Title: I LET YOU GO
Author: Clare Mackintosh
ISBN: 978 07515 54151
Publisher: Sphere
Pages: 373
Source: Private Copy
A tragic accident. It all happened so quickly. She couldn’t have prevented it. Could she?
In a split second, Jenna Gray’s world descends into a nightmare. Her only hope of moving on is to walk away from everything she knows to start afresh. Desperate to escape, Jenna moves to a remote cottage on the Welsh coast, but she is haunted by her fears, her grief and her memories of a cruel November night that changed her life forever.
Slowly, Jenna begins to glimpse the potential for happiness in her future. But her past is about to catch up with her, and the consequences will be devastating . . .
Official Summary
20 November 2023
I continually find myself adding more of Clare Mackintosh’s work to my TBR, and once again, she has proven to be an author who never disappoints. My introduction to her writing was through the captivating “Hostage” during a blog tour in July 2022. Finally delving into her debut novel, “I Let You Go,” after it had been on my TBR for a few months, was a decision well worth the wait.
This book is a brilliantly crafted, heart-wrenching tale with a twist that resonates deeply. Mackintosh skilfully presents two sides of the story, both intricately woven under the reader’s skin. Tackling themes of domestic violence, the loss of a child, and the relentless pursuit of justice by the police, the narrative unfolds with compelling intensity.
The author masterfully portrays the anguish of both the grieving mother and the determined police officer who refuses to relent. Simultaneously, she seamlessly integrates the details surrounding the crime, allowing readers to experience the emotions of all parties involved. The portrayal of the person responsible for the child’s death adds a vivid layer, emphasizing the complexity of life’s shades of grey. The narrative is detailed, emotional, and once you pick up this book, putting it down before the last page proves to be a formidable challenge.
The story begins with a young mother walking her son home from school in the rain. A momentary lapse, a release of the child’s hand to wipe away raindrops, culminates in a tragic accident. The subsequent police investigation unveils a heart-wrenching tale of loss and a quest for justice, revealing that life’s intricacies are never black and white.
Mackintosh’s storytelling burrows under your skin, compelling you to turn pages well into the night. The narrative’s multifaceted elements keep you intrigued, occasionally questioning the roles of each character. My heart ached for Jenna, and I found myself fervently hoping she could escape her haunting past. Ray’s pivotal decision at the story’s end added a brilliant touch.
The characters in this book are expertly crafted, each with the ability to capture your heart. Jenna’s desperation to leave her past behind adds mystery and intrigue to the story, making her a character you can’t help but love. Ray finds himself caught between career ambitions and family obligations, balancing on a tightrope that leaves readers guessing about his choices. Kate, driven and rule-breaking in her pursuit of solving the case, adds a layer of complexity, although her attempts to blur professional lines with Ray proved somewhat irksome.
“I Let You Go” is a fabulously entertaining read that has rightfully earned its place on my list of favourites for 2023, thanks to its emotional depth and vivid settings. For those who relish crime fiction with high emotional stakes, compelling characters, and a twisty narrative that challenges your allegiance to the characters, this book is a must-read. I wholeheartedly recommend this intricately woven tale.
Also By Clare Mackintosh
The Last Party
At midnight, one of them is dead.
By morning, all of them are suspects.
It’s a party to end all parties, but not everyone is here to celebrate.
On New Year’s Eve, Rhys Lloyd has a house full of guests. His vacation homes on Mirror Lake are a success, and he’s generously invited the village to drink champagne with their wealthy new neighbors.
But by midnight, Rhys will be floating dead in the freezing waters of the lake.
On New Year’s Day, Ffion Morgan has a village full of suspects. The tiny community is her home, so the suspects are her neighbors, friends and family—and Ffion has her own secrets to protect.
With a lie uncovered at every turn, soon the question isn’t who wanted Rhys dead…but who finally killed him.
In a village with this many secrets, murder is just the beginning.
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Clare Mackintosh is the multi-award-winning author of five Sunday Times bestselling novels, including I Let You Go, which was the fastest-selling debut thriller in the year it was released. Translated into forty languages, her books have sold more than two million copies worldwide, have been New York Times and international bestsellers and have spent a combined total of 64 weeks in the Sunday Times bestseller chart. Clare spent twelve years in the police force, including time on CID, and as a public order commander. She left the police in 2011 to work as a freelance journalist and social media consultant and is the founder of the Chipping Norton Literary Festival. She now writes full time and lives in Wales with her husband and their three children.
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