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You Let Him In
The only thing she was guilty of was trusting him
All Jenny Clifton ever wanted was to be the ideal wife and mother. When she married Michael in a fairytale wedding, followed by the birth of baby Daniel, her life was complete.
Yet just three years later, the shine has faded. Now, money is tight, and the occasional argument has become daily screaming matches between Jenny and Michael.
Something needs to change… and it does, when Michael is killed in a brutal hit and run, breathing his last with a stranger holding his hand.
Lonely and distraught, Jenny strikes up an unlikely friendship with the witness to the accident, clinging to the connection with the man who watched Michael die.
But as she uncovers the secrets that her husband was keeping, Jenny realises that her perfect life may have been a perfect lie - and worse, that her new friend may be harbouring dangerous secrets of his own…
A gripping, twisty psychological thriller packed with suspense and a jaw-dropping ending. Fans of T.M. Logan, C.L. Taylor and K.L. Slater won’t be able to put this one down.
All Jenny Clifton ever wanted was to be the ideal wife and mother. When she married Michael in a fairytale wedding, followed by the birth of baby Daniel, her life was complete.
Yet just three years later, the shine has faded. Now, money is tight, and the occasional argument has become daily screaming matches between Jenny and Michael.
Something needs to change… and it does, when Michael is killed in a brutal hit and run, breathing his last with a stranger holding his hand.
Lonely and distraught, Jenny strikes up an unlikely friendship with the witness to the accident, clinging to the connection with the man who watched Michael die.
But as she uncovers the secrets that her husband was keeping, Jenny realises that her perfect life may have been a perfect lie - and worse, that her new friend may be harbouring dangerous secrets of his own…
A gripping, twisty psychological thriller packed with suspense and a jaw-dropping ending. Fans of T.M. Logan, C.L. Taylor and K.L. Slater won’t be able to put this one down.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2020
282 people are currently reading
1105 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Andrews
7 books80 followersJA Andrews is the author of thriller novels and can be found on twitter: @JasonA1980 and on BlueSky as @jasona.co.uk
As well as writing fiction, JA Andrews enjoys reading a mix of genres, watching various reality TV and spending time with family and friends.
As well as writing fiction, JA Andrews enjoys reading a mix of genres, watching various reality TV and spending time with family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
April 26, 2022
How well does a wife really know her husband?
When Jenny's husband unexpectantly dies in a hit-and-run accident, her husband's well-kept secrets and empty bank accounts are revealed.
The first chapter of this book did a superb job of setting the stage for a domestic drama with a very compelling premise.
Unfortunately, the book's subsequent chapters featured repetitive, annoying, and whiny inner dialogue. The majority of the book focused on Jenny and her mother-in-law mourning the loss of Jenny's husband.
Also showcased were the inner thoughts of the man who witnessed the accident. Much too much time was devoted to reiterating these thoughts.
To the author's credit, the book's ending was very strong and the last two chapters of the book elevated this book's rating from 1 star to 2 stars.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook. I always enjoy full-cast audiobooks and all narrators did a superb job with the narration.
When Jenny's husband unexpectantly dies in a hit-and-run accident, her husband's well-kept secrets and empty bank accounts are revealed.
The first chapter of this book did a superb job of setting the stage for a domestic drama with a very compelling premise.
Unfortunately, the book's subsequent chapters featured repetitive, annoying, and whiny inner dialogue. The majority of the book focused on Jenny and her mother-in-law mourning the loss of Jenny's husband.
Also showcased were the inner thoughts of the man who witnessed the accident. Much too much time was devoted to reiterating these thoughts.
To the author's credit, the book's ending was very strong and the last two chapters of the book elevated this book's rating from 1 star to 2 stars.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook. I always enjoy full-cast audiobooks and all narrators did a superb job with the narration.
August 1, 2020
This is a well-written book with interesting prose that keeps you turning the pages. It starts out well, with an interesting (though typical) domestic thriller premise: what is Jenny’s husband hiding from her?
Unfortunately despite the good writing, the execution of the plot did not work for me. A big shocking event happened in the beginning of the book, and then not enough happened for awhile after that. When the plot began to unwind the reveals, they were all pretty typical and not very shocking. The idea of this book is good, and the writing is good, but the way the twists and the “Bombs” drop is somewhat anticlimactic and the reader will likely have everything all figured out halfway through. Also, there is not a whole lot of action in the book except the beginning and the end. And it requires some definite suspension of disbelief on how the police might have handled this situation.
Though I didn’t love the book, I did really like the way the author writes and would be interested to give another JA Andrews book a shot. Hopefully some of the plotting issues were unique to this book. I’d give it 3.5 for writing, but 3 for plot.
Thanks to Hera Books, JA Andrews and NetGalley for the advance copy!
Unfortunately despite the good writing, the execution of the plot did not work for me. A big shocking event happened in the beginning of the book, and then not enough happened for awhile after that. When the plot began to unwind the reveals, they were all pretty typical and not very shocking. The idea of this book is good, and the writing is good, but the way the twists and the “Bombs” drop is somewhat anticlimactic and the reader will likely have everything all figured out halfway through. Also, there is not a whole lot of action in the book except the beginning and the end. And it requires some definite suspension of disbelief on how the police might have handled this situation.
Though I didn’t love the book, I did really like the way the author writes and would be interested to give another JA Andrews book a shot. Hopefully some of the plotting issues were unique to this book. I’d give it 3.5 for writing, but 3 for plot.
Thanks to Hera Books, JA Andrews and NetGalley for the advance copy!
August 19, 2020
Jenny is married to a great guy, Michael, and they have a young son, Daniel. Things have been a little strained and the reader learns through Michael's voice that he has secrets ... and he never wants Jenny to find out.
Jenny's last words to Michael one night ..if you leave, don 't come back. He did leave ..and he didn't come back. He was killed by a hit and run driver.
Jenny is overcome with guilt and depression sets in as she grieves ... she strikes up a friendship with Gary ... the man who witnessed the accident and stayed with Michael until he died.
But Gary has his own secrets .......
This well-written psychological thriller is told in varied voices... Jenny's, Michael's, Gary's and Donna ... her mother in law. Secrets swirl around these characters as the reader tries to figure out who's lying .... and why. The characters are deftly drawn, warts and all. Twists and turns kept me riveted to the pages ... and led to an unexpected, terrifying conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Hera Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Jenny's last words to Michael one night ..if you leave, don 't come back. He did leave ..and he didn't come back. He was killed by a hit and run driver.
Jenny is overcome with guilt and depression sets in as she grieves ... she strikes up a friendship with Gary ... the man who witnessed the accident and stayed with Michael until he died.
But Gary has his own secrets .......
This well-written psychological thriller is told in varied voices... Jenny's, Michael's, Gary's and Donna ... her mother in law. Secrets swirl around these characters as the reader tries to figure out who's lying .... and why. The characters are deftly drawn, warts and all. Twists and turns kept me riveted to the pages ... and led to an unexpected, terrifying conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Hera Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 24, 2020
You Let Him In by J.A. Andrews is the first I've read from this author, and it will certainly not be the last. If you are looking for a twisty, fast-paced, character-driven mystery, your search is over.
Jenny Clifton is shattered when she learns that an accident has claimed the life of her husband, Michael. Left with a three year old son, Jenny finds comfort in the company of the stranger who was the sole witness to the horrific hit and run crash, and held Michael's hand as he took his final breath. But as notices from creditors begin to mount, Jenny wonders just how much of her husband's life she knew nothing about. With pressure mounting from Michael's parents to act in the best interest of her son, and a new friend who may not be all that he seems, Jenny realizes that her seemingly perfect life with Michael and their child may have been a sham all along.
This is a quick, sharp read that will engage you from the word go. I appreciated the lack of superfluous and descriptive details, as this allowed me to fully immerse myself in the action in what feels, almost, like real time. Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for this ARC.
Jenny Clifton is shattered when she learns that an accident has claimed the life of her husband, Michael. Left with a three year old son, Jenny finds comfort in the company of the stranger who was the sole witness to the horrific hit and run crash, and held Michael's hand as he took his final breath. But as notices from creditors begin to mount, Jenny wonders just how much of her husband's life she knew nothing about. With pressure mounting from Michael's parents to act in the best interest of her son, and a new friend who may not be all that he seems, Jenny realizes that her seemingly perfect life with Michael and their child may have been a sham all along.
This is a quick, sharp read that will engage you from the word go. I appreciated the lack of superfluous and descriptive details, as this allowed me to fully immerse myself in the action in what feels, almost, like real time. Recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for this ARC.
September 22, 2022
I enjoyed this book though I guessed it before the end though this didn’t detract anything from the story.
This is the first one I’ve read of this author’s and I will likely read others in future.
While not being amazing the book was good. Hope you pick it up and see for yourself.
This is the first one I’ve read of this author’s and I will likely read others in future.
While not being amazing the book was good. Hope you pick it up and see for yourself.
July 15, 2020
2.5 Stars: This one was a complete miss for me. The books starts off at a fast pace and is intriguing but then it somehow loses steam and slows down. The writing is clunky in places. The plot is predictable, the title makes it more so! The characters are well fleshed out but I didn’t connect with them. Overall it was a bit of a drag that could have e had a faster middle and a smoother ending. The plot has potential but the execution is a tad lacking.
November 25, 2020
I wasted my time reading this drivel I will not bore you with a review.
August 6, 2020
Wow. Okay. I'm still trying to get over that ending... The story is told through each of the characters Michael, Jenny, Gary and Donna. From the start you could tell something wasn't right, something being hidden. I was drawn in. Intrigued. A gripping start.
Brilliantly written, I felt so sorry for the child in this story (Daniel) to go through everything he had to at such a young age. The book messes with your head making you think the worst of characters that you shouldn't and making you like the ones you shouldn't. Grr.
Garys character comes accross as caring and trying to do his best but also a little too creepy, comes on too strong. The story deals with grief, family, debt, lies, secrets, vengence and death. It's a fast paced story with a dark and twisted ending that I didn't see coming. Brutal. But least it gave us all the answers and outcome we needed.
A well deserved four stars from me. Highly recommend.
Brilliantly written, I felt so sorry for the child in this story (Daniel) to go through everything he had to at such a young age. The book messes with your head making you think the worst of characters that you shouldn't and making you like the ones you shouldn't. Grr.
Garys character comes accross as caring and trying to do his best but also a little too creepy, comes on too strong. The story deals with grief, family, debt, lies, secrets, vengence and death. It's a fast paced story with a dark and twisted ending that I didn't see coming. Brutal. But least it gave us all the answers and outcome we needed.
A well deserved four stars from me. Highly recommend.
August 3, 2020
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This was a brilliantly executed book about secrets, lies and grief and betrayal. Jenny looses her husband Michael and her life becomes like a domino effect - discovering one secret and lie after another. Jenny befriends the man who was there with her husband as he took his last breath but Michaels parents don't trust him and his motives.
I worked out the main plot about half way through but still enjoyed reading the book as it unfolded. I found the book well written and the story was just the right length to be carried out without it being over done or dragged out.
This is the first book by J. A. Andrews that I have read but it certainly won't be the last.
This was a brilliantly executed book about secrets, lies and grief and betrayal. Jenny looses her husband Michael and her life becomes like a domino effect - discovering one secret and lie after another. Jenny befriends the man who was there with her husband as he took his last breath but Michaels parents don't trust him and his motives.
I worked out the main plot about half way through but still enjoyed reading the book as it unfolded. I found the book well written and the story was just the right length to be carried out without it being over done or dragged out.
This is the first book by J. A. Andrews that I have read but it certainly won't be the last.
August 27, 2020
You Let Him In by J.A Andrews is the second book I have read by this author, the first being Mummy's Boy. I hoped that this book would be as good as the previous one and found it didn't let me down. A psychological thriller told from multiple points of view.Jenny is a woman living the dream, but it's a dream that's not as good as she thought it would be.She met and married Michael and they had their son Daniel. Three years later, the lack of money and Micheals lack of home life due to work causes terrible arguments between them. Then Micheal is killed in a hit and run a stranger holding his hand when he dies.Jenny ends up befriending the stranger, the last person to be with Michael. Jenny starts to discover that Micheal had secrets, and big ones...ones that made her marriage, her life a lie and that this friend she has made may have his own secrets also.
Right from the start I was really curious about what Michael was keeping from Jenny. I really felt for her, leaving everything financially to her husband while she has absolutely no clue about how much money trouble they have.
The characters are all, in their own way, not very likable, although as I say, Jenny may be a little naive but on the other hand when you trust your partner so much this should be the norm. Her mother-in-law , Donna, is one of them women who need to be the best and have the best, even to the point of who is mourning more! I really did not like her at all. Micheal well, apart from the secrets, he has a control issue I wasn't so keen on either.
I find the authors story telling is realistic and very vivid to the point that I almost feel like I'm part of the story myself.It is a slower paced book which helped the tension to climb as the story develops. You Let Him In definitely kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing throughout.i definitely enjoyed reading this and can recommend it if you like a slow burner of a read.Thank you to netgalley for the book
Right from the start I was really curious about what Michael was keeping from Jenny. I really felt for her, leaving everything financially to her husband while she has absolutely no clue about how much money trouble they have.
The characters are all, in their own way, not very likable, although as I say, Jenny may be a little naive but on the other hand when you trust your partner so much this should be the norm. Her mother-in-law , Donna, is one of them women who need to be the best and have the best, even to the point of who is mourning more! I really did not like her at all. Micheal well, apart from the secrets, he has a control issue I wasn't so keen on either.
I find the authors story telling is realistic and very vivid to the point that I almost feel like I'm part of the story myself.It is a slower paced book which helped the tension to climb as the story develops. You Let Him In definitely kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing throughout.i definitely enjoyed reading this and can recommend it if you like a slow burner of a read.Thank you to netgalley for the book
August 16, 2020
I enjoyed the authors debut novel and couldn’t wait to see what he came up with next. Well it didn’t disappoint. If anything I thought this one was even better.
The story alternates between different characters within the story so we get to see what is going on their heads. I wouldn’t say that the characters were overly likeable but then they don’t have to be in this genre. Saying that, I did have empathy for Jenny and what she was going through.
This is a story that asks the question of how well we really know our loved ones. On the death of her husband, Jenny starts to realise that she didn’t know her husband that well at all. Relationships are fraught with Michael’s parents and Jenny often at loggerheads in dealing with their own grief and how things should be done. In a way I could see both points of view.
I won’t say anymore about the story as definitely knowing less will make this a lot more of a fun read. From the opening chapter I was well and truly hooked and I struggled to put it down as I had to know what secrets Michael had kept from Jenny and what certain characters real motives were. The pace and tension towards the end was electrifying and I could feel my heart racing as we headed towards that all important conclusion.
You let Him In is such a compelling story that will have you keep on turning those pages. It is full of secrets and lies and the suspense had me on the edge of my seat. I felt like the author was toying with my mind having it run away with itself as I tried to guess just what was happening or going to. I loved the ending and was what pushed this into a five star read. This is an author to definitely get excited about.
My thanks to Hera books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The story alternates between different characters within the story so we get to see what is going on their heads. I wouldn’t say that the characters were overly likeable but then they don’t have to be in this genre. Saying that, I did have empathy for Jenny and what she was going through.
This is a story that asks the question of how well we really know our loved ones. On the death of her husband, Jenny starts to realise that she didn’t know her husband that well at all. Relationships are fraught with Michael’s parents and Jenny often at loggerheads in dealing with their own grief and how things should be done. In a way I could see both points of view.
I won’t say anymore about the story as definitely knowing less will make this a lot more of a fun read. From the opening chapter I was well and truly hooked and I struggled to put it down as I had to know what secrets Michael had kept from Jenny and what certain characters real motives were. The pace and tension towards the end was electrifying and I could feel my heart racing as we headed towards that all important conclusion.
You let Him In is such a compelling story that will have you keep on turning those pages. It is full of secrets and lies and the suspense had me on the edge of my seat. I felt like the author was toying with my mind having it run away with itself as I tried to guess just what was happening or going to. I loved the ending and was what pushed this into a five star read. This is an author to definitely get excited about.
My thanks to Hera books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
July 18, 2020
This was really disappointing - the writing was so wooden and despite being a thriller, I didn't find any part of the book to have even a slightly tense atmosphere. The only slightly 'thrilling' part lasted for about 10% of the entire book and even then, I didn't find it was particularly well written. Disappointing, as I do love a good thriller 😢
July 20, 2020
I knew I was going to enjoy this book as I got into it from the very first page which is what I like. It was well written with good characters and it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
Overall it was a brilliantly addictive book and I will read more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hera Books for giving me the opportunity to read this excellent book.
Overall it was a brilliantly addictive book and I will read more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hera Books for giving me the opportunity to read this excellent book.
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August 21, 2020A difficult book to review. I read most of the book with bated breath waiting for the massive twist which I was sure was just right the corner. Author J. A. Andrews managed to capture my senses, in curiosity and anticipation.
Michael was mowed down and run over. Gary was the last witness. Wife Jenny and his parents were traumatized. Secrets were posted which shocked Jenny.
My second book by this author, I liked the beginning. It got my juices of imagination flowing. With the title and blurb, I was quite excited about the heady hit of a thriller. Steady paced, the book showed me Jenny’s life as she looked after her son and managed to wrap her head around the secrets. The mother-in-law too managed to add lines of suspense.
Then came my niggles. More of suspense, less of internal monologue, added twists would have made this rocking. The story never went anywhere. The title gave the plot away. And the repetitive dialogues were the final straw. But I still managed to read it lickety-split.
Overall, a good breakfast read.
Michael was mowed down and run over. Gary was the last witness. Wife Jenny and his parents were traumatized. Secrets were posted which shocked Jenny.
My second book by this author, I liked the beginning. It got my juices of imagination flowing. With the title and blurb, I was quite excited about the heady hit of a thriller. Steady paced, the book showed me Jenny’s life as she looked after her son and managed to wrap her head around the secrets. The mother-in-law too managed to add lines of suspense.
Then came my niggles. More of suspense, less of internal monologue, added twists would have made this rocking. The story never went anywhere. The title gave the plot away. And the repetitive dialogues were the final straw. But I still managed to read it lickety-split.
Overall, a good breakfast read.
August 20, 2020
The chapters of this enthralling page turner were narrated by Jenny, Michael, Donna and Gary. We follow Jenny as she struggles with her grief and to cope with being a single parent after her beloved husband's death. The man that she relied on but also felt was neglecting her and their young son Daniel. The man who she also discovered had been keeping secrets from her. Jenny was already vulnerable before Michael's death due to lack of sleep and what she felt was her mother in law Donna's constant interference into how she was raising Daniel. Grief effects people in different ways and if you add that emotion on top of other vulnerabilities it wasn't difficult to understand how easy it was for Gary to manipulate his way into her life. Donna did come across as a bit of a snob at times but she genuinely loved Daniel and her concerns for his wellbeing were completely understandable. Michael was one of life's why me and nothing is my fault kind of guys and I honestly didn't like him very much. As for Gary, well it's obvious that he had his reasons for inserting himself into Jenny's life but what were they? And how far was he prepared to go to execute his plans?
This is a captivating tale of relationships, grief, families, manipulation and deception that builds in intensity as the story unfolded. A chilling sense of foreboding permeates the pages as the relevant players were manouvered into position and the shocking truth was finally revealed. This is the second thriller by this talented author that I have read recently and I look forward to reading more of this author's books in the future.
This is a captivating tale of relationships, grief, families, manipulation and deception that builds in intensity as the story unfolded. A chilling sense of foreboding permeates the pages as the relevant players were manouvered into position and the shocking truth was finally revealed. This is the second thriller by this talented author that I have read recently and I look forward to reading more of this author's books in the future.
July 16, 2020
*I received a galley for review purposes*
You Let Him In is a thriller with a blood curdling premise, but an unfortunate execution.
Desperation can turn us into the most primal version of ourselves. We do things we'd normally never think of, we act in ways we can't recognize. We leave our loved ones to clean up the mess in our wake. This is the position Michael puts his wife, Jenny, in after his death with both questions and past-due notices piling up.
I loved the idea of this book, but as a reader, I clashed with Andrews's style from page one. It feels as though Andrews has made the choice to go against Strunk & White's cardinal rule to "show, not tell" and the overabundance of explanation keeps this thriller from ramping up to a pace that makes your heart pound. It also keeps the voices of all four narrators sounding relatively similar and prevents the reader from forming strong emotional attachments to any of them. I put the book down feeling that both plot and characters had fallen flat.
With the right use of action, subtlety of body language, and nuance in character interaction, even a predictable thriller can be an enjoyable read. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me.
You Let Him In is a thriller with a blood curdling premise, but an unfortunate execution.
Desperation can turn us into the most primal version of ourselves. We do things we'd normally never think of, we act in ways we can't recognize. We leave our loved ones to clean up the mess in our wake. This is the position Michael puts his wife, Jenny, in after his death with both questions and past-due notices piling up.
I loved the idea of this book, but as a reader, I clashed with Andrews's style from page one. It feels as though Andrews has made the choice to go against Strunk & White's cardinal rule to "show, not tell" and the overabundance of explanation keeps this thriller from ramping up to a pace that makes your heart pound. It also keeps the voices of all four narrators sounding relatively similar and prevents the reader from forming strong emotional attachments to any of them. I put the book down feeling that both plot and characters had fallen flat.
With the right use of action, subtlety of body language, and nuance in character interaction, even a predictable thriller can be an enjoyable read. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me.
August 4, 2020
Thank you to Net Galley and Hera Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I read this book very quickly, I was hooked from the beginning. I felt the beginning was very strong and got me hooked very quickly! I could figure out from the cover and the title who was the killer about halfway through. This book was filled with tons of twists and lies. It had me on my toes almost the entire time. It got a little slow in the middle but overall I thought this was a great book! I also really liked how the chapters were in different views. This allowed you to place yourself in each of the main characters roles and see and feel how they were. This was a first JA Andrews read for me and definitely won't be my last! I am looking forward to reading another book from this author in the near future!
I read this book very quickly, I was hooked from the beginning. I felt the beginning was very strong and got me hooked very quickly! I could figure out from the cover and the title who was the killer about halfway through. This book was filled with tons of twists and lies. It had me on my toes almost the entire time. It got a little slow in the middle but overall I thought this was a great book! I also really liked how the chapters were in different views. This allowed you to place yourself in each of the main characters roles and see and feel how they were. This was a first JA Andrews read for me and definitely won't be my last! I am looking forward to reading another book from this author in the near future!
September 8, 2020
I wanted to love this book, the synopsis was intriguing. Im very sorry to say I really didn't enjoy it and struggled to finish it. For me the characters were all awful, just shallow and unpleasent.
The plot was a little boring and then became a bit silly towards the end, I really didnt enjoy the writing style at all,
I hate leaving negative reviews and always try to be balanced and find the positives but this book was just not for me Im afraid.
The plot was a little boring and then became a bit silly towards the end, I really didnt enjoy the writing style at all,
I hate leaving negative reviews and always try to be balanced and find the positives but this book was just not for me Im afraid.
October 17, 2022
I enjoyed this fast paced thriller. This had mixed reviews as I realised after I had read it. It started off very strong and I was hooked, but felt it not as gripping towards the end. I did guess the ending, but it takes nothing away from my rating.
August 10, 2020
This story had an interesting premise, but sadly fell short for me. Jenny and Michael are happily married when he dies in a car accident- Jenny has to deal with her grief while also realizing that Michael was keeping secrets from her. Add in his meddling parents and the stranger who found Michael as he lay dying, and that's the story.
My first concern was that there really isn't any twist here- we hear from Michael in some chapters so we know that the hasn't been straight with Jenny. Gary's intentions are pretty clear and the plot-line related to him was pretty easy to figure out, though his story did lead to some excitement towards the end.
My other concern was the repetition and focus on internal monologues throughout the book. It read slowly because the author spent so much time in the heads of the characters, and often repeating the same sentiments (and sometimes the exact same sentences) throughout. Jenny, in particular, made me weary, as we heard the same things over and over again from her about how she wasn't sure she could survive without Michael and it was so sad for his son to no longer have a dad.
All in all, I think there is an interesting premise here, and maybe with further editing, this book could turn into more of a thriller, but was not engaging to me as currently written. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My first concern was that there really isn't any twist here- we hear from Michael in some chapters so we know that the hasn't been straight with Jenny. Gary's intentions are pretty clear and the plot-line related to him was pretty easy to figure out, though his story did lead to some excitement towards the end.
My other concern was the repetition and focus on internal monologues throughout the book. It read slowly because the author spent so much time in the heads of the characters, and often repeating the same sentiments (and sometimes the exact same sentences) throughout. Jenny, in particular, made me weary, as we heard the same things over and over again from her about how she wasn't sure she could survive without Michael and it was so sad for his son to no longer have a dad.
All in all, I think there is an interesting premise here, and maybe with further editing, this book could turn into more of a thriller, but was not engaging to me as currently written. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2020
Jenny’s husband is killed on his way to a business meeting in a terrible accident. Run over by a drunk driver in a stolen vehicle. It’s senseless and leaves Jenny and her 3 year old son starting over. All she has is her memories, and the story from Gary, the man who witnessed the crime and held her husbands hand as he died. But everything is not as it seems, her has and had been lying to her, and how will Jenny ever know the truth?
I found this book to be very over explaining. It had too many narrators and even paragraphs would repeat themselves. The story was very jumbled from the start. I did not relate to Jenny or feel her pain. The drama created between Jenny and her mother in law felt so forced and useless to me. I read this quickly just to get the book over with.
I found this book to be very over explaining. It had too many narrators and even paragraphs would repeat themselves. The story was very jumbled from the start. I did not relate to Jenny or feel her pain. The drama created between Jenny and her mother in law felt so forced and useless to me. I read this quickly just to get the book over with.
June 15, 2021
The writing was bad, and the ending worse. It was predictable and repetitive. It felt under edited, many phrases were repeated three-four times and several of the final chapters were redundant.
January 10, 2022
Don’t read this. There are no plot twists, the writing is repetitive, leaves nothing to the imagination and wasn’t in the least bit a psychological thriller. Really disappointed I wasted time on this
June 20, 2022
A lot of details
August 23, 2020
You Let Him In by JA Andrews
Where there was love
Now disharmony
Secrets, anger, and betrayal
Death prevents making things right.
In the prologue we learn part of what will happen and are given a hint of the troubles being faced by Jenny and Michael. Told in first person by more than one person we get various perspectives as the story unfolds. I have to say that I did not warm to any of the characters in the story though I did understand them and where they were coming from as they presented what was happening in their lives.
I enjoyed the way the story was revealed a bit at a time. Reading their story, I realized how easily a couple could fall into a pattern like the couple did in this book. I believe some will be of the opinion that a contemporary woman would not be as blind or gullible as Jenny seemed to be BUT would we really be able to see as well if we were experiencing rather than reading about this situation? You ask what situation? Well…you will have to read the book to find out as I can’t tell you too much or it will ruin the read for you.
My thoughts as I finished the book left me wondering how people manage to mess up their lives as the characters in this book did. I suppose it happens one choice at a time until too many not so great decisions pile up into a mess similar to what happens in this book. Sometimes there is a do-over but not always. I felt sorry for a couple of people and wondered how they would manage to move forward. At first, I believed it would have been nice to have this information revealed in the epilogue BUT on second thought, I realized that there is greater impact as it is written now. This is a book I believe I will be thinking about for a while.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes – though it was disturbing
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley, Hera and BOTBS for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
Where there was love
Now disharmony
Secrets, anger, and betrayal
Death prevents making things right.
In the prologue we learn part of what will happen and are given a hint of the troubles being faced by Jenny and Michael. Told in first person by more than one person we get various perspectives as the story unfolds. I have to say that I did not warm to any of the characters in the story though I did understand them and where they were coming from as they presented what was happening in their lives.
I enjoyed the way the story was revealed a bit at a time. Reading their story, I realized how easily a couple could fall into a pattern like the couple did in this book. I believe some will be of the opinion that a contemporary woman would not be as blind or gullible as Jenny seemed to be BUT would we really be able to see as well if we were experiencing rather than reading about this situation? You ask what situation? Well…you will have to read the book to find out as I can’t tell you too much or it will ruin the read for you.
My thoughts as I finished the book left me wondering how people manage to mess up their lives as the characters in this book did. I suppose it happens one choice at a time until too many not so great decisions pile up into a mess similar to what happens in this book. Sometimes there is a do-over but not always. I felt sorry for a couple of people and wondered how they would manage to move forward. At first, I believed it would have been nice to have this information revealed in the epilogue BUT on second thought, I realized that there is greater impact as it is written now. This is a book I believe I will be thinking about for a while.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes – though it was disturbing
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley, Hera and BOTBS for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
August 19, 2020
3.5 stars
Told from multiple perspectives which works really well, this is a story of a marriage built and destroyed by lies. When will people learn that material things do not make for a perfect life!!! Especially if you are running up debts to have it all.
Right from the start you are intrigued by the secrets that Michael is keeping from Jenny and wondering what the hell he has got himself in to and this has an absolute killer of a prologue.
The characters while not very likeable are totally believable. Especially Jenny who as a mother to a small child has left the finances all to her husband so has no idea of the financial trouble they are in. Some may think this is naive but when you are a busy mum this is often the case in some marriages. It’s called trust, and unfortunately it’s often misplaced.
Now let me tell you what I loved the most, this may shock those who have read it, I LOVED the mother in law. She was everything I absolutely hate and was an utter cringe fest every time she appeared. A complete snob and it seemed she was almost competing with Jenny in the grief stakes. Like it was some kind of X factor talent show which I will now call the grief factor.
I won’t go too much in to the plot as it would be easy to spoil. The pace is high at the start but slows down a little in the middle as it goes into more detail but I didn’t mind this as it made the end seem more climatic. I only have one real niggle but I am keeping quiet on that one as it would be a huge spoiler but the ending more than made up for that anyway.
Told from multiple perspectives which works really well, this is a story of a marriage built and destroyed by lies. When will people learn that material things do not make for a perfect life!!! Especially if you are running up debts to have it all.
Right from the start you are intrigued by the secrets that Michael is keeping from Jenny and wondering what the hell he has got himself in to and this has an absolute killer of a prologue.
The characters while not very likeable are totally believable. Especially Jenny who as a mother to a small child has left the finances all to her husband so has no idea of the financial trouble they are in. Some may think this is naive but when you are a busy mum this is often the case in some marriages. It’s called trust, and unfortunately it’s often misplaced.
Now let me tell you what I loved the most, this may shock those who have read it, I LOVED the mother in law. She was everything I absolutely hate and was an utter cringe fest every time she appeared. A complete snob and it seemed she was almost competing with Jenny in the grief stakes. Like it was some kind of X factor talent show which I will now call the grief factor.
I won’t go too much in to the plot as it would be easy to spoil. The pace is high at the start but slows down a little in the middle as it goes into more detail but I didn’t mind this as it made the end seem more climatic. I only have one real niggle but I am keeping quiet on that one as it would be a huge spoiler but the ending more than made up for that anyway.
July 17, 2020
#YouLetHimIn #NetGalley
Thanks NetGalley, Hera Books and JA Andrews for a free copy to review.
First time to read for the author, I will seek his other book Mummy's boy to read as well.
Jenny, Michael and Daniel a small family where the husband Michael struggles to make ends meet. One night after an unfortunate argument with his wife, he goes to a business meeting and never returns. The last words Jenny said to him was just go. He was killed by a hit and run accident on the same night leaving Jenny to gather the pieces of their life.
Faced by the sudden death of her husband, Jenny tries to unravel all the lies and deception fabricated by Michael leaving her in unthinkable amount of debt.
She drowns in depression trying to hang on dear life only for the sake of her toddler and by the support of a budding friendship with the only witness to her husband's death.
An engaging book, it lets you question your life priorities. Do material stuff really matter over the relationships we have? If you lose one of your loved ones suddenly, would you have said the proper words for the last time or you'd live regretting what you said or left unsaid driving yourself crazy?
The book started fast and strong and the ending was fast paced though the middle dragged for a bit.
Thanks NetGalley, Hera Books and JA Andrews for a free copy to review.
First time to read for the author, I will seek his other book Mummy's boy to read as well.
Jenny, Michael and Daniel a small family where the husband Michael struggles to make ends meet. One night after an unfortunate argument with his wife, he goes to a business meeting and never returns. The last words Jenny said to him was just go. He was killed by a hit and run accident on the same night leaving Jenny to gather the pieces of their life.
Faced by the sudden death of her husband, Jenny tries to unravel all the lies and deception fabricated by Michael leaving her in unthinkable amount of debt.
She drowns in depression trying to hang on dear life only for the sake of her toddler and by the support of a budding friendship with the only witness to her husband's death.
An engaging book, it lets you question your life priorities. Do material stuff really matter over the relationships we have? If you lose one of your loved ones suddenly, would you have said the proper words for the last time or you'd live regretting what you said or left unsaid driving yourself crazy?
The book started fast and strong and the ending was fast paced though the middle dragged for a bit.
August 8, 2020
My thoughts about this brilliantly written gripping thriller,was outstanding.What I liked about the story, was it was about, Revenge,Love,Betrayal and Dark Secrets about someone you really trust was amazing. The characters were outstanding,my favourite characters in this tensed gripping twisted thriller, was Jenney who I thought was just fantastic,and the other character, who is a witness of, what really happened to jenney's husband Michael, the night he was killed, was just mindblowing it took my breath away, Author JA Andrew's writing, is truly unbelievable, loved how he has written a story, that is so fast paced and gripping,had me turning the pages.A well written story, that will take you on a path of revenge and dark secrets who could you really trust,that will take your breath away.Highly recommended. I would like to say thank you to author J A Adam's, Hera Books,Netgalley and Book Blogger Sarah Hardy for giving me a chance to read and review this outstanding thriller. Talented author J A Andrew's has delivered yet another gripping thriller.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💥💥💥💥💥
July 9, 2020
You Let Him In was a bit of a mixed bag for me.
It’s the story of Michael and Jenny. Married for 3 years living with their 3 year old son.
Michael is killed in a hit and run whilst attending a business meeting. Only after his death does Jenny learn that Michael has been keeping many secrets from her that will affect her and her son’s lives forever.
I was looking forward to reading this book from the synopsis and the first few chapters certainly kept me eager to keep reading. In the middle of the book nothing much seemed to happen to keep me, as a reader, hooked. I know that it was necessary for the story but it felt like a book of two halves.
The ending was ok, if not a little predictable. What I did like was the epilogue from Michael to tie up all of the loose ends.
I haven’t read a book by this author before, and whilst I won’t be rushing to see what else they have written I wouldn’t rule one out.
Thank you to the Author, Publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It’s the story of Michael and Jenny. Married for 3 years living with their 3 year old son.
Michael is killed in a hit and run whilst attending a business meeting. Only after his death does Jenny learn that Michael has been keeping many secrets from her that will affect her and her son’s lives forever.
I was looking forward to reading this book from the synopsis and the first few chapters certainly kept me eager to keep reading. In the middle of the book nothing much seemed to happen to keep me, as a reader, hooked. I know that it was necessary for the story but it felt like a book of two halves.
The ending was ok, if not a little predictable. What I did like was the epilogue from Michael to tie up all of the loose ends.
I haven’t read a book by this author before, and whilst I won’t be rushing to see what else they have written I wouldn’t rule one out.
Thank you to the Author, Publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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