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Don't Let Her In
Lesley seems like a perfectly normal woman. Until you ask her to leave.
Gillian wants to do right by her elderly Aunt Myra. A safe nursing home. Daily visits. A peaceful final chapter for the woman who has been like a mother to her.
A plan that’s derailed when a stranger turns up on the doorstep claiming to be Myra's long-lost niece, Lesley. She says she’s here to look after Myra.
Within days, Myra’s bank accounts are being drained and Lesley has taken full control of the house. And Gillian—the woman who has always been there for Myra—isn't allowed through the door.
When she demands to see her aunt, the threats begin. Smashed windows. A slashed tire. Headlights chasing her down a lonely country road.
But Gillian isn’t backing off.
Suspicious that Lesley isn’t who she says she is, Gillian digs into her past. And discovers a secret far more horrifying than anything she could have imagined.
A chilling, twist-laden thriller about the people we let through the door, and what they take when we do.
Don’t Let Her In – the shocking psychological thriller, perfect for fans of B.A. Paris, Shari Lapena, and Lesley Pearse.
Gillian wants to do right by her elderly Aunt Myra. A safe nursing home. Daily visits. A peaceful final chapter for the woman who has been like a mother to her.
A plan that’s derailed when a stranger turns up on the doorstep claiming to be Myra's long-lost niece, Lesley. She says she’s here to look after Myra.
Within days, Myra’s bank accounts are being drained and Lesley has taken full control of the house. And Gillian—the woman who has always been there for Myra—isn't allowed through the door.
When she demands to see her aunt, the threats begin. Smashed windows. A slashed tire. Headlights chasing her down a lonely country road.
But Gillian isn’t backing off.
Suspicious that Lesley isn’t who she says she is, Gillian digs into her past. And discovers a secret far more horrifying than anything she could have imagined.
A chilling, twist-laden thriller about the people we let through the door, and what they take when we do.
Don’t Let Her In – the shocking psychological thriller, perfect for fans of B.A. Paris, Shari Lapena, and Lesley Pearse.
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Published July 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 29, 2026
Upon finishing the story, I definitely understood how it got its title. This domestic thriller had a very unique premise as I do not see a lot of stories that focus on elderly financial abuse. I always enjoy stories that are a bit outside of the box and not our normal. The level of gaslighting in this story was unmatched! I was definitely anxious to see how it will all unfold and I enjoyed it. My first read by this author, and I am interested in more. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2026
A Plausible, Tense, and Unforgettable 5-Star Thriller!
I am incredibly thankful to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for providing me with a copy of Don’t Let Her In by J.M. O’Rourke. This book was an instant five-star read for me!
The plot line is downright relatable and terrifyingly possible, especially for anyone who has ever seen or heard stories of the elderly being taken advantage of by people who are so-called relatives.
O'Rourke creates vivid, memorable characters and an atmospheric setting that fully immerses you in the drama. Right from the start, there is a thick sense of tension that stretches across every single page before reaching an inevitable, breathless snap.
I truly loved everything about this book, but the ending was a particular standout. I cannot wait to explore more books by J.M. O’Rourke!
I am incredibly thankful to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for providing me with a copy of Don’t Let Her In by J.M. O’Rourke. This book was an instant five-star read for me!
The plot line is downright relatable and terrifyingly possible, especially for anyone who has ever seen or heard stories of the elderly being taken advantage of by people who are so-called relatives.
O'Rourke creates vivid, memorable characters and an atmospheric setting that fully immerses you in the drama. Right from the start, there is a thick sense of tension that stretches across every single page before reaching an inevitable, breathless snap.
I truly loved everything about this book, but the ending was a particular standout. I cannot wait to explore more books by J.M. O’Rourke!
June 27, 2026
When you’re used to seeing the best in people it’s hard to imagine that not everyone approaches life in the same way.
Don’t Let Her In is a fast-paced thriller exploring deception and the rising crime of elder abuse from the perspective of a character forced to watch her beloved aunt go through this awful experience. Gillian and her sisters have always looked out for their Aunt Myra, but as she ages it’s clear she’s getting more vulnerable. They have organised a care home, but when Myra’s long-lost niece Lesley turns up things go very badly wrong.
Within days Lesley and her family have taken Myra home. She starts sleeping lots and the guests suddenly acquire brand-new cars and start splashing the cash. Gillian and her sisters are convinced there’s something awful happening. But thinking it and proving it are very different matters.
The actual scenario is terrifying. To think that systems we trust all our lives would fail so acutely is shocking. Realising that, within days, someone could be defrauded of nearly half a million Euros and nobody would flag concerns is alarming. The emotional cost is also high.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication.
Don’t Let Her In is a fast-paced thriller exploring deception and the rising crime of elder abuse from the perspective of a character forced to watch her beloved aunt go through this awful experience. Gillian and her sisters have always looked out for their Aunt Myra, but as she ages it’s clear she’s getting more vulnerable. They have organised a care home, but when Myra’s long-lost niece Lesley turns up things go very badly wrong.
Within days Lesley and her family have taken Myra home. She starts sleeping lots and the guests suddenly acquire brand-new cars and start splashing the cash. Gillian and her sisters are convinced there’s something awful happening. But thinking it and proving it are very different matters.
The actual scenario is terrifying. To think that systems we trust all our lives would fail so acutely is shocking. Realising that, within days, someone could be defrauded of nearly half a million Euros and nobody would flag concerns is alarming. The emotional cost is also high.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication.
July 15, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ This was a good read, but it wasn't quite the psychological thriller I was expecting.
From the start, you pretty much know these people aren't who they claim to be. The real suspense isn't who the bad guys are, it's watching to see if they'll get away with it and how they'll eventually be exposed. I was completely invested in that part of the story. Can we also talk about Lesley? I wanted to reach through the pages and shake her. 😤 The way she treated everyone, especially poor Myra, had my blood pressure rising. And every time they said "Auntie Myra," I physically cringed. It just felt... wrong.
One thing that threw me off was how abruptly the story begins. You're dropped into the middle of everything with very little background, so it takes a while to figure out who's who and why everyone is behaving the way they are. The dialogue also uses a different dialect than I'm used to, which slowed me down at first until I found my rhythm. What kept me reading was Myra. My heart absolutely broke for her, and for the nieces who genuinely loved her and were trying so hard to protect her. They gave the story its emotional heart.
If you're looking for an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller, you may want to temper your expectations. This leans much more toward domestic suspense than a twist-heavy thriller. Even so, I enjoyed watching the lies unravel and seeing whether this fake family would finally get what was coming to them.
From the start, you pretty much know these people aren't who they claim to be. The real suspense isn't who the bad guys are, it's watching to see if they'll get away with it and how they'll eventually be exposed. I was completely invested in that part of the story. Can we also talk about Lesley? I wanted to reach through the pages and shake her. 😤 The way she treated everyone, especially poor Myra, had my blood pressure rising. And every time they said "Auntie Myra," I physically cringed. It just felt... wrong.
One thing that threw me off was how abruptly the story begins. You're dropped into the middle of everything with very little background, so it takes a while to figure out who's who and why everyone is behaving the way they are. The dialogue also uses a different dialect than I'm used to, which slowed me down at first until I found my rhythm. What kept me reading was Myra. My heart absolutely broke for her, and for the nieces who genuinely loved her and were trying so hard to protect her. They gave the story its emotional heart.
If you're looking for an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller, you may want to temper your expectations. This leans much more toward domestic suspense than a twist-heavy thriller. Even so, I enjoyed watching the lies unravel and seeing whether this fake family would finally get what was coming to them.
July 21, 2026
I’ve read this thriller on the edge of my seat!
It’s a good story, brilliant character building and the mysterious suspense building up towards the end!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s a good story, brilliant character building and the mysterious suspense building up towards the end!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2026
Unfortunately I did not enjoy this book. While it had potential to be a gripping thriller, it lacked depth, character development, and the suspense needed to make it so. It felt far too long for the events that actually happened.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of *Don’t Let Her In* by J.M. O’Rourke in exchange for an honest review.
The storyline itself was very interesting and had a strong enough premise to keep me curious about where things were going. There was definitely potential here for a tense, unsettling psychological thriller, and the central idea had enough intrigue to make me want to continue reading. The plot moved quickly, and there were moments where I could see what the book was trying to achieve in terms of suspense and mystery.
However, my main issue with the book was the lack of character development. There was absolutely no real character building or deeper exploration of the characters’ lives, personalities, histories, or motivations. Because of that, I found it difficult to connect with them or feel emotionally invested in what was happening. Even with Gillian, the main character, I felt as though we only saw her on the surface. Her job, her background, her clients, her previous career, and her personal life could all have been explored in much more depth. Instead, it felt like the book was running forward with the main storyline without branching out enough to let us understand who these people really were.
The same applied to the supporting characters. They existed within the plot, but they did not feel fully formed. In a thriller like this, especially one that relies on tension, suspicion and emotional reactions, I think the characters need to feel more layered. I wanted to understand their lifestyles, their fears, their relationships and the reasons behind their behaviour. Without that, the twists and events did not land as strongly as they could have.
Overall, *Don’t Let Her In* had an interesting concept and a storyline with real potential, but it lacked the depth I needed to properly connect with the characters or become fully absorbed in the book. It felt more plot-driven than character-driven, and for me, the lack of emotional depth made it difficult to enjoy as much as I hoped.
I would give this 2 stars.
The storyline itself was very interesting and had a strong enough premise to keep me curious about where things were going. There was definitely potential here for a tense, unsettling psychological thriller, and the central idea had enough intrigue to make me want to continue reading. The plot moved quickly, and there were moments where I could see what the book was trying to achieve in terms of suspense and mystery.
However, my main issue with the book was the lack of character development. There was absolutely no real character building or deeper exploration of the characters’ lives, personalities, histories, or motivations. Because of that, I found it difficult to connect with them or feel emotionally invested in what was happening. Even with Gillian, the main character, I felt as though we only saw her on the surface. Her job, her background, her clients, her previous career, and her personal life could all have been explored in much more depth. Instead, it felt like the book was running forward with the main storyline without branching out enough to let us understand who these people really were.
The same applied to the supporting characters. They existed within the plot, but they did not feel fully formed. In a thriller like this, especially one that relies on tension, suspicion and emotional reactions, I think the characters need to feel more layered. I wanted to understand their lifestyles, their fears, their relationships and the reasons behind their behaviour. Without that, the twists and events did not land as strongly as they could have.
Overall, *Don’t Let Her In* had an interesting concept and a storyline with real potential, but it lacked the depth I needed to properly connect with the characters or become fully absorbed in the book. It felt more plot-driven than character-driven, and for me, the lack of emotional depth made it difficult to enjoy as much as I hoped.
I would give this 2 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 3.5⭐ (rounded to 4⭐ where half stars aren't available)
Don't Let Her In is a slow-burn domestic thriller that builds steadily towards a tense and satisfying final act. While it took me a while to fully invest in the story, I'm glad I stuck with it.
The premise immediately caught my attention. An elderly woman is manipulated by someone claiming to be family, leaving her real support system powerless to intervene. It shines a light on a frightening reality: how easily vulnerable people can be exploited and how the law can sometimes fall short when it comes to protecting them. That aspect of the story felt believable and was one of its strongest elements.
For me, the pacing was the biggest hurdle. The first three-quarters of the book moved quite slowly, and although I enjoyed the overall story, I found parts of it predictable. Around the 75% mark, however, everything came together. From that point on, the tension ramped up, the stakes felt much higher, and I ended up reading the rest in one sitting.
This felt like a very plot-driven thriller, which I didn't mind at all. The central mystery kept me turning the pages, but I did feel some of the character development took a back seat. There were a few characters who seemed like they would play a bigger role, only to fade into the background. By the time certain revelations arrived, I'd already guessed where things were heading, and because some of those characters hadn't been developed enough, the twists didn't have quite the emotional impact they could have had.
Overall, I enjoyed Don't Let Her In. It may not have surprised me as much as I'd hoped, but it delivered an engaging premise, an important underlying message about protecting vulnerable people, and a gripping final quarter that made the slower build worthwhile. If you enjoy character-light, plot-driven domestic thrillers with a slow-burn pace and plenty of tension, this is well worth picking up.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Don't Let Her In is a slow-burn domestic thriller that builds steadily towards a tense and satisfying final act. While it took me a while to fully invest in the story, I'm glad I stuck with it.
The premise immediately caught my attention. An elderly woman is manipulated by someone claiming to be family, leaving her real support system powerless to intervene. It shines a light on a frightening reality: how easily vulnerable people can be exploited and how the law can sometimes fall short when it comes to protecting them. That aspect of the story felt believable and was one of its strongest elements.
For me, the pacing was the biggest hurdle. The first three-quarters of the book moved quite slowly, and although I enjoyed the overall story, I found parts of it predictable. Around the 75% mark, however, everything came together. From that point on, the tension ramped up, the stakes felt much higher, and I ended up reading the rest in one sitting.
This felt like a very plot-driven thriller, which I didn't mind at all. The central mystery kept me turning the pages, but I did feel some of the character development took a back seat. There were a few characters who seemed like they would play a bigger role, only to fade into the background. By the time certain revelations arrived, I'd already guessed where things were heading, and because some of those characters hadn't been developed enough, the twists didn't have quite the emotional impact they could have had.
Overall, I enjoyed Don't Let Her In. It may not have surprised me as much as I'd hoped, but it delivered an engaging premise, an important underlying message about protecting vulnerable people, and a gripping final quarter that made the slower build worthwhile. If you enjoy character-light, plot-driven domestic thrillers with a slow-burn pace and plenty of tension, this is well worth picking up.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this book!
It gripped me from the first chapter. I read it in one sitting, or lying down - and only got to sleep at 2am...
But anyway, it is an interesting twisty book. Sad, emotional, chilling. Dealing with elder abuse, bullying and lots of deception.
It was really sad that social workers and police couldn't do anything about the situation.
Gillian and her sisters, Helen and Sheila are kind and caring people, and I really like that the townspeople respect them and don't believe anything that Lesley and Robbie say. Gillian is a strong independent woman. A bit prone to jumping in hot headed, but I understand that. Her sisters keep her calm most of the time.
She has gut feelings, and trusts those feelings.
Lesley and her lot are the complete opposite. Vile, deceitful angry people.
The writing in this novel flows beautifully. Despite the Scottish words, I understood what they were saying, but there were a couple of words I had to look up.
Like I say, I loved the book, it was easy to follow, and while there were a lot of characters, it was easy to keep up with them. I didn't have to take notes, which is often the case with some books with a multitude of characters.
Emotional. I felt the love that Gillian had for her Aunt Myra, and the extreme hurt she felt when she was barred from seeing her Aunt.
Chilling. Elder abuse takes place everywhere. It enrages me, because often the elders have dementia. And often, reporting this doesn't bear fruit, and the old people are ripped off by unscrupulous family members.
I recommend. I would say if you like a mixture of Danielle Steel, Diane Chamberlain and any psychological thriller writer, this book is for you.
5/5 stars from me.
It gripped me from the first chapter. I read it in one sitting, or lying down - and only got to sleep at 2am...
But anyway, it is an interesting twisty book. Sad, emotional, chilling. Dealing with elder abuse, bullying and lots of deception.
It was really sad that social workers and police couldn't do anything about the situation.
Gillian and her sisters, Helen and Sheila are kind and caring people, and I really like that the townspeople respect them and don't believe anything that Lesley and Robbie say. Gillian is a strong independent woman. A bit prone to jumping in hot headed, but I understand that. Her sisters keep her calm most of the time.
She has gut feelings, and trusts those feelings.
Lesley and her lot are the complete opposite. Vile, deceitful angry people.
The writing in this novel flows beautifully. Despite the Scottish words, I understood what they were saying, but there were a couple of words I had to look up.
Like I say, I loved the book, it was easy to follow, and while there were a lot of characters, it was easy to keep up with them. I didn't have to take notes, which is often the case with some books with a multitude of characters.
Emotional. I felt the love that Gillian had for her Aunt Myra, and the extreme hurt she felt when she was barred from seeing her Aunt.
Chilling. Elder abuse takes place everywhere. It enrages me, because often the elders have dementia. And often, reporting this doesn't bear fruit, and the old people are ripped off by unscrupulous family members.
I recommend. I would say if you like a mixture of Danielle Steel, Diane Chamberlain and any psychological thriller writer, this book is for you.
5/5 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars. This is my first time reading this author's work but I do have another book on my tbr list.
Gillian, Helen, and Sheila discussed a better arrangement for Aunty Myra, who had gotten older and needed care. She was to the point that she couldn't live at home by herself any longer so she was moved into a nursing home. Shortly after that people arrive unexpectedly, supposedly family of Myra's and things change quickly as they move into Myra's home. Gillian had always felt at home in Myra's house but now things have changed. The bad vibes and tension start there. Leslie and her crew are very intimidating and very much into trying to get what money they can out of Myra. Leslie and Robbie remove Myra from the nursing home and bring her home and things go downhill from there. Gillian is still trying to look out for Myra and there is conflict and things that happen due to that conflict. I don't want to say much more as to give any spoilers.
This is very much a book that has themes of elderly abuse, manipulation, and con artistry. The story didn't overly wow me, but I did enjoy the reading of it. There was very much some tension in the story and also the thoughts of what is going to happen next and what the outcome was going to be. It was kind of thought provoking as to what people will do to defraud others out of money and so sad that people would take advantage of the elderly.
Thank you Netgalley and Inkubator Books for the complimentary copy of the story.
Gillian, Helen, and Sheila discussed a better arrangement for Aunty Myra, who had gotten older and needed care. She was to the point that she couldn't live at home by herself any longer so she was moved into a nursing home. Shortly after that people arrive unexpectedly, supposedly family of Myra's and things change quickly as they move into Myra's home. Gillian had always felt at home in Myra's house but now things have changed. The bad vibes and tension start there. Leslie and her crew are very intimidating and very much into trying to get what money they can out of Myra. Leslie and Robbie remove Myra from the nursing home and bring her home and things go downhill from there. Gillian is still trying to look out for Myra and there is conflict and things that happen due to that conflict. I don't want to say much more as to give any spoilers.
This is very much a book that has themes of elderly abuse, manipulation, and con artistry. The story didn't overly wow me, but I did enjoy the reading of it. There was very much some tension in the story and also the thoughts of what is going to happen next and what the outcome was going to be. It was kind of thought provoking as to what people will do to defraud others out of money and so sad that people would take advantage of the elderly.
Thank you Netgalley and Inkubator Books for the complimentary copy of the story.
July 14, 2026
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
As a massive thriller fan, it takes a lot to genuinely unnerve me, but Don't Let Her In absolutely did the trick. The setup hits incredibly close to home, tapping into that visceral, deep-seated fear of someone manipulative worming their way into a vulnerable loved one's life and completely locking you out.
The pacing in this book is relentless. From the second Lesley appears on Aunt Myra’s doorstep claiming to be a long-lost niece, the tension starts ratcheting up. J.M. O'Rourke does a brilliant job of making Lesley feel utterly suffocating. Watching her drain the bank accounts and take total control of the house while completely gaslighting and freezing out Gillian made my blood boil in the best way possible.
What I loved most was Gillian’s grit. When the intimidation tactics start—slashed tires, smashed windows, and a terrifying car chase down a dark country road—she doesn't just crumble and hide. She digs in her heels.
My only slight gripe, and the reason it’s a strong 4 stars instead of a 5, is that a couple of the twists toward the end required a bit of a leap in logic. But honestly, the shock value and the sheer momentum of the plot more than made up for it. The final secret Gillian uncovers is beautifully dark and kept me flipping pages late into the night.
If you love a fast-paced domestic thriller with a fiercely determined protagonist and a villain you will absolutely hate, do not skip this one. Just maybe double-check your locks before you start reading.
As a massive thriller fan, it takes a lot to genuinely unnerve me, but Don't Let Her In absolutely did the trick. The setup hits incredibly close to home, tapping into that visceral, deep-seated fear of someone manipulative worming their way into a vulnerable loved one's life and completely locking you out.
The pacing in this book is relentless. From the second Lesley appears on Aunt Myra’s doorstep claiming to be a long-lost niece, the tension starts ratcheting up. J.M. O'Rourke does a brilliant job of making Lesley feel utterly suffocating. Watching her drain the bank accounts and take total control of the house while completely gaslighting and freezing out Gillian made my blood boil in the best way possible.
What I loved most was Gillian’s grit. When the intimidation tactics start—slashed tires, smashed windows, and a terrifying car chase down a dark country road—she doesn't just crumble and hide. She digs in her heels.
My only slight gripe, and the reason it’s a strong 4 stars instead of a 5, is that a couple of the twists toward the end required a bit of a leap in logic. But honestly, the shock value and the sheer momentum of the plot more than made up for it. The final secret Gillian uncovers is beautifully dark and kept me flipping pages late into the night.
If you love a fast-paced domestic thriller with a fiercely determined protagonist and a villain you will absolutely hate, do not skip this one. Just maybe double-check your locks before you start reading.
July 13, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This book wastes no time getting started. From the opening chapters, I was pulled straight into the story as Gillian is woken by a disturbance at the home of her beloved Aunt Myra and comes face to face with Lesley—a woman claiming to be Myra's neice by blood relation.
From the moment Lesley appears, Gillian senses something wasn't right, and quickly became the driving force behind a gripping psychological game of cat and mouse.
What I enjoyed most about this book was its pacing. The story moves quickly, with each chapter revealing new developments, tensions, and questions. There was never a point where the it felt like it was dragging.
The subject matter was particularly compelling. The novel explores the very real issue of cuckooing, which is becoming increasingly common and does so in a way that feels both believable and unsettling. What makes the story especially effective is how easily the situation unfolds, despite the involvement of caring family members and well-meaning authorities. It serves as a sobering reminder of how vulnerable people can be manipulated and isolated.
Alongside the suspense, the book shines a light on this important issue while remaining an entertaining and engaging thriller. The tension builds steadily throughout, and I was fully invested in uncovering the truth behind Lesley and her motives.
A fast-paced, twisty psychological thriller with an intriguing premise and a timely message.
This book wastes no time getting started. From the opening chapters, I was pulled straight into the story as Gillian is woken by a disturbance at the home of her beloved Aunt Myra and comes face to face with Lesley—a woman claiming to be Myra's neice by blood relation.
From the moment Lesley appears, Gillian senses something wasn't right, and quickly became the driving force behind a gripping psychological game of cat and mouse.
What I enjoyed most about this book was its pacing. The story moves quickly, with each chapter revealing new developments, tensions, and questions. There was never a point where the it felt like it was dragging.
The subject matter was particularly compelling. The novel explores the very real issue of cuckooing, which is becoming increasingly common and does so in a way that feels both believable and unsettling. What makes the story especially effective is how easily the situation unfolds, despite the involvement of caring family members and well-meaning authorities. It serves as a sobering reminder of how vulnerable people can be manipulated and isolated.
Alongside the suspense, the book shines a light on this important issue while remaining an entertaining and engaging thriller. The tension builds steadily throughout, and I was fully invested in uncovering the truth behind Lesley and her motives.
A fast-paced, twisty psychological thriller with an intriguing premise and a timely message.
July 16, 2026
3.5 Stars.
I thought this book would be a 5 stars for me but the last 30% lacked what I wanted from this book.
This book is about a girl named Gillian who puts her aunt into a nursing home because she is starting to get confused. One day there is a woman who shows up named Lesley, who claims to be Aunt Myra's long lost niece. She decides to take Aunt Myra out of the nursing home and back to her own home where her husband and grandkids are. Gillian is no longer allowed to see Aunt Myra, this drives her crazy and she tries everything in her power to see her Aunt.
Gillian finds out some things that are happening while the family is staying with Aunt Myra as well as some things from their past that she unburies.
This book started so strong and I had no idea who to believe throughout the whole thing. I did question a few people's motives. I believe this story dragged on at the end, not in a bad way just more so in a way that didn't need to go on. I did figure out one of the twist but it did not deter me from enjoying this read.
I loved Gillian's sisters in this story and the character development that many of the characters had.
I would read another book from this author and I would recommend this book for people who like B.A. Paris.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of *Don’t Let Her In* by J.M. O’Rourke in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this book would be a 5 stars for me but the last 30% lacked what I wanted from this book.
This book is about a girl named Gillian who puts her aunt into a nursing home because she is starting to get confused. One day there is a woman who shows up named Lesley, who claims to be Aunt Myra's long lost niece. She decides to take Aunt Myra out of the nursing home and back to her own home where her husband and grandkids are. Gillian is no longer allowed to see Aunt Myra, this drives her crazy and she tries everything in her power to see her Aunt.
Gillian finds out some things that are happening while the family is staying with Aunt Myra as well as some things from their past that she unburies.
This book started so strong and I had no idea who to believe throughout the whole thing. I did question a few people's motives. I believe this story dragged on at the end, not in a bad way just more so in a way that didn't need to go on. I did figure out one of the twist but it did not deter me from enjoying this read.
I loved Gillian's sisters in this story and the character development that many of the characters had.
I would read another book from this author and I would recommend this book for people who like B.A. Paris.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of *Don’t Let Her In* by J.M. O’Rourke in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an Advance Reading Copy of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I wanted to love this one because it starts off so strong and keeps a remarkably fast pace. The chapters are short, the tension is immediate, and the initial setup builds a very gripping atmosphere right from the beginning. If you just want a quick, breezy read that moves fast on the surface, it definitely has that going for it.
Unfortunately, while the speed is there, the actual narrative momentum stalls out significantly in the middle. The plot gets trapped in a highly repetitive cycle where the main character is constantly trying to prove her suspicions against the obstacles mentioned in the synopsis. It honestly felt like the story was spinning its wheels rather than moving forward, which killed the suspense for me.
If you read a lot of psychological thrillers, you are probably going to find the overall mystery pretty predictable. The story follows a straight line exactly where you think it will go, without any of the clever twists, misdirection, or mind-bending surprises needed to truly reward you for sticking it out. It’s a fast binge, but ultimately a letdown for the genre.
#DontLetHerIn #NetGalley
I wanted to love this one because it starts off so strong and keeps a remarkably fast pace. The chapters are short, the tension is immediate, and the initial setup builds a very gripping atmosphere right from the beginning. If you just want a quick, breezy read that moves fast on the surface, it definitely has that going for it.
Unfortunately, while the speed is there, the actual narrative momentum stalls out significantly in the middle. The plot gets trapped in a highly repetitive cycle where the main character is constantly trying to prove her suspicions against the obstacles mentioned in the synopsis. It honestly felt like the story was spinning its wheels rather than moving forward, which killed the suspense for me.
If you read a lot of psychological thrillers, you are probably going to find the overall mystery pretty predictable. The story follows a straight line exactly where you think it will go, without any of the clever twists, misdirection, or mind-bending surprises needed to truly reward you for sticking it out. It’s a fast binge, but ultimately a letdown for the genre.
#DontLetHerIn #NetGalley
August 2, 2026
I want to preface this review by saying a huge thank you to the team at Inkubator Books and Netgalley for granting me access to this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I found the premise of this book to be super refreshing, as not a lot of thrillers focus on this type of abuse and setting. I was worried it would not quite live up to my expectations, but boy was I wrong! From the very first moment I started, I just couldn't stop.
Upon every page turn, I felt such a range of emotions and as the narrative continued to progress, I found myself wanting more and more answers. I honestly felt gaslit myself by J M O'Rourke, and it added such depth to my experience reading this one.
I felt so immersed in this novel, I felt as I was watching the chaos and destruction unfold, and I felt such deep feelings, something that feels quite rare in a thriller. I honestly just felt as though you could cut the tension with a knife.
Although this is literature, it felt so scary because of the realism of this situation; this can be so possible and it was really heart-wrenching at times to think that this happens in our lives.
Honestly, such a good read and one that makes you consider and evaluate the trust you have for people around you!
I found the premise of this book to be super refreshing, as not a lot of thrillers focus on this type of abuse and setting. I was worried it would not quite live up to my expectations, but boy was I wrong! From the very first moment I started, I just couldn't stop.
Upon every page turn, I felt such a range of emotions and as the narrative continued to progress, I found myself wanting more and more answers. I honestly felt gaslit myself by J M O'Rourke, and it added such depth to my experience reading this one.
I felt so immersed in this novel, I felt as I was watching the chaos and destruction unfold, and I felt such deep feelings, something that feels quite rare in a thriller. I honestly just felt as though you could cut the tension with a knife.
Although this is literature, it felt so scary because of the realism of this situation; this can be so possible and it was really heart-wrenching at times to think that this happens in our lives.
Honestly, such a good read and one that makes you consider and evaluate the trust you have for people around you!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Don't Let Her In by J.M. O'Rourke is a fast-paced, chilling, and deeply unsettling domestic thriller that shines a disturbing light on the rising crime of elder financial abuse.
The central premise is incredibly strong, immediately pulling the reader into a horrific, deceptive ordeal as protagonist Gillian watches her beloved aunt get targeted. However, the thriller elements don't pack as much punch as they should due to a distinct lack of character development. Gillian and the supporting cast feel entirely surface-level, lacking the layered complexity and personal depth needed for the story's themes of emotional betrayal and suspicion to truly resonate.
Despite the flat character notes, O'Rourke manages a large cast so smoothly that the narrative never gets confusing while maintaining a quick, suspenseful pace. What lingers most is the terrifying realism of the scenario, showcasing how catastrophically the systems we trust can fail our most vulnerable, allowing a devastating fraud of half a million Euros to happen in mere days. The vital message and the plot are absolutely there, and this sad, twisty read earns 3 chilling stars.
The central premise is incredibly strong, immediately pulling the reader into a horrific, deceptive ordeal as protagonist Gillian watches her beloved aunt get targeted. However, the thriller elements don't pack as much punch as they should due to a distinct lack of character development. Gillian and the supporting cast feel entirely surface-level, lacking the layered complexity and personal depth needed for the story's themes of emotional betrayal and suspicion to truly resonate.
Despite the flat character notes, O'Rourke manages a large cast so smoothly that the narrative never gets confusing while maintaining a quick, suspenseful pace. What lingers most is the terrifying realism of the scenario, showcasing how catastrophically the systems we trust can fail our most vulnerable, allowing a devastating fraud of half a million Euros to happen in mere days. The vital message and the plot are absolutely there, and this sad, twisty read earns 3 chilling stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for an arc of this in exchange for my honeys views.
Sadly this one wasn’t for me at all, and I really struggled to finish it as it was super slow paced and didn’t hold my attention at all. The main character is whiney, entitled and irritating, there is nothing about her that is likeable or makes you want to see her succeed, and the secondary characters are just as bad. The story goes nowhere - it feels like a diary of events rather than a story, with no twists or suspense, and some chapters are pointless fillers. There’s also a couple of glaring mistakes (appreciate it’s an arc but errors in terms of story rather than grammar etc), for example at one point they refer to a characters grandchild as a 6 month old baby, and a few pages later, the character bends down as the same grandchild runs towards her and throws himself at her laughing - no 6 month old does this!!!
I really wanted to DNF this but I don’t like doing that with arc’s as I want to give them a chance, but I did really struggle to finish this one and wouldn’t recommend at all
July 17, 2026
"Don't Let Her In" had an intriguing premise and an unsettling atmosphere that immediately pulled me in. The story does a good job of planting seeds of doubt, making it difficult to know who to trust, and I enjoyed the slow unraveling of the secrets at the heart of the novel.
First of all, I appreciated the focus on family dynamics and psychological manipulation over cheap thrills. The tension comes from relationships and hidden agendas rather than nonstop action, which will appeal to readers who enjoy slower-burning domestic suspense, which I suprisingly enjoyed for this book. However, the execution of the premise didn't quite live up to the promise to me. While the suspense was steady, the pacing felt a tad uneven in places, and I found myself wanting a little more depth from the characters to fully connect with their choices and motivations more. Some of the twists were effective, but others felt predictable or didn't have the impact I was hoping for.
I'd recommend this to fans of character-driven psychological suspense who don't mind a more measured pace.
First of all, I appreciated the focus on family dynamics and psychological manipulation over cheap thrills. The tension comes from relationships and hidden agendas rather than nonstop action, which will appeal to readers who enjoy slower-burning domestic suspense, which I suprisingly enjoyed for this book. However, the execution of the premise didn't quite live up to the promise to me. While the suspense was steady, the pacing felt a tad uneven in places, and I found myself wanting a little more depth from the characters to fully connect with their choices and motivations more. Some of the twists were effective, but others felt predictable or didn't have the impact I was hoping for.
I'd recommend this to fans of character-driven psychological suspense who don't mind a more measured pace.
July 18, 2026
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Zooloo's Book Tours.
In this chilling psychological thriller, Gillian doesn't know what to make of the strange woman who arrives claiming to be her Aunt Myra's niece. She has never seen or heard of Lesley before, but before long, this stranger is taking over everything.
The suspense was there from the beginning, and it remained throughout the whole book. There was something about the characters and the way they interacted on the page that had me on the edge of her seat.
I felt that Gillian was an independent character and not a very social person; it seemed to me that she preferred to be alone but wasn't lonely. I liked that about her. The chapters were short, which meant I couldn't put the book to one side and finish it later; I never stopped wondering what might happen next.
If you're a thriller reader looking for a page turner that's easy to read in one sitting, add this to your TBR.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
In this chilling psychological thriller, Gillian doesn't know what to make of the strange woman who arrives claiming to be her Aunt Myra's niece. She has never seen or heard of Lesley before, but before long, this stranger is taking over everything.
The suspense was there from the beginning, and it remained throughout the whole book. There was something about the characters and the way they interacted on the page that had me on the edge of her seat.
I felt that Gillian was an independent character and not a very social person; it seemed to me that she preferred to be alone but wasn't lonely. I liked that about her. The chapters were short, which meant I couldn't put the book to one side and finish it later; I never stopped wondering what might happen next.
If you're a thriller reader looking for a page turner that's easy to read in one sitting, add this to your TBR.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
June 29, 2026
Gillian was shocked when she discovered dastardly "relatives" moving in to her Aunty Myra's house in the countryside. Her aunt was a new resident of a care home and had never mentioned them. But things got stranger and stranger as Gillian started to research the couple and their two grandsons. Elder abuse and other forms of abuse are chilling and convincing.
The blurb for Don't Let Her In sounded incredible! At first, the story absorbed all of my attention and I really enjoyed the premise. I liked the bond between the three sisters. But as time went on, I did not feel like I knew the characters any better so my attention started to wane. The graphic scene between the main character and her love interest was unnecessary. The novel is beautifully and interestingly written but wasn’t enough to win me over. The ending did not surprise me, either. Sad to say, this book just wasn't a good fit but it may be precisely what other readers are looking for!
The blurb for Don't Let Her In sounded incredible! At first, the story absorbed all of my attention and I really enjoyed the premise. I liked the bond between the three sisters. But as time went on, I did not feel like I knew the characters any better so my attention started to wane. The graphic scene between the main character and her love interest was unnecessary. The novel is beautifully and interestingly written but wasn’t enough to win me over. The ending did not surprise me, either. Sad to say, this book just wasn't a good fit but it may be precisely what other readers are looking for!
July 31, 2026
Did not really care for this one, honestly. First of all the Scottish dialect was a bit irritating. I LOVE the Scottish accent in person but on paper it's just annoying to read. Second, the plot was not all that interesting. It didn't make a lot of sense as to why Lesley would harass Gillian instead of be friends. The old keep your friends close and your enemies closer adage. Also, how I pretty much know whether a book will be thrilling for me to read is if it grabs me from the very first page (sometimes I will give it the first chapter on occasion) and keeps me wanting to turn the pages and stay up late to find up what happened. This book did none of that. It did not grab me from the first, nor did it make me want to stay up past my bedtime and read. I literally just didn't care. A dull read for me. And I bought the paperback... which Goodreads did not give me the option of selecting that format.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to J. M. O’Rourke, the publisher, and NetGalley for the advance copy.
I was hooked by the characters more than anything with this one. I kept wanting to know more about Gillian, Lesley, and Aunty Mara, and that curiosity was what kept me turning the pages.
I also really enjoyed J. M. O’Rourke’s writing style. It was easy to settle into, and even when I wasn’t completely sure where the story was heading, I was happy to keep following it. The twists were good and definitely kept things interesting, although they didn’t completely wow me or end up being as memorable as I’d hoped.
Overall, I enjoyed reading it and would happily recommend it to thriller readers looking for an engaging mystery with plenty of questions along the way. I’d definitely read another book by J. M. O’Rourke.
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ 3.5 stars
I was hooked by the characters more than anything with this one. I kept wanting to know more about Gillian, Lesley, and Aunty Mara, and that curiosity was what kept me turning the pages.
I also really enjoyed J. M. O’Rourke’s writing style. It was easy to settle into, and even when I wasn’t completely sure where the story was heading, I was happy to keep following it. The twists were good and definitely kept things interesting, although they didn’t completely wow me or end up being as memorable as I’d hoped.
Overall, I enjoyed reading it and would happily recommend it to thriller readers looking for an engaging mystery with plenty of questions along the way. I’d definitely read another book by J. M. O’Rourke.
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ 3.5 stars
July 17, 2026
Y’all, Don’t Let Her In had me questioning every unexpected knock at the door. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gillian just wants to protect her beloved Aunt Myra, but everything changes when a woman named Lesley arrives claiming to be Myra’s long-lost niece. Before long, Myra’s money is disappearing, Gillian is locked out, and the threats start piling up. The deeper Gillian digs, the darker the truth becomes.
J.M. O’Rourke delivers a tense, twisty thriller with sharp writing, steady suspense, and a villain who is as unsettling as she is believable. While I wanted a couple of twists to hit a little harder, the gripping mystery, family secrets, and nonstop tension kept me turning the pages. If you love domestic thrillers where trust is the most dangerous gamble, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gillian just wants to protect her beloved Aunt Myra, but everything changes when a woman named Lesley arrives claiming to be Myra’s long-lost niece. Before long, Myra’s money is disappearing, Gillian is locked out, and the threats start piling up. The deeper Gillian digs, the darker the truth becomes.
J.M. O’Rourke delivers a tense, twisty thriller with sharp writing, steady suspense, and a villain who is as unsettling as she is believable. While I wanted a couple of twists to hit a little harder, the gripping mystery, family secrets, and nonstop tension kept me turning the pages. If you love domestic thrillers where trust is the most dangerous gamble, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2026
Trust Family..???
This was a fantastic story that I think has 'roots' to my family! Not really, but the undertone of believing that all family is trustworthy just because they are family... I think most families have some kind of crack in the foundation that allows for untrustworthiness.
With that said, I was really at a loss of how the niece got a key from Aunty, yet Aunt Myra had not talked about it, nor about many other things.
The ending was one that was bittersweet. Aunt Myra was a great character, and it was upsetting to read the things she went through.
Thank you, J.M. O'Rourke, for a great story.
I received a complimentary arc copy of this book and this is my honest review.
This was a fantastic story that I think has 'roots' to my family! Not really, but the undertone of believing that all family is trustworthy just because they are family... I think most families have some kind of crack in the foundation that allows for untrustworthiness.
With that said, I was really at a loss of how the niece got a key from Aunty, yet Aunt Myra had not talked about it, nor about many other things.
The ending was one that was bittersweet. Aunt Myra was a great character, and it was upsetting to read the things she went through.
Thank you, J.M. O'Rourke, for a great story.
I received a complimentary arc copy of this book and this is my honest review.
July 18, 2026
Don’t Let Her In is a sharp, psychological thriller based in a small village in Ireland.
Gillian’s Aunt Myra is living in a nursing home, when suddenly some long lost family members turn up and lay claim to her empty home. For Gillian, something doesn’t add up. She’s never met these people before, but her Aunt seems happy to leave the nursing home and let them take care of her. Soon, unpleasant things start happening to Gillian, but are the new people responsible? Or is she losing her mind?
I enjoyed this. Short chapters, great pacing. I started to question certain characters, but didn’t manage to predict the ending.
Gillian’s Aunt Myra is living in a nursing home, when suddenly some long lost family members turn up and lay claim to her empty home. For Gillian, something doesn’t add up. She’s never met these people before, but her Aunt seems happy to leave the nursing home and let them take care of her. Soon, unpleasant things start happening to Gillian, but are the new people responsible? Or is she losing her mind?
I enjoyed this. Short chapters, great pacing. I started to question certain characters, but didn’t manage to predict the ending.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book had me feeling all the feels. Watching someone slowly take over an elderly relative’s life while everyone else is pushed away was genuinely upsetting. I kept putting myself in Gillian’s position, wondering how far I’d go if it was someone in my own family. There were some real shocking twists throughout, and I found this one hard to put down.
What stayed with me most is how realistic it felt. You hear stories like this in real life, and that’s what made it so unsettling. Short chapters and a fast pace are always a winning combination for me, and this one kept me turning the pages.
What stayed with me most is how realistic it felt. You hear stories like this in real life, and that’s what made it so unsettling. Short chapters and a fast pace are always a winning combination for me, and this one kept me turning the pages.
July 12, 2026
This was an extremely fast paced read, it took me under a day to get through it! I really enjoyed it, there is a lot of story building and the suspense keeps you on your toes.
For me this was a unique thriller, there was a romance involved which is slowly built and it’s fit into the storyline in a smart way. There was a beautiful bond between the three sisters, they really stuck together and supported each other through everything and the disturbing events.
I would recommend this read if you like your thrillers with more suspense and emotion!
For me this was a unique thriller, there was a romance involved which is slowly built and it’s fit into the storyline in a smart way. There was a beautiful bond between the three sisters, they really stuck together and supported each other through everything and the disturbing events.
I would recommend this read if you like your thrillers with more suspense and emotion!
Read
July 14, 2026I was completely sucked in from the beginning it seemed as I turned each page it had another shocking stunt on it that kept me from putting the book down. Gillian & her sisters loved Aunty Myra very much and checked on her all the time so when her supposed family moved into her house and wouldn't let Gillian in it set alarm bells off In her head and dangerous things begin to happen. Jaw-dropping suspense is only the beginning in this story fear rates right up there too it's most definitely one helluva book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When Gillian is woken by loud noises next door where her aunt lived before going to a nursing home she’s surprised to find a long lost relative there. Great, right? But things do not go smoothly at all. She calls her sisters to help figure out what’s going on as the relationship progresses to downright hostile.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an Advance Reading Copy of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This book was missing something, I'm not sure what. The plot fell kind of flat for me and the characters lacked depth. While it was a quick read, it was predicatble and not really my favorite thriller read. I have to really be stumped to enjoy a thriller and I feel like this book was very cookie cutter thriller that it just left something to be desired.
This book was missing something, I'm not sure what. The plot fell kind of flat for me and the characters lacked depth. While it was a quick read, it was predicatble and not really my favorite thriller read. I have to really be stumped to enjoy a thriller and I feel like this book was very cookie cutter thriller that it just left something to be desired.
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