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You Let Me In
- GenresThriller
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2026
About the author
A.J. Carter
30 books365 followersAJ Carter is a psychological thriller author from Bristol, England. His first book, The Family Secret, is praised by critics around the world, and he continues to regularly deliver suspenseful novels you can’t put down.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 27, 2026
Very slow burn.
Honestly, I nearly gave up on this book so many times. There are way too many metaphors, way too much unnecessary descriptive language; (we don't need an adjective or a metaphor for somebody putting a pen down!) Nothing significant or dramatic happens in the first half of the book. Just a couple who aren't getting along. It starts to get exciting half way through. And then it drops again for a while. It only really gets good in maybe the last 25% of the story. Good twist at the end though.
Honestly, I nearly gave up on this book so many times. There are way too many metaphors, way too much unnecessary descriptive language; (we don't need an adjective or a metaphor for somebody putting a pen down!) Nothing significant or dramatic happens in the first half of the book. Just a couple who aren't getting along. It starts to get exciting half way through. And then it drops again for a while. It only really gets good in maybe the last 25% of the story. Good twist at the end though.
May 7, 2026
Are you joking?
Here’s what’s really sad. I started this book and I was like oh my gosh, this is an incredibly talented author. I am definitely gonna read them again. And by the end, it was one of the worst book experiences of my entire life. And if you can’t do spoilers, please don’t continue to read, but I hope you do because I hope to save you time and money.
This book is about a couple that is having problems. Now the wife is absolutely not the most understanding she’s not overly supportive and she has accumulated anger rather than releasing it, she lets it build and the problem is is the husband doesn’t care enough to actually talk to her at all. But here’s the thing they start seeing a counselor and the husband has an emotional fair with this woman and is about to have a physical one. The wife sees this coming, is aware of it and tries to end therapy and the husband blackmails her to force her to keep the therapist. Let me clarify that again he blackmails his wife to keep the therapist he’s attracted to because she says the things he needs to hear while he’s gaslighting the audience that’s reading saying he’s not attracted to her, even though he’s always loving on her and staring at her.
If that’s not enough, this woman goes off the deep end and steals their daughter the whole time the wife is saying she did it and guess what the husband isn’t believing her at all and then if that’s not bad enough, he leaves his wife while their daughter is still missing to move in with the therapist because he needs to support. If you want to read this book after reading that summary good for you, but I have never read anything as terrible in my life. If this book had ended with their marriage ending, or maybe the husband had been killed by the crazy therapist, I would’ve been OK with that too. Here’s the problem the husband emotionally abused his wife, emotionally, abused his daughter by keeping the therapist. The daughter said over and over she wasn’t comfortable being in the home then the daughter is kidnapped put through hell will have issues for the rest of her life, and the wife stays with him. Again, let me say that yet again the wife stays with the horribly abusive husband. I do not know what I just read, but it is the number one Ray treat of my entire life and that includes the ones where women take their cheating husbands back. This was terrible.
Here’s what’s really sad. I started this book and I was like oh my gosh, this is an incredibly talented author. I am definitely gonna read them again. And by the end, it was one of the worst book experiences of my entire life. And if you can’t do spoilers, please don’t continue to read, but I hope you do because I hope to save you time and money.
This book is about a couple that is having problems. Now the wife is absolutely not the most understanding she’s not overly supportive and she has accumulated anger rather than releasing it, she lets it build and the problem is is the husband doesn’t care enough to actually talk to her at all. But here’s the thing they start seeing a counselor and the husband has an emotional fair with this woman and is about to have a physical one. The wife sees this coming, is aware of it and tries to end therapy and the husband blackmails her to force her to keep the therapist. Let me clarify that again he blackmails his wife to keep the therapist he’s attracted to because she says the things he needs to hear while he’s gaslighting the audience that’s reading saying he’s not attracted to her, even though he’s always loving on her and staring at her.
If that’s not enough, this woman goes off the deep end and steals their daughter the whole time the wife is saying she did it and guess what the husband isn’t believing her at all and then if that’s not bad enough, he leaves his wife while their daughter is still missing to move in with the therapist because he needs to support. If you want to read this book after reading that summary good for you, but I have never read anything as terrible in my life. If this book had ended with their marriage ending, or maybe the husband had been killed by the crazy therapist, I would’ve been OK with that too. Here’s the problem the husband emotionally abused his wife, emotionally, abused his daughter by keeping the therapist. The daughter said over and over she wasn’t comfortable being in the home then the daughter is kidnapped put through hell will have issues for the rest of her life, and the wife stays with him. Again, let me say that yet again the wife stays with the horribly abusive husband. I do not know what I just read, but it is the number one Ray treat of my entire life and that includes the ones where women take their cheating husbands back. This was terrible.
May 1, 2026
I absolutely devoured You Let Me In by AJ Carter - this is psychological suspense at its absolute best.
From the very first page, there’s an eerie, unsettling atmosphere that just wraps around you and refuses to let go. The premise alone is chilling, but it’s the execution that truly shines. Every chapter peels back another layer, making you question everything - the characters, their motives, and what’s really going on behind closed doors.
The tension builds perfectly throughout, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story twists in a way that completely knocks the breath out of you. It’s one of those rare books where you feel constantly on edge, desperate to keep reading but almost afraid of what you’ll uncover next.
The characters are so well crafted - flawed, complex, and incredibly real. You don’t just read about them, you feel pulled into their world, their secrets, and their lies.
Dark, gripping, and impossible to put down - this is a must-read for any thriller lover.
A solid 5 stars from me.
From the very first page, there’s an eerie, unsettling atmosphere that just wraps around you and refuses to let go. The premise alone is chilling, but it’s the execution that truly shines. Every chapter peels back another layer, making you question everything - the characters, their motives, and what’s really going on behind closed doors.
The tension builds perfectly throughout, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story twists in a way that completely knocks the breath out of you. It’s one of those rare books where you feel constantly on edge, desperate to keep reading but almost afraid of what you’ll uncover next.
The characters are so well crafted - flawed, complex, and incredibly real. You don’t just read about them, you feel pulled into their world, their secrets, and their lies.
Dark, gripping, and impossible to put down - this is a must-read for any thriller lover.
A solid 5 stars from me.
May 19, 2026
Poorly done in so many ways
Spoiler alert. First of all, I wasn't very sympathetically to the wife because it felt she was demanding a lot from the husband but not willing to make many concessions or try to be kind. She acted like she was so sorry for herself and yet it didn't feel like she was pulling her weight as much as her husband.
Secondly the idea of a therapist who so flagrantly breaks the standard code of ethics for therapists, doesn't make sense.
The fact that the therapist would suddenly turn psycho is sort of crazy in itself -- it doesn't seem like a shocking plot twist, but simply seems a little bizarre.
Fact that the mother would be so incredibly cruel to her own daughter as to kidnap her and make her daughter think she was being kidnapped by strangers was also just a such a terrible thing and also just the most bizarre plot twist unless the mother was also a bit mentally unbalanced.
Spoiler alert. First of all, I wasn't very sympathetically to the wife because it felt she was demanding a lot from the husband but not willing to make many concessions or try to be kind. She acted like she was so sorry for herself and yet it didn't feel like she was pulling her weight as much as her husband.
Secondly the idea of a therapist who so flagrantly breaks the standard code of ethics for therapists, doesn't make sense.
The fact that the therapist would suddenly turn psycho is sort of crazy in itself -- it doesn't seem like a shocking plot twist, but simply seems a little bizarre.
Fact that the mother would be so incredibly cruel to her own daughter as to kidnap her and make her daughter think she was being kidnapped by strangers was also just a such a terrible thing and also just the most bizarre plot twist unless the mother was also a bit mentally unbalanced.
August 11, 2026
I love this author. This book is not his best. It was way too long. Too slow to get moving. Didn't need all the useless descriptions of looks, words, going over and over situations in characters heads. I am glad I didn't put it down. Even though I was on well over page 250 out of 384, when it took off I am glad I kept reading. And once again the ending smacked me right in the face. Did not ever see it coming.
This is the 1st book of his that I did not give 5 stars. If he had cut out about 150 pages of needless descriptions and conversations, there is not a doubt in my mind it would have earned 5 stars from me too. If you are a fan, don't give up on it. Keep reading. The ending is worth it.
This is the 1st book of his that I did not give 5 stars. If he had cut out about 150 pages of needless descriptions and conversations, there is not a doubt in my mind it would have earned 5 stars from me too. If you are a fan, don't give up on it. Keep reading. The ending is worth it.
May 27, 2026
Absolutely stunning
AJ! You outdid yourself with this one. I've read everything you've written, save one. You & I exchanged an email about that one. I don't remember the name of the book. Only that it would have hit the Mama in me in a way that the Mama in me couldn't handle.
Regardless, what struck me in "You Let Me I" is that your writing is impeccable. How does one begin to describe your ability to write a sentence that bears reading more than once. Words strung together so eloquently it's alive. I can't, so the only thing for that is to write this review so others can begin the experience themselves.
AJ! You outdid yourself with this one. I've read everything you've written, save one. You & I exchanged an email about that one. I don't remember the name of the book. Only that it would have hit the Mama in me in a way that the Mama in me couldn't handle.
Regardless, what struck me in "You Let Me I" is that your writing is impeccable. How does one begin to describe your ability to write a sentence that bears reading more than once. Words strung together so eloquently it's alive. I can't, so the only thing for that is to write this review so others can begin the experience themselves.
April 20, 2026
Best, most fast-paced book I've read in a very long time.
Oh my gosh, this is the fastest paced book I've read in a long while. I couldn't put it down, twists and turns on almost every page. The kind of book that has you hooked from page one and which leaves you wondering what to do now after it's done being read. If you like fast paced books that are nearly impossible to put down, you're going to love this one. Just don't plan on getting sleep or anything else done until you've turned the last page.
Oh my gosh, this is the fastest paced book I've read in a long while. I couldn't put it down, twists and turns on almost every page. The kind of book that has you hooked from page one and which leaves you wondering what to do now after it's done being read. If you like fast paced books that are nearly impossible to put down, you're going to love this one. Just don't plan on getting sleep or anything else done until you've turned the last page.
May 20, 2026
This book was a rollercoaster ride! I loved the fact that the author made me feel anxious and devastated and outraged in under 300 pages. But I actually had to put the book down and walk around for a few minutes because I was feeling too much second hand anxiety! That's the mark of a great writer. I guarantee you I will be reading more of his books. Except . . . . that epilogue! Dude! What the AF?!? Still, I'm recommending it to my book club even though I'll get a WTAF from each of them. FIVE SOLID STARS!!
April 25, 2026
I just finished this and loved it. Kept me turning the pages and on the edge of my seat wondering what is going to happen to this couple. I did find that it reminded me of the story concept a bit of The Marriage Act by John Marrs, where a counsellor came into the home. I do recommend this book if you want a good thrill ride!
May 5, 2026
What a big surprise!
Just when you thought you had this all figured out, another surprise happened. I had some of the book figured out, but the ending blew me away! This is a great book about a therapist who inserted herself into a family with a troubled marriage, and she had ideas of her own. I highly recommend reading this.
Just when you thought you had this all figured out, another surprise happened. I had some of the book figured out, but the ending blew me away! This is a great book about a therapist who inserted herself into a family with a troubled marriage, and she had ideas of her own. I highly recommend reading this.
May 6, 2026
just ok with twist ending
The story itself dro
ned on and on. Way too much psychological stuff at the start with the therapist and everything. I know we need it to have a background. But I think it just droned on a little too long. But that surprise ending definitely caught me off guard.
The story itself dro
ned on and on. Way too much psychological stuff at the start with the therapist and everything. I know we need it to have a background. But I think it just droned on a little too long. But that surprise ending definitely caught me off guard.
July 2, 2026
Started off interesting then went downhill. Too much descriptive prose, and I dislike books where the chapters switch who's narrating and you have to read the same scene again from a different character's POV. Just read two books of this author in a row and the writing style of this book is so different from the other one that it's almost like they were written by different people.
September 30, 2026
Suspenseful
Really good from start to finish with a female lead character that was strong and outspoken throughout. The husband, per usual, was clueless lol. Hard to put down and with a twist at the end that really threw me for a loop and made me think WTF? I wish I could say more but I don't want to spoil it. Just read it!
Really good from start to finish with a female lead character that was strong and outspoken throughout. The husband, per usual, was clueless lol. Hard to put down and with a twist at the end that really threw me for a loop and made me think WTF? I wish I could say more but I don't want to spoil it. Just read it!
April 16, 2026
Disjointed
I usually love this authors work, but he couldn't keep the daughter's age straight. Over and over again in the same chapters, she was ten, then she was twelve. Then ten again. Multiple times throughout the entire book.
I usually love this authors work, but he couldn't keep the daughter's age straight. Over and over again in the same chapters, she was ten, then she was twelve. Then ten again. Multiple times throughout the entire book.
April 20, 2026
Surprise Surprise Surprise
I never tire of this author’s writing. There are never any useless words of profanity thrown in for effect because a great writer doesn’t have to! As always, once I start his novels; I lose sleep!
I never tire of this author’s writing. There are never any useless words of profanity thrown in for effect because a great writer doesn’t have to! As always, once I start his novels; I lose sleep!
May 2, 2026
Brilliant read
Another fantastic read by.A.J Carter could not put this book down lots of twists and turns a brilliant ending such a surprising end definitely worthy of five will continue reading more books by this author.
Another fantastic read by.A.J Carter could not put this book down lots of twists and turns a brilliant ending such a surprising end definitely worthy of five will continue reading more books by this author.
July 18, 2026
The author overdid it with the metaphors and overly descriptive language. Every single sentence seemed to be overly descriptive and I found myself so annoyed and wanted to yell “get to the point already!”. The twist wasn’t even really a twist. Huge let down.
July 26, 2026
4.0/5 This book had many positive reviews but I was bored with the first 200 pages ( over half the book.) The first half was about a struggling marriage and the therapy sessions they went to. The last 150 pages were slightly more interesting but nothing was unexpected or "thriller worthy."
July 31, 2026
The writing was wonderful. Strong use of metaphors and analogies perhaps to the point of excess...like too much chocolate all at once without having space to savor it. As much as I enjoyed reading it, I felt disappointed with the ending and do not believe it was plausible .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2026
Compelling and twisted!
Compelling and twisted! I don't write spoiler reviews but when I say your jaw will drop -I think it will. Read from start to finishing one setting because I was utterly riveted
Compelling and twisted! I don't write spoiler reviews but when I say your jaw will drop -I think it will. Read from start to finishing one setting because I was utterly riveted
August 30, 2026
4.5. It is amazing how two people who claim they are so disconnected could be so in sync with each other. I thought the author showed this amazingly by presenting a glaringly obvious overlap of feelings, phrases and perceptions between Will and Gemma, for the same situation across different chapters. This juxtaposition highlighted that their ultimate inability to connect wasn’t just a lack of communication, but something deeper - choosing silence instead, which can be far more damaging.
I also thought the constant comparison of Melody’s office to the “normal” physio clinic and then later to the optometrist was very powerful. I thought that this comparison, which was highlighted independently by both characters, displayed the tangible nature of physiotherapy injuries that both characters craved, and that these allied health professionals were fixing physical repairs, rather than something much more complex and less superficial - both characters struggled expressing their emotional turmoil, and this was accentuated by the author due to the absence of physicality.
I also thought the constant comparison of Melody’s office to the “normal” physio clinic and then later to the optometrist was very powerful. I thought that this comparison, which was highlighted independently by both characters, displayed the tangible nature of physiotherapy injuries that both characters craved, and that these allied health professionals were fixing physical repairs, rather than something much more complex and less superficial - both characters struggled expressing their emotional turmoil, and this was accentuated by the author due to the absence of physicality.
August 31, 2026
"The world keeps going. It has no reason not to."
This is what I get for reading outside my genre.
I picked it up because it counted for my "Y" title in my A-Z reading challenge and because most of the reviews on here were decent...but I personally hated it.
Don't get me wrong, the premise was solid, but it was OVERLY descriptive in ways that didn't make sense and actually made me laugh despite the heavy atmosphere it was attempting to project. I also saw right through the main character the entire time. IMO the dual POV served no purpose, and neither did the prologue.
I'm sad because I really did want to like it.
This is what I get for reading outside my genre.
I picked it up because it counted for my "Y" title in my A-Z reading challenge and because most of the reviews on here were decent...but I personally hated it.
Don't get me wrong, the premise was solid, but it was OVERLY descriptive in ways that didn't make sense and actually made me laugh despite the heavy atmosphere it was attempting to project. I also saw right through the main character the entire time. IMO the dual POV served no purpose, and neither did the prologue.
I'm sad because I really did want to like it.
September 22, 2026
Excellent writing, but his stories are identical
Its a shame his stories are the same couple 1 child , marital problems. And ending with the same twist . No point in readable 3rd book
Its a shame his stories are the same couple 1 child , marital problems. And ending with the same twist . No point in readable 3rd book
April 24, 2026
captivating
Only thing wrong with the book kept referring the daughters age from 10 to 12 very annoying was she 10 or 12
Only thing wrong with the book kept referring the daughters age from 10 to 12 very annoying was she 10 or 12
April 27, 2026
Ending was good.
May 4, 2026
A must read
A really superb read fantastic character, who develop slowly the more you read the plot keeps you turning the pages and the end isn't what you expect fabulous book
A really superb read fantastic character, who develop slowly the more you read the plot keeps you turning the pages and the end isn't what you expect fabulous book
May 7, 2026
Wow what a book this had me going right until the very last pages absolutely brilliant read.
May 13, 2026
You let me in
Well written with a twist at the end. Gave me a shock. Carry on the good work. Well done. Love you books
Well written with a twist at the end. Gave me a shock. Carry on the good work. Well done. Love you books
May 14, 2026
could not put this book down
This is a very intriguing story of a marriage being torn apart by a marriage counselor with a wicked twist!
This is a very intriguing story of a marriage being torn apart by a marriage counselor with a wicked twist!
May 19, 2026
SHOCKED
The ending twist was totally unexpected and deliciously executed!
I will surely continue to read books written by AJ Carter!
The ending twist was totally unexpected and deliciously executed!
I will surely continue to read books written by AJ Carter!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews