It's Not What You Think - Clare Mackintosh0

 

Description

YOU THINK YOU KNOW THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE

Nadeeka is certain Jamie is having an affair. She knows the tell-tale signs.

She’s been here before.

YOU THINK YOU KNOW WHO YOU CAN TRUST

When Jamie claims to be at work late, she knows he’s lying. He’s with another woman, and she’s determined to catch him in the act.

YOU THINK YOU KNOW HOW THE STORY ENDS

But when Nadeeka arrives home to confront him, Jamie can't explain himself. The house has become a crime scene…

Jamie is dead.

IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK

Review

It certainly wasn't what I thought!

The book begins with Nadeeka desperate to get home to "catch out" her partner as she is sure he is cheating on her. When she gets home she finds a crime scene and Jamie dead.

I really began to think this was going to be straightforward read, even after the first twist. But then doubts were sown in my mind and I wasn't sure anything about anymore. I eagerly read on and then there was another twist and I stayed reading until 2am in the morning to finish the book. My heart was in my mouth with what I was reading, willing everything to be okay, but I just had to know how it ended.

There were parts of the book I didn't enjoy reading, but they were unfortunately very true to life. To say more would really spoil the twist. I did enjoy the characters Nadeeka and Lauren. Two strong women but always second guessing themselves.  Lauren is also trying to plan a wedding at the same time as running a murder investigation. It was those little insights into their world that made the book so readabl,e despite the subject matter.

I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars. It's certainly a unique plot to me.

My thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review the book is published on 26 March 2026