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.
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.
After reading this novel, I think having a little chaos in your routine is actually necessary. I’m glad I don’t really have a strict, set routine. While I like to believe I’m organized, I don’t have specific times when I do everything each day. I enjoy having the flexibility to go with the flow and adjust my plans as needed. Sometimes the best moments come from being spontaneous rather than sticking to a rigid schedule, and this book definitely reminded me of that.