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It’s Not What You Think
Not yet published
Expected 26 Mar 26He has a secret. She knows he’s lying…
YOU THINK YOU KNOW THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE
Nadeeka is certain Jamie is having an affair. She knows the tell-tale signs.
She’s been here before.
YOU THINK YOU KNOW WHO YOU CAN TRUST
When Jamie claims to be at work late, she knows he’s lying. He’s with another woman, and she’s determined to catch him in the act.
YOU THINK YOU KNOW HOW THE STORY ENDS
But when Nadeeka arrives home to confront him, Jamie can't explain himself. The house has become a crime scene…
Jamie is dead.
IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK
YOU THINK YOU KNOW THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE
Nadeeka is certain Jamie is having an affair. She knows the tell-tale signs.
She’s been here before.
YOU THINK YOU KNOW WHO YOU CAN TRUST
When Jamie claims to be at work late, she knows he’s lying. He’s with another woman, and she’s determined to catch him in the act.
YOU THINK YOU KNOW HOW THE STORY ENDS
But when Nadeeka arrives home to confront him, Jamie can't explain himself. The house has become a crime scene…
Jamie is dead.
IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 9, 2026
17536 people want to read
About the author
Clare Mackintosh
27 books11.9k followersWelcome to my Goodreads profile! Whether you're new to my work, or a hard-core fan, it's lovely to see you here. My latest book is OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES, the third book in my DC Ffion Morgan series. Like THE LAST PARTY and A GAME OF LIES, this is designed to be read as a standalone, but if you've followed Ffion and Leo from the beginning, I think you'll love seeing where OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES takes them.
If this is the first time we're meeting, welcome! In addition to the books above, I'm the author of I LET YOU GO, I SEE YOU, LET ME LIE and HOSTAGE - page-turning thrillers that have sold more than three million copies across 40 countries, and hit bestseller lists including The Sunday Times and The New York Times. I also wrote the emotional rollercoaster, AFTER THE END: a family drama about an impossible choice that threatens to tear a couple apart. It's the most personal novel I've written, and I've loved hearing from readers who have connected with it. In 2024 I released a memoir, I PROMISE IT WON'T ALWAYS HURT LIKE THIS, based on my experiences of navigating grief following the loss of my son eighteen years ago. It's a book to offer hope when you feel as though there's none to be had; a book to give to a friend when you don't know what to say.
Coming in 2026 is what I'm boldly going to tell you is my best book yet... a standalone thriller with a twist that'll knock your socks off! It's called IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK, and I would love you to add it to your shelf right now!
I love connecting with my readers, and there are plenty of ways you can get a sneak peek at what's going on behind the scenes. My Facebook group offers reading recommendations and exclusive extras to members (just search online for 'The Clare Mackintosh Book Club'), or if it's general chit chat you're after, please do follow me on Instagram, where I go to avoid writing, and to share snippets of my life in rural Wales, complete with three spaniels and Pete the goat. I'm also on TikTok, much to the dismay of my three teenagers...
* * *
With over three million copies of her books sold worldwide, number one bestseller Clare Mackintosh is the multi-award-winning author of I Let You Go, which was a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller and the fastest-selling title by a new crime writer in 2015. It also won the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year in 2016. She has since written seven more bestselling novels. Together, her books have been translated into 40 languages and spent more than sixty-five weeks in The Sunday Times bestseller lists.
Clare is patron of the Silver Star Society, a charity based at the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford, which supports parents experiencing high-risk or difficult pregnancies.
* * *
For more information find Clare on Facebook, Instagram, Threads or TikTok at @ClareMackWrites
#ILetYouGo #ISeeYou #LetMeLie #AftertheEnd #HostageBook #TheLastParty #AGameOfLies #IPromise #OtherPeoplesHouses #ItsNotWhatYouThink
If this is the first time we're meeting, welcome! In addition to the books above, I'm the author of I LET YOU GO, I SEE YOU, LET ME LIE and HOSTAGE - page-turning thrillers that have sold more than three million copies across 40 countries, and hit bestseller lists including The Sunday Times and The New York Times. I also wrote the emotional rollercoaster, AFTER THE END: a family drama about an impossible choice that threatens to tear a couple apart. It's the most personal novel I've written, and I've loved hearing from readers who have connected with it. In 2024 I released a memoir, I PROMISE IT WON'T ALWAYS HURT LIKE THIS, based on my experiences of navigating grief following the loss of my son eighteen years ago. It's a book to offer hope when you feel as though there's none to be had; a book to give to a friend when you don't know what to say.
Coming in 2026 is what I'm boldly going to tell you is my best book yet... a standalone thriller with a twist that'll knock your socks off! It's called IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK, and I would love you to add it to your shelf right now!
I love connecting with my readers, and there are plenty of ways you can get a sneak peek at what's going on behind the scenes. My Facebook group offers reading recommendations and exclusive extras to members (just search online for 'The Clare Mackintosh Book Club'), or if it's general chit chat you're after, please do follow me on Instagram, where I go to avoid writing, and to share snippets of my life in rural Wales, complete with three spaniels and Pete the goat. I'm also on TikTok, much to the dismay of my three teenagers...
* * *
With over three million copies of her books sold worldwide, number one bestseller Clare Mackintosh is the multi-award-winning author of I Let You Go, which was a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller and the fastest-selling title by a new crime writer in 2015. It also won the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year in 2016. She has since written seven more bestselling novels. Together, her books have been translated into 40 languages and spent more than sixty-five weeks in The Sunday Times bestseller lists.
Clare is patron of the Silver Star Society, a charity based at the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford, which supports parents experiencing high-risk or difficult pregnancies.
* * *
For more information find Clare on Facebook, Instagram, Threads or TikTok at @ClareMackWrites
#ILetYouGo #ISeeYou #LetMeLie #AftertheEnd #HostageBook #TheLastParty #AGameOfLies #IPromise #OtherPeoplesHouses #ItsNotWhatYouThink
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As book titles go, “It’s Not What You Think” couldn’t be more apt!
It certainly wasn’t what I thought anyway!
Nadeeka Prasanna is divorced with two little girls. Though her first husband, Scott, is still very much involved in the girls’ lives, he was a serial cheater and it’s left Nadeeka with real trust issues.
She’s currently dating Jamie Golding. The girls have accepted him, and she believes he’s a wonderful person, he even lets her have full access to his phone in order to alleviate her worries about cheating. That is until he suddenly doesn’t. He’s started taking his phone wherever he goes, and she believes he’s cheating on her. Then come the excuses about working late or missing his bus. However, what Nadeeka discovers is not what she (or indeed I) thought it was!
Nadeeka heads home from work determined to confront Jamie about his lies, but the scene that awaits her is like something from a horror movie. Jamie lies dead in a pool of blood, and in that moment Nadeeka realises that there is much more to this than a simple case of him cheating on her with another woman, but “IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK”!
I’m used to my thrillers coming with their inevitable twists, but this one came with some cracking ones! Don’t think for one minute you know what’s going to happen because, like me, you probably won’t have a clue where it’s going! This book held me spellbound. It is superbly paced, it has believable, credible characters, and is, in short, a brilliant story, told by a writer who is at the very top of her game. Highly recommended.
.*Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
It certainly wasn’t what I thought anyway!
Nadeeka Prasanna is divorced with two little girls. Though her first husband, Scott, is still very much involved in the girls’ lives, he was a serial cheater and it’s left Nadeeka with real trust issues.
She’s currently dating Jamie Golding. The girls have accepted him, and she believes he’s a wonderful person, he even lets her have full access to his phone in order to alleviate her worries about cheating. That is until he suddenly doesn’t. He’s started taking his phone wherever he goes, and she believes he’s cheating on her. Then come the excuses about working late or missing his bus. However, what Nadeeka discovers is not what she (or indeed I) thought it was!
Nadeeka heads home from work determined to confront Jamie about his lies, but the scene that awaits her is like something from a horror movie. Jamie lies dead in a pool of blood, and in that moment Nadeeka realises that there is much more to this than a simple case of him cheating on her with another woman, but “IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK”!
I’m used to my thrillers coming with their inevitable twists, but this one came with some cracking ones! Don’t think for one minute you know what’s going to happen because, like me, you probably won’t have a clue where it’s going! This book held me spellbound. It is superbly paced, it has believable, credible characters, and is, in short, a brilliant story, told by a writer who is at the very top of her game. Highly recommended.
.*Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
November 12, 2025
Nadeeka Prasanna rushes home, nearly getting a speeding ticket in the process, because she’s certain her partner Jamie Golding is having an affair. Why is she so sure? That will be because she’s seen the warning signs before, in her ex, Scott. However, when she arrives at her house, she’s confronted by a horrifying sight which she probably won’t ever be able to unsee. It’s very clear that Jamie is dead and the house is already a crime scene. As the mystery of Jamie and of his death deepens, it’s not what you think.
Oh my goodness, this latest novel by Clare Mackintosh starts with a shock and a bang and then at 20% there is a plot EXPLOSION. My mouth of literally drops open in shock as it’s so unanticipated. What an earth is going on? So yes, it’s most definitely not what you think - was ever a novel well titled. This is utterly gripping, twist comes after twist and they’re really good ones. It barrels and turns this way and that, it’s topical, thought provoking and disturbing as it propels its way to a chilling end.
As another reviewer wisely comments – go in blind with this one. It’s an absolute belter, so best buckle up. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins/HarperFiction for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Oh my goodness, this latest novel by Clare Mackintosh starts with a shock and a bang and then at 20% there is a plot EXPLOSION. My mouth of literally drops open in shock as it’s so unanticipated. What an earth is going on? So yes, it’s most definitely not what you think - was ever a novel well titled. This is utterly gripping, twist comes after twist and they’re really good ones. It barrels and turns this way and that, it’s topical, thought provoking and disturbing as it propels its way to a chilling end.
As another reviewer wisely comments – go in blind with this one. It’s an absolute belter, so best buckle up. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins/HarperFiction for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
September 16, 2025
This is the book everyone will be talking about in 2026. Timely, tense and terrifying, with more twists and turns than an episode of Line of Duty, It's Not What You Think is a breathless, edge-of-your-seat, tour de force. A masterclass in pace, characterisation and plotting, Clare Mackintosh has delivered the biggest book of her career. I read it in two sittings (on flights) and the time just sped by. I could NOT put it down.
PS: I'm deliberately not giving away anything about the plot or characters as I want readers to discover the surprises within the pages for themselves...
PS: I'm deliberately not giving away anything about the plot or characters as I want readers to discover the surprises within the pages for themselves...
November 1, 2025
"Twisty" is an adjective which is used in pretty much every thriller review or blurb. Never has it been more accurate that this one.
I am not going to get into the synopsis, it's one of those books you go into Blind and enjoy it better
I am not going to get into the synopsis, it's one of those books you go into Blind and enjoy it better
March 22, 2026
4.5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐Suspense, domestic drama, police procedural, thriller, this one had it all!
There was so much to love about this one, I found myself eager to pick it up whenever I had a chance to read and also chatting about it with my family and coworkers. I would eagerly watch this as a British crime drama! I guessed some of the twists but certainly not all including the first one, and just wow.. I didn't see that coming!! It was such a neat idea for a plot twist!
Nadeeka thinks her partner is cheating on her and rushes home to catch him in the act but instead finds that her home is a crime scene and her partner dead. You wont believe were we go from there. This novel doesn't shy away from dealing with some current hot button topics.
I love a novel with different POVs but this one was written in a fairly unique way for me as it had large chunks from each characters POV and I found it surprising sometimes whose head we would end up in. My favourite POV was the police one for sure, it was so interesting and kept me so engaged. There was one that slowed the book down a bit for me and thus the loss of star but all in all, was so glad I kept picking it up.
I loved the female leads, both so different, and loved learning more about their characters as I read.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Canada for the advance copy. Be sure to pick this one up on March 26th when it publishes and see if you can forecast the ending or will you agree that It's Not What You Think! 👀
There was so much to love about this one, I found myself eager to pick it up whenever I had a chance to read and also chatting about it with my family and coworkers. I would eagerly watch this as a British crime drama! I guessed some of the twists but certainly not all including the first one, and just wow.. I didn't see that coming!! It was such a neat idea for a plot twist!
Nadeeka thinks her partner is cheating on her and rushes home to catch him in the act but instead finds that her home is a crime scene and her partner dead. You wont believe were we go from there. This novel doesn't shy away from dealing with some current hot button topics.
I love a novel with different POVs but this one was written in a fairly unique way for me as it had large chunks from each characters POV and I found it surprising sometimes whose head we would end up in. My favourite POV was the police one for sure, it was so interesting and kept me so engaged. There was one that slowed the book down a bit for me and thus the loss of star but all in all, was so glad I kept picking it up.
I loved the female leads, both so different, and loved learning more about their characters as I read.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Canada for the advance copy. Be sure to pick this one up on March 26th when it publishes and see if you can forecast the ending or will you agree that It's Not What You Think! 👀
September 20, 2025
Is it too soon to call my book of 2026!?
This book comes with some very bold claims, including the one that got my attention: this is Clare Mackintosh’s BIGGEST twist yet! (Yes, that Clare Mackintosh…of I LET YOU GO genius…possibly the greatest twist of all time!!). I knew immediately that I had to dive into this one as soon as it landed on my doormat, just to find out if these claims held any weight. And boy, oh boy, do they!! It does exactly what it says on the cover and NOTHING is what you think. When I say that this book is fully loaded with twists, I mean FULLY loaded and ready to eject its load at the most shocking times, in the most mind-blowing of ways! Having said all of this, you can probably guess that it is virtually impossible to tell you very much more. This is a book that you absolutely MUST read, and do so without any prior knowledge of what is contained within its pages. You will not regret picking this book up. It’s destined to be huge, because it deserves to be and is another example of just how incredible a writer Clare Mackintosh is.
If that isn’t enough to convince you…firstly, are you ok, hun!? Secondly, here is a non-spoiler-y round up of what I absolutely loved most about this book:
1. It’s SO timely, incredibly astute, and absolutely taps into the society we are currently living in. That is what ultimately makes it so terrifying and tense.
2. The story is told in 5 distinct parts, from different perspectives, and each section ends with another twist that flips everything we think we’ve known up to that point. It’s ADDICTIVE!
3. Mackintosh’s writing style shines brighter than the K-Pop Demon Hunters’ GOLDEN, as she builds layer upon layer of suspense, which comes to a breathtaking crescendo in the final chapters. The book progresses at breakneck pace, with short and engaging chapters, which get shorter and more exhilarating as events unfold. It’s basically impossible to put down.
4. The characters are so well drawn, with two central heroines I couldn’t help but love and root for. The misdirection is exceptional and the wider cast really help propel the narrative forward, whilst giving the reader really visceral feelings towards them.
5. The emotions this book garners is off the scale! My heart was racing and at times my anger was raging. There’s a real poignancy to this narrative, but I turned the final pages feeling a true sense of hope. This is no mean feat, considering how close to the bone the social critique is in these pages.
IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK will be released in March 2026. You should absolutely pre-order it this very minute. You do not want to miss the opportunity to read this the moment it’s released…we’re all going to be chatting about it! 🤯
My heartfelt thanks to @harperfiction and @claremacwrites for my #gifted advance copy. I will cherish it forever!
This book comes with some very bold claims, including the one that got my attention: this is Clare Mackintosh’s BIGGEST twist yet! (Yes, that Clare Mackintosh…of I LET YOU GO genius…possibly the greatest twist of all time!!). I knew immediately that I had to dive into this one as soon as it landed on my doormat, just to find out if these claims held any weight. And boy, oh boy, do they!! It does exactly what it says on the cover and NOTHING is what you think. When I say that this book is fully loaded with twists, I mean FULLY loaded and ready to eject its load at the most shocking times, in the most mind-blowing of ways! Having said all of this, you can probably guess that it is virtually impossible to tell you very much more. This is a book that you absolutely MUST read, and do so without any prior knowledge of what is contained within its pages. You will not regret picking this book up. It’s destined to be huge, because it deserves to be and is another example of just how incredible a writer Clare Mackintosh is.
If that isn’t enough to convince you…firstly, are you ok, hun!? Secondly, here is a non-spoiler-y round up of what I absolutely loved most about this book:
1. It’s SO timely, incredibly astute, and absolutely taps into the society we are currently living in. That is what ultimately makes it so terrifying and tense.
2. The story is told in 5 distinct parts, from different perspectives, and each section ends with another twist that flips everything we think we’ve known up to that point. It’s ADDICTIVE!
3. Mackintosh’s writing style shines brighter than the K-Pop Demon Hunters’ GOLDEN, as she builds layer upon layer of suspense, which comes to a breathtaking crescendo in the final chapters. The book progresses at breakneck pace, with short and engaging chapters, which get shorter and more exhilarating as events unfold. It’s basically impossible to put down.
4. The characters are so well drawn, with two central heroines I couldn’t help but love and root for. The misdirection is exceptional and the wider cast really help propel the narrative forward, whilst giving the reader really visceral feelings towards them.
5. The emotions this book garners is off the scale! My heart was racing and at times my anger was raging. There’s a real poignancy to this narrative, but I turned the final pages feeling a true sense of hope. This is no mean feat, considering how close to the bone the social critique is in these pages.
IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK will be released in March 2026. You should absolutely pre-order it this very minute. You do not want to miss the opportunity to read this the moment it’s released…we’re all going to be chatting about it! 🤯
My heartfelt thanks to @harperfiction and @claremacwrites for my #gifted advance copy. I will cherish it forever!
January 26, 2026
Amazing! Clare Mackintosh always delivers and then some. It is dark and confronting, and scarily could really happen in today’s messed up world. An incredible read, one that you do not want to miss.
The plot is clever and layered, making you doubt everything and everyone. I love it when a book can do that and still work. It is twisty but realistic. With multiple points of view, there is never a dull moment.
It begins with a woman racing home to confront her partner who she believes is cheating on her. What she discovers is the beginning of a nightmare, with her home a crime scene surrounded by police. Her partner has been murdered and her whole world is turned upside down.
Go into this knowing only that, trust me. It will make the experience of reading this more enjoyable.
A must read, definitely a favourite for 2026 already.
Thank you to Harper Collins Australia for my early copy of book to read by a favourite author. Publishing on March 26th. The ARC is just stunning, and a hardback 🩷
The plot is clever and layered, making you doubt everything and everyone. I love it when a book can do that and still work. It is twisty but realistic. With multiple points of view, there is never a dull moment.
It begins with a woman racing home to confront her partner who she believes is cheating on her. What she discovers is the beginning of a nightmare, with her home a crime scene surrounded by police. Her partner has been murdered and her whole world is turned upside down.
Go into this knowing only that, trust me. It will make the experience of reading this more enjoyable.
A must read, definitely a favourite for 2026 already.
Thank you to Harper Collins Australia for my early copy of book to read by a favourite author. Publishing on March 26th. The ARC is just stunning, and a hardback 🩷
November 10, 2025
What a rollercoaster of a book!
I could not put it down… wow!
A great, twisty read, intelligent and thought provoking.
It touches some very important topics and was therefore a little hard to read, as it felt like it resonated a little too close to home at this time.
It’s my first book from the author, but it certainly won’t be my last.
Edit: It has been 2 days, and I am still thinking about this book and the topics it explored so well. Brilliant! That is what a book should do :)
I could not put it down… wow!
A great, twisty read, intelligent and thought provoking.
It touches some very important topics and was therefore a little hard to read, as it felt like it resonated a little too close to home at this time.
It’s my first book from the author, but it certainly won’t be my last.
Edit: It has been 2 days, and I am still thinking about this book and the topics it explored so well. Brilliant! That is what a book should do :)
November 4, 2025
I always enjoy reading Clare Mackintosh books and was delighted to receive an advance copy of her new book ‘It’s Not What You Think’.
This was an exciting story with some fantastic characters, lots action to keep you on the edge of your seat and a twist you won’t see coming.
I can’t wait for the next book from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was an exciting story with some fantastic characters, lots action to keep you on the edge of your seat and a twist you won’t see coming.
I can’t wait for the next book from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book really isn't what you think. Lots of twists that were carefully placed throughout the book and I particularly enjoyed the way it all started to unravel as the pieces fit together. The second half of the book was much more enjoyable and the first half felt a bit slow and didn't grab me hence 4 stars
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC
February 20, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up for Goodreads.
This was fantastic, I genuinely was so stressed out the last 10% that I couldn’t put it down.
This isn’t a thriller with a wild last minute twist, but rather you spend the book slowly unraveling what happened.
If you like thrillers you’ll probably like this.
Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the ARC.
This was fantastic, I genuinely was so stressed out the last 10% that I couldn’t put it down.
This isn’t a thriller with a wild last minute twist, but rather you spend the book slowly unraveling what happened.
If you like thrillers you’ll probably like this.
Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the ARC.
February 8, 2026
It’s Not What You Think really lives up to its name. What starts as a familiar setup, Nadeeka certain Jamie is having an affair, convinced she knows the signs, convinced she knows who she can trust, quickly unravels into something much darker. When she comes home ready to confront him and instead finds the house turned into a crime scene and Jamie dead, everything you think you know goes out the window.
I genuinely enjoyed this one and it did not go where I expected. There were so many twists and turns, and the end of Part 1 had my jaw on the floor. I’ve never read anything quite like this, and it was a refreshing change from the usual thrillers. I also liked how it weaves in current world events. It added an extra layer that kept me hooked.
I did end up guessing the final twist (I never fully trusted that person), but it didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment at all. Clever, tense, and very bingeable.
Thank you NetGalley & HarperCollins Australia for the ARC copy.
I genuinely enjoyed this one and it did not go where I expected. There were so many twists and turns, and the end of Part 1 had my jaw on the floor. I’ve never read anything quite like this, and it was a refreshing change from the usual thrillers. I also liked how it weaves in current world events. It added an extra layer that kept me hooked.
I did end up guessing the final twist (I never fully trusted that person), but it didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment at all. Clever, tense, and very bingeable.
Thank you NetGalley & HarperCollins Australia for the ARC copy.
November 6, 2025
I am a big fan of Clare Mackintosh’s standalone psychological thrillers and her debut book I Let You Go still remains in my TOP TEN BOOKS OF ALL TIME and I will never tire of recommending it for one of the best twists in this genre.
When I saw Clare on Instagram sharing the exciting news about her latest book It’s Not What You Think I was very intrigued and would like to thank her for arranging an early ARC copy for me to read.
Due out mid March 2026, It’s Not What You Think is being marketed as “Clare Mackintosh’s biggest twist yet”. The story starts with Nadeeka, a divorced mother of two young girls, who suspects her boyfriend Jamie of having an affair. Having been cheated on by her first husband, she comes home early to catch him out, except what she actually finds is worse than she could ever have imagined. Her house is a crime scene and Jamie is lying dead in a pool of blood.
She has absolutely no idea why anyone would kill Jamie, the police won’t let her in the house and now she starts to question everything she thinks she know about the man she let into her family home.
The chapters are pacy and gritty and the author reveals tiny clues to as who Jamie really was.
This book is a timely and topical look at the darker side of humanity and unfortunately I can’t say any more than that as YOU need to read this book for yourself. However, if you are familiar with this author’s previous books you will know that NOTHING is what it seems to be. My only suggestion would be to trust no-one and suspect everyone (including the author) as It’s Not What You Think is going to make your jaw-drop and your eyes pop. I am pretty confident when I say that there is absolutely no way anyone could predict some of the twists in this story and once again the author has managed to blow my mind.
When I saw Clare on Instagram sharing the exciting news about her latest book It’s Not What You Think I was very intrigued and would like to thank her for arranging an early ARC copy for me to read.
Due out mid March 2026, It’s Not What You Think is being marketed as “Clare Mackintosh’s biggest twist yet”. The story starts with Nadeeka, a divorced mother of two young girls, who suspects her boyfriend Jamie of having an affair. Having been cheated on by her first husband, she comes home early to catch him out, except what she actually finds is worse than she could ever have imagined. Her house is a crime scene and Jamie is lying dead in a pool of blood.
She has absolutely no idea why anyone would kill Jamie, the police won’t let her in the house and now she starts to question everything she thinks she know about the man she let into her family home.
The chapters are pacy and gritty and the author reveals tiny clues to as who Jamie really was.
This book is a timely and topical look at the darker side of humanity and unfortunately I can’t say any more than that as YOU need to read this book for yourself. However, if you are familiar with this author’s previous books you will know that NOTHING is what it seems to be. My only suggestion would be to trust no-one and suspect everyone (including the author) as It’s Not What You Think is going to make your jaw-drop and your eyes pop. I am pretty confident when I say that there is absolutely no way anyone could predict some of the twists in this story and once again the author has managed to blow my mind.
December 4, 2025
Gotta say never come across a thriller as twisty as this, twisty gives twisty a new meaning & It's really not what you think.
If Clare Mackintosh wasn't already an auto-read author for me this book would have been the one that made it so.
Absolutely cracking plotting, I didn't know if I was coming or going & I bloomin loved it. The pacing is on point not super speedy that I didn't absorb information but not snail pace either just the right pace that had me flipping the pages thinking bloody hell It truly isn't what I thought.
Also the characterization was on point however I'm not about to divulge a single thing, this one is best read blind.
Go on buckle up, It's Not What You Think.
Thanks Netgalley, Harper Fiction for a digital copy, all thoughts are my own.
If Clare Mackintosh wasn't already an auto-read author for me this book would have been the one that made it so.
Absolutely cracking plotting, I didn't know if I was coming or going & I bloomin loved it. The pacing is on point not super speedy that I didn't absorb information but not snail pace either just the right pace that had me flipping the pages thinking bloody hell It truly isn't what I thought.
Also the characterization was on point however I'm not about to divulge a single thing, this one is best read blind.
Go on buckle up, It's Not What You Think.
Thanks Netgalley, Harper Fiction for a digital copy, all thoughts are my own.
September 11, 2025
This is going to be one of those very annoying reviews that can’t tell you anything about the book but will just tell you how exceptional it is. Clare Mackintosh has written something that physically made my stomach ache with the intensity of the storyline and the coming together of all of the action points. There are jaw dropping plot twists , multiple POVs, and it is INTENSE. It is going to be huge next year - I think everyone should read it, even if you usually think crime fiction isn’t your bag.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
Review coming
Review coming
December 12, 2025
4.5⭐️
I went into It’s Not What You Think knowing very little — and that is exactly how this book should be read.
This was my first Clare Mackintosh, and if this novel is any indication of her writing style, I’ll be picking up more immediately. The pacing is tight, the tension relentless, and the story is constructed in a way that makes it genuinely hard to pull yourself away. I read this in three sittings, and each time I had to actively convince myself to stop.
What really stood out for me was how confidently the story led me in one direction, encouraging certain assumptions that felt solid — until they very much weren’t. The reveals never felt thrown in for shock value; everything felt deliberate, layered, and unsettling in the best way. The title couldn’t be more fitting.
I can absolutely see this becoming one of the most talked about books of 2026.
If you take one thing from this review, let it be this: go in blind. Don’t research it. Don’t read the synopsis. Just pick it up, start reading, and trust the process.
I went into It’s Not What You Think knowing very little — and that is exactly how this book should be read.
This was my first Clare Mackintosh, and if this novel is any indication of her writing style, I’ll be picking up more immediately. The pacing is tight, the tension relentless, and the story is constructed in a way that makes it genuinely hard to pull yourself away. I read this in three sittings, and each time I had to actively convince myself to stop.
What really stood out for me was how confidently the story led me in one direction, encouraging certain assumptions that felt solid — until they very much weren’t. The reveals never felt thrown in for shock value; everything felt deliberate, layered, and unsettling in the best way. The title couldn’t be more fitting.
I can absolutely see this becoming one of the most talked about books of 2026.
If you take one thing from this review, let it be this: go in blind. Don’t research it. Don’t read the synopsis. Just pick it up, start reading, and trust the process.
November 27, 2025
All hail, Clare Mack!
I was beyond excited to have been granted an ARC of It's Not What You Think by the brilliant Clare Mackintosh, and since I had not decided my next read yet, it arrived at the perfect time!
This addictive thriller made me wish I was unemployed! It hits the ground running and I was hooked from the get go, I did not want to go to work! Gripping, suspenseful and with more twists and turns than a Tour de France race, this book demands you drop everything.
A massive plot twist at the 20% mark - my jaw was on the floor! - had me wondering what the hell was going on. It's tense, terrifying and thought provoking. I suggest you go in blind, this one is a BEAUTY!
A huge thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins Publishers Australia for an ARC to read and review.
I was beyond excited to have been granted an ARC of It's Not What You Think by the brilliant Clare Mackintosh, and since I had not decided my next read yet, it arrived at the perfect time!
This addictive thriller made me wish I was unemployed! It hits the ground running and I was hooked from the get go, I did not want to go to work! Gripping, suspenseful and with more twists and turns than a Tour de France race, this book demands you drop everything.
A massive plot twist at the 20% mark - my jaw was on the floor! - had me wondering what the hell was going on. It's tense, terrifying and thought provoking. I suggest you go in blind, this one is a BEAUTY!
A huge thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins Publishers Australia for an ARC to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was another good read by this author. It really is not what you think!
I enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be slow in the beginning but then when everything starts to come together the story really takes off. The second half of the book was fast paced and had me turning the pages quickly to see how it ended.
Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ebook.
I enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be slow in the beginning but then when everything starts to come together the story really takes off. The second half of the book was fast paced and had me turning the pages quickly to see how it ended.
Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ebook.
February 19, 2026
ARC via NetGalley
Wowsers! So twisty! Could not predict the road this was going to take me down. This is an important read.
Wowsers! So twisty! Could not predict the road this was going to take me down. This is an important read.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Sympathetic characters, multiple twists, high stakes...another winner from Mackintosh!
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2026
One of those books where life is frustrating me by getting in the way of being able to read this! Superbly twisty, and even though I guessed at the who, I could never have figured out the how and the where, and the when. Although the why is clear in the story, the reader is given four points of view of a murder - the victim, his partner, the allocated DI, and her partner (and also policeman). Gradually we’re taken into the lives of these people, with red herrings, and a frankly frightening insight into pro-white people radicalisation (the immigrants are taking all our jobs brigade). Fantastic story, well written, and a wake up call that people aren’t alway who you thought. With sincere thanks to Harper Collins Australia and NetGalley for the preview copy.
January 13, 2026
It’s certainly not what I thought, but definitely what I expected from a Claire Mackintosh plot!! Heartfelt characters, a good villain (or two) and suspense chapter after chapter.
Good on Clare Mackintosh for shining a light on such a huge current world problem!
Good on Clare Mackintosh for shining a light on such a huge current world problem!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Canada for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Full transparency, I saw "Clare Mackintosh" and knew I wanted to read it, regardless of what it was about, so I did not read the synopsis. That worked out well for me, BUT I can still share a snippet without giving it all away.
Nadeeka is convinced that Jamie is cheating on her. She's been through this before with her ex, and she thought Jamie was different, but he has definitely been pushing her away lately. When she figures out he lied about going to work, she races home to try to catch him with another woman. When she gets there though... Jamie is dead. And nothing is what you think it is.
Clare Mackintosh set to deliver a twisty twist and she absolutely did. There are some aspects where you might think, "that would never happen, this is obviously a fictional story," (which, duh) but then there are others that are so audacious while also being totally plausible for our current world (derogatory for the state of the world, complimentary for Mackintosh's writing).
If you love twists, and more twists on top of those twists, you're gonna want to pick this one up when it releases later this month.
CW: extremist groups, racism, bigotry, hate crime, murder, blood, death
Full transparency, I saw "Clare Mackintosh" and knew I wanted to read it, regardless of what it was about, so I did not read the synopsis. That worked out well for me, BUT I can still share a snippet without giving it all away.
Nadeeka is convinced that Jamie is cheating on her. She's been through this before with her ex, and she thought Jamie was different, but he has definitely been pushing her away lately. When she figures out he lied about going to work, she races home to try to catch him with another woman. When she gets there though... Jamie is dead. And nothing is what you think it is.
Clare Mackintosh set to deliver a twisty twist and she absolutely did. There are some aspects where you might think, "that would never happen, this is obviously a fictional story," (which, duh) but then there are others that are so audacious while also being totally plausible for our current world (derogatory for the state of the world, complimentary for Mackintosh's writing).
If you love twists, and more twists on top of those twists, you're gonna want to pick this one up when it releases later this month.
CW: extremist groups, racism, bigotry, hate crime, murder, blood, death
March 22, 2026
Nadeeka is a divorced mum who has recently started living with her boyfriend of 10 months, Jamie. When she receives a phone call from him claiming to be at work, and she can hear another woman and the telltale sounds of their home in the background, she rushes home to confront him thinking that like her ex-husband Jamie is a cheat. But when she gets there, Jamie is dead and the police have cordoned off her home. Before long, Nadeeka begins to realise that there's a lot more to Jamie's death than her suspicions of him simply being a cheater.
This story is dual narrative, told from the POVs of Nadeeka, Jamie, Lauren and Fergus (the police detectives investigating Jamie's death). It wasn't immediately clear why this was important until later on when different characters are uncovering things, but it works to propel the story forward and keeps it pacy. You're never quite sure who is going to uncover what, which is fun, and although I agree that there's a lot of twists I did see the last one coming from a mile away. But then I do work in an industry where I actually have to watch for the kind of people that one of the main characters turns out to be, so maybe it's not as obvious to others! Either way, it's twisty, pacy and has great characters. The women are all strong characters that take no nonsense, which I enjoyed.
This story is dual narrative, told from the POVs of Nadeeka, Jamie, Lauren and Fergus (the police detectives investigating Jamie's death). It wasn't immediately clear why this was important until later on when different characters are uncovering things, but it works to propel the story forward and keeps it pacy. You're never quite sure who is going to uncover what, which is fun, and although I agree that there's a lot of twists I did see the last one coming from a mile away. But then I do work in an industry where I actually have to watch for the kind of people that one of the main characters turns out to be, so maybe it's not as obvious to others! Either way, it's twisty, pacy and has great characters. The women are all strong characters that take no nonsense, which I enjoyed.
March 3, 2026
Big thanks to Harper Collins for sending us a copy to read and review.
Nestled in this hard back cover is a story that captures the political, social and religious environment of the UK.
A climate that is so divisive and polarising.
The repercussions of policies and allocation of resources culminating in actions that create fear and fragility.
Jamie is found dead in his house.
His partner Nadeeka thinks he met with foul play as a result of an affair. Initials found certainly must relate to the reason he was killed.
DC Inspector Lauren Caldwell and her better half Fraser are both on the case. Piecing together the clues and mystery that surrounds the murder.
Slowly the truth, facts and a level of hatred is unearthed and the ugly truth emerges.
The first half was a slow burn for me.
It was when we met Jamie and understood factors in his backstory that it caught my interest.
The last quarter was intense and delivered a pace I would expect for the whole story.
Reflecting upon the story I was reminded of tensions that I have been seeing in various news platforms and getting the vibe that change was being demanded.
Extremism on either the left or the right is not the solution but is a reality.
Nestled in this hard back cover is a story that captures the political, social and religious environment of the UK.
A climate that is so divisive and polarising.
The repercussions of policies and allocation of resources culminating in actions that create fear and fragility.
Jamie is found dead in his house.
His partner Nadeeka thinks he met with foul play as a result of an affair. Initials found certainly must relate to the reason he was killed.
DC Inspector Lauren Caldwell and her better half Fraser are both on the case. Piecing together the clues and mystery that surrounds the murder.
Slowly the truth, facts and a level of hatred is unearthed and the ugly truth emerges.
The first half was a slow burn for me.
It was when we met Jamie and understood factors in his backstory that it caught my interest.
The last quarter was intense and delivered a pace I would expect for the whole story.
Reflecting upon the story I was reminded of tensions that I have been seeing in various news platforms and getting the vibe that change was being demanded.
Extremism on either the left or the right is not the solution but is a reality.
March 12, 2026
Review of an advanced copy from NetGalley
This crime thriller follows Nadeeka, who becomes convinced her partner Jamie is cheating on her. When she rushes home to confront him, she instead finds him dead and their home turned into a crime scene. What follows is a tense investigation as secrets begin to surface and it becomes clear that nothing is quite what it first seemed.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. I’m a big fan of police procedural crime thrillers, so I liked that the investigative side played such a large role in the story. The social commentary and political dialogue also made the plot feel more grounded and relevant to the world we’re living in.
I liked the characters overall. Nadeeka was easy to root for, although her past relationship trauma and how strongly it influenced her thinking did start to grate on me at times. I also liked the way Scott’s character was handled, particularly how the story plays with your assumptions about him.
I did guess the biggest twist towards the end, but it didn’t take away from the tension while reading. The writing flows well and kept me engaged throughout.
A gripping and thought provoking crime thriller. A solid four star read for me.
Thank you to Harper Collins UK & NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC.
This crime thriller follows Nadeeka, who becomes convinced her partner Jamie is cheating on her. When she rushes home to confront him, she instead finds him dead and their home turned into a crime scene. What follows is a tense investigation as secrets begin to surface and it becomes clear that nothing is quite what it first seemed.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. I’m a big fan of police procedural crime thrillers, so I liked that the investigative side played such a large role in the story. The social commentary and political dialogue also made the plot feel more grounded and relevant to the world we’re living in.
I liked the characters overall. Nadeeka was easy to root for, although her past relationship trauma and how strongly it influenced her thinking did start to grate on me at times. I also liked the way Scott’s character was handled, particularly how the story plays with your assumptions about him.
I did guess the biggest twist towards the end, but it didn’t take away from the tension while reading. The writing flows well and kept me engaged throughout.
A gripping and thought provoking crime thriller. A solid four star read for me.
Thank you to Harper Collins UK & NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC.
December 23, 2025
I received an advanced reading copy of It’s Not What You Think by Clare Mackintosh, and I’m really glad I did.
Going into this, the first section had me thinking it was going to be a fairly middle-of-the-road thriller — enjoyable enough, but similar to others I’ve read before. Then Part 2 kicked in, and that’s when I realised this book was doing something a bit different, and actually quite special.
From that point on, I was fully invested. Yes, I worked out the whodunnit very early on, but surprisingly, that didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. The tension, pacing, and character dynamics kept the suspense alive, and the journey mattered just as much as the destination.
There are enough characters to make things interesting without ever feeling confusing or overwhelming, which really helped me stay immersed in the story. Overall, this was a clever, engaging read that exceeded my expectations after a slower start.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC
Going into this, the first section had me thinking it was going to be a fairly middle-of-the-road thriller — enjoyable enough, but similar to others I’ve read before. Then Part 2 kicked in, and that’s when I realised this book was doing something a bit different, and actually quite special.
From that point on, I was fully invested. Yes, I worked out the whodunnit very early on, but surprisingly, that didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. The tension, pacing, and character dynamics kept the suspense alive, and the journey mattered just as much as the destination.
There are enough characters to make things interesting without ever feeling confusing or overwhelming, which really helped me stay immersed in the story. Overall, this was a clever, engaging read that exceeded my expectations after a slower start.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What an awesome read! I'm a huge fan of Clare Macintosh and have read every single book she's written, and this was another brilliant book!
Do we always know the people close to us, and what would we do for the ones we love?
Nadeeka finally thinks she's found the right person in Jamie after she found out her husband was having an affair and she left him, but suddenly things seem a bit off, and who was the woman in the background? The only way to be sure is to go and check it out for herself, but IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK....
It's a fast-paced read with great twists that creep up on you! Don't miss out on this one!
Do we always know the people close to us, and what would we do for the ones we love?
Nadeeka finally thinks she's found the right person in Jamie after she found out her husband was having an affair and she left him, but suddenly things seem a bit off, and who was the woman in the background? The only way to be sure is to go and check it out for herself, but IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK....
It's a fast-paced read with great twists that creep up on you! Don't miss out on this one!
November 2, 2025
I feel a little stumped with this one if I’m being honest. It was written really well as are all of Clare’s books but it was very different from her usual plot driven thrillers and it caught me off guard. No spoilers but there is a theme throughout this book on a specific topic and I found it quite repetitive to the point it made the book a little slow but overall you can’t go wrong with her books so still a high rating.
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