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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
- GenresThrillerMystery Thriller
Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 9, 2026
2089 people want to read
About the author
Clare Mackintosh
30 books11.5k 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 50 reviews
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
November 10, 2025
Nadeeka is certain her boyfriend Jamie is having an affair, knowing the tell-tale signs he is displaying. Determined to catch him in the act she returns home early, but once she gets there Jamie can’t defend himself. Jamie is dead and the house has become a crime scene.
Clare Mackintosh has been one of my drop everything and read authors ever since I read I Let You Go a long time ago. As soon as I saw she had a new standalone (with a great cover) I knew I needed to read it straight away. I won’t say too much on the premise of this one as it is best to go in not knowing too much, but I can say it is clever, timely and of course (as always) very twisty!
The story is well written and I couldn’t help but be drawn into the premise straight away. The author is a natural storyteller and slowly builds a multi layered, detailed picture, until it all comes together in an action packed, intense finale; I can honestly say that I was glued to the pages, desperate to glean another clue to piece together the story. The topics explored are done fantastically, feeling authentic and at times shocking.
I felt such a range of emotions reading, from sadness, surprise and real anger, it was definitely an emotionally charged read. The red herrings had me constantly changing my mind, although I did manage to get there eventually one it all started to come together. The characters were also strongly portrayed and I felt myself feeling such a connection with some that I would love to read more featuring them in upcoming books.
This is definitely one of the best books I have read so far this year and one that deserves to be a huge hit! If you are looking for a thought provoking, fast paced thriller full of twists and turns then this is one to pick up. Clare will continue to be an author I wholly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
Clare Mackintosh has been one of my drop everything and read authors ever since I read I Let You Go a long time ago. As soon as I saw she had a new standalone (with a great cover) I knew I needed to read it straight away. I won’t say too much on the premise of this one as it is best to go in not knowing too much, but I can say it is clever, timely and of course (as always) very twisty!
The story is well written and I couldn’t help but be drawn into the premise straight away. The author is a natural storyteller and slowly builds a multi layered, detailed picture, until it all comes together in an action packed, intense finale; I can honestly say that I was glued to the pages, desperate to glean another clue to piece together the story. The topics explored are done fantastically, feeling authentic and at times shocking.
I felt such a range of emotions reading, from sadness, surprise and real anger, it was definitely an emotionally charged read. The red herrings had me constantly changing my mind, although I did manage to get there eventually one it all started to come together. The characters were also strongly portrayed and I felt myself feeling such a connection with some that I would love to read more featuring them in upcoming books.
This is definitely one of the best books I have read so far this year and one that deserves to be a huge hit! If you are looking for a thought provoking, fast paced thriller full of twists and turns then this is one to pick up. Clare will continue to be an author I wholly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
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.
November 20, 2025
Book Review 📚
Title: It’s Not What You Think
Author: Clare Mackintosh
Wow!! This book grabbed me from the very first page! The pace was nonstop, and I could hardly put it down. The twists were fantastic and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I never knew what direction the story would take next. This was my first book by Clare, and now I can’t wait to read more of her work—I absolutely love her writing.
Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and Clare for the eARC!
Rating: ✨✨✨✨
Pub Date: March 26 2026
#ItsNotWhatYouThink #NetGalley
Title: It’s Not What You Think
Author: Clare Mackintosh
Wow!! This book grabbed me from the very first page! The pace was nonstop, and I could hardly put it down. The twists were fantastic and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I never knew what direction the story would take next. This was my first book by Clare, and now I can’t wait to read more of her work—I absolutely love her writing.
Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and Clare for the eARC!
Rating: ✨✨✨✨
Pub Date: March 26 2026
#ItsNotWhatYouThink #NetGalley
November 15, 2025
I struggled with this one. It started well and had a really good early twist but then was really boring and lacked tension. The end twist was good but 60% of it was just meh - such a shame.
November 17, 2025
I really thought this was going to be a domestic thriller — paranoia, secrets, maybe an affair, maybe a murder. That’s what the blurb promised. But the book takes a completely different turn, and honestly, it just wasn’t for me. So the title at least stays true. It definitely wasn’t what I expected.
Nadeeka’s POV was tough for me from the start. She’s anxious, on edge, suspicious of everything… and I’m already anxious enough on my own, thanks. I just never connected with her voice or felt invested in her story. I didn’t enjoy being inside her head.
And then the big shift happens. I won’t spoil anything, but the story turns sharply into politics, ideology, and extremist groups. Suddenly, I’m not reading a domestic thriller at all — I’m in a political/police procedural. I can see why other people are enjoying it, and I’m glad they are, but that kind of story just isn’t my thing. There’s already enough of that going on in the real world; I don’t want it dominating my fiction too. By the end, there were more twists, but I still didn’t really care about the outcomes.
I’ll just say this: I’m really tired of modern thrillers labeling villains with political tags. Some of the most memorable villains — the Joker, Hannibal Lecter, Annie Wilkes — didn’t need a political affiliation for us to understand they were dangerous. A bad character can simply be a bad character. I miss when thrillers used motivation and personality to build the tension instead of ideology.
I kept hoping it would turn into the book I thought it was going to be, but it never did. Totally fine if that’s what some readers want — it just wasn’t what I wanted or what I thought I was signing up for.
Anyway....thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this ARC.
Nadeeka’s POV was tough for me from the start. She’s anxious, on edge, suspicious of everything… and I’m already anxious enough on my own, thanks. I just never connected with her voice or felt invested in her story. I didn’t enjoy being inside her head.
And then the big shift happens. I won’t spoil anything, but the story turns sharply into politics, ideology, and extremist groups. Suddenly, I’m not reading a domestic thriller at all — I’m in a political/police procedural. I can see why other people are enjoying it, and I’m glad they are, but that kind of story just isn’t my thing. There’s already enough of that going on in the real world; I don’t want it dominating my fiction too. By the end, there were more twists, but I still didn’t really care about the outcomes.
I’ll just say this: I’m really tired of modern thrillers labeling villains with political tags. Some of the most memorable villains — the Joker, Hannibal Lecter, Annie Wilkes — didn’t need a political affiliation for us to understand they were dangerous. A bad character can simply be a bad character. I miss when thrillers used motivation and personality to build the tension instead of ideology.
I kept hoping it would turn into the book I thought it was going to be, but it never did. Totally fine if that’s what some readers want — it just wasn’t what I wanted or what I thought I was signing up for.
Anyway....thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this ARC.
October 5, 2025
This really did provide what it said on the packet ‘ Clare Mackintosh’s biggest twist yet’ and it was certainly that, in fact I would say her two biggest twists yet in one book. Full disclosure in that I did have a tiny inkling about one of them, but the other one was a complete and absolute shock! Written in five parts and told from multiple points of view, but mainly those of the two main female protagonists Nadeeka and Lauren, this is such a good book. I honestly didn’t want to put it down and I read it in two days despite going to a book festival on one of them.
Briefly, as I don’t want to give too much away, Nadeeka Prasanna is separated from the father of her two children and living with her new partner Jamie. She has been concerned about his strange behaviour recently and arriving home from work early she is expecting to find him with another woman. However, the truth is far worse than her imagination and her home is a crime scene. Jamie has been murdered. DCI Lauren Caldwell is the officer tasked with solving the crimes (yes crimes plural) around Jamie’s murder. And that’s all you are getting I’m terrified of spoilers!
This is a very up to date storyline and one that is going to resonate with a lot of people, it’s a masterly plot, full of suspense and the tension just kept on racking up. Fast paced throughout with plenty of action and brilliantly written characters, if you love having loathsome characters to hate there’s plenty to be hating in this one. An intense, shocking and unsettling read. Beware, these people walk amongst us. Brilliant.
Briefly, as I don’t want to give too much away, Nadeeka Prasanna is separated from the father of her two children and living with her new partner Jamie. She has been concerned about his strange behaviour recently and arriving home from work early she is expecting to find him with another woman. However, the truth is far worse than her imagination and her home is a crime scene. Jamie has been murdered. DCI Lauren Caldwell is the officer tasked with solving the crimes (yes crimes plural) around Jamie’s murder. And that’s all you are getting I’m terrified of spoilers!
This is a very up to date storyline and one that is going to resonate with a lot of people, it’s a masterly plot, full of suspense and the tension just kept on racking up. Fast paced throughout with plenty of action and brilliantly written characters, if you love having loathsome characters to hate there’s plenty to be hating in this one. An intense, shocking and unsettling read. Beware, these people walk amongst us. Brilliant.
November 8, 2025
Wow! Twist after twist after twist, i definitely wasn't expecting how the book went, may i say this might be my favourite book i have read. I was truly engaged throughout it all, once i started i knew i had to finish it. When you think you know what you're getting into, it takes a whole other direction shocking you with what is really going on.
It's not what you think follows Nadeeka as she is rushing home as she thinks her partner is cheating on her after all she knows the signs from her ex. What she thought was going to be a confrontation is nothing she ever expects when she arrives home to find Jamie dead, he has been murdered. As an investigation gets underway, she tries to find out who would want to kill Jamie and what had he got himself into even questioning if she truly knew the man that was living with her and her two daughters.
I really liked the characters especially Nadeeka, they all felt realistic and as the book was progressing you learn more about them and what they really think. Some especially to near the middle/end shocked me as you learn what their true characters actually are. For once i didn't know what i was getting myself into and after every twist i was shocked. This is an absolute page turner that is going to have you engaged right to the very end. Full of tension and thrills, i would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperCollins for the copy of this arc in exchange of my full honest review.
It's not what you think follows Nadeeka as she is rushing home as she thinks her partner is cheating on her after all she knows the signs from her ex. What she thought was going to be a confrontation is nothing she ever expects when she arrives home to find Jamie dead, he has been murdered. As an investigation gets underway, she tries to find out who would want to kill Jamie and what had he got himself into even questioning if she truly knew the man that was living with her and her two daughters.
I really liked the characters especially Nadeeka, they all felt realistic and as the book was progressing you learn more about them and what they really think. Some especially to near the middle/end shocked me as you learn what their true characters actually are. For once i didn't know what i was getting myself into and after every twist i was shocked. This is an absolute page turner that is going to have you engaged right to the very end. Full of tension and thrills, i would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperCollins for the copy of this arc in exchange of my full honest review.
September 11, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an advanced copy in exchange for a review.
Well, it’s not what you think indeed!! Clare Mackintosh, you have broken me! When that first twist started to unfold… jaw-dropping doesn’t even do it justice! I actually yelled “noooooooooooooo!” out loud.
There is not too much I can say about the plot, as I wouldn’t want to spoil such a work of excellence for anyone. But to set the scene.. Nadeeka has her suspicions that Jamie is cheating on her. After a suspicious phone call, she leaves work early with the aim of catching him in the act at their home.
But when she arrives, police are at the house and won’t let her in. Because Jamie has been murdered in the living room. And Nadeeka has absolutely no idea why.
Just who was Jamie?
As always with Clare’s books, just when I thought I had a hold on what was going on, something else was uncovered to throw things in another direction. She is amazing at building tension to the point that I devoured the second half of the book in one sitting, holding my breath for the last few chapters until I could finally relax!
There are some very serious topics addressed in this book, which made for some upsetting scenes. But there was a little of Clare’s trademark wit sprinkled in at times through the brilliantly daft Scott and his mum Kath.
This was an absolute force of a story! You will honestly need to get your physio on speed dial ready for that first twist!
Well, it’s not what you think indeed!! Clare Mackintosh, you have broken me! When that first twist started to unfold… jaw-dropping doesn’t even do it justice! I actually yelled “noooooooooooooo!” out loud.
There is not too much I can say about the plot, as I wouldn’t want to spoil such a work of excellence for anyone. But to set the scene.. Nadeeka has her suspicions that Jamie is cheating on her. After a suspicious phone call, she leaves work early with the aim of catching him in the act at their home.
But when she arrives, police are at the house and won’t let her in. Because Jamie has been murdered in the living room. And Nadeeka has absolutely no idea why.
Just who was Jamie?
As always with Clare’s books, just when I thought I had a hold on what was going on, something else was uncovered to throw things in another direction. She is amazing at building tension to the point that I devoured the second half of the book in one sitting, holding my breath for the last few chapters until I could finally relax!
There are some very serious topics addressed in this book, which made for some upsetting scenes. But there was a little of Clare’s trademark wit sprinkled in at times through the brilliantly daft Scott and his mum Kath.
This was an absolute force of a story! You will honestly need to get your physio on speed dial ready for that first twist!
October 11, 2025
Finished this in 24 hours - so gripping and twisty I couldn't put it down!!
Nadeeka returns home from work, ready to confront Jamie about his cheating, only to get home and find her home surrounded in police tape and Jamie dead in the living room.
She's convinced the police aren't doing enough to find out what happened to Jamie, and takes matters into her own hands and starts pursuing her own investigation.
After new information comes to light, the police investigation spirals and picks up pace rapidly with new information coming to light every few chapters!!
The direction of the story changed in a way I wasn't expecting, both in terms of perspective and the actual storyline!
You have multiple perspectives throughout
Such a layered plot and the further you get through the book the more clues and facts unravel in the police investigation, so much suspense I had to keep turning the pages as I needed to know what was gonna happen!
You know when a book gets so tense you start twiddling your fingers and toes, that's the vibes I got 80% through this book
The ending of part 5 I was NOT expecting!! It was only a suggestion of something but it's enough to get me questioning another character!
It gets so much more suspenseful in the last 10% of the book - the ending has got me wishing there's a second installment to this book!!
Released in April 2026, this is one you need to preorder!!
*gifted advance digital copy from netgalley and Harper Collins*
Nadeeka returns home from work, ready to confront Jamie about his cheating, only to get home and find her home surrounded in police tape and Jamie dead in the living room.
She's convinced the police aren't doing enough to find out what happened to Jamie, and takes matters into her own hands and starts pursuing her own investigation.
After new information comes to light, the police investigation spirals and picks up pace rapidly with new information coming to light every few chapters!!
The direction of the story changed in a way I wasn't expecting, both in terms of perspective and the actual storyline!
You have multiple perspectives throughout
Such a layered plot and the further you get through the book the more clues and facts unravel in the police investigation, so much suspense I had to keep turning the pages as I needed to know what was gonna happen!
You know when a book gets so tense you start twiddling your fingers and toes, that's the vibes I got 80% through this book
The ending of part 5 I was NOT expecting!! It was only a suggestion of something but it's enough to get me questioning another character!
It gets so much more suspenseful in the last 10% of the book - the ending has got me wishing there's a second installment to this book!!
Released in April 2026, this is one you need to preorder!!
*gifted advance digital copy from netgalley and Harper Collins*
Read
November 11, 2025Clare Mackintosh does love a good plot twist. And, she dishes them out in this book with abundance. The book is split into six parts, and each has its own twists and turns, cliffhanger endings. New evidence and a whole different take on what you thought you knew.
I must admit that the first plot twist got me re reading a few of the earlier parts to see how I could have been misled. Notice how I'm not giving too much away on the plot. That would be a spoiler, wouldn't it, obviously. Apart from that initial plot twist, I can hold my hands up and say I did figure out a few of the rest. It didn't spoil my enjoyment, merely made me feel better about my detective skills and my calibre of deducing evidence.
This story is told from multiple points of view, which, as always, is my sweet spot of a read. The whole intertwining of stories and seeing how the plots and characters come together is what I really enjoy. I love how we see the incriminating evidence of a character being turned on its head when we see it from another point of view. As the title suggests It's Not What You Think. Don't always assume what you see and hear first is exactly as it seems.
Very cleverly plotted out storyline. I did read this in one sitting. That last part is like an action thriller, and the tension is ramped up to the edge of your seat proportions
I must admit that the first plot twist got me re reading a few of the earlier parts to see how I could have been misled. Notice how I'm not giving too much away on the plot. That would be a spoiler, wouldn't it, obviously. Apart from that initial plot twist, I can hold my hands up and say I did figure out a few of the rest. It didn't spoil my enjoyment, merely made me feel better about my detective skills and my calibre of deducing evidence.
This story is told from multiple points of view, which, as always, is my sweet spot of a read. The whole intertwining of stories and seeing how the plots and characters come together is what I really enjoy. I love how we see the incriminating evidence of a character being turned on its head when we see it from another point of view. As the title suggests It's Not What You Think. Don't always assume what you see and hear first is exactly as it seems.
Very cleverly plotted out storyline. I did read this in one sitting. That last part is like an action thriller, and the tension is ramped up to the edge of your seat proportions
November 7, 2025
It’s Not What You Think, is an emotionally charged thriller that is an excellent read. I really enjoyed this one and it is possibly Clare Mackintosh’s best book yet. Very good characters, well plotted and some excellent twists.
Nadeeka is convinced her husband, Jamie, is having an affair. The late nights, the lies, the evasive behaviour all appear to be pointing to betrayal. She’s been through betrayal before, and she’s not about to let history repeat itself. She is determined to catch him in the act, she sets out for confrontation. But what she finds when she returns home is something she could never have imagined, Jamie is dead, and her world instantly turns from suspicion to horror.
Excellent start to the novel and I was hooked and screaming for more. With every chapter you read, another twist or layer of deceit is exposed. The story is well paced and full of emotionally charged suspense. It’s Not What You Think is a thriller that grips you and leaves you questioning everything you think you already know. Nothing is as it seems, and the truth is far worse than anyone could imagine.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Nadeeka is convinced her husband, Jamie, is having an affair. The late nights, the lies, the evasive behaviour all appear to be pointing to betrayal. She’s been through betrayal before, and she’s not about to let history repeat itself. She is determined to catch him in the act, she sets out for confrontation. But what she finds when she returns home is something she could never have imagined, Jamie is dead, and her world instantly turns from suspicion to horror.
Excellent start to the novel and I was hooked and screaming for more. With every chapter you read, another twist or layer of deceit is exposed. The story is well paced and full of emotionally charged suspense. It’s Not What You Think is a thriller that grips you and leaves you questioning everything you think you already know. Nothing is as it seems, and the truth is far worse than anyone could imagine.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for inviting me to read and review this book.
Nadeeka is convinced her partner is cheating, arriving home to catch him in the act, she finds a murder scene instead.
Lauren is a head of a specialised police group. Engaged to Fraser, also a police detective, and soon to be married. She works on Nadeeka’s case.
I can’t write anymore of the plot for fear of spoilers but…don’t believe anything you read! ‘It’s not what you think’ is the perfect title. And just when you think you know what has happened, plot twist!
I just finished and my heart is literally pounding. The book was exciting, especially the last chunk, where the pace of events really quickened. The subject matter was really controversial, but so relevant to today’s society. Reading this did scare me a bit I must admit. My head is truly spinning and just when I thought there were no more shockers in store, the author throw in another firework. Wow wow wow, this was such an amazing read. I couldn’t put it down, and I’ll be processing it for a good few days! So worth the read, I highly recommend it.
Nadeeka is convinced her partner is cheating, arriving home to catch him in the act, she finds a murder scene instead.
Lauren is a head of a specialised police group. Engaged to Fraser, also a police detective, and soon to be married. She works on Nadeeka’s case.
I can’t write anymore of the plot for fear of spoilers but…don’t believe anything you read! ‘It’s not what you think’ is the perfect title. And just when you think you know what has happened, plot twist!
I just finished and my heart is literally pounding. The book was exciting, especially the last chunk, where the pace of events really quickened. The subject matter was really controversial, but so relevant to today’s society. Reading this did scare me a bit I must admit. My head is truly spinning and just when I thought there were no more shockers in store, the author throw in another firework. Wow wow wow, this was such an amazing read. I couldn’t put it down, and I’ll be processing it for a good few days! So worth the read, I highly recommend it.
October 30, 2025
Well, it certainly isn't what you first think! Lots of surprising twists and turns make this book a surefire winner and maybe THE outstanding read of 2026. I loved it!
The book is delivered in chunks from the viewpoints of four different characters - Nadeeka (a mother and divorcee who recently found a second chance at love, only to be shockingly knocked back, Lauren (super-efficient police DCI leading on the case) and DS Fraser (her colleague who also happens to be her fiancee), with occasional flashbacks from Jamie (the murder victim with secrets). The book cleverly delivers major reveals at the end of each section which will leave readers' jaws hanging, tea getting cold and kids / pets unfed.
It's highly topical, and there's plenty of mis-direction and suspense. It goes straight in with a hard-hitting and dramatic opening scene, and ends in a similar vein (can't say much but trust me, you won't be able to put it down). The book is intense, emotional and full of intrigue to the end. The chapters get satisfyingly shorter towards the end to emphasise the action as things reach breaking point.
A definite 6 out of 5 stars.
The book is delivered in chunks from the viewpoints of four different characters - Nadeeka (a mother and divorcee who recently found a second chance at love, only to be shockingly knocked back, Lauren (super-efficient police DCI leading on the case) and DS Fraser (her colleague who also happens to be her fiancee), with occasional flashbacks from Jamie (the murder victim with secrets). The book cleverly delivers major reveals at the end of each section which will leave readers' jaws hanging, tea getting cold and kids / pets unfed.
It's highly topical, and there's plenty of mis-direction and suspense. It goes straight in with a hard-hitting and dramatic opening scene, and ends in a similar vein (can't say much but trust me, you won't be able to put it down). The book is intense, emotional and full of intrigue to the end. The chapters get satisfyingly shorter towards the end to emphasise the action as things reach breaking point.
A definite 6 out of 5 stars.
November 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
I was so excited to be approved to review this ARC which is due for release in March 2026. Let me just say, this book did not disappoint! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with an early twist like this one that, incidentally, knocked me for six! 🤯 However, I think it’s because I wasn’t expecting a twist at that point that it was so unexpected and for that reason I would recommend going into this one blind.
The concept was unique but with a familiar police procedural element that many will enjoy. I was gripped throughout, the story was fast-paced and I couldn’t wait to pick up where I left off each time I was forced to put down this book. That said, I do think that the final twist/reveal was predictable and for that, I knock off half a star. However, I cannot be too harsh because by now I am a seasoned thriller reader and not much surprised me anymore, and in any case, I had a great time throughout! This was my first Clare Mackintosh book and I’ll definitely be back for more! Highly recommend!
Lastly, a huge thanks to Harper Collins for the fantastic opportunity to review this ARC.
I was so excited to be approved to review this ARC which is due for release in March 2026. Let me just say, this book did not disappoint! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with an early twist like this one that, incidentally, knocked me for six! 🤯 However, I think it’s because I wasn’t expecting a twist at that point that it was so unexpected and for that reason I would recommend going into this one blind.
The concept was unique but with a familiar police procedural element that many will enjoy. I was gripped throughout, the story was fast-paced and I couldn’t wait to pick up where I left off each time I was forced to put down this book. That said, I do think that the final twist/reveal was predictable and for that, I knock off half a star. However, I cannot be too harsh because by now I am a seasoned thriller reader and not much surprised me anymore, and in any case, I had a great time throughout! This was my first Clare Mackintosh book and I’ll definitely be back for more! Highly recommend!
Lastly, a huge thanks to Harper Collins for the fantastic opportunity to review this ARC.
November 6, 2025
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
Wow! This is a page turner without a doubt. As always with Clare Mackintosh the characterisation is excellent, to the point that I felt quite aggrieved when the story switched from Nadeeka to Lauren but I soon got sucked in again. The twists and turns are amazing and I wish I could say more but it's impossible without giving spoilers, suffice to say I couldn't put it down. As an added plus it's definitely on point with current affairs and is an education in itself.
My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollinsUK for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
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
Wow! This is a page turner without a doubt. As always with Clare Mackintosh the characterisation is excellent, to the point that I felt quite aggrieved when the story switched from Nadeeka to Lauren but I soon got sucked in again. The twists and turns are amazing and I wish I could say more but it's impossible without giving spoilers, suffice to say I couldn't put it down. As an added plus it's definitely on point with current affairs and is an education in itself.
My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollinsUK for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
November 8, 2025
This is Clare Mackintosh at her twistiest—and most addictive.
From the very first page, It’s Not What You Think pulls you into a spiral of suspicion, betrayal, and the kind of secrets that unravel everything you thought you knew. Nadeeka is convinced her partner is cheating. She’s seen the signs before. But when she walks into what should be a confrontation, she finds a crime scene instead—and Jamie, dead.
What follows is a masterclass in misdirection. Every chapter peels back another layer, revealing just how fragile trust can be—and how dangerous it is to assume you know the people closest to you.
Mackintosh’s writing is razor-sharp, emotionally charged, and laced with the kind of tension that makes you forget to breathe. I tore through this in a single sitting, heart pounding, second-guessing everything. And just when I thought I had it figured out… I didn’t.
Gripping, clever, and utterly unputdownable. Perfect for fans of domestic noir with a killer twist.
With thanks to Clare Mackintosh, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
From the very first page, It’s Not What You Think pulls you into a spiral of suspicion, betrayal, and the kind of secrets that unravel everything you thought you knew. Nadeeka is convinced her partner is cheating. She’s seen the signs before. But when she walks into what should be a confrontation, she finds a crime scene instead—and Jamie, dead.
What follows is a masterclass in misdirection. Every chapter peels back another layer, revealing just how fragile trust can be—and how dangerous it is to assume you know the people closest to you.
Mackintosh’s writing is razor-sharp, emotionally charged, and laced with the kind of tension that makes you forget to breathe. I tore through this in a single sitting, heart pounding, second-guessing everything. And just when I thought I had it figured out… I didn’t.
Gripping, clever, and utterly unputdownable. Perfect for fans of domestic noir with a killer twist.
With thanks to Clare Mackintosh, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
November 16, 2025
The story begins with Nadeeka, a woman convinced her partner Jamie is hiding an affair. She steels herself for confrontation, only to discover their home transformed into a crime scene and Jamie is dead. From this shocking opening, The tale unfolds that that probes the fragility of trust, the danger of assumptions, and the devastating consequences of secrets.
What makes this novel stand out is not just its clever plotting but its emotional depth. Nadeeka’s suspicions and grief are rendered with raw intensity, grounding the thriller in human vulnerability. Clare Mackintosh’s novels all feature twists and turns that she delivers with ruthless precision, this novel is no different and it takes the story into an unexpected, and topical direction.
The pacing is taut, the atmosphere claustrophobic, and the reveals genuinely shocking. Yet beneath the suspense lies a thought-provoking exploration of perception: how much of what we believe is shaped by fear, and how easily truth can be distorted by what we think we know.
What makes this novel stand out is not just its clever plotting but its emotional depth. Nadeeka’s suspicions and grief are rendered with raw intensity, grounding the thriller in human vulnerability. Clare Mackintosh’s novels all feature twists and turns that she delivers with ruthless precision, this novel is no different and it takes the story into an unexpected, and topical direction.
The pacing is taut, the atmosphere claustrophobic, and the reveals genuinely shocking. Yet beneath the suspense lies a thought-provoking exploration of perception: how much of what we believe is shaped by fear, and how easily truth can be distorted by what we think we know.
November 7, 2025
Review of ‘It’s Not What You Think’ by Clare Mackintosh, due to be published on 26 March 2026 by Harper Collins UK, HarperFiction.
A story told from four main characters different perspectives.
Nadeeka has her world shattered when she comes home to find the body of her partner, Jamie, dead. Lauren, the DCI charged with investigating the case. Fraser, the DS on the case, and Lauren’s fiance. Jamie, whose storyline follows his life in the run up to being murdered.
An intriguing psychological crime thriller, were not all the evidence stacks up, vital information is missing, trust in the Police from the general public is at an all time low, and not everyone is as they seem. There are harrowing accounts of criminal activity, that add to the gritty storyline, with more than a few unexpected shocks along the way. Strong characters that are well written and well developed. A recommended read.
A story told from four main characters different perspectives.
Nadeeka has her world shattered when she comes home to find the body of her partner, Jamie, dead. Lauren, the DCI charged with investigating the case. Fraser, the DS on the case, and Lauren’s fiance. Jamie, whose storyline follows his life in the run up to being murdered.
An intriguing psychological crime thriller, were not all the evidence stacks up, vital information is missing, trust in the Police from the general public is at an all time low, and not everyone is as they seem. There are harrowing accounts of criminal activity, that add to the gritty storyline, with more than a few unexpected shocks along the way. Strong characters that are well written and well developed. A recommended read.
November 1, 2025
A new Clare Mackintosh is always a cause for celebration!
"It's Not What You Think" first introduces us to Nadeeka, who is speeding home, suspicious her partner is cheating on her. On arrival, she is greeted by police at her front door and to say anything more would be to give too much away.
I was fully invested from the off. Mackintosh's past in the police in always evident in her writing and I think she makes fairly grand statements that are engaging and entertaining. The plot feels very current and I couldn't wait to get to the end once I suspected where it might end up. Reading "I Let You Go" was one of the biggest literary twists of my life and unfairly raised the bar for the books that followed, so I won't compare, but I would heartily recommend this author in general.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
"It's Not What You Think" first introduces us to Nadeeka, who is speeding home, suspicious her partner is cheating on her. On arrival, she is greeted by police at her front door and to say anything more would be to give too much away.
I was fully invested from the off. Mackintosh's past in the police in always evident in her writing and I think she makes fairly grand statements that are engaging and entertaining. The plot feels very current and I couldn't wait to get to the end once I suspected where it might end up. Reading "I Let You Go" was one of the biggest literary twists of my life and unfairly raised the bar for the books that followed, so I won't compare, but I would heartily recommend this author in general.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2025
‘It’s Not What You Think’ is mainly narrated by Nadeeka, the grieving partner of Jamie, and Lauren, the lead detective investigating his murder. Both women are desperate for answers and their search for the truth combines elements of a police procedural and a domestic suspense novel. As the title suggests, there are plenty of plot twists along the way with most characters coming under suspicion at some point. Without wanting to give anything away, the motivation behind the murder felt very relevant to the national mood at the moment. Clare Mackintosh develops the plot expertly and her use of multiple narrators enables us to see events from various perspectives. The plot twists help to build momentum that culminates in a thrilling denouement.
November 8, 2025
Wow what an absolutely fantastic read that had me gripped the whole way through and I could not put it down.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers by saying too much but just everything about this book was excellent. The twists, the characters, the story …..just everything. I just didn’t know what was going to happen and it was such a tense read.
I felt the way that different parts of the book were told by the main characters really added to the book and were a great way to really show the dimensions of the characters.
A 5 star read that i would definitely recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, Clare Mackintosh and Harper Collins UK , Harper Fiction for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers by saying too much but just everything about this book was excellent. The twists, the characters, the story …..just everything. I just didn’t know what was going to happen and it was such a tense read.
I felt the way that different parts of the book were told by the main characters really added to the book and were a great way to really show the dimensions of the characters.
A 5 star read that i would definitely recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, Clare Mackintosh and Harper Collins UK , Harper Fiction for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
November 12, 2025
It’s Not What You Think is full of emotional twists, moral grey areas, and characters who feel so real you can’t help but get attached (and a little frustrated with them at times — in the best way).
What I enjoyed the most was how the story kept me guessing without ever feeling over-the-top. You know that this author is the Queen of the Twist & the hype for this book has hammered that point home. I spent the whole book waiting for things to be turned on their head & I wasn’t disappointed. The tension builds slowly but steadily.
The story is thoughtful, surprising, and left me thinking about the choices we make and the stories we tell ourselves.
If you’ve liked Clare Mackintosh’s previous books, you’ll definitely want to pick this one up. It’s smart, heartfelt, and beautifully written.
What I enjoyed the most was how the story kept me guessing without ever feeling over-the-top. You know that this author is the Queen of the Twist & the hype for this book has hammered that point home. I spent the whole book waiting for things to be turned on their head & I wasn’t disappointed. The tension builds slowly but steadily.
The story is thoughtful, surprising, and left me thinking about the choices we make and the stories we tell ourselves.
If you’ve liked Clare Mackintosh’s previous books, you’ll definitely want to pick this one up. It’s smart, heartfelt, and beautifully written.
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