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Don't Look Back
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
March 11, 2026
This is the first thriller I have read by J.J. Burgess, but it definitely will not be my last. To say it was addictive is an understatement. I couldn't put it down. The story evoked a range of emotions, including fear, anger, sadness, and relief. I felt sympathy and frustration toward Lucy and deep hatred toward Ian. The plot had me reeling in wonder. It was unpredictable and kept me guessing. I devoured it quickly, racing to the surprising outcome. I highly recommend this unputdownable thriller! Thank you Booksprout and Inkubator Books for my ARC.
April 4, 2026
Never have I ever despised an MMC in a story so bad! This book had my anxiety through the roof and my heart ached for Lucy as she was truly a good person. But one mistake & one split decision had a ripple effect over her entire existence! I had no idea where this story was heading when I started, I thought it was heading in one direction but he took an absolute different turn. Personally, being mislead is one of the key ingredients for a good thriller and this author didn’t miss! This story was domestic thriller story telling at its finest. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2026
Don’t Look Back — JJ Burgess
This book is “my life is fine until suddenly it’s not, and now I’m questioning every memory, every person, and possibly my own sanity” energy — and I was hooked.
This is one of those thrillers that doesn’t walk up politely and introduce itself.
It grabs you by the wrist, drags you into a dark hallway, and says,
“Okay, listen. Nothing is what you think it is.”
The vibe
Pure psychological chaos.
Not the loud, dramatic kind — the quiet, creeping kind that gets under your skin and makes you suspicious of your own houseplants.
It’s:
claustrophobic
twisty
unsettling
emotionally messy
and just unreliable enough to keep you guessing
The protagonist
She’s the perfect thriller heroine:
smart enough to see the cracks,
traumatized enough to doubt herself,
and stubborn enough to keep digging even when every sign says “stop.”
You’re rooting for her.
You’re worried for her.
You’re also occasionally yelling at her like she’s a contestant on a horror‑movie game show.
The tension
Burgess does that thing where every chapter ends with a little sting — not a cliffhanger, but a “wait, what?” that forces you to keep going.
The paranoia builds slowly, then all at once.
You start thinking:
Who’s lying
Who’s manipulating
Who’s watching
Who’s next
And the answer is always:
not who you think.
The twists
Are they shocking?
Yes.
Are they fair?
Also yes.
Are they the kind that make you sit back and stare at the wall for a second?
Absolutely.
It’s not twist‑for‑twist’s‑sake — it’s twist‑because‑the‑story‑earned‑it.
Why it works
Because it’s:
tightly paced
character‑driven
atmospheric
emotionally grounded
and just unhinged enough to keep you off balance
It’s the kind of thriller where you don’t realize how tense you are until you unclench your jaw at the end.
Final vibe
A sharp, unsettling psychological thriller that plays with memory, fear, and trust until you’re second‑guessing everything right alongside the heroine.
Creepy, clever, and compulsively readable — the kind of book you finish in one sitting and then immediately need a snack and a deep breath.
This book is “my life is fine until suddenly it’s not, and now I’m questioning every memory, every person, and possibly my own sanity” energy — and I was hooked.
This is one of those thrillers that doesn’t walk up politely and introduce itself.
It grabs you by the wrist, drags you into a dark hallway, and says,
“Okay, listen. Nothing is what you think it is.”
The vibe
Pure psychological chaos.
Not the loud, dramatic kind — the quiet, creeping kind that gets under your skin and makes you suspicious of your own houseplants.
It’s:
claustrophobic
twisty
unsettling
emotionally messy
and just unreliable enough to keep you guessing
The protagonist
She’s the perfect thriller heroine:
smart enough to see the cracks,
traumatized enough to doubt herself,
and stubborn enough to keep digging even when every sign says “stop.”
You’re rooting for her.
You’re worried for her.
You’re also occasionally yelling at her like she’s a contestant on a horror‑movie game show.
The tension
Burgess does that thing where every chapter ends with a little sting — not a cliffhanger, but a “wait, what?” that forces you to keep going.
The paranoia builds slowly, then all at once.
You start thinking:
Who’s lying
Who’s manipulating
Who’s watching
Who’s next
And the answer is always:
not who you think.
The twists
Are they shocking?
Yes.
Are they fair?
Also yes.
Are they the kind that make you sit back and stare at the wall for a second?
Absolutely.
It’s not twist‑for‑twist’s‑sake — it’s twist‑because‑the‑story‑earned‑it.
Why it works
Because it’s:
tightly paced
character‑driven
atmospheric
emotionally grounded
and just unhinged enough to keep you off balance
It’s the kind of thriller where you don’t realize how tense you are until you unclench your jaw at the end.
Final vibe
A sharp, unsettling psychological thriller that plays with memory, fear, and trust until you’re second‑guessing everything right alongside the heroine.
Creepy, clever, and compulsively readable — the kind of book you finish in one sitting and then immediately need a snack and a deep breath.
March 3, 2026
This was such a wild ride. I was completely pulled in and did not see that twist coming at all — my jaw genuinely dropped. JJ Burgess knows how to build tension and keep you questioning everything and everyone.
I’m giving this 4 stars instead of 5 for one reason only: I wish the blurb had mentioned that the story includes domestic violence. That element is central to the plot, and while I understand why it may not have been highlighted (because it ties into the twist), I personally would have appreciated some warning. Books with DV can be difficult for me to read, and I usually choose whether or not I’m in the right headspace beforehand.
That said — this book is incredibly well written. The pacing, the reveals, the way everything connects… it all felt intentional and carefully crafted. Nothing was random, nothing felt thrown in. It’s one of those thrillers that makes you second-guess every character and keeps you mentally spiraling in the best way.
It was intense, thought-provoking, and genuinely shocking. Even though it tackled heavy themes, the execution was strong and the storytelling was gripping from start to finish.
A true roller coaster. If you love twisty, psychological reads that keep you on edge, this one absolutely delivers.
I’m giving this 4 stars instead of 5 for one reason only: I wish the blurb had mentioned that the story includes domestic violence. That element is central to the plot, and while I understand why it may not have been highlighted (because it ties into the twist), I personally would have appreciated some warning. Books with DV can be difficult for me to read, and I usually choose whether or not I’m in the right headspace beforehand.
That said — this book is incredibly well written. The pacing, the reveals, the way everything connects… it all felt intentional and carefully crafted. Nothing was random, nothing felt thrown in. It’s one of those thrillers that makes you second-guess every character and keeps you mentally spiraling in the best way.
It was intense, thought-provoking, and genuinely shocking. Even though it tackled heavy themes, the execution was strong and the storytelling was gripping from start to finish.
A true roller coaster. If you love twisty, psychological reads that keep you on edge, this one absolutely delivers.
March 20, 2026
The story follows Lucy one fateful night when her baby is sick and she rushes him to the hospital. That simple trip starts a chain of events that turns her life upside down and alters not just life, but the lives of almost everyone she knows.
Each action has a domino effect which has lasting consequences and shows the butterfly effect of even the smallest choices having long reaching impact
The story was well written and kept me engaged and entertained throughout. I was able to read it in one sitting because I wanted to find out where it would go. Yes, it was at times predictable, but it didnt stop the journey from being compelling.
Thanks to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for this earl in exchange for my review
Each action has a domino effect which has lasting consequences and shows the butterfly effect of even the smallest choices having long reaching impact
The story was well written and kept me engaged and entertained throughout. I was able to read it in one sitting because I wanted to find out where it would go. Yes, it was at times predictable, but it didnt stop the journey from being compelling.
Thanks to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for this earl in exchange for my review
February 21, 2026
This book was brilliant!
I was hooked from the start. Massive 5 stars from me.
This is my first book by this author and will definitely not be the last.
Highly recommend to any thriller lover.
Loved the twist at the end!
Thanks Netgalley for letting me read this book for an honest review
I was hooked from the start. Massive 5 stars from me.
This is my first book by this author and will definitely not be the last.
Highly recommend to any thriller lover.
Loved the twist at the end!
Thanks Netgalley for letting me read this book for an honest review
March 24, 2026
This book made me feel so uneasy the whole way through. With a morally grey protagonist you shouldn’t root for… but kind of do… I couldn’t put this one down. Every decision Lucy made just made things worse, and I could NOT look away.
It’s one of those reads where I felt constantly on edge but genuinely couldn’t stop reading. The tension just kept building, and I loved how conflicted it made me feel. If you’re into dark, twisty thrillers that make you question what you’d do in the same situation… this one’s for you.
It’s one of those reads where I felt constantly on edge but genuinely couldn’t stop reading. The tension just kept building, and I loved how conflicted it made me feel. If you’re into dark, twisty thrillers that make you question what you’d do in the same situation… this one’s for you.
March 26, 2026
One Mistake. One Monster. No Escape.
A split-second mistake turns Lucy’s life into a nightmare when her boyfriend “helps” cover up an accident then uses it to control her. Dark, tense, and suffocating, this psychological thriller keeps the pressure on until the very end. Perfect for fans of twisted domestic suspense.
A split-second mistake turns Lucy’s life into a nightmare when her boyfriend “helps” cover up an accident then uses it to control her. Dark, tense, and suffocating, this psychological thriller keeps the pressure on until the very end. Perfect for fans of twisted domestic suspense.
Read
March 22, 2026Lucy had only just returned from maternity leave, exhausted after a long day with thirty Year 1 children. All she wanted was a quiet night. But the evening unravelled fast. 😩
When Harry fell ill, she rushed him to A&E. By the time they were heading home, she was drained - her mind drifting, her focus gone. And then it happened. She didn’t see her neighbour… not until the impact. 🫣
Panic took over. Terrified of prison - of losing Harry - she fled, leaving her neighbour in the road. But secrets never stay buried. 😳
Ian soon realised the truth. Instead of turning her in, he offered to help. 🥰
At first, she thought it was love.
But favours became demands… and demands became threats. 😱
Then came the ultimatum: Do what he wants or lose everything. 🤔
Now Lucy is trapped in a nightmare of her own making. Will it ever end? 🥺
Wow, this was my first read by JJ Burgess, and it did not disappoint! 😍 It definitely won’t be my last! I’ll be investing in more of his books after this. 📚
This story completely reeled me in. I was stuck in bed all morning, unable to put it down until the very last page (thank goodness it’s Sunday!). 📖👀🛏️
Full of tension, fast-paced twists, and moments that make you question everything and everyone. 🤯
A gripping, addictive read from start to finish. 👩🏼🏫
Thank you to JJ Burgess and Zooloos Book Tours for having me on the tour! ♥️
When Harry fell ill, she rushed him to A&E. By the time they were heading home, she was drained - her mind drifting, her focus gone. And then it happened. She didn’t see her neighbour… not until the impact. 🫣
Panic took over. Terrified of prison - of losing Harry - she fled, leaving her neighbour in the road. But secrets never stay buried. 😳
Ian soon realised the truth. Instead of turning her in, he offered to help. 🥰
At first, she thought it was love.
But favours became demands… and demands became threats. 😱
Then came the ultimatum: Do what he wants or lose everything. 🤔
Now Lucy is trapped in a nightmare of her own making. Will it ever end? 🥺
Wow, this was my first read by JJ Burgess, and it did not disappoint! 😍 It definitely won’t be my last! I’ll be investing in more of his books after this. 📚
This story completely reeled me in. I was stuck in bed all morning, unable to put it down until the very last page (thank goodness it’s Sunday!). 📖👀🛏️
Full of tension, fast-paced twists, and moments that make you question everything and everyone. 🤯
A gripping, addictive read from start to finish. 👩🏼🏫
Thank you to JJ Burgess and Zooloos Book Tours for having me on the tour! ♥️
April 6, 2026
Don't Look Back is a gripping, twisty psychological thriller. I'm not even sure how to feel about this one after it was over. I needed a minute to stare at the wall and process.
Lucy has mad some mistakes. The biggest one being when she hit someone, watched them take their last breath, and then drives away leaving the scene. For fear of being sent to jail and having to leave behind her baby who is just a few months old, she tries to cover her tracks but replacing any damages to her car. But in the middle of this, she's caught by her boyfriend. He offers to help her cover her tracks but his help seems to come with price. Because now that he has this dark secret to hold over her, he is using it to his advantage. His new upper hand makes him feel superior and as he takes control over her life by isolating her, manipulating her, and abusing her, Lucy is being pushed to limits she didn't know she could reach. She may have someone on her side though. The wife of the man she ran over. But would she be willing to help at all once she knows the truth?
I enjoyed the heck out of this story. The story was well done and kept me at the edge of myself seat. I flew through this because I needed to know how it was going to end. The entire time I had this panicky fear in the pit of my stomach for her baby, worried that the abuse would get out of control and her boyfriend would harm the baby. I am such a sucker for sweet acts of service though because even after the abuse, he always offered a cup of tea and I was like.. at least he cares a little? No, but seriously! I thought this story was captivating and enjoyable. I highly recommend giving this a read!
Lucy has mad some mistakes. The biggest one being when she hit someone, watched them take their last breath, and then drives away leaving the scene. For fear of being sent to jail and having to leave behind her baby who is just a few months old, she tries to cover her tracks but replacing any damages to her car. But in the middle of this, she's caught by her boyfriend. He offers to help her cover her tracks but his help seems to come with price. Because now that he has this dark secret to hold over her, he is using it to his advantage. His new upper hand makes him feel superior and as he takes control over her life by isolating her, manipulating her, and abusing her, Lucy is being pushed to limits she didn't know she could reach. She may have someone on her side though. The wife of the man she ran over. But would she be willing to help at all once she knows the truth?
I enjoyed the heck out of this story. The story was well done and kept me at the edge of myself seat. I flew through this because I needed to know how it was going to end. The entire time I had this panicky fear in the pit of my stomach for her baby, worried that the abuse would get out of control and her boyfriend would harm the baby. I am such a sucker for sweet acts of service though because even after the abuse, he always offered a cup of tea and I was like.. at least he cares a little? No, but seriously! I thought this story was captivating and enjoyable. I highly recommend giving this a read!
May 5, 2026
The pacing and suspense were really well done. From the initial accident, the story never truly let up. Lucy had me feeling a sense of anxiety that kept me turning pages. You did a great job building that “can’t look away” feeling.
I also wanted to highlight how effectively you portrayed the darker elements of the story, especially the dynamic involving Ian. His character was deeply unsettling, and while he was difficult to read at times because of how cruel he was, that emotional reaction speaks to how convincingly he was written. The inclusion of domestic abuse themes added weight and realism, even though it made parts of the story heavy.
If I could offer one piece of constructive feedback, it would be that the intensity of Ian’s character and the heaviness of those moments made it difficult for me to fully enjoy the story at times, which is ultimately what held this back from being a 5-star read for me. I its book land but whoaaa!!! I think a bit more balance or space to breathe between those heavier moments could make the emotional impact even stronger. But overall this was amazing.
That said, Lucy’s resilience and strength were what kept me fully engaged. I truly needed to know how her story would end, and that’s a testament to your storytelling.
Overall, this was a gripping, tension-filled thriller that left me thinking long after I finished. Thank you for writing such a bold and emotionally charged story. Definitely something I would recommend to others.T
I also wanted to highlight how effectively you portrayed the darker elements of the story, especially the dynamic involving Ian. His character was deeply unsettling, and while he was difficult to read at times because of how cruel he was, that emotional reaction speaks to how convincingly he was written. The inclusion of domestic abuse themes added weight and realism, even though it made parts of the story heavy.
If I could offer one piece of constructive feedback, it would be that the intensity of Ian’s character and the heaviness of those moments made it difficult for me to fully enjoy the story at times, which is ultimately what held this back from being a 5-star read for me. I its book land but whoaaa!!! I think a bit more balance or space to breathe between those heavier moments could make the emotional impact even stronger. But overall this was amazing.
That said, Lucy’s resilience and strength were what kept me fully engaged. I truly needed to know how her story would end, and that’s a testament to your storytelling.
Overall, this was a gripping, tension-filled thriller that left me thinking long after I finished. Thank you for writing such a bold and emotionally charged story. Definitely something I would recommend to others.T
April 7, 2026
This was a fast paced psychological thriller and I really enjoyed it. I would look out for other books by the author.
Lucy is a new mum, back at work as a primary school teacher. Her baby, Harry, is her world.
When Lucy is involved in a hit and run her life begins to spiral out of control. Her relationship with her partner Ian shifts from controlling to full-on domestic violence, and this is tough to read.
Lucy is a very sympathetic character, as are her friends, Ian’s mother and her neighbour, Mary. Lucy’s father is also sympathetic but he is only seen via video calls.
The book is a real page turner, full of threat and tension. The ending is very satisfying.
Note: this book has scenes of domestic violence.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
Lucy is a new mum, back at work as a primary school teacher. Her baby, Harry, is her world.
When Lucy is involved in a hit and run her life begins to spiral out of control. Her relationship with her partner Ian shifts from controlling to full-on domestic violence, and this is tough to read.
Lucy is a very sympathetic character, as are her friends, Ian’s mother and her neighbour, Mary. Lucy’s father is also sympathetic but he is only seen via video calls.
The book is a real page turner, full of threat and tension. The ending is very satisfying.
Note: this book has scenes of domestic violence.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, author JJ Burgess and Inkubator Books for the ARC and opportunity to review this book.
This was a cut throat domestic thriller that will leave you with so much hatred for the main male character! I don’t think I have ever disliked a character so much.
A few triggering spots for someone who has been through the type of relationship Lucy is in.
Amazing story of how one mistake can change your entire life and the compassion that one neighbour has even when her life is destroyed.
Loved it! 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a cut throat domestic thriller that will leave you with so much hatred for the main male character! I don’t think I have ever disliked a character so much.
A few triggering spots for someone who has been through the type of relationship Lucy is in.
Amazing story of how one mistake can change your entire life and the compassion that one neighbour has even when her life is destroyed.
Loved it! 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 18, 2026
I got a digital arc on Net Galley. This definitely needs a trigger warning for domestic violence at the beginning of the book and in the synopsis. The book was well written, and although I was triggered at certain points, I did enjoy reading it. I really do appreciate that the author put resources at the end of the book for people who find themselves in this situation. He included resources for UK, Canada, and Australia.
May 7, 2026
Your partner should be there for you no matter what, right?
Well someone forgot to fill Ian in.
Ian is the MMC in JJ Burgess’s book, Don’t Look Back, and when he finds out about the terrible accident the mother of his child caused, he starts blackmailing her with the information.
I read this book as a NetGalley ARC, but it’s available now on Kindle Unlimited.
The storyline is unique, but get ready to hate Ian.
I gave it four stars.
Well someone forgot to fill Ian in.
Ian is the MMC in JJ Burgess’s book, Don’t Look Back, and when he finds out about the terrible accident the mother of his child caused, he starts blackmailing her with the information.
I read this book as a NetGalley ARC, but it’s available now on Kindle Unlimited.
The storyline is unique, but get ready to hate Ian.
I gave it four stars.
June 25, 2026
Ian was a douche canoe. Mary was the GOAT. Karma is a bitch. That’s it, that’s the review.
LOL, on a real note, I was expecting more of a psychological thriller. Instead, Lucy just kept making everything worse and I absolutely hated her as a character.
This book just didn’t do it for me. A good hundred pages probably could’ve been cut out. It was too long, held very little of my interest, and had me internally screaming the entire time.
LOL, on a real note, I was expecting more of a psychological thriller. Instead, Lucy just kept making everything worse and I absolutely hated her as a character.
This book just didn’t do it for me. A good hundred pages probably could’ve been cut out. It was too long, held very little of my interest, and had me internally screaming the entire time.
March 24, 2026
A car accident in the middle of night returning her child from a hospital visit, Lucy hits someone. It is her neighbor and he is dead. Afraid to call 911 in fear of going to prison, she goes home. Her boyfriend discovers what she did and helped cover it up, but now she owes him. A thriller that is a page turner.
March 26, 2026
Really good read.
Don't Look Back by JJ Burgess.
This was a really good read. I did like the cover and blurb of this book. I got into this book straight away. I read this book in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters Lucy. I really didn't like Ian at all. I was surprised at the ending. I do recommend this book.
Don't Look Back by JJ Burgess.
This was a really good read. I did like the cover and blurb of this book. I got into this book straight away. I read this book in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters Lucy. I really didn't like Ian at all. I was surprised at the ending. I do recommend this book.
April 19, 2026
Wow!! Now this is what I call a rollercoaster ride of a thriller! What Lucy did I don’t condone but the hell her boyfriend put her through I say she was seriously punishment enough! I am so glad he got what he deserved and things worked out for Lucy in the end thanks to an unexpected twist. I highly recommend this book ! Be warned that you will go through the emotions with Lucy! I know I did!
April 20, 2026
I started reading this book with very little expectations, but boy, did it take me for a wild ride!
The sufferings of the Main Character, Lucy, were so real, I felt her pain like my own.
The themes of domestic violence and the power of female friendship made this book so strong!
I would totally recommend this book to a friend or anybody looking for a fast paced thriller.
The sufferings of the Main Character, Lucy, were so real, I felt her pain like my own.
The themes of domestic violence and the power of female friendship made this book so strong!
I would totally recommend this book to a friend or anybody looking for a fast paced thriller.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2026
I had a big problem with this book; the story was good, the characters were perfect; but the execution was so bad I wanted to slap them. Listen, when you want to make someone fall into the momentum of guessing and whatever good, but don't drag it out; even with the ending, it was so dragged out, like the author was trying to fill pages. Seriously, just end it, or shock us, don't drag it out!
March 26, 2026
repercussions
Reading this book often made me feel uneasy, I kept asking myself what would you have done and it reminded me that every decision we make bears consequences that have an impact on our future.
Reading this book often made me feel uneasy, I kept asking myself what would you have done and it reminded me that every decision we make bears consequences that have an impact on our future.
April 26, 2026
Could not put this book down.
This book involves domestic abuse. I hated Ian & how mean & cruel he was. He was so hateful I couldn't give this book 5 stars but Lucy's resilience & strength is what kept me reading this book. I had to find out what happened to her.
This book involves domestic abuse. I hated Ian & how mean & cruel he was. He was so hateful I couldn't give this book 5 stars but Lucy's resilience & strength is what kept me reading this book. I had to find out what happened to her.
May 13, 2026
Very Twisty Thriller
This was the first book by this Author that I read and it was a very good thriller. I look forward to reading more books by this author. It kept my attention from start to finish.
This was the first book by this Author that I read and it was a very good thriller. I look forward to reading more books by this author. It kept my attention from start to finish.
May 22, 2026
I don’t know what it was about this book, but the first hour after reading, I could not put it down. Very twisty, and keeps you guessing and guessing. I like this author and he keeps you interested in the book without going off in the weeds. Thanks to the author for a great read.
June 17, 2026
This book gave me so much anxiety the whole way through but I couldn’t stop reading! Morally I feel a bit torn, I’m glad Lucy got a happy ending but it still felt slightly wrong. Enjoyed it overall, had me wanting more and more
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2026
Trigger warnings to be heeded. Domestic abuse. Violence. Sexual abuse. False imprisonment.
Really really good read. Despite the heavy going with the trigger warnings I was very invested in the main characters plight. Well written, plenty of thought one into maintaining a solid pace. Recommended.
Really really good read. Despite the heavy going with the trigger warnings I was very invested in the main characters plight. Well written, plenty of thought one into maintaining a solid pace. Recommended.
July 9, 2026
Hard to put down
4.65/5 My first book by this author and I enjoyed it from start to finish. Easy to follow its simple plot. Domestic violence occurred in this book and may be triggers for some readers. Look forward to reading more by this author!
4.65/5 My first book by this author and I enjoyed it from start to finish. Easy to follow its simple plot. Domestic violence occurred in this book and may be triggers for some readers. Look forward to reading more by this author!
April 19, 2026
First I've read from this author. Great read.
May 6, 2026
Boring
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews