Don't Look Back

by J.J. Burgess

He saved her. Now he owns her.

Exhausted new mother Lucy is rushing her baby to hospital. Distracted by her sick child, she loses control of the car, and hits Roger, her elderly neighbor.

Terrified of being sent to prison and separated from her infant son, she makes a split-second decision and flees the scene.

Her boyfriend Ian realizes what she has done and helps her cover it up. Lucy is incredibly grateful, until she begins to understand that his kindness comes at a price. Small favors become demands. Demands become threats.

The bargain she has made is clear. If Lucy doesn’t do everything Ian wants, he’ll go to the police and she’ll go to jail, losing access to her child.

Meanwhile, Roger's wife Mary is circling closer to the truth and the police start asking questions. Lucy's world has become a suffocating prison with no hope of escape.

Unless… if something were to happen to Ian…

Genres: Thriller

ebook

Reviews

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first thriller I have read by J.J. Burgess, but it definitely will not be my last. To say it was addictive is an understatement. I couldn't put it down. The story evoked a range of emotions, including fear, anger, sadness, and relief. I felt sympathy and frustration toward Lucy and deep hatred toward Ian. The plot had me reeling in wonder. It was unpredictable and kept me guessing. I devoured it quickly, racing to the surprising outcome. I highly recommend this unputdownable thriller! Thank you Booksprout and Inkubator Books for my ARC.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a wild ride. I was completely pulled in and did not see that twist coming at all — my jaw genuinely dropped. JJ Burgess knows how to build tension and keep you questioning everything and everyone.

I’m giving this 4 stars instead of 5 for one reason only: I wish the blurb had mentioned that the story includes domestic violence. That element is central to the plot, and while I understand why it may not have been highlighted (because it ties into the twist), I personally would have appreciated some warning. Books with DV can be difficult for me to read, and I usually choose whether or not I’m in the right headspace beforehand.

That said — this book is incredibly well written. The pacing, the reveals, the way everything connects… it all felt intentional and carefully crafted. Nothing was random, nothing felt thrown in. It’s one of those thrillers that makes you second-guess every character and keeps you mentally spiraling in the best way.

It was intense, thought-provoking, and genuinely shocking. Even though it tackled heavy themes, the execution was strong and the storytelling was gripping from start to finish.

A true roller coaster. If you love twisty, psychological reads that keep you on edge, this one absolutely delivers.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story follows Lucy one fateful night when her baby is sick and she rushes him to the hospital. That simple trip starts a chain of events that turns her life upside down and alters not just life, but the lives of almost everyone she knows.
Each action has a domino effect which has lasting consequences and shows the butterfly effect of even the smallest choices having long reaching impact
The story was well written and kept me engaged and entertained throughout. I was able to read it in one sitting because I wanted to find out where it would go. Yes, it was at times predictable, but it didnt stop the journey from being compelling.
Thanks to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for this earl in exchange for my review

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was brilliant!
I was hooked from the start. Massive 5 stars from me.
This is my first book by this author and will definitely not be the last.
Highly recommend to any thriller lover.
Loved the twist at the end!
Thanks Netgalley for letting me read this book for an honest review

[Charlie]

Lucy had only just returned from maternity leave, exhausted after a long day with thirty Year 1 children. All she wanted was a quiet night. But the evening unravelled fast. 😩

When Harry fell ill, she rushed him to A&E. By the time they were heading home, she was drained - her mind drifting, her focus gone. And then it happened. She didn’t see her neighbour… not until the impact. 🫣

Panic took over. Terrified of prison - of losing Harry - she fled, leaving her neighbour in the road. But secrets never stay buried. 😳

Ian soon realised the truth. Instead of turning her in, he offered to help. 🥰

At first, she thought it was love.
But favours became demands… and demands became threats. 😱

Then came the ultimatum: Do what he wants or lose everything. 🤔

Now Lucy is trapped in a nightmare of her own making. Will it ever end? 🥺

Wow, this was my first read by JJ Burgess, and it did not disappoint! 😍 It definitely won’t be my last! I’ll be investing in more of his books after this. 📚

This story completely reeled me in. I was stuck in bed all morning, unable to put it down until the very last page (thank goodness it’s Sunday!). 📖👀🛏️

Full of tension, fast-paced twists, and moments that make you question everything and everyone. 🤯

A gripping, addictive read from start to finish. 👩🏼‍🏫

Thank you to JJ Burgess and Zooloos Book Tours for having me on the tour! ♥️

[ReaderGirly❤️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

After getting distracted one night while driving home from the hospital with her son, Lucy accidently hits and kills her elderly neighbor, Roger. And to make matters worse, she flees home, hoping nobody will find out about what she did. But she can't hide what she did forever from Ian her boyfriend. And what starts out as him helping her conceal the evidence of the crime, quickly turns into manipulation. Lucy must do what Ian says, or else he will go to the cops and tell them what Lucy did. And as Ian's demands get worse, Lucy realizes she has three choices: run away or continue living life being controlled by Ian. What's it going to be?

I will admit, I didn't like Lucy. How could I, when she literally killed a man! I also felt like, Lucy was terrified of getting caught, but she didn't seem THAT remorseful over what she'd done; she was more concerned with getting caught and Ian's increasing control over her life. Add to the fact we find out that she's also a cheater, and I struggled to have any sympathy for her. However, the author created a situation that forced us, however grudgingly, to feel sorry for Lucy because Ian was an absolute nightmare. Manipulating her into having sex with him, controlling her life and not allowing her any free time away from him, the abuse (he kicked her in the stomach, chocked her, beat her until she blacked out); I was afraid for her, and I think the author did a good job at creating a situation with no easy way out for Lucy. Either she turned herself in for the crime she committed or suffer in silence while Ian destroyed her life. She barely had enough money to escape either, so her situation truly was dire, and I admire the author's ability to make me feel sorry for a character that wasn't very likeable.

However, I do feel like Lucy was let off the hook a little too easily. Ian was a nightmare yes, but she was also a murderer and the fact that the book ends with her completely off the hook bothered me. I think I'd have felt differently if Mary wasn't so enthusiastic about going to prison for killing Ian, even after she found out Lucy killed her husband. I think it was convenient for Roger to be abusive like Ian was, so it wasn't seen as that much of a travesty that he died. The fact that Mary even comforts Lucy about what she did, saying she knew it was an accident still didn't quite make sense. to me. Accident or no, she hit a man, didn't call the ambulance, and left him dead on the side of the road. I hated that Mary was all but excusing what Lucy did. And again, she was downright ecstatic to be going to prison because she made a friend to do crafts with. Who the hell would be happy to be in prison?

Additionally, I felt like the book was a bit repetitive. Lucy basically did the same exact thing, every day. Got up for work, took Harry to the daycare, went to work, pick Harry up, and came home. Over and over and over again. There was even a part where Lucy is getting ready for a night off and it is an almost exact repeat of the opening sequence of the book. And listen, I know the book takes place in England, but my God did these people drink a lot of tea. And Harry's crying, ugh. I had a headache from just reading about it; he was ALWAYS crying. So, yea, certain parts were repetitive. Secondly, Ian was an absolute monster, but it felt like it came out of nowhere. He had minor jealousy before the incident, but he went from that to full on choking Lucy and stalking her extremely quickly. I'd have like his anger, his manipulation to progress, but it went from 0-100 in a way that felt unrealistic. Lastly, there was a part near the end where Lucy was carrying a huge bumper from where Ian hid it at the store he worked at, and I wondered how nobody seen that as odd. She even tells her friend Becky that she needs to get rid of it by throwing it in the ocean, which is extremely suspicious and yet Becky doesn't comment on why Lucy is throwing a broken headlight and bumper into the ocean...?

Special thanks to Netgalley and publishers for this ARC. All thoughts remain my own

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s something about a psychological thriller that creeps under your skin and lingers long after you’ve turned the final page and Don’t Look Back by J.J. Burgess does exactly that.

From the very first chapter, I felt my heart racing alongside Lucy. As a new mother, already running on empty and pure instinct, her panic is palpable. When she accidentally hits her elderly neighbour while rushing her sick baby to hospital, that split-second decision to flee feels terrifyingly real. It’s one of those moments where you think, what would I do? And that’s what makes this story so gripping is that it feels so achingly possible.

Lucy’s situation quickly spirals, and what begins as a desperate attempt to protect her child turns into something far darker. Her boyfriend Ian initially steps in as her saviour, helping her cover up the accident. But oh, how quickly that dynamic shifts. JJ Burgess does an incredible job of showing how control can creep in quietly, almost unnoticed at first. Small requests become expectations, and before Lucy and the reader fully realises it, she’s trapped in a web of manipulation and fear.

Reading this, I felt a constant sense of unease like being wrapped in a blanket that’s just a little too tight. Lucy’s world becomes suffocating, and as a reader, you feel every ounce of her desperation. The emotional weight of her situation, especially as a mother terrified of losing her child, is deeply affecting and, at times, heartbreaking.

At the same time, we have Mary, the neighbour’s wife, slowly edging closer to the truth. I loved how this added another layer of tension to the story. You know it’s only a matter of time before everything collides, and that anticipation kept me turning the pages late into the night.

I do want to mention that this book contains graphic scenes of domestic abuse, and it doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of coercive control. It’s confronting, raw, and at times difficult to read but it’s also what makes the story so powerful and impactful.

Overall, Don’t Look Back is a dark, gripping, and emotionally charged thriller that explores the consequences of one moment’s decision and the terrifying cost of being under someone else’s control. If you love intense, edge-of-your-seat reads with a strong emotional core, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t Look Back is a taut, breath‑catching psychological thriller that sinks its hooks in from the opening pages and tightens with every chapter. What begins as a moment of panic — a new mother, a sick baby, a terrible accident — spirals into a nightmare built not on monsters in the dark, but on the quiet, calculated cruelty of someone who claims to love you.

Lucy’s desperation is rendered with such a raw, human clarity. Her fear of losing her child, her guilt, her exhaustion — it all creates a fragile emotional landscape that makes her split‑second decision heartbreakingly believable. And then comes Ian, stepping in as the saviour she thinks she needs, only for his support to curdle into something far more sinister. The shift from kindness to control is subtle at first, then suffocating, and the novel captures that creeping dread with an almost claustrophobic precision.

What elevates the story is the way the tension builds from all sides. Mary, grieving and determined, begins circling the truth. The police start asking questions. Lucy’s world shrinks until it feels like she’s living inside a trap of her own making — one Ian is all too happy to tighten. The psychological pressure is relentless, yet never sensationalised; it’s rooted in character, fear, and the terrible bargains people make when they believe they have no other choice.

By the time Lucy begins to consider the unthinkable, the stakes feel painfully real. The question isn’t just whether she can escape Ian, but whether she can reclaim any part of the life she once imagined for herself.

A dark, gripping, and emotionally charged thriller perfect for readers who enjoy domestic suspense with a sharp, unsettling edge. It lingers — not because of the twists, but because of how easily a life can be taken apart, one small compromise at a time.

with thanks to JJ Burgess, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Don’t Look Back” is a tough book to read. Any time domestic violence is mentioned, it can be a trigger for those that have been impacted by it. I have had students and family impacted by domestic violence. I didn’t really understand that it was going to end up being the focus of the book or else I probably would have skipped this book.

The premise of the book, according to the blurb, was that in a moment of distraction by her newborn (and sick) child, Lucy loses control of her car and in a horrible accident, hits Roger, her elderly neighbor. That would seem to be the focus of the book.

Let’s deal with Lucy before we move on. She knowingly leaves an elderly man she just hit. At no point in any novel or in the real world should she be considered a hero. Then, there are several moments that she doesn’t really come across as that nice of a person.

Yet somehow, the author sees Lucy as our protagonist.

Now, the situation that starts happening with her domestic partner is unfortunate and under no circumstance should it be excused. That is a completely separate issue. But, let me remind you, SHE FREAKIN’ KILLED ANOTHER HUMAN BEING AND HID THE FACT!!!!!!!! And I’m supposed to cheer for her in the end? Nahhhh. The justifications from Mary, Lucy, and Ian are all so warped. Can we just agree, the baby is the only likable character in the novel?

I just kept shaking my head at the implausible ending of the situation and the ending of the book. I felt like those people in a sitcom where they are the only one seeing the absurdity of the situation and they begin to question their own sanity because of how others are acting.

Any stars I am giving is because some of the tenseness is so palpable in the book. The premise was brilliant. But then the wheels fall off.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I want to thank JJ Burgess, Inkubator Books, NetGalley and Zooloo Book Tours for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.

Ohh JJ Burgess you had me in full blown panic attack mode in your latest psychological thriller Don’t Look Back! Yes, how could you not put yourself into Lucy’s shoes and not feel something?! Don’t Look Back is an extremely fast paced and incredibly addicting book that had me on the edge of my chair.

Instantly, from the first few lines from the prologue I was hooked on Don’t Look Back! From there the book was fast paced and addicting. All the overthinking, fears and anxieties Lucy was having were so valid yet heartbreaking to hear/read!! I too would be scared if I was in her shoes.

JJ has some major wicked twists from some of his characters that you never saw coming that will shock you!

There have been so many great psychological thrillers out this year and Don’t Look Back is another one you must add. JJ Burgess is a creative genius behind this storyline that I’m surprised nobody has written about! He does not tell you yet shows you the personal, mental and emotional side of what someone goes through when they accidentally hit someone with a car. Not only that you knew the person too…your neighbor!! Can you imagine this happening to you? Keeping this secret that you did this? Knowing the loved ones' family that you killed? Can you imagine sitting through that funeral knowing what you did with all their friends and family around sharing stories? Like Lucy I would have ugly cried too!!!

[Debbie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review: Don’t Look Back by JJ Burgess
Rating: ★★★★☆
I think every parent’s worst nightmare is being caught in that frantic, sleep-deprived blur where one wrong move changes everything. That’s exactly where we find Lucy, and my heart was in my throat from the very first page.
What Hooked Me
What I found most compelling wasn't just the initial accident—it was the slow, suffocating realization that Ian isn't the "hero" he pretends to be. JJ Burgess does an incredible job of showing how gratitude can be weaponized. Watching Ian transition from a supportive boyfriend into a master manipulator felt so authentic and, frankly, terrifying. I found myself shouting at the book, wishing Lucy had just called the police in the first place!
The Pacing and Tension
The dual pressure of the police closing in and Mary (the neighbor’s wife) sniffing around for the truth kept the stakes incredibly high. I loved the "prison" metaphor—Lucy thinks she’s avoiding a literal jail cell, only to realize she’s built a much smaller, scarier one inside her own home.
Final Thoughts
The ending had a "sink or swim" energy that I didn't see coming. If you love domestic thrillers that focus on psychological control and the lengths a mother will go to for her child, you need to read this. It’s a dark, twisty exploration of how one split-second decision can cost you your entire life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenae Gilchrist · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gripping, fast-paced thriller that kept me turning pages late into the night. What begins with a horrific accident quickly spirals into something far more disturbing, as the aftermath reveals a partner’s psychotic and deeply abusive tendencies. The way Burgess unravels that shift from tragedy to psychological terror was chilling. It felt frighteningly realistic, which made it all the more unsettling.

The manipulation and blackmail added another intense layer to the story. Just when I thought the situation couldn’t get darker, the stakes escalated in ways that genuinely shocked me. The tension never let up; there’s a constant sense of dread as the truth slowly surfaces.

I especially appreciated how real the dynamics felt. The emotional abuse, control, and fear were portrayed in a way that felt believable rather than exaggerated, which made the story hit even harder. And while the journey was dark and at times hard to read because of how plausible it all seemed, I was relieved that at least someone got justice in the end.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers that explore the terrifying reality of manipulation behind closed doors, Don’t Look Back absolutely delivers. A tense, unsettling, and ultimately satisfying read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of Don’t Look Back by J.J. Burgess.

[Chanel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t Look Back 🚙 👀
By: JJ Burgess
Story: ✨✨✨✨✨ 5/5
Narration: N/A

She just needs to get her baby to the hospital.

Lucy is frantic. Baby Harry is sick, and nothing else matters except getting him help. She’s speeding through the night, mind racing, heart pounding - and then she hears it.

A sound no driver ever wants to hear.

In one split second, everything changes.

Not only has Lucy hit someone… she knows who it is.

Panic sets in. Call the police? Drive away?

Both choices could cost her everything, including her son. In the chaos of the moment, she makes a decision she can’t undo.

She runs.

Lucy confides in the one person she believes she can trust - her boyfriend, Ian. But secrets have a way of growing teeth. Can she really trust him? Or has she just made everything worse?

Find out in Don’t Look Back by JJ Burgess.


For those who don't know me, my name is Chanel and I'm everyone's favorite self-proclaimed Book Tea Spiller.

What did I think of this book? See below for my Final Sip ☕️:

Thank you to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for the eARC.

Another 5-star read to kick off the year.

As someone who’s trying to make more time to physically read instead of listen, I’m so glad this was one of the ones I chose. I found myself picking it up every chance I got. One night I stayed up until midnight because I had to know how it ended.

This book gave me genuine anxiety in the best way. That tight-chest, “what is she going to do?” feeling. I thought I had the ending figured out… and I was wrong.

And I love when a thriller humbles me like that.

[Meg Sargent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't Look Back by J. J. Burgess is a gripping story that shows how a single decision can change everything. The novel follows Lucy, whose life begins to unravel after a frightening moment when her baby becomes sick and she rushes him to the hospital. What seems like a simple trip soon turns into the start of a chain reaction that alters multiple lives.
This book will be released on March 22. I got an early copy from NetGalley.
On the way home from the hospital, Lucy makes a decision that sets off a series of events, much like falling dominoes. Each action leads to another consequence, affecting not only Lucy but the people around her in unexpected ways. The story highlights how even small choices can have far-reaching impacts.

The storyline is well written and keeps readers thinking about the ripple effects of the characters’ actions. It’s a powerful reminder that every decision we make can shape the future, sometimes in ways we never anticipate.

Overall, Don't Look Back is a compelling and thought-provoking read that illustrates the weight of our choices and the consequences that follow.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the look of this front cover with it's bright colours, but underneath, the image looked so dark and mysterious that I just couldn't help grab it. 

 

This was a really interesting concept and although it was certainly an extreme situation, I think that this sort of thing happens so much more than we realise - ok, not the running over your neighbour - but certainly the coersion storyline that we see escalate throughout.

 

I really felt for Lucy right from the off because being a mum who used to have to make plenty of hospital runs years ago with my youngest - that total tunnel vision of panic and need is all consuming and something I will never forget.

So, I could totally relate to that initial opening scene in the car.

 

What follows I found really chilling and tense right to the end.

Someone who is meant to love and protect you, behaving as Ian did is unthinkable and as hard as these scenes were to read, I do think it really fitted the storyline so perfectly.

 

I loved the writing style which drew us into this spiral with Lucy and made us worry about every next decision she felt forced into as her mental health gradually declined.

 

A really well written and fast paced, but dark read that had me gripped from start to finish.

[Eva Edge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't Look Back by JJ Burgess is a gripping exploration of how a single, split-second decision can flip a life upside down, turning a familiar world into a nightmare of abuse and control.
For the first 70%, the tension is expertly built as the protagonist, Lucy, realises that the person she thought she knew is actually a complete stranger—and a monster. But then Lucy does something completely dumb. It is so grating when an author forces a character to make a "brain-dead" move just to drag out the tension. Especially when you've invested your heart in Lucy's journey, only to have her act in a way that defies all logic just to keep the plot moving.
While experienced thriller readers might find themselves annoyed by a "senseless" character choice made solely to ramp up the suspense, the narrative's momentum remains strong.
Thankfully, the final twist is both unexpected and deeply satisfying, offering a powerful conclusion to a dark, 4-star journey through the consequences of a life-changing choice.

[Andria Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins with Lucy and Ian living together and raising a son. Everything seems to be going okay with their lives. Then their son Harry gets sick, and during a time that Lucy is rushing him to the hospital, she loses control of the car and hits something in the road. At that point, her decision on what came next led to disaster in her life. Lucy has a secret now, but when someone she thinks loves her finds out her secret, then emotional blackmail begins, then abuse and things become dangerous for her and Harry. Nothing is the same again and she can't trust anyone to help her. There came a point where the story got to making my heart race and I got on the edge of my seat and I began to really pull for Lucy and Harry to have a positive outcome. The tension ramped up and I couldn't quit reading. This is one of those stories, where fate steps in or karma of the universe comes into play in the final big twist. Enjoyed reading the story! Thank you Netgalley and Inkubator Books for the complimentary copy of the story.

[Shmuggz Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

TW: domestic abuse

“Don’t Look Back” is a twistedly gripping, wild ride from start to finish. The story follows Lucy, a young first-time mother, and the ongoings of daily life with her boyfriend and their 6-month-old son. One night, Lucy makes a fatal mistake, and the following turn of events will leave you uncomfortable and clutching your seat, all while desperately hoping for the best. Will Lucy ever find peace again?

Burgess has an innate ability to capture your senses and emotions through linguistic creativity. The pacing was on point, appropriate for the conditions of the plot - I always enjoy a good whiplash! The storyline is riddled with pain and triumphs that rock your soul, so much so that I read the book in one shot. As a niche psych thriller reviewer, this book is firmly in my top 5.

I give this book 5 out of 5 cups of tea.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chapters_with_VDKeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y’all, this is the kind of thriller that drops you straight into chaos and says “good luck” 🚗💥

Lucy—exhausted, panicked, and running on pure mom adrenaline—makes one split-second mistake that wrecks everything. You can feel her fear and desperation in every page, even when she’s making absolutely terrible choices (and oh… she is 😬).

And Ian? Starts off as supportive boyfriend… quickly upgrades to walking red flag factory 🚩 His shift into manipulation is slow, suffocating, and honestly the most chilling part of the book. Meanwhile, Mary (the victim’s wife) is quietly closing in, and the tension just keeps tightening.

The writing is fast, sharp, and super bingeable—short chapters, high stakes, constant pressure. I did guess a couple things, but the ride was still addictive.

Messy characters, toxic dynamics, and that “this is going to end badly” vibe the whole way through? Yes please 😏.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[thesmokymountainsreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t Look Back is the newest thriller by J. J. Burgess. Once I started reading this one, there was no stopping. Put yourself in Lucy’s shoes. What would you have done? That’s what I was thinking throughout the entire book, at every section, not just the hit and run. The writing is excellent, the pace is medium to fast, and the tone is oh-so-sinister. One could say the writing is repetitive, but what people do every day is repetitive, isn't it? People go to work, drink tea, and feed and change their babies (babies who cry….a lot). It only amped up the tension for me that something was about to happen. I felt sympathetic towards Lucy, I despised Ian, and I really didn’t know how I felt about Mary for a while. If you are a thriller lover, you will love this highly addictive, pulse-pounding book! That’s it. Four awesome stars from me - I loved it! Thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours and the author for the ecopy. All opinions are my own.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy lleva una vida que parece tranquila junto a su pareja Ian y su bebé Harry, intentando adaptarse al cansancio, las responsabilidades y los cambios que llegaron con la maternidad. Volver al trabajo marca el inicio de una nueva rutina llena de culpas, dudas y pequeños conflictos que empiezan a resquebrajar la estabilidad que creía tener. Una noche, tras una emergencia médica con su hijo, una serie de decisiones desencadena un suceso imposible de deshacer que cambia su vida para siempre.

A partir de ese momento, el miedo, la culpa y los secretos comienzan a rodearla. Mientras intenta proteger todo lo que ama, Lucy descubre que la verdad puede ser mucho más peligrosa de lo que imaginaba y que algunas acciones dejan consecuencias que no se pueden ocultar por mucho tiempo.



Gracias NetGalley y al publicista por el ARC.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger warning- domestic abuse.

I really cannot condone what Lucy did, but I do understand it. Her love for her child shines through at every mention of him.

Her partner, Ian, is an odious character! Controlling and cruel. I know from personal experience that men like him are like Jekyll and Hyde.... and cannot see what they have done wrong. Horrible experience for women!

I don't want to give too much of the story away, but want to say that the book is dark, chilling, and at one stage I had to actually take a break from reading it as I was on the verge of a full blown panic attack.... and so fearful for Lucy.

I do recommend if you want a spine tingling domestic thriller to read, but be warned, it won't be an easy read. I felt uneasy throughout the book.

4/5 stars

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an ARC of Don’t Look Back.

I absolutely loved this book. My favourite read of the year so far! The tension ramped up until it couldn’t be any higher, then it ramped up more!

A moral question was asked also: can you feel sorry for Lucy in her dire situation when she also committed a hit and run and killed someone? I did find myself feeling sympathetic towards her as Ian took her secret and smashed it (and her) to pieces. I did find it slightly odd that Ian’s behaviour went from 0 to a million so quickly, but for the purposes of the story, it worked if you suspended belief a bit.

Anyway, a great read which I really enjoyed. Will be seeking out more by this author!

[Zoe Costley · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars

Don’t Look Back completely swept me up from the very first chapter. JJ Burgess has crafted a storyline that’s not just clever but genuinely moving — the kind that pulls emotion out of you without even trying. I found myself fully invested in the characters and their choices, feeling every twist and every heartbreak along the way.

The only thing that held me back from giving it a full five stars is that I did manage to predict where the plot was heading. It didn’t ruin the experience, but it did take a tiny bit of the tension out of the final act for me.

Still, the emotional depth, the pacing, and the sheer brilliance of the story more than make up for it. A gripping, heartfelt read that lingers long after the last page.

[Charlotte Baddeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It is one of those books that you pick up whenever you get an opportunity. Lucy’s guilt and angst is perfectly described and you can feel her fear. She is a very empathetic character, I’m sure anyone could empathise with an exhausted mother terrified of losing her baby.. I love baby Harry and in the beginning found Ian a fairly supportive partner. Well that changed.

This book built up the tension page by page as Lucy feels the net closing in and her life turning into a nightmare. At this point I should point out that this book does contain fairly graphic descriptions of domestic violence. For me that added to the tension and Lucy’s fear but some readers may not agree.

I absolutely loved the twist at the end. Perfect.

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t Look Back is a tense, gripping psychological thriller that will leave you breathless. Lucy, a new mother, makes a desperate choice after hitting her elderly neighbor with her car—an act that sets off a chain of escalating danger. Her boyfriend Ian helps her cover it up, but his generosity comes with a chilling price: obedience. Small favors turn into controlling demands, and soon Lucy realizes her freedom—and her bond with her child—are at stake.
As the investigation closes in and suspicions grow, Lucy’s world becomes a suffocating trap. Dark, twisty, and relentless, this novel is perfect for fans of Alice Feeney, K.L. Slater, and John Marrs.
Rating: ★★★★★

[Kasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy, a primary school teacher, accidentally hits her neighbor while on the way home from the hospital with her sick child. Panicked about the consequences and the possibility of being locked away from her newborn, she flees from the crime scene, leaving her neighbor dead in the street.

Her boyfriend, Ian, finds out about what she's done and agrees to help but it comes at a price. This mystery/thriller explores Lucy's paranoia which devolves into a constant state of alertness and panic while trying to protect herself and her child.

The trigger warnings for domestic violence cannot be stressed enough.

[Becca Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. Lucy is a mom who one night accidentally runs over her neighbor resulting in his death. She’s now at the mercy of one person who knows her secret and is blackmailing her. It seems impossible for her to escape him as everything seems to be going wrong for her, unless she wants her secret out and risk losing her baby boy forever.

This book is very well written and the plot flowed very nicely. I was intrigued the entire time but it was not too fast paced. It had great character building and the ending was a nice twist. 10/10 recommend!

[Analise · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC.
Don't look back follows Lucy as she reels from an unexpected incident that will change her life. This "thriller" had notably few moments of suspense. I found that mundane, daily tasks took up far too much page space. The main plot point happens early in the book and the "shocker" at the end was lacklustre. The writing overall was very mediocre and the ending was utterly unrealistic. I wouldn't say it's not worth reading though because sometimes I was excited to pick it back up.

[Michaela Goodfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely kept me interested and wanting to know what was going to happen! At times, I felt it was a bit repetitive , for example the main character would pick up her son from nursery and be filled with love and comfort at seeing him, and this was said many times throughout the book especially in the beginning. I really enjoyed the story line and the ending. Please be aware that it includes domestic violence.