Title: I SEE YOU
Author: Clare Mackintosh
ISBN: 978 0 3995 8655 2
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 384
Source: Private Copy
Every morning and evening, Zoe Walker takes the same route to the train station, waits at a certain place on the platform, finds her favorite spot in the car, never suspecting that someone is watching her…
It all starts with a classified ad. During her commute home one night, while glancing through her local paper, Zoe sees her own face staring back at her; a grainy photo along with a phone number and a listing for a website called FindTheOne.com.
Other women begin appearing in the same ad, a different one every day, and Zoe realizes they’ve become the victims of increasingly violent crimes—including murder. With the help of a determined cop, she uncovers the ad’s twisted purpose…A discovery that turns her paranoia into full-blown panic. Zoe is sure that someone close to her has set her up as the next target.
And now that man on the train—the one smiling at Zoe from across the car—could be more than just a friendly stranger. He could be someone who has deliberately chosen her and is ready to make his next move…
Official Summary
19 January 2024
This is an enthralling psychological thriller that will keep you reading late into the night. I found myself in a bit of a reading slump, and this book was exactly what I needed to jump-start my reading after the festive season.
The story starts with a seemingly ordinary daily routine of Zoe Walker, a woman whose life takes a chilling turn when she discovers her photo in a classified ad. The premise is both intriguing and unnerving. Xoe’s mundane commute becomes a source of suspense as she realises that someone is not only watching her but has sinister intentions. The author builds tension by gradually revealing the extent of the threat, turning what was once routine into a landscape of fear and paranoia.
The inclusion of the classified ad with Zoe’s photo adds a layer of mystery that forms the basis of what’s to come. As other women appear in similar ads, each becoming a victim of violent crimes, the stakes escalate and Zoe finds herself entangled in a web of danger. The author efficiently explores the psychological toll of being a target, transforming Zoe’s initial paranoia into a full-blown panic that resonates with readers.
The characters are well crafted. Zoe is a relatable protagonist and her fear and determination become tangible emotions that you can empathise with. The supporting characters, as well as the determined cop who aids Zoe in her quest for answers, add depth to the story. The author skillfully navigates the intricate relationships, keeping you guessing about who can be trusted. The author maintains a relentless rhythm that mirrors Zoe’s escalating anxiety. Short, suspenseful chapters move the narrative forward and seamless shifts between different perspectives contribute to the overall sense of unease. The plot twists are carefully placed, delivering shocks that are both unexpected and satisfying. As the suspense builds, the novel explores themes of vulnerability, trust and the darker aspects of modern society. The explorations of the impact of surveillance and the violation of personal space add a thought-provoking later to the story. Clare Mackintosh’s writing is crisp and evocative, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience.
This book is a brilliantly crafted psychological thriller that excels in building tension and delivering satisfying twists. Clare Mackintosh’s ability to blend the ordinary with the extraordinary, turning a routine commute into a harrowing tale of suspense, showcases her skill as a storyteller. If you are looking for a gripping, thought-provoking thriller, then this is the book for you, the story will linger in the mind long after the final page.
Also by Clare Mackintosh
I LET YOU GO
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 . . .
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.
Thank you for stopping by to read my review. Are you a Clare MacKintosh fan? Which is your favourite book? I am eager to get my hands on a copy of After the End. Is that as good as they say it is? Please leave a comment below sharing your thoughts. Until next time…Happy Reading!
