.99 (GBP) |
Featured Reviews
You Let Him In was a bit of a mixed bag for me.
It’s the story of Michael and Jenny. Married for 3 years living with their 3 year old son.
Michael is killed in a bit and run whilst attending a business meeting. Only after his death does Jenny learn that Michael has been keeping many secrets from her that will affect her and her son’s lives forever.
I was looking forward to reading this book from the synopsis and the first few chapters certainly kept me eager to keep reading. In the middle of the book nothing much seemed to happen to keep me, as a reader, hooked. I know that it was necessary for the story but it felt like a book of two halves.
The ending was ok, if not a little predictable. What I did like was the epilogue from Michael to tie up all of the loose ends.
I haven’t read a book by this author before, and whilst I won’t be rushing to see what else they have written I wouldn’t rule one out.
Thank you to the Author, Publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first read I have read by this author. However, I highly doubt it will be the last. I do love a good thriller book and this has really kept me engaged throughout reading this one. I was attracted by the synopsis of this one and I haven't been disappointed. The author has made me want to keep reading this one from the very first chapters, although I do feel that the book lowed down slightly in the middle. The book is filled with likeable yet complicated characters, some of whom do make you suspicious as a reader.The book is told from multiple points of view, which is often nice as you really get a feel for the individual characters. This has been a quick and easy read which I haven't wanted to put down. The author is extremely talented and I have been completely engaged by this one.
This is a strong four star read for me.
Jenny, her husband, Michael and their son Daniel seem to have the perfect life. Then Michael is run down in a parking lot. He dies, but he does not die alone e. A kind witness is with him till the very end. Gary. Gary was their to listen to his last words and to be made as comfortable as possible. An end to a promising life.Jenny is beside herself with grief. Especially since her and Michael and had a fight just before he had left his home for this late night meeting. She's also obsessed with the fact that her husband was not wearing his wedding ring. She knew for a fact that he never took off that ring. Jenny falls further into depression when she discovers that that the mortgage is past due and they owe thousands of pounds on their credit card bills. He didn't have life insurance and she will have to borrow money from his parents to have his body cremated. The o ly thing that brings her some solace is listening to his last moments from Gary. As the other twists and turns you discover that you are in for the ride of your life. Jenny can't trust anyone. Especially those closest to her.
This is a new author to me but I was intrigued by the premise. I found it slow going at first but I was soon engrossed and really wanted to find out what Michael's secrets were.
The positives are that the pacing was good and the storyline held my interest for the duration. I also thought the chacters were well fleshed out and you could really feel Jenny's pain and confusion.
I did find the writing a little clunky at times - the dialogue, especially in the first few chapters didn't feel natural and there was a lot of repetition in the writing, there were a few instances where we were told the same thing twice in the same paragraph.
There were some loose ends that I would have liked to be tied up at the end like the whole Victoria thing. Was Gary's wife Victoria? If not then the whole Facebook thread with her was a bit random. I would also have liked to have known what Jenny was going to do with the financial mess that Michael left her in since that was a large part of the plot.
Overall I did enjoy this novel but there was definite room for improvement.
I did enjoy this book and was gripped, but a lot of the dialogue was repeated. I found it a simple and easy read. If you're looking for something easy then I would reccomenedd this. The chapters are in the view of each character.
Michael is keeping things from his wife. He is working hard but it isn't enough for the lifestyle he wants. soon he will tell her everything but not yet. First he has to secure this deal which will make life easier and be the start to putting things right. Micheal goes to his meeting and there is a hit and run and he is killed. His wife Jenny is obviously devastated and focuses on their young son Daniel. She can't stop thinking that his wedding ring is missing and when some friends mention Michael being seen handing over some cash to some less than salubrious characters, Jenny begins to wonder how much she really knew about her husband. Her in-laws are rather more than helpful and despite having her own mother she calls her mother in law “mum”. She quickly finds a credit card bill for over £5000 that previously she knew nothing about. What has Michael been up to and why? I very quickly got into this and whilst Jenny was rather naive in the marriage I did feel for her finding out such things when she was grieving. A clever and well thought out read with a couple of suspicious not- so -nice characters which came across very well. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
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#YouLetHimIn #NetGalley
Thanks NetGalley, Hera Books and JA Andrews for a free copy to review.
First time to read for the author, I will seek his other book Mummy's boy to read as well.
Jenny, Michael and Daniel a small family where the husband Michael struggles to make ends meet. One night after an unfortunate argument with his wife, he goes to a business meeting and never returns. The last words Jenny said to him was just go. He was killed by a hit and run accident on the same night leaving Jenny to gather the pieces of their life.
Faced by the sudden death of her husband, Jenny tries to unravel all the lies and deception fabricated by Michael leaving her in unthinkable amount of debt.
She drowns in depression trying to hang on dear life only for the sake of her toddler and by the support of a budding friendship with the only witness to her husband's death.
An engaging book, it lets you question your life priorities. Do material stuff really matter over the relationships we have? If you lose one of your loved ones suddenly, would you have said the proper words for the last time or you'd live regretting what you said or left unsaid driving yourself crazy?
The book started fast and strong and the ending was fast paced though the middle dragged for a bit.
This was a superb read that kept me fascinated throughout the entire journey. The characters were engaging and believable. Can’t recommend it enough!
A great read .... Jenny thought she was happily married to Michael but after Michaels death it what seems to be a tragic accident the truth unfolds and Jenny finds herself faced with the hard reality of who her husband was. Gary was the witness to the accident and he and Jenny become closer as friends but all it not as it seems ... some good twists that will keep you gripped until the end .
Jenny met her future husband Michael when they were at university and the family was complete with the birth of their son Daniel, but after three years the marriage was struggling.
Michael is an accountant and deals with all the finance and Jenny was happy for him to take control.
When Michael is suddenly killed in a hit and run Jenny is distraught.
After Micheals death she discovers that they are in huge amounts of debt and can lose everything.
When she finds out that Michael was not alone when he took his last breath she needed to see and talk to the man that held his hand whilst he died.
Little did she know that letting this Stranger into her home that she is also endangering herself and son Daniel.
First, I want to thank J.A. Andrews, Hera Books, NetGalley and BOTBSPUBLICITY for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review!
WOW!! I thought Mummy Boy was good but J.A. Andrews second novel brought You Let Him to a whole new level!!! It was very suspenseful, thrilling, heartbreaking, and a very intense climatic ending that stunned me.
J.A. Andrew’s book hooked me at the last line of the prologue. From there it was very fast paced. He wrote some very deeply intense emotional scenes for Jenny that got my attention. My heart ached for Jenny and cute little Daniel.
Oh there are a lot of shocking jaw dropping moments in this book that left me speechless. You think you know how the story is going to go but oh you have no idea what twists and turns J.A has us readers! There are so many twists and turns.
You Let Him In was the perfect title for this book. While reading I questioned it. However, at the end bam you could tell!!
My question is how will J.A. Andrews top this must read book? I can’t wait to find out!
I knew I was going to enjoy this book as I got into it from the very first page which is what I like. It was well written with good characters and it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
Overall it was a brilliantly addictive book and I will read more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hera Books for giving me the opportunity to read this excellent book.
I was hooked from the prologue. I pride myself on ‘predicting’ the end of psychological thrillers - but I was still hooked 3/4’s of the way through with no idea of how this would turn out - it was an emotional rollercoaster from the outset.
The writer has a real talent for creating intense character internal dialogue - allowing you to really feel the vulnerability and anxiety of the characters. Very few writers can write point of view chapters for multiple characters well - the author is great at this and I found myself loving and loathing different characters. Each character story is well thought out and the suspense builds throughout the book.
What I loved the most was that something HAPPENED to progress the storyline in each chapter, there were no ‘filler’ chapters that left me bored - I read the entire book in two days and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
After a bitter fight, Jenny’s husband rushes out to a meeting and never returns. Jenny is left alone with her toddler son and lots of questions and then secrets come to light. Then Jenny meets the man that held her husband's hand while he lay dying. She feels she must meet this man to find out if he can shed light on what happened. Good page turner!
I knew I was going to enjoy this book as I got into it from the very first page which is what I like. It was well written with good characters and it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout
very enjoyable read full of tense content between a wife and her husband who is a bit of a jekyll and hyde man .will keep you gripped right to the end .
Suspenseful .. Keeps you on the edge of your seat. I did figure out what was going on but was still a great read.
First for me from this author.
Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for an early release of this book.
You Let Him In by J.A. Andrews is the first I've read from this author, and it will certainly not be the last. If you are looking for a twisty, fast-paced, character- driven mystery, your search is over.
Jenny Clifton is shattered when she learns that an accident has claimed the life of her husband, Michael. Left with a three year old son, Jenny finds comfort in the company of the stranger who was the sole witness to the horrific hit and run crash, and held Michael's hand as he took his final breath. But as notices from creditors begin to mount, Jenny wonders just how much of her husband's life she knew nothing about. With pressure mounting from Michael's parents to act in the best interest of her son, and a new friend who may not be all that he seems, Jenny realizes that her seemingly perfect life with Michael and their child may have been a sham all along.
This is a quick, sharp read that will engage you from the word go. I appreciated the lack of superfluous and descriptive details, as this allowed me to fully immerse myself in the action in what feels, almost, like real time. Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for this ARC.
I’ve read books by this author before and loved them. This was a greatly written suspense. It had me eagerly awaiting each page. A lot of thriller books are easy to crack, but this one has me guessing all the way until the end. Great read! Make sure you have enough time though because you won’t want to stop until the end
Michael, an accountant, is struggling to meet the mortgage and other needs for his family. He has a "brilliant" wide-range plan that no one (not even the reader) .knows about. His wife, Jenny, is unhappy with Michael's late nights at work and being alone all day with their son - 3 year-old Daniel. Jenny and Michael do argue a lot. Also, .Jenny's mother-in-law's frequent presence is irritating.
The "plan" of Michael's, he knows, will solve all of their problems. But Jenny doesn't think "soon" is enough and threatens to go to Leeds with Daniel for at least a month. (Leeds is where Jenny's parents live.)
And then, a hitch in Michael's plans.....
An excellent suspense thriller I could not put it down!
Many Thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for a super read!
Secrets, secrets and more secrets.
Jenny’s life seems perfect, her husband looks after her and her son and she doesn’t have to worry about a thing. Her mother in law is always there when she needs her.
Until the day her husband dies, Michael has to go to a late meeting and was hit by a car. Gray the kids witness was with Michael when e passed. The driver fled and left Michael there to die. When the police arrive at Jenny’s door she knows somethings wrong, she seen too many movies how this plays out.
After identifying his body Jenny and her mother in law Donna are distraught. Jenny’s world falls apart and her in laws sat to question whether she a first parent. Jenny beings to unravel her husbands secrets and questions wether she ever knew him at all.
Secret after secret they all fall down, you never see it coming until it’s too late. Well played JA Andrews!
If you are a fan of Gone Girl, you will love this book!
Michael is killed in a hit and run on his way to a meeting, leaving behind his wife Jenny and their 3 year old son.
You follow Jenny and her moves after her husbands death and you will not believe where this takes you. This thriller is full of suspense and had me hanging on the edge for most of the book. It lost a bit of steam for me in the middle. I felt like there was something missing that could have been added to keep the momentum up.
I love when a book has different view points, and this flowed easily between chapters.
P.S. When a book has an epilogue but the dead guy, you know it's gonna be good! :)
Thank you to Andres, Netgalley, and Hera for the advanced copy!
You Let Him In follows the story of Jenny, who married in a fairy tale wedding turned horror story. After her husband Michael's death in an accident, she unravels a web of lies... who can she trust?
Wonderfully written and suspenseful, I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the ending! Perfectly fast-faced page turner!
I loved Reading this book. The emotion of the situation was well written, and also the need for support from people involved in the situation was well thought out. A great, new story with lots of thought.
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This was a brilliantly executed book about secrets, lies and grief and betrayal. Jenny looses her husband Michael and her life becomes like a domino effect - discovering one secret and lie after another. Jenny befriends the man who was there with her husband as he took his last breath but Michaels parents don't trust him and his motives.
I worked out the main plot about half way through but still enjoyed reading the book as it unfolded. I found the book well written and the story was just the right length to be carried out without it being over done or dragged out.
This is the first book by J. A. Andrews that I have read but it certainly won't be the last.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it.
It was fast-paced, intriguing and kept me turning the pages, wanting to know what was going to happen.
Wow. Okay. I'm still trying to get over that ending... The story is told through each of the characters Michael, Jenny, Gary and Donna. From the start you could tell something wasn't right, something being hidden. I was drawn in. Intrigued. A gripping start.
Brilliantly written, I felt so sorry for the child in this story (Daniel) to go through everything he had to at such a young age. The book messes with your head making you think the worst of characters that you shouldn't and making you like the ones you shouldn't. Grr.
Garys character comes accross as caring and trying to do his best but also a little too creepy, comes on too strong. The story deals with grief, family, debt, lies, secrets, vengence and death. It's a fast paced story with a dark and twisted ending that I didn't see coming. Brutal. But least it gave us all the answers and outcome we needed.
A well deserved four stars from me. Highly recommend.
My thoughts about this brilliantly written gripping thriller,was outstanding.What I liked about the story, was it was about, Revenge,Love,Betrayal and Dark Secrets about someone you really trust was amazing. The characters were outstanding,my favourite characters in this tensed gripping twisted thriller, was Jenney who I thought was just fantastic,and the other character, who is a witness of, what really happened to jenney's husband Michael, the night he was killed, was just mindblowing it took my breath away, Author JA Andrew's writing, is truly unbelievable, loved how he has written a story, that is so fast paced and gripping,had me turning the pages.A well written story, that will take you on a path of revenge and dark secrets who could you really trust,that will take your breath away.Highly recommended. I would like to say thank you to author J A Adam's, Hera Books,Netgalley and Book Blogger Sarah Hardy for giving me a chance to read and review this outstanding thriller. Talented author J A Andrew's has delivered yet another gripping thriller.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💥💥💥💥💥
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for the ARC for You Let Him In by JA Andrews.
In this domestic thriller, main character Jenny has what she thought was a great marriage. But lately, her husband Michael has been working late and spending less time with her and their 3-year-old son. Jenny feels the strain of their marriage, but nothing prepares her for the news that her husband has been killed in a hit and run. She is left to pick up the pieces of her life, only to discover she didn’t know her husband as well as she thought.
I believe this story had great potential. However, I found myself predicting quite a few of the major plot points. With that said, I still really enjoyed the book and how realistic the characters felt. JA Andrews did a great job characterizing a woman’s relationship with her mother-in-law, and the grief surrounding losing a loved one.
I recommend this book for anyone looking for a character-driven novel with thriller elements.
Jenny Clifton doesn’t know that when she argues with her husband Michael before he leaves for a meeting, it will be the last time she will ever see him. Hours later, he is dead, run over by a drunken driver in a hotel parking lot and Jenny is left to tell her three year old son Daniel and his parents Donna and Pete that Michael is not coming back.
Jenny falls into a depression that is exacerbated by Donna’s overbearing behavior. Donna wants to plan the funeral, give parenting tips, make sure Jenny’s house is cleaned regularly and monitor her drinking. When a witness comes forward and helps the police find the hit and run driver, Jenny is relieved. And when Gary, the witness, tells Jenny that he was with Michael as he died, Jenny is overcome with gratitude. She begins to rely on Gary much to Donna’s dismay. That events that follow show how little people can know about their spouses, relatives and friends. In this case, that lack of knowledge leads to near disaster.
I enjoyed this original story - part mystery and part psychological thriller - but it was somewhat predictable. The title gives a lot away. However, Jenny is a very sympathetic character and her relationship with Donna was well described. 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Hera Books and JA Andrews for this ARC.
This is a bit of a slow burner but once it got going I really enjoyed it.
Jenny is devastated by her husband’s death and left with her son Daniel, she’s struggling to cope.
Jenny thought Michael was a good husband but the truth comes out after his death and Jenny realises he’s saddled her with a lot of debt.
His parents knew something wasn’t right but not the true extent so try and help Jenny.
There was a witness to the hit and run and Jenny gets in touch with him as she wanted to know exactly what he saw. Gary is a strange one and I didn’t trust him from the beginning.
It all comes to a terrifying conclusion and more than one life is in danger.
This is a great read.
Thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Loved this book, totally had me gripped from the start. I can never tire of a good psychological thriller, would highly recommend
This was an intriguing and suspenseful thriller! I could not stop reading it once I started. It kept me on the edge of my seat and had many twists.
Firstly a big thank you to the publishers for my copy to review on netgalley. This is a new author to me.
A complex tale of love,loss,grief and revenge. A fast paced thriller with a unexpected storyline. Written in alternate narratives enables the reader to get to know all sides of the story .
What happens when lies are exposed from the grave? Was Jennys husband really who she thought she was .
I’ll definitely be reading more by this authir as really enjoyed his writing
Published 19th August
Thank you to Netgalley and Hera Books for the arc of You Let Him in by JA Andrews.
this line had me hooked "The only thing she was guilty of was trusting him" like wow I knew i had to read this when i saw this line that had be sunken and hooked into it!
This follows Jenny whom thought she was in a great marriage... as her husbnad has been neglecting spending time with her and her son lately due to him working late so Jenny really feels the strain in their marriage.... this is nothing until her husband gets killed by a hit and run.... so she is left picking up and piecing together the pieces then to find out her husband isnt whom he makes out to be........
4 star read had me on edge of my seat and gripped from the start i loved this so much!
Just like I like them. Twisty, dark and creepy. I have discovered a new to me author who writes a heck of a good thriller. The tension just keeps ramping up until its explosive conclusion. Pick up this amazing thrill. Happy reading!
In a split second, your whole world can change and what you thought you knew, is far from the truth.
Jenny fell in love with Michael - they married, had a baby, bought a new home. Everything seemed perfect. But it was not. In a brutal twist of fate, Michael is killed by a hit and run driver. Everything changed - secrets started coming out leaving Jenny devistated in mulitiple ways. Then a stranger comes into her life to be a friend with his own secrets.
You Let Him In is a twisty-winding book that keeps you guessing until the end. I cannot wait to read more by this author!
Wow, wow, wow!!
This book was fantastic! It had you wondering if things were like it was leading you to believe or if something more sinister was going on! I loved it!!
Fabulous read!
OK, so this had me completely blown away. What a surprise this book turned out to be.
It made me stay up all night until I had finished it. and was all bleary eyed the next day.. WOW JA Andrews this was a domestic thriller and secret after secret popped up.
Jenny's life seems perfect, her husband is a good solid hard working man who provides well for his family. Her parents don't live nearby, but she has her mother in law Donna.
Michael leaves for a meeting one night for a work "thing" and never returns home. The accident turns out to be a hit and run and when the police arrive at her doorstep she knows she will never see Michael again.
She goes with Donna to identify the body and their worlds start to fall apart.
As time goes by Jenny begins to suss out Michael's secrets and begins to doubt their entire relationship together.
Secrets, twists and you don't see it coming. Well done J A Andrews. I really enjoyed every page.
I greatly enjoyed this book, thank you for giving me a preview copy. The plot was interesting and fast paced and I sympathised with the characters. This is the first novel I have read by this author but I hope it will not be the last!
Told from multiple perspectives which works really well, this is a story of a marriage built and destroyed by lies. When will people learn that material things do not make for a perfect life!!! Especially if you are running up debts to have it all.
Right from the start you are intrigued by the secrets that Michael is keeping from Jenny and wondering what the hell he has got himself in to and this has an absolute killer of a prologue.
The characters while not very likeable are totally believable. Especially Jenny who as a mother to a small child has left the finances all to her husband so has no idea of the financial trouble they are in. Some may think this is naive but when you are a busy mum this is often the case in some marriages. It’s called trust, and unfortunately it’s often misplaced.
Now let me tell you what I loved the most, this may shock those who have read it, I LOVED the mother in law. She was everything I absolutely hate and was an utter cringe fest every time she appeared. A complete snob and it seemed she was almost competing with Jenny in the grief stakes. Like it was some kind of X factor talent show which I will now call the grief factor.
I won’t go too much in to the plot as it would be easy to spoil. The pace is high at the start but slows down a little in the middle as it goes into more detail but I didn’t mind this as it made the end seem more climatic. I only have one real niggle but I am keeping quiet on that one as it would be a huge spoiler but the ending more than made up for that anyway.
The chapters of this enthralling page turner were narrated by Jenny, Michael, Donna and Gary. We follow Jenny as she struggles with her grief and to cope with being a single parent after her beloved husband's death. The man that she relied on but also felt was neglecting her and their young son Daniel. The man who she also discovered had been keeping secrets from her. Jenny was already vulnerable before Michael's death due to lack of sleep and what she felt was her mother in law Donna's constant interference into how she was raising Daniel. Grief effects people in different ways and if you add that emotion on top of other vulnerabilities it wasn't difficult to understand how easy it was for Gary to manipulate his way into her life. Donna did come across as a bit of a snob at times but she genuinely loved Daniel and her concerns for his wellbeing were completely understandable. Michael was one of life's why me and nothing is my fault kind of guys and I honestly didn't like him very much. As for Gary, well it's obvious that he had his reasons for inserting himself into Jenny's life but what were they? And how far was he prepared to go to execute his plans?
This is a captivating tale of relationships, grief, families, manipulation and deception that builds in intensity as the story unfolded. A chilling sense of foreboding permeates the pages as the relevant players were manouvered into position and the shocking truth was finally revealed. This is the second thriller by this talented author that I have read recently and I look forward to reading more of this author's books in the future.
I read and loved J. A. Andrews' first book 'Mummy's Boy' and I was eager to read his next book. Well the wait for his next book is over as 'You Let Him In' was released on 19th August 2020. It's another cracking read from J. A. Andrews and I thoroughly enjoyed every single second of it but more about that in a bit.
I can honestly say that although I found the characters to be intriguing and interesting, I didn't exactly warm to any of them. There was something about each character that irritated me somewhat. I could just be being too suspicious of people and their motivations. Michael was a bit of a control freak, who verged on the stalker sort of person. I didn't really trust a word that came out of his mouth and it was obvious that he wasn't being exactly truthful and that there were secrets that he wanted to remain hidden. I felt that Jenny was a bit too gullible for her own good and that she believed what Michael told her a bit too easily. They were just two of the characters.
It took me a little while for me to get into this book but that's more to do with the fact that I was tired and finding it hard to concentrate when I started to read the book and it isn't meant as a criticism of the author. Once I got into the story then that was it and I just couldn't put the book down. The more of the book I read, the more intrigued I became and the more I had to read. I was so into the story that I lost track of time and just how quickly the pages were turning. All too quickly I reached the end of the book and I had to say goodbye to the characters.
'You Let Him In' was very well written. The author knows how to draw you into the story from pretty early on. The author has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. The story is actually written from the points of view of the different characters, with each chapter being written or narrated by a particular character. 'You Let Him In' was more of a slow burn kind of read but that helped the story if that makes sense, as the slower pace meant that the tension level could gradually grow and I got a greater appreciation of the feelings that the different characters were going through. I felt as though I was though I was part of the story myself and that's down to this author's very vivid and realistic storytelling. 'You Let Him In' certainly kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat.
In short, I really enjoyed reading 'You Let Him In' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more from this author in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hera Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
"You Let Him In" is a psychological thriller that will draw you in and keep you there. Jenny Clifton has always wanted to be the perfect wife and mother, when she meets Michael they fall in love, get married, and have a baby. It's everything Jenny could have asked for. Then the magic begins to fade. Michael is killed in a hit and run and Jenny is left to pick up the pieces. Her husband has been keeping secrets from her and as she begins to take comfort in an eye witness she discovers he may have dangerous secrets of his own...
I love a good thriller. J.A. Andrews writes with a voice that keeps you hooked. Jenny's naive nature, Michael's secrets, all of it seems so natural and realistic. Andrews may have given a few too many hints because I figured out the ending pretty early, but I could never piece together how it would happen and it left me nervous of when everything would snap.
I think Andrew identifies some very real fears everyone has. What if your husband has a secret life? What if you can't trust someone you've confided in? What if someone tries to take your child? These real life moments made this book fly.
I gave this book 4 stars. It was well written and interesting. I would have liked to be challenged a little more mentally, but overall it was a good read.
You Let Him In by JA Andrews
Where there was love
Now disharmony
Secrets, anger, and betrayal
Death prevents making things right.
In the prologue we learn part of what will happen and are given a hint of the troubles being faced by Jenny and Michael. Told in first person by more than one person we get various perspectives as the story unfolds. I have to say that I did not warm to any of the characters in the story though I did understand them and where they were coming from as they presented what was happening in their lives.
I enjoyed the way the story was revealed a bit at a time. Reading their story, I realized how easily a couple could fall into a pattern like the couple did in this book. I believe some will be of the opinion that a contemporary woman would not be as blind or gullible as Jenny seemed to be BUT would we really be able to see as well if we were experiencing rather than reading about this situation? You ask what situation? Well…you will have to read the book to find out as I can’t tell you too much or it will ruin the read for you.
My thoughts as I finished the book left me wondering how people manage to mess up their lives as the characters in this book did. I suppose it happens one choice at a time until too many not so great decisions pile up into a mess similar to what happens in this book. Sometimes there is a do-over but not always. I felt sorry for a couple of people and wondered how they would manage to move forward. At first, I believed it would have been nice to have this information revealed in the epilogue BUT on second thought, I realized that there is greater impact as it is written now. This is a book I believe I will be thinking about for a while.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes – though it was disturbing
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley, Hera and BOTBS for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
I loved the cover, and the synopsis intrigued me so I was excited to read You Let Him In by JA Andrews.
I loved Jenny and I felt sorry for her for various reasons. Although I had my suspicions on one of the characters, I won't say which one, I loved the gripping storyline that unfolded about Michael, her beloved husband.
It was a gripping read and definitely one you can't put down.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. Jenny and Michael certainly do not have a perfect marriage and when two police officers show up at her door to inform her that her husband has been killed in a hit and run accident, she is not only devastated but filled with guilt as they were fighting when she last saw him before he walked out the door. A stranger named Gary, held her husband's hand until Michael took his last breath. Jenny is grieving and barely able to function to take care of herself and her 3 year old son. She lets Gary into her life. I was able to figure this one out early in the book but it did have many twists up until the end.
You Let Him In by J.A Andrews is the second book I have read by this author, the first being Mummy's Boy. I hoped that this book would be as good as the previous one and found it didn't let me down. A psychological thriller told from multiple points of view.Jenny is a woman living the dream, but it's a dream that's not as good as she thought it would be.She met and married Michael and they had their son Daniel. Three years later, the lack of money and Micheals lack of home life due to work causes terrible arguments between them. Then Micheal is killed in a hit and run a stranger holding his hand when he dies.Jenny ends up befriending the stranger, the last person to be with Michael. Jenny starts to discover that Micheal had secrets, and big ones...ones that made her marriage, her life a lie and that this friend she has made may have his own secrets also.
Right from the start I was really curious about what Michael was keeping from Jenny. I really felt for her, leaving everything financially to her husband while she has absolutely no clue about how much money trouble they have.
The characters are all, in their own way, not very likable, although as I say, Jenny may be a little naive but on the other hand when you trust your partner so much this should be the norm. Her mother-in-law , Donna, is one of them women who need to be the best and have the best, even to the point of who is mourning more! I really did not like her at all. Micheal well, apart from the secrets, he has a control issue I wasn't so keen on either.
I find the authors story telling is realistic and very vivid to the point that I almost feel like I'm part of the story myself.It is a slower paced book which helped the tension to climb as the story develops. You Let Him In definitely kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing throughout.i definitely enjoyed reading this and can recommend it if you like a slow burner of a read.Thank you to netgalley for the book
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, it was engaging and although a bit slow to start with it soon picked up pace with a few shockers in there! Imagine your husband leaving one evening for a meeting and never returning because he is killed in a hit and run? This is what happens to Jenny's husband Michael and Jenny has to find out what secrets Michael was hiding and why someone wouldn't want to harm him, the truth shocks her.
An addictive and gripping read full of unexpected twists and turns.
Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to the publisher for the free ebook copy in exchange for my honest review
3.5 stars - rounded up for rating
This was my introduction to Andrews and I will say that I really enjoyed this new domestic suspense! YOU LET HIM IN follows a typical premise for the domestic suspense genre and the book really starts off with a bang.
You’ll have to suspend some belief for this one, but that’s never a bad thing! The beginng was eventful and sucked me in, but the middle had a bit of a lull that took me out of it. I highly recommend sticking with it because the ending really picks up again! A little more character driven than plot driven and I really liked seeing them develop as the story progressed. Really get into their heads and feel what they’re feeling as more layers of lies and secrets are pulled back.
Multiple perspectives, twists and turns, and characters you aren’t sure you can trust. I loved the writing and would highly recommend this to those that want a quick and easy thriller. Perfect for those new to the genre! This was my first book by Andrews and it certainly won’t be my last.
I read this for a blog tour.
This is a gripping thriller that starts with what appears to have been a terrible accident that brings Gary into the lives of widowed Jenny and her son Daniel.
As Jenny struggles to cope with Michael's sudden death and overbearing mother, Gary becomes a friend, someone she can talk to about her grief. But Gary is not who he seems.
At first I couldn't work out where this was going, but as Michael's secrets and lies unravelled and Gary's behaviour got weirder, it all started to come slowly together.
A nasty little thriller with the insidious way Gary worms his way in and manipulates Jenny with his overt kindness and apparent charm.
Spectacularly thrilling. I felt like I was sitting in the room as Michael and Jenny were fighting and as much as I wanted to pick a side, I still felt crushed when he was killed. Everything that came after that, you'll have to read it to know what I'm talking about, kept me frantically turning the page.
Thank you for allowing me to read this and give my honest opinion.
Fast paced thriller that is easy to read and I enjoyed it.
The premise is interesting and I love reading about relationships, especially when a big change occurs.
This was a great thriller! It had unexpected twists and turns, and it was really disturbing! My favorite kind of books!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
3-4 stars! A well written thriller that definitely had some suspense and chills within! something was lacking for me though, so i wasn’t able to give a full 4 stars or 5. It was well written for the most part, but had some parts that were just a bit repetitive! Overall, I did get the wanted thrills, chills, and shocks! I would recommend to those looking for a quick, suspense filled read!
Will make sure to buzz around platforms and use lower amazon reviews number on release date!
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General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers, Women's Fiction