I See You by Clare Mackintosh
5 Stars
The Book At A Glance
Every day, Zoe Walker follows the same routine—same train, same seat, same route home. But one night, everything changes when she spots her own photo in a newspaper ad for a mysterious dating site. Soon, other women start appearing in the same ad… and they’re turning up as victims of violent crimes. As Zoe races to uncover the truth with the help of a determined detective, her paranoia spirals—because the danger might be closer than she thinks. And that friendly man on the train? He might not be a stranger at all.
Bookish Thoughts
This novel had been sitting on my TBR for a while, and I finally picked it up when I was in the mood for a good thriller. The premise immediately caught my attention—it sounded intense, mysterious, and right up my alley. If you’re craving a British thriller where a detective teams up with an ordinary civilian, this one’s for you. It’s the kind of story that keeps you on edge — and might even make you question whether you should change your daily routine.
Book Review
The premise of I See You instantly drew me in. The story follows Zoe Walker, an ordinary woman whose daily commute takes a chilling turn when she spots her own photo in a newspaper ad — an ad connected to a string of violent crimes. From that moment, Zoe begins to question everyone around her, realizing that even the most routine parts of life might not be as safe as they seem.
I loved how Clare Mackintosh turned something as simple as a daily train ride into a psychological minefield. Every person Zoe came in contact with felt suspicious, and I found myself constantly second-guessing everyone’s intentions. The concept of being watched — and how our predictable routines make us vulnerable — was both fascinating and terrifying.
The story unfolds through three alternating points of view: Zoe, Detective Kelly Swift, and the killer. This structure added so much depth and tension to the plot. Getting inside the mind of the criminal added an extra layer of intrigue and made the story even more gripping.
I thought both Zoe and Kelly were fantastic characters. They each had their own personal struggles, and I really liked how the author showed their lives outside of the investigation — balancing their personal challenges with the intensity of the case. Their dynamic felt authentic and made me care even more about how everything would unfold.
Every time I thought I had figured out who was behind it all, the story threw another twist my way. The pacing kept me hooked, and the final reveal completely surprised me. Overall, I See You is a sharp, chilling thriller that keeps you guessing until the very last page. It’s a clever reminder to pay attention to your surroundings — and maybe rethink that daily routine.
“Kelly thought of all the crime prevention initiatives she’d seen rolled out over her nine years on the job. Poster campaigns, leaflet drops, attack alarms, education programs. Yet it was far simpler than that: they just had to listen to the victims. Believe them.”
Claire Mackintosh
Shelf To Table
The perfect food pairing for this novel is an iced caramel macchiato is the perfect match for this book—or really, any coffee you love. It’s the ideal drink for busy mornings on the go, whether you’re commuting to work by train, bus, or just need a little pick-me-up to start your day. The coffee reminded me of I See You because, like Zoe’s story, it’s centered around the daily routine of traveling to work—the comforting familiarity of a morning ritual that suddenly takes on a much darker meaning.
Iced Caramel Macchiato
A smooth, layered espresso drink made with chilled milk, rich espresso shots, and a drizzle of sweet caramel sauce.
Book Club Bite
Breakfast foods on the go—like croissants, bagels, muffins, and danishes—are the perfect book club snacks for discussing this book. They capture the feel of a morning routine, pairing perfectly with coffee or tea for a quick bite before heading off to work.
“Every victim deals differently with what’s happened to them; some are hell-bent on revenge, others want justice, some are looking for closure, and some-he looked her straight in the eye-some just want to move on. “
Claire Mackintosh