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Ouvre-moi
Comme une impression de déjà-vu ?
Helen et George avaient imaginé une nouvelle vie, loin de leurs problèmes, dans ce cottage à retaper au fin fond des Cornouailles. Mais à peine sont-ils arrivés, qu'ils comprennent que quelque chose cloche avec cet endroit. Helen ne se départit pas de l'angoissante sensation d'avoir déjà vu cette maison. Et ce ne sont pas les poupées découvertes dans les murs ni les étranges bocaux enterrés dans le jardin qui atténuent sa terreur. Quand elle découvre que cette maison a appartenu trente ans plus tôt à une femme soupçonnée de sorcellerie coupable d'un triple meurtre, le passé revient brutalement frapper à leur porte. Helen et George réalisent alors qu'ils courent un terrible danger, et qu'ils ne peuvent se fier à personne - ni même l'un à l'autre.
Helen et George avaient imaginé une nouvelle vie, loin de leurs problèmes, dans ce cottage à retaper au fin fond des Cornouailles. Mais à peine sont-ils arrivés, qu'ils comprennent que quelque chose cloche avec cet endroit. Helen ne se départit pas de l'angoissante sensation d'avoir déjà vu cette maison. Et ce ne sont pas les poupées découvertes dans les murs ni les étranges bocaux enterrés dans le jardin qui atténuent sa terreur. Quand elle découvre que cette maison a appartenu trente ans plus tôt à une femme soupçonnée de sorcellerie coupable d'un triple meurtre, le passé revient brutalement frapper à leur porte. Helen et George réalisent alors qu'ils courent un terrible danger, et qu'ils ne peuvent se fier à personne - ni même l'un à l'autre.
408 pages
First published June 20, 2023
4543 people are currently reading
12327 people want to read
About the author
Claire McGowan
44 books2,063 followersClaire McGowan grew up in a small village in Northern Ireland. After a degree in English and French from Oxford University she moved to London and worked in the charity sector. THE FALL is her first novel, which is followed by a series starring forensic psychologist Paula Maguire. She also writes as Eva Woods.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 827 reviews
January 30, 2023
Thank you Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.
update: my kindle reappeared under a pile of crap on my desk.......
Writing: 2.5/5 | Plot: crumbled like feta cheese/5 | Ending: you're trolling/5
SYNOPSIS
Wanker... oops I mean George and his wife Helen move out to a derelict mcmansion in the sticks to start fresh. But when spooky sh!t starts popping off and secrets are revealed, it's evident that this new beginning is anything but fresh.
MY OPINION
It's a sad day Goodreaders, but I have misplaced my Kindle. My husband and I (yep, I unchained him from the basement to elicit his help) tore apart the house, but it seems to have grown legs and sauntered on out. It's tired of the abuse! LOL. So, without my Kindle, I don't have all my handy dandy ranty notes... gonna have to activate my brain and do this one from memory.
This book took me a hot minute to get through, because I cannot concentrate on reading for the life of me. ANyways, it started off promising in comparison to her last stanker Are You Awake?. Suspicious things were occurring, and I was invested in the lite witchcraft storyline. Don't worry, there's no supernatural stuff involved.
So for most of it, I was leaning toward a Honda Civic Reliable three. The writing was whatever, but the plot was kinda interesting and I liked the different threads that were being woven together. We're pottering along, reveals are being revealed, and suddenly a gigantic sink hole opens up around the 75% mark and swallows up the plot and all logic. BRUHHH I've never had a book tank this viciously in a hot minute. So here we are, at a generous 2.
SPOILIES ALERT
Okay so I wanted to curb stomp George into another dimension. And tbh Helen needed a strong shoulder shake as well. George is the ultimate Great Value narcissist (lacking the charm, cunning, and intelligence of a brand name narcissist) who decides his floundering "career" is more important than Helen's pay check and general wellbeing. At one point, there's a gigantic hole in their kitchen wall, but George can't be fked to do anything about it. Also, who pays builders for work IN ADVANCE???? Bro you're just asking to be hoodwinked.
Anyways, we find out that Georgey boi has somehow blown through over 200k AND racked up serious debt trying to get back into journalism. HUH???? LMAOOO. He's like oh it's expensive! No tf it isn't. Ever heard of an expense account? Jfc. And then he has the audacity to tell Helen "you're a liar mcliar pants!" after pissing away her hard earned dollars. Plus Helen's lie was harmless tbh. She honestly loved and supported stupid ass George, whereas Georgie only thought about himself and his dreams of being on Sky News. And then after everything, Helen just goes Helen Keller to his spending problem and still stands by him. LEAVE. HIS. ASS. EXPEDITIOUSLY.
Ok and then the ending... nah bruv. I'm not sure if Claire was trying to be funny, but this sh!t was laughable. So mama dearest Janna has been in jail for a hot minute, and literally, and I mean LITERALLY, pops back up on the scene and au casually says "he needs oxygen!" No, "hey guys! it me!" no explanation. Just rocks up to Helen tryna keep someone alive and jumps on in like everything's normal. And everyone just goes along with it rather unperturbed? I legit had to reread one section three times in case I missed something. Ain't no way this woman just waltzes back in and starts bossing hoes around and we all just accept it??? WHO IS YOU???????
SPOILIES DONE
I honestly can't believe this is the same author who wrote I Know You? What's being going on with these last two books? Halp.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: interesting premise
Cons: goes completely off the rails in the last 25% that ruins the entire book
update: my kindle reappeared under a pile of crap on my desk.......
Writing: 2.5/5 | Plot: crumbled like feta cheese/5 | Ending: you're trolling/5
SYNOPSIS
Wanker... oops I mean George and his wife Helen move out to a derelict mcmansion in the sticks to start fresh. But when spooky sh!t starts popping off and secrets are revealed, it's evident that this new beginning is anything but fresh.
MY OPINION
It's a sad day Goodreaders, but I have misplaced my Kindle. My husband and I (yep, I unchained him from the basement to elicit his help) tore apart the house, but it seems to have grown legs and sauntered on out. It's tired of the abuse! LOL. So, without my Kindle, I don't have all my handy dandy ranty notes... gonna have to activate my brain and do this one from memory.
This book took me a hot minute to get through, because I cannot concentrate on reading for the life of me. ANyways, it started off promising in comparison to her last stanker Are You Awake?. Suspicious things were occurring, and I was invested in the lite witchcraft storyline. Don't worry, there's no supernatural stuff involved.
So for most of it, I was leaning toward a Honda Civic Reliable three. The writing was whatever, but the plot was kinda interesting and I liked the different threads that were being woven together. We're pottering along, reveals are being revealed, and suddenly a gigantic sink hole opens up around the 75% mark and swallows up the plot and all logic. BRUHHH I've never had a book tank this viciously in a hot minute. So here we are, at a generous 2.
SPOILIES ALERT
Okay so I wanted to curb stomp George into another dimension. And tbh Helen needed a strong shoulder shake as well. George is the ultimate Great Value narcissist (lacking the charm, cunning, and intelligence of a brand name narcissist) who decides his floundering "career" is more important than Helen's pay check and general wellbeing. At one point, there's a gigantic hole in their kitchen wall, but George can't be fked to do anything about it. Also, who pays builders for work IN ADVANCE???? Bro you're just asking to be hoodwinked.
Anyways, we find out that Georgey boi has somehow blown through over 200k AND racked up serious debt trying to get back into journalism. HUH???? LMAOOO. He's like oh it's expensive! No tf it isn't. Ever heard of an expense account? Jfc. And then he has the audacity to tell Helen "you're a liar mcliar pants!" after pissing away her hard earned dollars. Plus Helen's lie was harmless tbh. She honestly loved and supported stupid ass George, whereas Georgie only thought about himself and his dreams of being on Sky News. And then after everything, Helen just goes Helen Keller to his spending problem and still stands by him. LEAVE. HIS. ASS. EXPEDITIOUSLY.
Ok and then the ending... nah bruv. I'm not sure if Claire was trying to be funny, but this sh!t was laughable. So mama dearest Janna has been in jail for a hot minute, and literally, and I mean LITERALLY, pops back up on the scene and au casually says "he needs oxygen!" No, "hey guys! it me!" no explanation. Just rocks up to Helen tryna keep someone alive and jumps on in like everything's normal. And everyone just goes along with it rather unperturbed? I legit had to reread one section three times in case I missed something. Ain't no way this woman just waltzes back in and starts bossing hoes around and we all just accept it??? WHO IS YOU???????
SPOILIES DONE
I honestly can't believe this is the same author who wrote I Know You? What's being going on with these last two books? Halp.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: interesting premise
Cons: goes completely off the rails in the last 25% that ruins the entire book
June 3, 2023
My thanks to Claire McGowan and Netgalley.
I finished this book about a week ago, and I'm still uncertain of my rating.
I guess "maybe" that I might be somewhat befuddled from the whole entirety of this story.
The husband was someone that I would completely despise. But, I also didn't like anyone else, really.
Know what? Ignore my thoughts.
I read this book. I didn't like this book. I would not recommend this book.
This is my second McGowan book. I'll not be reading more.
I finished this book about a week ago, and I'm still uncertain of my rating.
I guess "maybe" that I might be somewhat befuddled from the whole entirety of this story.
The husband was someone that I would completely despise. But, I also didn't like anyone else, really.
Know what? Ignore my thoughts.
I read this book. I didn't like this book. I would not recommend this book.
This is my second McGowan book. I'll not be reading more.
June 15, 2023
A house with a secret
One might question Helen's decision to go along with the move without seeing the house or understanding what challenges awaited her. It seems she sacrificed everything to accommodate George, who can come across as rather foolish. This dynamic adds depth to the story, providing intriguing material for the unfolding events. The strength of their relationship is now at stake as they face the mysteries lurking within the house.
The combination of a creepy house and elements of witchcraft makes for a thrilling premise in this book. Although the ending felt rushed and left something to be desired, the inclusion of these eerie elements adds to the overall appeal. While some readers might prefer shorter chapters, this book consisted of five longer chapters. However, it's important to note that this preference is a personal one and does not reflect any shortcomings on the part of the author or the book itself. Despite these minor critiques, the story as a whole was enjoyable.
I appreciate the chance provided by Netgalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and Thomas & Mercer to read and review this ARC.
One might question Helen's decision to go along with the move without seeing the house or understanding what challenges awaited her. It seems she sacrificed everything to accommodate George, who can come across as rather foolish. This dynamic adds depth to the story, providing intriguing material for the unfolding events. The strength of their relationship is now at stake as they face the mysteries lurking within the house.
The combination of a creepy house and elements of witchcraft makes for a thrilling premise in this book. Although the ending felt rushed and left something to be desired, the inclusion of these eerie elements adds to the overall appeal. While some readers might prefer shorter chapters, this book consisted of five longer chapters. However, it's important to note that this preference is a personal one and does not reflect any shortcomings on the part of the author or the book itself. Despite these minor critiques, the story as a whole was enjoyable.
I appreciate the chance provided by Netgalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and Thomas & Mercer to read and review this ARC.
November 17, 2025
So many secrets!
This felt like exactly what I want from a psychological thriller. So much so, I ordered Ms. McGowan's THE OTHER WIFE and I'm really looking forward to diving right in.
This felt like exactly what I want from a psychological thriller. So much so, I ordered Ms. McGowan's THE OTHER WIFE and I'm really looking forward to diving right in.
May 21, 2023
I’ve seen several books by this author and been intrigued but this was my first by her, and I’m glad I finally picked one up. This was a fast paced book that I devoured in one sitting. I will say while the description is all accurate, it wasn’t the book I was expecting but that’s ok. George and Helen are moving away from London to a small village where they have purchased a house. But the villagers seem to be angry with them and Helen instantly knows there is more to the story of the house than George has told her. A little interest research tells her that a woman who lived in the house previously murdered three people and was believed to be a witch. As they try to renovate the house they find a poppet in the wall and other spooky things that have both of them trying to learn more. A fun, thrilling ride and definitely an author I’ll try again.
January 6, 2023
Helen and George move to an eerie house in the country from London. The house is steeped in death and superstition. Evidence of voodoo is all around. They find out a woman who practiced witchcraft murdered 3 people there. They begin to investigate and many secrets and lies are revealed. This was a creepy, disturbing read that I couldn’t hardly put down. Thanks NetGalley and Amazon Publishing-UK for this ARC that will be released June 20, 2023.
January 9, 2023
This book was just ok for me. I was really into it for a good chunk and then it took a turn where I lost interest. It was not what I was expecting and I’m disappointed.
Helen and George move to a cozy home in Cornwall. It was supposed to be a dream come true. Instead it turned out to be their worst nightmare. Helen had a bad feeling about the home from the moment she got there. Her anxiety increases as the renovations begin when the contractors find a doll with human hair buried in the walls. Helen looks up the home’s history and discovers that the previous owner was rumored to be a witch and was put in prison for murdering three people. Things pick up from there as one bad thing happens after another and she and George realize they are in danger. The secrets that were buried long ago come to light and things will never be the same.
Let Me In is available June 20,2023.
Thank you to netgalley and amazonpublishinguk for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Helen and George move to a cozy home in Cornwall. It was supposed to be a dream come true. Instead it turned out to be their worst nightmare. Helen had a bad feeling about the home from the moment she got there. Her anxiety increases as the renovations begin when the contractors find a doll with human hair buried in the walls. Helen looks up the home’s history and discovers that the previous owner was rumored to be a witch and was put in prison for murdering three people. Things pick up from there as one bad thing happens after another and she and George realize they are in danger. The secrets that were buried long ago come to light and things will never be the same.
Let Me In is available June 20,2023.
Thank you to netgalley and amazonpublishinguk for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
December 15, 2023
a refreshing onion structure,
creepy enough to keep things
flowing through its relatable
points of view inside a dark
well written storyline, wow.
creepy enough to keep things
flowing through its relatable
points of view inside a dark
well written storyline, wow.
August 25, 2024
Audio - 5 stars
Story - 4 Stars
Story - 4 Stars
January 6, 2023
Helen and George move to an eerie house in the country from London. The house is steeped in death and superstition. Evidence of voodoo is all around. They find out a woman who practiced witchcraft murdered 3 people there. They begin to investigate and many secrets and lies are revealed. This was a creepy, disturbing read that I couldn’t hardly put down. Thanks NetGalley and Amazon Publishing-UK for this ARC that will be released June 20, 2023.
July 21, 2023
Let Me In by Claire McGowan was one of my favorite books so sar this year. All the characters have flaws and the story is very powerful and important.
August 8, 2024
3,5 ✨✨✨
(Audiobook)
(Audiobook)
October 28, 2023
I picked Let Me In by Claire McGowan up on a whim after seeing it in the library, not realizing I read and loved What You Did back in October 2021. Seems fitting I would read my second novel by her in the same month, but it's a shame I waited 2 years to do it! After finishing this I immediately put her full backlist on my TBR shelf, and I loved every minute of this twisty ride. Helen and George are both full of secrets they are keeping from each other and as you can imagine, things get interesting as more and more is revealed. There are plenty of tense moments in the book that kept me on my toes, and I loved that we had 3 main viewpoints here. It's weird because looking back at the book, each chapter is really long but when I was listening to the book it didn't feel that way at all.
The audiobook has 4 narrators, Elizabeth Knowelden, Will Watt, Pearl Hewitt, & Saskia Maarleveld and I will not tell you who the mysterious 4th POV is because it is more fun to find out for yourself. I really enjoyed listening to all of the narrators, and the 3 for Helen, George, and Janna were especially fantastic. I didn't have any issues with their narration whatsoever and despite this book being set in a different country, I didn't have any problems understanding them either. The eBook and audiobook are both currently available on Kindle Unlimited and I highly recommend Let Me In if you are in the mood for something twisty, mysterious, and atmospheric. I do recommend checking triggers beforehand, although there is not a lot of detail.
The audiobook has 4 narrators, Elizabeth Knowelden, Will Watt, Pearl Hewitt, & Saskia Maarleveld and I will not tell you who the mysterious 4th POV is because it is more fun to find out for yourself. I really enjoyed listening to all of the narrators, and the 3 for Helen, George, and Janna were especially fantastic. I didn't have any issues with their narration whatsoever and despite this book being set in a different country, I didn't have any problems understanding them either. The eBook and audiobook are both currently available on Kindle Unlimited and I highly recommend Let Me In if you are in the mood for something twisty, mysterious, and atmospheric. I do recommend checking triggers beforehand, although there is not a lot of detail.
February 20, 2023
My inner devious child peeked out this week and I got a bit jealous ! Whoa! I would love to say that is unlike me but who am I kidding. I can be a jealous brat 🤗
So, I saw Let Me In, literally break bookstagram this week and of course I didn’t want to feel left out so I requested it on Netgalley .
Cue the little magic ding ding in my inbox and I see my big ole eyes get wide as I stare at my approval ! Yay ! I’m still a cool kid !
This is a book with both characters you will love to hate but also love ! Filled with twists and turns at every corner, the amount of suspense kept me on edge the entire time ! I flippin’ loved this book!
So, what did I do ? I ordered a copy of The Other Wife (the only book by McGowan, I haven’t read yet) This little firecracker of an author sure does know how to write one hell of a suspenseful thriller .
Five Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Teaser :
For Helen and George, the remote fixer-upper in Cornwall was supposed to be a dream home, and a way to leave behind the problems they’re both running from. But something about the place feels wrong from day one. And why does Helen have a creeping feeling she’s seen this house before?
Her unease only deepens after renovations begin, when the builders find sinister dolls hidden in the walls. As Helen digs into the house’s past, she discovers that the previous owner was not only rumoured to be a witch; she was also imprisoned for a brutal triple murder thirty years earlier.
When a horrific accident almost ends in tragedy, Helen worries that the house’s secrets are to blame, and as events spiral out of control she discovers George has been lying to her. As the past returns to haunt them, the couple realise they are in terrible danger, and they can’t trust anyone—not even each other. Because Helen hasn’t been entirely honest with him either…
So, I saw Let Me In, literally break bookstagram this week and of course I didn’t want to feel left out so I requested it on Netgalley .
Cue the little magic ding ding in my inbox and I see my big ole eyes get wide as I stare at my approval ! Yay ! I’m still a cool kid !
This is a book with both characters you will love to hate but also love ! Filled with twists and turns at every corner, the amount of suspense kept me on edge the entire time ! I flippin’ loved this book!
So, what did I do ? I ordered a copy of The Other Wife (the only book by McGowan, I haven’t read yet) This little firecracker of an author sure does know how to write one hell of a suspenseful thriller .
Five Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Teaser :
For Helen and George, the remote fixer-upper in Cornwall was supposed to be a dream home, and a way to leave behind the problems they’re both running from. But something about the place feels wrong from day one. And why does Helen have a creeping feeling she’s seen this house before?
Her unease only deepens after renovations begin, when the builders find sinister dolls hidden in the walls. As Helen digs into the house’s past, she discovers that the previous owner was not only rumoured to be a witch; she was also imprisoned for a brutal triple murder thirty years earlier.
When a horrific accident almost ends in tragedy, Helen worries that the house’s secrets are to blame, and as events spiral out of control she discovers George has been lying to her. As the past returns to haunt them, the couple realise they are in terrible danger, and they can’t trust anyone—not even each other. Because Helen hasn’t been entirely honest with him either…
July 10, 2023
UGH. This one is a stinker. The protagonist, Helen, is a doctor but also a complete nitwit about everything, including basic health info. For example, she gives someone having an asthma attack a paper bag to breathe into. Absolutely no doctor, much less one married to an asthmatic, would ever do such a thing! Worse, she is married to a complete idiot, George. George is a lazy, shiftless, lying, out of shape, disgraced, and possibly misogynistic, music journalist who, according to Helen, is really sweet and lovable. Yes, because doctors frequently fall head over heels for underemployed wannabe hipster freelance journalists, at least, provided they’re chubby, suffering from severe chronic depression, and don’t like cooking or doing anything useful around the house. It was absurd! I actually wondered if perhaps the author had a bad experience with music journalists at some point? George even describes himself as unwashed and “greasy” all over. What?
There are lots and lots of other characters, all of whom are just as bad if not worse. No spoilers but you’ll roll your eyes so hard at who the killer turns out to be.
Plot: Predictable but inanely improbable, that’s the best way I can describe it.
There’s plenty of spooky atmosphere with a crumbling old house waaaay out in the hinterlands and with witches referenced constantly, but I think you’d be better off just listening to a Halloween playlist if you love spooky ambiance. It’s laid on thickly and not done skillfully. For instance, at one point, the old house is actually described as having a “spooky” atmosphere. I’m certain, with all her bajillion books, this author has heard that it’s preferable to show than to tell.
I wouldn’t write the author off entirely - I think the other book I read by her was a little better - but I would steer anyone who can’t tolerate idiotic characters away from this book.
There are lots and lots of other characters, all of whom are just as bad if not worse. No spoilers but you’ll roll your eyes so hard at who the killer turns out to be.
Plot: Predictable but inanely improbable, that’s the best way I can describe it.
There’s plenty of spooky atmosphere with a crumbling old house waaaay out in the hinterlands and with witches referenced constantly, but I think you’d be better off just listening to a Halloween playlist if you love spooky ambiance. It’s laid on thickly and not done skillfully. For instance, at one point, the old house is actually described as having a “spooky” atmosphere. I’m certain, with all her bajillion books, this author has heard that it’s preferable to show than to tell.
I wouldn’t write the author off entirely - I think the other book I read by her was a little better - but I would steer anyone who can’t tolerate idiotic characters away from this book.
June 21, 2023
3 ⭐️
Big thanks to Claire McGowan and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions!
This is one of those stories that leaves me with conflicting feelings...
I really enjoyed the premise of the book and how the chapters were separated by character. The spooky house, witchy vibes and literally every single character in this book is hiding something. That part I absolutely loved! I was immediately drawn into this tale - even though both MCs Helen and George were quite stupid. I mean who lets their husband buy a house and move them away without even seeing the house?? Also, is the the 1950s - who doesn't check how much they have in the bank account, when it was all basically HER money?
So obviously there were some plot holes I couldn't quite get over... but putting that aside this was a decent thriller. I didn't guess the ending - which I have a very bad habit of doing. But the ending did seem very rushed and I had to reread many parts to see if I just read that right. But I did enjoy plenty of the other plot twists along the way that kept me wanting to read more.
Easily this one was a 3-star read... nothing remarkable, but a decent thriller that will keep you entertained. I wish there had been a little more of the witchy aspect and less of the COVID parts. If you are a fan of unreliable narrators, multiple POVs and lots of little plot twists - give this one a go! This was my first read of McGowan's and I am interested in seeing what else she has to offer.
Big thanks to Claire McGowan and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions!
This is one of those stories that leaves me with conflicting feelings...
I really enjoyed the premise of the book and how the chapters were separated by character. The spooky house, witchy vibes and literally every single character in this book is hiding something. That part I absolutely loved! I was immediately drawn into this tale - even though both MCs Helen and George were quite stupid. I mean who lets their husband buy a house and move them away without even seeing the house?? Also, is the the 1950s - who doesn't check how much they have in the bank account, when it was all basically HER money?
So obviously there were some plot holes I couldn't quite get over... but putting that aside this was a decent thriller. I didn't guess the ending - which I have a very bad habit of doing. But the ending did seem very rushed and I had to reread many parts to see if I just read that right. But I did enjoy plenty of the other plot twists along the way that kept me wanting to read more.
Easily this one was a 3-star read... nothing remarkable, but a decent thriller that will keep you entertained. I wish there had been a little more of the witchy aspect and less of the COVID parts. If you are a fan of unreliable narrators, multiple POVs and lots of little plot twists - give this one a go! This was my first read of McGowan's and I am interested in seeing what else she has to offer.
June 17, 2023
3⭐️
This is one of those stories that leaves me with conflicting feelings...
I really enjoyed the premise of the book and how the chapters were separated by character. The spooky house, witchy vibes and literally every single character in this book is hiding something. That part I absolutely loved! I was immediately drawn into this tale - even though both MCs Helen and George were quite stupid. I mean who lets their husband buy a house and move them away without even seeing the house?? Also, is the the 1950s - who doesn't check how much they have in the bank account, when it was all basically HER money?
So obviously there were some plot holes I couldn't quite get over... but putting that aside this was a decent thriller. I didn't guess the ending - which I have a very bad habit of doing. But the ending did seem very rushed and I had to reread many parts to see if I just read that right. But I did enjoy plenty of the other plot twists along the way that kept me wanting to read more.
Easily this one was a 3-star read... nothing remarkable, but a decent thriller that will keep you entertained. I wish there had been a little more of the witchy aspect and less of the COVID parts. If you are a fan of unreliable narrators, multiple POVs and lots of little plot twists - give this one a go! This was my first read of McGowan's and I am interested in seeing what else she has to offer.
This is one of those stories that leaves me with conflicting feelings...
I really enjoyed the premise of the book and how the chapters were separated by character. The spooky house, witchy vibes and literally every single character in this book is hiding something. That part I absolutely loved! I was immediately drawn into this tale - even though both MCs Helen and George were quite stupid. I mean who lets their husband buy a house and move them away without even seeing the house?? Also, is the the 1950s - who doesn't check how much they have in the bank account, when it was all basically HER money?
So obviously there were some plot holes I couldn't quite get over... but putting that aside this was a decent thriller. I didn't guess the ending - which I have a very bad habit of doing. But the ending did seem very rushed and I had to reread many parts to see if I just read that right. But I did enjoy plenty of the other plot twists along the way that kept me wanting to read more.
Easily this one was a 3-star read... nothing remarkable, but a decent thriller that will keep you entertained. I wish there had been a little more of the witchy aspect and less of the COVID parts. If you are a fan of unreliable narrators, multiple POVs and lots of little plot twists - give this one a go! This was my first read of McGowan's and I am interested in seeing what else she has to offer.
December 24, 2023
In what world do you let your husband buy a house, without ever setting foot in it? Asking for a friend.......
July 18, 2025
4 🌟
My first of many Claire McGowan books! interesting from start to finish, narrators did an amazing job and had me guessing until the end!!
My first of many Claire McGowan books! interesting from start to finish, narrators did an amazing job and had me guessing until the end!!
August 14, 2024
5 stars audio
4.5 riveting stars story!
4.5 riveting stars story!
July 22, 2023
There are no sympathetic characters in this book. All of the main characters and some of the secondary ones have flaws too bad to overlook. A husband and wife lie to each other not only about who they are, but the twisted way their families are intertwined. The one character with any chance of redemption is an adulteress, and goes to prison as a murderer. Plus, the title has absolutely nothing to do with anything that happens in the book. That really frustrates me because I feel titles are important. Sometimes I've written an entire short story because something I saw or read or just thought of sparked an idea for a title, and the story flowed from there.
I don't often flip to the end of books to see if they're worth continuing to read any more, mainly because it's more difficult when you're reading them on Kindle. I did that with this book, and I saw that the questions I had didn't have simple answers, so I would have to finish the book to get a complete answer to those questions. That is the only reason I kept reading. Otherwise it would have been a DNF.
I don't often flip to the end of books to see if they're worth continuing to read any more, mainly because it's more difficult when you're reading them on Kindle. I did that with this book, and I saw that the questions I had didn't have simple answers, so I would have to finish the book to get a complete answer to those questions. That is the only reason I kept reading. Otherwise it would have been a DNF.
January 27, 2023
I REALLY wanted to like this book. It seemed so promising with the spooky house and the domestic tensions but it was a real hit and miss for me. The tension is lost in all the unnecessary details about everyone and everything. I wanted suspense building- not a snooze fest. And I got so annoyed at this so called modern relationship, where the wife is a hard working nurse on the brink of total exhaustion after coronavirus but is left with all the housework and packing up at the new house wile hubby is in a ”creative zone”. Barf! My annoyance level is so peaked I could not read it in the evenings.
So. That is my honest review. Sorry.
So. That is my honest review. Sorry.
January 11, 2023
After Covid and having a stressful career as a doctor, Helen and George decide to leave London and move to a remote fixer upper house in the countryside of Cornwall. Helen gave George the task of looking for a house, setting up movers, contractors, etc. At first sight, Helen feels she’s been at the house before. George focuses on writing a book about the house, his research leads to a list of locals surrounding a triple murder. There’s a creepy, foreboding vibe with the locals and village. A good thriller to read during a rainstorm! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy.
November 5, 2023
An old (potentially haunted) house. Witchcraft. A decades old murder mystery.
What's not to love!
This was a suspenseful and creepy story that I immensely enjoyed. Witches are too often portrayed as evil entities in pop culture. I love and appreciate that this story had a more realistic portrayal of witches as natural healers and caretakers.
What's not to love!
This was a suspenseful and creepy story that I immensely enjoyed. Witches are too often portrayed as evil entities in pop culture. I love and appreciate that this story had a more realistic portrayal of witches as natural healers and caretakers.
April 27, 2023
What a page turner. Creepy house, witches, accidents happening all putting you on the edge of your seat wondering where this will take you. The ending was brilliant
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
October 9, 2023
what did i just read? i'll need 7-10 business days to figure out my thoughts & rating
July 31, 2024
4.5 stars
March 5, 2023
Fleeing a stressful career as a doctor during Covid, Helen and her husband George leave London and buy a house in Cornwall. It's a fixer upper located in a small village and George quickly gets to work hiring contractors. But almost immediately things go wrong in the home, with the contractors and there are multiple strange encounters with the villagers. Helen doesn't know what to think or who to trust, including George.
This creepy novel treads on the edge of horror without becoming too upsetting. If you want a creepy novel for a snowy day or a rainy night, Let Me In is for you! #Amazon #LetMEIN #ClaireMcGowan
This creepy novel treads on the edge of horror without becoming too upsetting. If you want a creepy novel for a snowy day or a rainy night, Let Me In is for you! #Amazon #LetMEIN #ClaireMcGowan
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