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Don't Let Me In
How do you escape when you’ve set your own trap?
From behind the locked door of her home, Sarah broadcasts her popular podcast. When she starts to seek the truth about the murder of a teenage girl 12 years earlier, she soon finds herself the centre of unwanted attention.
While trying to manage her agoraphobia, as well as the online trolls and her family life, Sarah begins to uncover some uncomfortable facts relating to the cold case.
As she edges closer to accusing someone of the murder, the online threats soon become physical and as the outside world draws closer and closer to her front door threatening her home, her family and her life, Sarah must decide between fight or flight…
From behind the locked door of her home, Sarah broadcasts her popular podcast. When she starts to seek the truth about the murder of a teenage girl 12 years earlier, she soon finds herself the centre of unwanted attention.
While trying to manage her agoraphobia, as well as the online trolls and her family life, Sarah begins to uncover some uncomfortable facts relating to the cold case.
As she edges closer to accusing someone of the murder, the online threats soon become physical and as the outside world draws closer and closer to her front door threatening her home, her family and her life, Sarah must decide between fight or flight…
- GenresPsychological Thriller
276 pages, ebook
First published October 22, 2018
168 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Phil Kurthausen
4 books21 followersPhil Kurthausen was brought up in Merseyside where he dreamt of being a novelist but ended up working as a lawyer. He has travelled the world working as a flower salesman, a light bulb repair technician and, though scared of heights, painting the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Ken Dodd once put him in a headlock for being annoying.
He has had work broadcast on BBC radio 4 extra, published award winning short stories and his novel ‘The Killing Pool’ won the Thriller Round in the Harper Collins People’s Novelist Competition broadcast on ITV in November 2011 and appeared in the final. It was later shortlisted for the Dundee International Literary Prize in 2012. He lives in Barcelona.
He has had work broadcast on BBC radio 4 extra, published award winning short stories and his novel ‘The Killing Pool’ won the Thriller Round in the Harper Collins People’s Novelist Competition broadcast on ITV in November 2011 and appeared in the final. It was later shortlisted for the Dundee International Literary Prize in 2012. He lives in Barcelona.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 21, 2018
Don't Let Me In is Phil Kurthausen's first standalone novel and on the whole, it's a compelling read that addresses some important issues, the most prominent of which is the main character Sarah's agoraphobia. Having had a friend who suffered from this debilitating mental illness, I liked that it helps to raise awareness of an often misunderstood health issue but also uses it to weave an interesting story. The tension in the second half of the book was palpable and had me reading faster and faster in order to ascertain what would eventually happen. There is action aplenty but Mr Kurthausen expertly manages each thread of the story so it never becomes confusing or convoluted.
Sarah is a memorable character as not only has she her agoraphobia to deal with but online trolls, a fairly detached and distant husband and her mission to find information to solve cold case murders, all feature heavily in her life. She is a well-developed character who is flawed and you really sympathise with her for what she is having to go through. Due to her inability to leave the house, she produces podcasts at home and her current podcast features her investigation into a girls death where she uncovers some vital information which could lead to the solving of the cold case from 12 years ago. It does take a while for you to warm up to the writing style but once you do it's a fantastic journey. With realistic characters, a gripping plot and the authentic portrayal of agoraphobia, this is certainly a twisty and unpredictable thriller. Oh, and I mustn't forget that ending! Wow! However, if you like your reads clean with no bad or potentially offensive language then this may be a novel to pass on, but I loved it!
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Sarah is a memorable character as not only has she her agoraphobia to deal with but online trolls, a fairly detached and distant husband and her mission to find information to solve cold case murders, all feature heavily in her life. She is a well-developed character who is flawed and you really sympathise with her for what she is having to go through. Due to her inability to leave the house, she produces podcasts at home and her current podcast features her investigation into a girls death where she uncovers some vital information which could lead to the solving of the cold case from 12 years ago. It does take a while for you to warm up to the writing style but once you do it's a fantastic journey. With realistic characters, a gripping plot and the authentic portrayal of agoraphobia, this is certainly a twisty and unpredictable thriller. Oh, and I mustn't forget that ending! Wow! However, if you like your reads clean with no bad or potentially offensive language then this may be a novel to pass on, but I loved it!
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
October 21, 2018
Sarah used to be a highly respected tv journalist until something bad happened to her almost a year ago,something so terrible that she developed a severe case of agoraphobia. Now she lives her life through social media and broadcasts pod casts from her studio in the basement of her home. Her latest series is about the murder twelve years earlier of teenager Lauren Green who's body was found in her car which was parked in a small car park surrounded by trees on a stretch of country park coastline along the river Dee. Lauren`s Muslim boyfriend Khalil Bakhari was eventually arrested,charged,tried and sentenced to life imprisonment for her murder. Khalil`s brother Mohammed and Sarah are convinced that Khalil is innocent and are working together to uncover the truth.
During the course of her investigation Sarah begins to uncover troubling information about the murder and soon finds herself the centre of unwanted attention,receiving online threats that very swiftly become physical. Soon not only Sarah's life is in danger but also her home and her family.
Voiced entirely by Sarah,this is a riveting thriller that had me hooked in from the very first page. Sarah was a complex and I`'ll be honest not very likeable character. Actually I didn't think any of the main characters had any redeemable qualities apart from Sarah's poor six year old son Finn and lil`bitch (what a absolutely wonderful name for a cat). The authors portrayals of Sarah's fear and anxieties when faced with the prospect of having to go outdoors even if it was only out in her back garden were realistic and believable. But were still not enough to cause me to feel any sympathy for her character. Interspersed throughout the book were Sarah's pod casts about Lauren`s murder,the facts about the case,the racial atmosphere and unrest at the time of Khalil`s arrest and trial. How the media and people on the internet judge people and decide they are guilty even before the trial begins. The uncomfortable truths that Sarah uncovers during her investigation. Is khalil innocent and if he is then who really killed Lauren and why? Who is Sarah's mysterious tormentor Frenchie? What happened to Sarah that she is now so terrified that she can even go out into her own back garden?
This is a compelling,well written,twisty thriller that held my attention throughout. Frantically turning the pages and totally gripped as the story unfolded before my eyes. It's keeps the reader guessing from the first page,right through to the heart pounding confrontation and the jaw dropping final chapter. This is the first book that I have read by this author and it most definitely will not be my last. Very highly recommended by little old me.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review
During the course of her investigation Sarah begins to uncover troubling information about the murder and soon finds herself the centre of unwanted attention,receiving online threats that very swiftly become physical. Soon not only Sarah's life is in danger but also her home and her family.
Voiced entirely by Sarah,this is a riveting thriller that had me hooked in from the very first page. Sarah was a complex and I`'ll be honest not very likeable character. Actually I didn't think any of the main characters had any redeemable qualities apart from Sarah's poor six year old son Finn and lil`bitch (what a absolutely wonderful name for a cat). The authors portrayals of Sarah's fear and anxieties when faced with the prospect of having to go outdoors even if it was only out in her back garden were realistic and believable. But were still not enough to cause me to feel any sympathy for her character. Interspersed throughout the book were Sarah's pod casts about Lauren`s murder,the facts about the case,the racial atmosphere and unrest at the time of Khalil`s arrest and trial. How the media and people on the internet judge people and decide they are guilty even before the trial begins. The uncomfortable truths that Sarah uncovers during her investigation. Is khalil innocent and if he is then who really killed Lauren and why? Who is Sarah's mysterious tormentor Frenchie? What happened to Sarah that she is now so terrified that she can even go out into her own back garden?
This is a compelling,well written,twisty thriller that held my attention throughout. Frantically turning the pages and totally gripped as the story unfolded before my eyes. It's keeps the reader guessing from the first page,right through to the heart pounding confrontation and the jaw dropping final chapter. This is the first book that I have read by this author and it most definitely will not be my last. Very highly recommended by little old me.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review
November 5, 2018
So, I read this book in one sitting ( more or less ) and what a book it is
Its a story about a journo, Sarah, who has become agoraphobic and suffering PTSD due to an intruder in her home a year ago and is now ‘podcasting’ and looking at ( she feels ) an unsafe murder conviction from a decade ago.....
I COULDNT STAND HER 😃 yet was drawn to her, from the off her feminist views were made known and her political leanings made clear and her views on everything from Islamaphobia to entitlement aired...all done from her leafy Hampstead home...yet she did what many of us do and ‘jangled’ her views to suit and would sometimes say something and then think the opposite, and for this ( and from someone who does this ) I LOVED HER!!!!
Her description of agoraphobia was very real and true and the real fear and panic described to a tee ( and again her ability to chastise herself for being as she was yet being unable to control it was brilliantly written), I admired her for this and the author for writing so honestly about it
She ( and other characters ) swore too much and yet her love for her cat Lil’Bitch showed her softer side ( Lil’Bitch prob had the biggest character role in a book I have read since Timmy in the Famous Five!)
Other characters in the book were as obnoxiously likeable as her!
Her podcasts were great and I loved that inclusion in the book and the actual story which at times was complex was well ordered so you could keep up to date with what was happening
Her love of pastries was lip lickingly described and her honest description of wanting full on good sex brave ( I realise I am writing this as if she was real!!, a good sign! )
She is stalked by the worst trollers and the messages they send her are not for the faint hearted!!
The last few chapters are breathtaking and the ending further from what I imagined as A is to Z, the last paragraph I re read just to make sure I had it right!!!
Its one of the rawest, more honest, annoying yet brilliant in places books I have read this year and without hesiatation would say if you are prepared for an unusual, full on, no holds barred book of real characters in a story of lies, murder, nastiness and honesty, buy it, settle yourself and be prepared!!
10/10 5 Stars
October 18, 2018
I am so frustrated after reading this book. I should be writing a positive review but my mind just drifts to the mistakes in the story.
If you watched a movie and an item was placed in a person's pocket but magically appeared in the hands of a person who is in a completely different part of the house your mind wanders to this mistake. If it happens over and over, the frustration builds.
I loved the storyline and I do think once the mistakes are polished up you are looking at a 4/5star rating. Unfortunately I can only award 3 stars as I don't know how so many mistakes can go unnoticed.
I would love to know other people's opinions after they have read this book. Thank you.
If you watched a movie and an item was placed in a person's pocket but magically appeared in the hands of a person who is in a completely different part of the house your mind wanders to this mistake. If it happens over and over, the frustration builds.
I loved the storyline and I do think once the mistakes are polished up you are looking at a 4/5star rating. Unfortunately I can only award 3 stars as I don't know how so many mistakes can go unnoticed.
I would love to know other people's opinions after they have read this book. Thank you.
October 27, 2018
I have only recently started to listen to the odd podcast and have to say that if there was one like the one that Sarah has in the book, well I would certainly listen to it. Who isn’t fascinated with a murder, even when it is twelve years ago when it happened?
It’s obvious from the start that something has happened to Sarah as she won’t leave her house. It’s like a safe haven of which with all the trolls on social media, in a way I couldn’t blame her for wanting to stay in the safety of her home. Her podcast seems to be upsetting a lot of people who don’t agree with her thoughts on the murder that happened. I was just as intrigued about the murder in her podcast as what had happened to her. Obviously I had to read on to find out more.
The story is one that is packed full of suspense. Did the police get it right with the man they put behind the bars? Like Sarah, I was beginning to think maybe not. She is very much like a dog with a bone as once she has got hold of it, no way is she going to leave it alone until she has got to the bottom of it.
I thought the story was very modern with the podcast theme which you don’t come across very often in books. It’s definitely something that is very current and the story flows well flitting from the podcasts and then back to Sarah.
Don’t Let Me In is a dark and twisted read that will ensure you keep turning those pages. I read it in one day as the author had me well and truly gripped and I was desperate to find out more about what had happened to Sarah as well as who did murder the teenage girl all those years ago. When it all comes out, well I was not disappointed and liked how the author keeps a few things up his sleeve that I never saw coming. A great read.
It’s obvious from the start that something has happened to Sarah as she won’t leave her house. It’s like a safe haven of which with all the trolls on social media, in a way I couldn’t blame her for wanting to stay in the safety of her home. Her podcast seems to be upsetting a lot of people who don’t agree with her thoughts on the murder that happened. I was just as intrigued about the murder in her podcast as what had happened to her. Obviously I had to read on to find out more.
The story is one that is packed full of suspense. Did the police get it right with the man they put behind the bars? Like Sarah, I was beginning to think maybe not. She is very much like a dog with a bone as once she has got hold of it, no way is she going to leave it alone until she has got to the bottom of it.
I thought the story was very modern with the podcast theme which you don’t come across very often in books. It’s definitely something that is very current and the story flows well flitting from the podcasts and then back to Sarah.
Don’t Let Me In is a dark and twisted read that will ensure you keep turning those pages. I read it in one day as the author had me well and truly gripped and I was desperate to find out more about what had happened to Sarah as well as who did murder the teenage girl all those years ago. When it all comes out, well I was not disappointed and liked how the author keeps a few things up his sleeve that I never saw coming. A great read.
December 20, 2018
This book dealt with the sensitive issue if agoraphobia, at one point of time, I was becoming one so I could really relate to the main character Sarah. She ran a podcast from home about an old murder case where she felt that the suspect was wrongly accused.
The book started off interestingly, and 8 loved the way Sarah dealt with her life. I loved the suspense parts of the 12 year old murder mystery.
Sarah was not a totally lovable character, there was swearing and few crude ways.. But the story was paced well and the last few pages went fast. I did guess the ending and there were continuity mistakes which irritated me, but overall a different read with a shocking ending
The book started off interestingly, and 8 loved the way Sarah dealt with her life. I loved the suspense parts of the 12 year old murder mystery.
Sarah was not a totally lovable character, there was swearing and few crude ways.. But the story was paced well and the last few pages went fast. I did guess the ending and there were continuity mistakes which irritated me, but overall a different read with a shocking ending
October 22, 2018
I’m going to be right up front. I did not really care for this book. The premise was okay, although familiar. It was exactly like the podcast “Serial.” Quite ironic, really, because in the real life podcast, a woman named Sarah investigates the murder of a high school girl who was strangled several years prior, and whose ex-boyfriend was convicted of the murder. So goes the plot of this book. I did not find the Sarah in the book to be particularly likeable, which made it difficult to care anything about what happened to her. I also think that one of the reveals was drawn out way too long; there was no suspense, just distraction. I did finish the book, but I had guessed two of the other reveals about one-third of the way through. I am sure there will be some people who love this book, but because of the reasons stated above, it just wasn’t for me. Thank you to NetGalley, Bloodhound Books, and the author for a digital ARC in return for an honest review.
October 24, 2018
To start with, Don’t Let Me In reminded me a wee bit of #SixStories by Matt Wesolowski with the investigative podcasts but that where the similarity ended. Yes, Sarah was exploring the possibility of a miscarriage of justice but this wasn’t the sole focus of this story. I learnt about Sarah and her family and the ripples her podcast cause with the evidence she shared and suggestions she makes.
I loved Sarah’s tenacity for justice and steeliness against the virtual trolls. But one question niggled me for a lot of the book – why doesn’t she leave the house? There were hints that something triggered her agoraphobia but I was intrigued what it was. I could see the stress this affliction puts on her relationship with not just her husband and her son but on her friendship circle and those she comes into contact with. I can’t imagine missing out on the key things on my family’s lives or being cooped up all day for days on end.
Being the crime fiction fan that I am, I was there trying to work out the two mysteries before me. Who was tormenting Sarah? How was this linked to the murder of Lauren all those years ago? Was the right man behind bars? So many questions were whizzing round my head as I sped through the pages!
What a climax!! Oh my oh my! I know some people might find that a little annoying but the author brought the whole book to an end with an almighty crescendo that is pretty darn impressive!
I’ve not read any of Mr Kurthausen’s books before but if they’re anything like Don’t Let Me In, I’ll be getting my grubby mitts on them!
I loved Sarah’s tenacity for justice and steeliness against the virtual trolls. But one question niggled me for a lot of the book – why doesn’t she leave the house? There were hints that something triggered her agoraphobia but I was intrigued what it was. I could see the stress this affliction puts on her relationship with not just her husband and her son but on her friendship circle and those she comes into contact with. I can’t imagine missing out on the key things on my family’s lives or being cooped up all day for days on end.
Being the crime fiction fan that I am, I was there trying to work out the two mysteries before me. Who was tormenting Sarah? How was this linked to the murder of Lauren all those years ago? Was the right man behind bars? So many questions were whizzing round my head as I sped through the pages!
What a climax!! Oh my oh my! I know some people might find that a little annoying but the author brought the whole book to an end with an almighty crescendo that is pretty darn impressive!
I’ve not read any of Mr Kurthausen’s books before but if they’re anything like Don’t Let Me In, I’ll be getting my grubby mitts on them!
June 30, 2019
Don't Let Me In by Phil Kurthausen @wecansaveferris
I have got this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Sarah is ex journalists who has her own broadcast in which she is trying to solve a murder which happend 12 years ago.
Don't Let Me In is very well written novel with fast and thrilling start! It's one of the novels which surprise you with a new twist in every chapter and the final twists are unpredictable! I really enjoyed the book and the only thing which I didn't like was the small font size as I prefer large fonts.
I had a bit struggle to decide how to rated this book as there are things which has triggered me and made me hate some of the characters but I have made my mind and rated the book 4.8/5 stars! The final twists are excatly how I love it, so that put the rating very high!
I would definitely recommend it to all thriller fans which like a lot of plot twists and shocking end!
I have got this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Sarah is ex journalists who has her own broadcast in which she is trying to solve a murder which happend 12 years ago.
Don't Let Me In is very well written novel with fast and thrilling start! It's one of the novels which surprise you with a new twist in every chapter and the final twists are unpredictable! I really enjoyed the book and the only thing which I didn't like was the small font size as I prefer large fonts.
I had a bit struggle to decide how to rated this book as there are things which has triggered me and made me hate some of the characters but I have made my mind and rated the book 4.8/5 stars! The final twists are excatly how I love it, so that put the rating very high!
I would definitely recommend it to all thriller fans which like a lot of plot twists and shocking end!
February 16, 2019
Do you listen to any Podcasts? It's definitely become a huge interest of mine and I go back and forth between podcasts and audiobooks on my drive to and from work. The idea of this book feels a bit like Serial, which is a bit of a gateway podcast for many people. The idea of doing investigative reporting on a case where the convicted, accused of killing his girlfriend, insists he is innocent. Add in the fact that Sarah, our main character, doesn't leave her house. There are breadcrumbs given as to why she doesn't but you don't find out the full details until nearly the end. I also found the inclusion of cyber-bullying quite interesting, especially showing how you can deal with it.
So what didn't I like? It did take a bit for me to get into it, even though it seemed like a perfect recipe it did feel as if it started a bit slow. I liked the majority of the characters, minus the obvious ones, but it did frustrate me how Sarah let her agoraphobia get in the way of her relationship with her husband and her son. Although that was a big frustrating, when you think about it, that's probably closer to how it would be in real life.
So really there wasn't much I didn't like. The cat's name (Lil Bitch) made me giggle every time. I really enjoyed the end, finding out multiple different twists that seemed to just keep coming. So many different twists that I just didn't see coming and made the last part of the book that much more enjoyable.
Biggest thanks to Bloodhound Books and Netgalley for allowing me a copy to read and give my honest review.
Read my full review here! https://booksandsassylilacs.com/book-...
So what didn't I like? It did take a bit for me to get into it, even though it seemed like a perfect recipe it did feel as if it started a bit slow. I liked the majority of the characters, minus the obvious ones, but it did frustrate me how Sarah let her agoraphobia get in the way of her relationship with her husband and her son. Although that was a big frustrating, when you think about it, that's probably closer to how it would be in real life.
So really there wasn't much I didn't like. The cat's name (Lil Bitch) made me giggle every time. I really enjoyed the end, finding out multiple different twists that seemed to just keep coming. So many different twists that I just didn't see coming and made the last part of the book that much more enjoyable.
Biggest thanks to Bloodhound Books and Netgalley for allowing me a copy to read and give my honest review.
Read my full review here! https://booksandsassylilacs.com/book-...
October 22, 2018
A former TV presenter, Sarah Kelly became agoraphobic after an attack in her own home. Creating a new career as the presenter of a true crime podcast, she has built quite a following as she looks into the murder conviction of a young man she believes is innocent.
Unfortunately, because the accused is a Muslim, hate trolls have come out in force. For the most part, Sarah takes the online invective with the ‘all attention is good’ attitude, but when one troll threatens her son, the fear comes up to swamp her again, and her husband, Henry, just doesn’t understand why she won’t give up her crusade.
The victim’s brother, Mohammed, is a close friend and supporter of Sarah, and her producer Cathy has her back too. Even these friends might not be able to protect her as she gets closer and closer to revealing the true killer’s identity, though.
The issues of online trolling (particularly of female journalists) and Islamophobia in the UK, both in 2005 when the murder occurred and today, are given some very close inspection through the lens of Sarah’s investigation and experiences. There is a great deal of thought put into examining these issues and their solutions, which was why I found the final reveal of the real murderer to be so massively disappointing.
I realised where the clues were pointing about halfway through the book and thought ‘oh no, please tell me this isn’t going there’... and then I was disappointed. I’m going to spoiler slightly by saying it was an Islamic honour killing, which was just so opposed to the sympathetic treatment the Muslim characters received through the book I felt thoroughly let down.
Does the author not understand that having this be the answer to the puzzle basically means the beliefs of the Islamophobes the heroine spent the entire book fighting against were VALIDATED? There were plenty of good candidates for the villain without playing right back into the trope the book spent the whole time trying to shoot down. And Sarah’s behaviour at the very end just made me thoroughly dislike a character I’d been rooting for all along.
While most of the book was well written and I found myself thoroughly engaged by the podcasts and the investigation, and sympathetic to Sarah’s issues, the end made me thoroughly lose my temper as all the author’s conscious and unconscious prejudices apparently boiled over. Two stars for thoroughly annoying me.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
Unfortunately, because the accused is a Muslim, hate trolls have come out in force. For the most part, Sarah takes the online invective with the ‘all attention is good’ attitude, but when one troll threatens her son, the fear comes up to swamp her again, and her husband, Henry, just doesn’t understand why she won’t give up her crusade.
The victim’s brother, Mohammed, is a close friend and supporter of Sarah, and her producer Cathy has her back too. Even these friends might not be able to protect her as she gets closer and closer to revealing the true killer’s identity, though.
The issues of online trolling (particularly of female journalists) and Islamophobia in the UK, both in 2005 when the murder occurred and today, are given some very close inspection through the lens of Sarah’s investigation and experiences. There is a great deal of thought put into examining these issues and their solutions, which was why I found the final reveal of the real murderer to be so massively disappointing.
I realised where the clues were pointing about halfway through the book and thought ‘oh no, please tell me this isn’t going there’... and then I was disappointed. I’m going to spoiler slightly by saying it was an Islamic honour killing, which was just so opposed to the sympathetic treatment the Muslim characters received through the book I felt thoroughly let down.
Does the author not understand that having this be the answer to the puzzle basically means the beliefs of the Islamophobes the heroine spent the entire book fighting against were VALIDATED? There were plenty of good candidates for the villain without playing right back into the trope the book spent the whole time trying to shoot down. And Sarah’s behaviour at the very end just made me thoroughly dislike a character I’d been rooting for all along.
While most of the book was well written and I found myself thoroughly engaged by the podcasts and the investigation, and sympathetic to Sarah’s issues, the end made me thoroughly lose my temper as all the author’s conscious and unconscious prejudices apparently boiled over. Two stars for thoroughly annoying me.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
October 24, 2018
Oooh this was a good read. Set out brilliantly and well written. It’s bound to keep the reader thinking and on the edge of their seat! I loved how the podcasts were part of the story so that the reader coule be a listener too and decide about the case and facts for themselves.
Poor Sarah is looking into an old murder case but not everyone is happy about that or agrees with her views. Because of this she has put herself into a vulnerable position to hate and harm, which I wouldn’t do. This has turned Sarah into an anxious, scared and lonely woman which is obviously within the first few chapters. I felt sorry for her.
A real page turner that has you searching for answers yourself. Will Sarah uncover new evidence? Get the police to reopen the case and look again? Or will it all get too much and too personal for her? Brilliant.
A well deserved four stars. Highly recommend!
Poor Sarah is looking into an old murder case but not everyone is happy about that or agrees with her views. Because of this she has put herself into a vulnerable position to hate and harm, which I wouldn’t do. This has turned Sarah into an anxious, scared and lonely woman which is obviously within the first few chapters. I felt sorry for her.
A real page turner that has you searching for answers yourself. Will Sarah uncover new evidence? Get the police to reopen the case and look again? Or will it all get too much and too personal for her? Brilliant.
A well deserved four stars. Highly recommend!
November 6, 2018
Sarah was once a tv journalist but after being attacked in her home she is now suffering from agoraphobia and continues to work through podcasts done from home. Her latest podcast is on a 12 year old murder case where the wrong man may be sitting in jail. I thought the premise sounded good and I enjoyed reading most of this book but somewhere along the way the story took a weird turn and I didn't find the second half of the book to be as interesting. All in all, it was an enjoyable read. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 17, 2018
Solid 4 stars. Strong start and an ending with a twist! The middle was a little boring and drawn out to me but all in all thriller of a book written like a podcast.
Thank you #NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you #NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 22, 2018
Don’t Let Me In is a gripping psychological thriller and very modern murder mystery.
It starts with a great, stark opening and I immediately warmed to Sarah: her thoughts and fears and anxieties. She is a great – if believably fallible – heroine. The supporting characters are all three-dimensional and the situations described – both in the historical case and the real-life present – are scarily realistic.
The Serial/Making-a-Murderer-esque podcast plot is compelling and runs nicely alongside the development of Sarah, her family and her personal situation. There are some frightening insights here into victims of social media trolling and misogyny.
There’s a good few twists in this story and, although I did predict one, I did not see the main ones coming. The book has both a rollercoaster finale and an additional sting in the tale, like the cherry on top. This is a great psychological mystery thriller and I would be intrigue to read more from Phil Kurthausen.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for the ARC of Don’t Let Me In.
It starts with a great, stark opening and I immediately warmed to Sarah: her thoughts and fears and anxieties. She is a great – if believably fallible – heroine. The supporting characters are all three-dimensional and the situations described – both in the historical case and the real-life present – are scarily realistic.
The Serial/Making-a-Murderer-esque podcast plot is compelling and runs nicely alongside the development of Sarah, her family and her personal situation. There are some frightening insights here into victims of social media trolling and misogyny.
There’s a good few twists in this story and, although I did predict one, I did not see the main ones coming. The book has both a rollercoaster finale and an additional sting in the tale, like the cherry on top. This is a great psychological mystery thriller and I would be intrigue to read more from Phil Kurthausen.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for the ARC of Don’t Let Me In.
October 8, 2018
I am not sure how I feel about this book. I read it quite fast but was I gripped all the way through? Nope. I think the plot just didn't "grab" me. My mind was wandering while I was reading it and that is never a good sign. However, that's not to say this book is bad. It just wasn't special, didn't stand out. A pretty standard thriller but I expect just a bit more.
October 22, 2018
Anybody who used social media knows that for all the positive interactions (sharing the book love!), there is also a much darker side and women who dare to put their head above the parapet will almost certainly attract the attention of trolls. Most of the death and rape threats will be empty threats of course; sent by agitators, gleefully trying to provoke a response but some may genuinely have a more malicious intent. At the start of Don't Let Me In, Sarah is unperturbed by her latest death threat; they've become a daily occurrence and she knows that as the police will do nothing, all she can do is block the sender. She formerly worked in television news but something has caused her to become agoraphobic and as a result she has started to record podcasts from her basement. She is still an investigative journalist at heart, of course and can't help but become interested in a cold case she is asked to look at. Twelve years previously, Khalil Bukhari was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Lauren and jailed for life. His brother, Mo is convinced of his innocence and hopes that Sarah's podcasts will flush out new evidence to convince the authorities that Khalil's conviction should be quashed.
Don't Let Me In blends the classic chills of a home invasion thriller with contemporary issues, from the aforementioned social media trolling to the ongoing rise in Islamophobia over the last couple of decades. Sarah's investigation into Lauren's murder means she invokes the wrath of the alt-right types who are furious that she is defending a Muslim man. As the book progresses, this theme is explored still further as it becomes clear that Khalil's arrest came at a time when the country was gripped by terror following the 7/7 bombings with the police perhaps unconsciously using racial profiling and accepting the testament of witnesses, while ignoring other lines of enquiry. The threats Sarah receives become increasingly sinister and there are some tense moments when she starts to wonder whether she is really safe at home.
The trigger for Sarah's agoraphobia isn't revealed until later in the story but it is plain that some traumatic event took place. However, it would also seem that Sarah has dark secrets of her own and her fears of the outside world aren't the only demons she must face as it becomes progressively obvious that her marriage is in trouble. Her husband, Henry is manipulative and resentful and their young son, Finn becomes caught up in the toxicity too. Sarah seems to be trapped in her marriage as much as she is trapped within the walls of her home but like many people, she still persists in maintaining a #soblessed persona online, sharing happy family pictures that were actually taken years ago but allow her to keep up the pretence that all is well.
The twists and turns throughout the novel meant I never quite knew who could be trusted. Sarah's predicament means that her investigation into the murder leaves her understandably paranoid but also increasingly vulnerable which leads to some terrifically nerve-wracking scenes. I wasn't surprised to learn that Phil Kurthausen has written TV and film screenplays because I was struck throughout by the thought that this would make a brilliant film. Don't Let Me In is dark, atmospheric and topical; I thoroughly recommend it to anybody looking for an intelligent thriller to set their pulses racing.
Don't Let Me In blends the classic chills of a home invasion thriller with contemporary issues, from the aforementioned social media trolling to the ongoing rise in Islamophobia over the last couple of decades. Sarah's investigation into Lauren's murder means she invokes the wrath of the alt-right types who are furious that she is defending a Muslim man. As the book progresses, this theme is explored still further as it becomes clear that Khalil's arrest came at a time when the country was gripped by terror following the 7/7 bombings with the police perhaps unconsciously using racial profiling and accepting the testament of witnesses, while ignoring other lines of enquiry. The threats Sarah receives become increasingly sinister and there are some tense moments when she starts to wonder whether she is really safe at home.
The trigger for Sarah's agoraphobia isn't revealed until later in the story but it is plain that some traumatic event took place. However, it would also seem that Sarah has dark secrets of her own and her fears of the outside world aren't the only demons she must face as it becomes progressively obvious that her marriage is in trouble. Her husband, Henry is manipulative and resentful and their young son, Finn becomes caught up in the toxicity too. Sarah seems to be trapped in her marriage as much as she is trapped within the walls of her home but like many people, she still persists in maintaining a #soblessed persona online, sharing happy family pictures that were actually taken years ago but allow her to keep up the pretence that all is well.
The twists and turns throughout the novel meant I never quite knew who could be trusted. Sarah's predicament means that her investigation into the murder leaves her understandably paranoid but also increasingly vulnerable which leads to some terrifically nerve-wracking scenes. I wasn't surprised to learn that Phil Kurthausen has written TV and film screenplays because I was struck throughout by the thought that this would make a brilliant film. Don't Let Me In is dark, atmospheric and topical; I thoroughly recommend it to anybody looking for an intelligent thriller to set their pulses racing.
October 25, 2018
Sarah Kelly was a respected TV journalist, until an attack in her own home left her housebound, crippled by agoraphobia and fear. A year later, she's trying to cope as best she knows how and is the thick of her podcast series, investigating the arrest and imprisonment of a young Muslim man for the murder of his girlfriend, twelve years earlier.
Told in the first person, Don't Let Me In intersperses Sarah's experiences with the podcast itself. Because of this, it was pretty well paced and a good first standalone novel from Phil Kurthausen, the author of the popular Erasmus Jones series.
Sarah tries to juggle her investigation, the podcast and the online trolls that come along with it while trying to work around her agoraphobia, her marriage, and motherhood. While she makes it clear she's only theorizing, she provides an alternative suspect, a misogynistic hedge-fund manager who tries to shut her down and then forces his way into her life. Soon, it becomes obvious that her most prolific troll, constantly sending death threats, rape threats, and even photographs of her son and home, isn't the young man the police thought. So is it the man who she's touted as a likely murderer, or is it someone else?
We're not actually given too many different suspects. Because Sarah's life is so insular, her circle is small, and few of those are allowed into her fortress. While you might have an inkling of what's going to happen, it isn't exactly as you'd expect. And then there's a twist that will blow your mind and, if you're like me, want to throw your device across the room because ... well, because.
Don't Let Me In lost half a star for me because there were the odd niggly little continuity errors interspersed throughout that caught my attention. Don't let that stop you though! While Sarah isn't the most likable character, it is really an enjoyable read and the ending is truly a shocker!
Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this!
Told in the first person, Don't Let Me In intersperses Sarah's experiences with the podcast itself. Because of this, it was pretty well paced and a good first standalone novel from Phil Kurthausen, the author of the popular Erasmus Jones series.
Sarah tries to juggle her investigation, the podcast and the online trolls that come along with it while trying to work around her agoraphobia, her marriage, and motherhood. While she makes it clear she's only theorizing, she provides an alternative suspect, a misogynistic hedge-fund manager who tries to shut her down and then forces his way into her life. Soon, it becomes obvious that her most prolific troll, constantly sending death threats, rape threats, and even photographs of her son and home, isn't the young man the police thought. So is it the man who she's touted as a likely murderer, or is it someone else?
We're not actually given too many different suspects. Because Sarah's life is so insular, her circle is small, and few of those are allowed into her fortress. While you might have an inkling of what's going to happen, it isn't exactly as you'd expect. And then there's a twist that will blow your mind and, if you're like me, want to throw your device across the room because ... well, because.
Don't Let Me In lost half a star for me because there were the odd niggly little continuity errors interspersed throughout that caught my attention. Don't let that stop you though! While Sarah isn't the most likable character, it is really an enjoyable read and the ending is truly a shocker!
Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this!
October 23, 2018
Podcaster Sarah spends her working hours in the basement of her London home. In fact, she spends all her time there or in the house. She doesn't go out, ever. Son Finn and husband Henry get on with their lives and she lives rather a different life than them, only on their return to they share anything.
An incident a year earlier has changed her life and there does not appear to be an end to it. Best friend Cathy talks to her regularly or calls round, and it is via her that Sarah has found some work. Once a tv interviewer, she now has the lonely job of producing her podcast, but the number of emails, tweets etc. she receives are enough to swear most people off social media.
She is working on the case of a girl murdered 12 years earlier. She is looking into the evidence, or lack of it, that secured a life sentence for him. His brother, Mo has campaigned tirelessly to find out why the justice system let him down so badly. She has vile messages from a Frenchie. With Mo's help, they discover who this is and eventually he is arrested. Do they have the right man?
I was curious about the title of this book, but once I finished it, all became clear. It is the edge of your seat exciting, certainly towards the end, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are complex which is another way to ensure an exciting read.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
An incident a year earlier has changed her life and there does not appear to be an end to it. Best friend Cathy talks to her regularly or calls round, and it is via her that Sarah has found some work. Once a tv interviewer, she now has the lonely job of producing her podcast, but the number of emails, tweets etc. she receives are enough to swear most people off social media.
She is working on the case of a girl murdered 12 years earlier. She is looking into the evidence, or lack of it, that secured a life sentence for him. His brother, Mo has campaigned tirelessly to find out why the justice system let him down so badly. She has vile messages from a Frenchie. With Mo's help, they discover who this is and eventually he is arrested. Do they have the right man?
I was curious about the title of this book, but once I finished it, all became clear. It is the edge of your seat exciting, certainly towards the end, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are complex which is another way to ensure an exciting read.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
October 30, 2020
Sarah remembers her old life all too well. Now living with agoraphobia, she has isolated herself away fro others. She at one time, was a television journalist and now has an area in her basement that is devoted to her podcast. She is investigating a Muslim man who was convicted of murdering a white woman and Sarah has a feeling that he is innocent and is out to prove just that . Each week her podcasts are growing more popular. Too popular actually. Someone has noticed and they are not happy at all. Sarah is fearful when she
receives hate mail, text messages that were vile and even worse death threats. Someone wants her to stop what she is doing for good. So much so that when they feel Sarah did not heed their warning, they threatened her family. Can Sarah find the truth before something happens to her? I love this book. You know it is well written when you can feel the emotions from the characters in the story. I honestly did not want to put this one down and had to be forced to in order to get some sleep. Kurthausen is a brilliant writer of psychological thrillers. The book is fast paced with only a few characters but that allows the reader to see the interactions better. There were a lot of tense moments that kept me on the edge of my seat and even though I thought I figured it out....another twist happens.
Thank you to netgalley as well as the author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
receives hate mail, text messages that were vile and even worse death threats. Someone wants her to stop what she is doing for good. So much so that when they feel Sarah did not heed their warning, they threatened her family. Can Sarah find the truth before something happens to her? I love this book. You know it is well written when you can feel the emotions from the characters in the story. I honestly did not want to put this one down and had to be forced to in order to get some sleep. Kurthausen is a brilliant writer of psychological thrillers. The book is fast paced with only a few characters but that allows the reader to see the interactions better. There were a lot of tense moments that kept me on the edge of my seat and even though I thought I figured it out....another twist happens.
Thank you to netgalley as well as the author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 14, 2019
Came looking for a murder mystery and got SJW/feminism drivel instead.
If you can't keep your political leaning out of your fiction, maybe it's time for a career change to a journalist, activist, or a politician.
The book is like 70% about the author's left-right and male-female biases and 30% (if generous) about the murder; not a good ratio, especially because these overtones aren't even mentioned in the outline.
The protagonist is also one of the most insufferable characters that looks down on every other person in the book. She sours every relationship and interaction with others and then acts surprised or like a victim. What's even more pathetic is that she's probably supposedly written to look "good" from the author's POV.
Probably the author's idea of a strong woman with some righteous 'tude, but it's exactly this kind of thing why the above leanings have a bad name.
The constant casual swearing between some characters and the name of the cat is an eyesore too.
Probably done to give them a sense of authenticity but honestly it's just annoying.
I'm not a prude but even so it missed the mark for me.
Never again.
If you can't keep your political leaning out of your fiction, maybe it's time for a career change to a journalist, activist, or a politician.
The book is like 70% about the author's left-right and male-female biases and 30% (if generous) about the murder; not a good ratio, especially because these overtones aren't even mentioned in the outline.
The protagonist is also one of the most insufferable characters that looks down on every other person in the book. She sours every relationship and interaction with others and then acts surprised or like a victim. What's even more pathetic is that she's probably supposedly written to look "good" from the author's POV.
Probably the author's idea of a strong woman with some righteous 'tude, but it's exactly this kind of thing why the above leanings have a bad name.
The constant casual swearing between some characters and the name of the cat is an eyesore too.
Probably done to give them a sense of authenticity but honestly it's just annoying.
I'm not a prude but even so it missed the mark for me.
Never again.
February 22, 2024
Phil. Dude. No shade for choosing as your protagonist the extremely British anti-hero, day drinking woman with no job. But if you're going to write as the opposite sex, maybe don't make her a sociopath.
That's what stands out most about this book. Sarah, shut in because men, stupid beyond belief about her relationships with women because women, has a son. Who honestly could be David from Brian Aldiss' series of short stories that became the movie A.I. Artificial Intelligence. Finn is the most cardboard cutout child ever presented in literature, who disappears the moment he's not in Sarah's direct line of sight, and doesn't have much meaning even if he's around.
Sure, the blurb is going to tell you this is a book about a woman who podcasts a man wrongfully convicted of the murder of his girlfriend, because public interest has a documented history of keeping a case alive. But that's the misdirect. This is the story of a sociopath, and how her sociopathy is going to result in outcomes for her son potentially detrimental to all of society. Pay attention. The evidence is only ever there obliquely.
That's what stands out most about this book. Sarah, shut in because men, stupid beyond belief about her relationships with women because women, has a son. Who honestly could be David from Brian Aldiss' series of short stories that became the movie A.I. Artificial Intelligence. Finn is the most cardboard cutout child ever presented in literature, who disappears the moment he's not in Sarah's direct line of sight, and doesn't have much meaning even if he's around.
Sure, the blurb is going to tell you this is a book about a woman who podcasts a man wrongfully convicted of the murder of his girlfriend, because public interest has a documented history of keeping a case alive. But that's the misdirect. This is the story of a sociopath, and how her sociopathy is going to result in outcomes for her son potentially detrimental to all of society. Pay attention. The evidence is only ever there obliquely.
October 13, 2018
As described on the cover this is a dark psychological thriller.
The story is told from Sarah's point of view as she works from home running a podcast due to her agoraphobia. Her podcast is investigating the murder of a girl years before where she uncovers all sorts of ideas and information, getting herself into trouble and dealing with the online trolls.
You get to know a few characters in the book, none of which are particularly likeable, although I did love the cat - not so much the name for the cat....Lil'Bitch!
The story is well written and allows you to go through the feeling that Sarah experiences which really adds value.
I found it slightly challenging to get in to at first (hence 4 stars) but did enjoy the story, and was particularly gripped to the second half of the book where there are some big twists that I very unexpected......the final chapter is also mind-blowing! I did have slight suspicions but didn't for a second thing I might be right!
Overall a good, enjoyable gripping read!
The story is told from Sarah's point of view as she works from home running a podcast due to her agoraphobia. Her podcast is investigating the murder of a girl years before where she uncovers all sorts of ideas and information, getting herself into trouble and dealing with the online trolls.
You get to know a few characters in the book, none of which are particularly likeable, although I did love the cat - not so much the name for the cat....Lil'Bitch!
The story is well written and allows you to go through the feeling that Sarah experiences which really adds value.
I found it slightly challenging to get in to at first (hence 4 stars) but did enjoy the story, and was particularly gripped to the second half of the book where there are some big twists that I very unexpected......the final chapter is also mind-blowing! I did have slight suspicions but didn't for a second thing I might be right!
Overall a good, enjoyable gripping read!
October 24, 2018
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I was intrigued by the blurb for this book and the cover completely drew me in and I couldn’t wait to get started!
I thought that the main characters for the book were well developed and they worked really well with the plot line. Sarah is a superb character and I really warmed to her.
The book had a well planned plot line and I thought that the suspense the author built up was great, I was reading the book much faster towards the end as I had to see how everything would end.
Four stars from me for this one – I really enjoyed it!
I was intrigued by the blurb for this book and the cover completely drew me in and I couldn’t wait to get started!
I thought that the main characters for the book were well developed and they worked really well with the plot line. Sarah is a superb character and I really warmed to her.
The book had a well planned plot line and I thought that the suspense the author built up was great, I was reading the book much faster towards the end as I had to see how everything would end.
Four stars from me for this one – I really enjoyed it!
June 16, 2019
Sarah is a journalist who is agoraphobic and suffering PTSD after an intruder got into her home a year ago, she now podcasts from home and is looking into a murder that occurred 12yrs ago.
She gains some unwanted attention from this both online and in her day to day life and soon not just her life but her families lives are at risk.
I didn’t actually like Sarah very much to be honest but I couldn’t help but root for her.
It’s a great book that was very tense and had me gripped page by page, read in one sitting and seriously enjoyed it. More please!
She gains some unwanted attention from this both online and in her day to day life and soon not just her life but her families lives are at risk.
I didn’t actually like Sarah very much to be honest but I couldn’t help but root for her.
It’s a great book that was very tense and had me gripped page by page, read in one sitting and seriously enjoyed it. More please!
October 18, 2018
3.5
Had a hard time getting into this one. Once I did I found a good twisty story. Sarah is an interesting, well developed, character and I liked the pod casts interspersed throughout the story. I was surprised a few times as the book got going and the ending was awesome!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Bloodhound Books for a copy in exchange for a review.
Had a hard time getting into this one. Once I did I found a good twisty story. Sarah is an interesting, well developed, character and I liked the pod casts interspersed throughout the story. I was surprised a few times as the book got going and the ending was awesome!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Bloodhound Books for a copy in exchange for a review.
December 25, 2019
Bummer. I thought this was a murder mystery and it's not. The ending also was a horrible let down. I'm bummed. It had so many possibilities, until, it didn't. The propaganda destroyed this book, and the awful ending totaled it.
My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.
My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.
November 26, 2018
Wow. What a book! A real cracker of a read.
Don't Let Me In by Phil Kurthausen.
This is an unputdownable book. Very well- written,and zipping along at supersonic speed. Been reading it non-stop, and now my eyes are popping out!
5 Stars.
Don't Let Me In by Phil Kurthausen.
This is an unputdownable book. Very well- written,and zipping along at supersonic speed. Been reading it non-stop, and now my eyes are popping out!
5 Stars.
November 11, 2018
Suspense
Good storyline that drew you in, however I did guess the ending. Well worth a read and a good suspense.
Good storyline that drew you in, however I did guess the ending. Well worth a read and a good suspense.
November 16, 2018
Not sure what to make of this book!
Hmmmm it grows on you although unsure I still had to finish it. Confusing in many ways just my opinion
Hmmmm it grows on you although unsure I still had to finish it. Confusing in many ways just my opinion
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