I See You by Clare Mackintosh
5 Stars
My 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
Other Books by the Author
Some of the author’s other beloved titles include The Last Party, Hostage, I Let You Go, and many more.
Literary Pairing
Both Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson and I See You are British psychological thrillers that dive deep into fear, identity, and the unsettling idea that your everyday life might not be as safe as it seems. Both novels make you question how well you really know the people around you and how easily your routine can be turned against you. While Before I Go to Sleep focuses on the terror of losing control over your own mind, I See You explores the fear of being watched and targeted in plain sight.
Shelf To Table
Iced Caramel Macchiato: A smooth, layered espresso drink made with chilled milk, rich espresso shots, and a drizzle of sweet caramel sauce.
“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