It’s Not What You Think

by Clare Mackintosh

He has a secret. She knows he’s lying…

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

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Psychological Thriller

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 9, 2026

About the author

Welcome to my Goodreads profile! Whether you're new to my work, or a hard-core fan, it's lovely to see you here. My latest book is OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES, the third book in my DC Ffion Morgan series. Like THE LAST PARTY and A GAME OF LIES, this is designed to be read as a standalone, but if you've followed Ffion and Leo from the beginning, I think you'll love seeing where OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES takes them.

If this is the first time we're meeting, welcome! In addition to the books above, I'm the author of I LET YOU GO, I SEE YOU, LET ME LIE and HOSTAGE - page-turning thrillers that have sold more than three million copies across 40 countries, and hit bestseller lists including The Sunday Times and The New York Times. I also wrote the emotional rollercoaster, AFTER THE END: a family drama about an impossible choice that threatens to tear a couple apart. It's the most personal novel I've written, and I've loved hearing from readers who have connected with it. In 2024 I released a memoir, I PROMISE IT WON'T ALWAYS HURT LIKE THIS, based on my experiences of navigating grief following the loss of my son eighteen years ago. It's a book to offer hope when you feel as though there's none to be had; a book to give to a friend when you don't know what to say.

Coming in 2026 is what I'm boldly going to tell you is my best book yet... a standalone thriller with a twist that'll knock your socks off! It's called IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK, and I would love you to add it to your shelf right now!

I love connecting with my readers, and there are plenty of ways you can get a sneak peek at what's going on behind the scenes. My Facebook group offers reading recommendations and exclusive extras to members (just search online for 'The Clare Mackintosh Book Club'), or if it's general chit chat you're after, please do follow me on Instagram, where I go to avoid writing, and to share snippets of my life in rural Wales, complete with three spaniels and Pete the goat. I'm also on TikTok, much to the dismay of my three teenagers...

* * *

With over three million copies of her books sold worldwide, number one bestseller Clare Mackintosh is the multi-award-winning author of I Let You Go, which was a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller and the fastest-selling title by a new crime writer in 2015. It also won the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year in 2016. She has since written seven more bestselling novels. Together, her books have been translated into 40 languages and spent more than sixty-five weeks in The Sunday Times bestseller lists.

Clare is patron of the Silver Star Society, a charity based at the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford, which supports parents experiencing high-risk or difficult pregnancies.

* * *

For more information find Clare on Facebook, Instagram, Threads or TikTok at @ClareMackWrites

#ILetYouGo #ISeeYou #LetMeLie #AftertheEnd #HostageBook #TheLastParty #AGameOfLies #IPromise #OtherPeoplesHouses #ItsNotWhatYouThink

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As book titles go, “It’s Not What You Think” couldn’t be more apt!
It certainly wasn’t what I thought anyway!

Nadeeka Prasanna is divorced with two little girls. Though her first husband, Scott, is still very much involved in the girls’ lives, he was a serial cheater and it’s left Nadeeka with real trust issues.

She’s currently dating Jamie Golding. The girls have accepted him, and she believes he’s a wonderful person, he even lets her have full access to his phone in order to alleviate her worries about cheating. That is until he suddenly doesn’t. He’s started taking his phone wherever he goes, and she believes he’s cheating on her. Then come the excuses about working late or missing his bus. However, what Nadeeka discovers is not what she (or indeed I) thought it was!

Nadeeka heads home from work determined to confront Jamie about his lies, but the scene that awaits her is like something from a horror movie. Jamie lies dead in a pool of blood, and in that moment Nadeeka realises that there is much more to this than a simple case of him cheating on her with another woman, but “IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK”!

I’m used to my thrillers coming with their inevitable twists, but this one came with some cracking ones! Don’t think for one minute you know what’s going to happen because, like me, you probably won’t have a clue where it’s going! This book held me spellbound. It is superbly paced, it has believable, credible characters, and is, in short, a brilliant story, told by a writer who is at the very top of her game. Highly recommended.

.*Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *

[Ceecee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nadeeka Prasanna rushes home, nearly getting a speeding ticket in the process, because she’s certain her partner Jamie Golding is having an affair. Why is she so sure? That will be because she’s seen the warning signs before, in her ex, Scott. However, when she arrives at her house, she’s confronted by a horrifying sight which she probably won’t ever be able to unsee. It’s very clear that Jamie is dead and the house is already a crime scene. As the mystery of Jamie and of his death deepens, it’s not what you think.

Oh my goodness, this latest novel by Clare Mackintosh starts with a shock and a bang and then at 20% there is a plot EXPLOSION. My mouth of literally drops open in shock as it’s so unanticipated. What an earth is going on? So yes, it’s most definitely not what you think - was ever a novel well titled. This is utterly gripping, twist comes after twist and they’re really good ones. It barrels and turns this way and that, it’s topical, thought provoking and disturbing as it propels its way to a chilling end.

As another reviewer wisely comments – go in blind with this one. It’s an absolute belter, so best buckle up. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins/HarperFiction for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.

[C.L. Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book everyone will be talking about in 2026. Timely, tense and terrifying, with more twists and turns than an episode of Line of Duty, It's Not What You Think is a breathless, edge-of-your-seat, tour de force. A masterclass in pace, characterisation and plotting, Clare Mackintosh has delivered the biggest book of her career. I read it in two sittings (on flights) and the time just sped by. I could NOT put it down.

PS: I'm deliberately not giving away anything about the plot or characters as I want readers to discover the surprises within the pages for themselves...

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Clare Mackintosh always delivers and then some. It is dark and confronting, and scarily could really happen in today’s messed up world. An incredible read, one that you do not want to miss.

The plot is clever and layered, making you doubt everything and everyone. I love it when a book can do that and still work. It is twisty but realistic. With multiple points of view, there is never a dull moment.

It begins with a woman racing home to confront her partner who she believes is cheating on her. What she discovers is the beginning of a nightmare, with her home a crime scene surrounded by police. Her partner has been murdered and her whole world is turned upside down.

Go into this knowing only that, trust me. It will make the experience of reading this more enjoyable.

A must read, definitely a favourite for 2026 already.

Thank you to Harper Collins Australia for my early copy of book to read by a favourite author. Publishing on March 26th. The ARC is just stunning, and a hardback 🩷

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

➡️ FROM START TO FINISH.......
"It's Not What You Think" was NOT what I thought.

It's a masterclass in misdirection, suspense, and intrigue.

This emotionally charged, smart, gripping, twisty, and deeply unsettling thriller is in a league of its own.

🔷 Characterizations were stellar.

🔷 Pacing was relentless.

I especially enjoyed the compelling dynamic between the two female protagonists: the murdered man's girlfriend who questioned her own sanity, and the brilliant and deeply flawed DCI.

➡️ BEWARE:
I usually stay far, far away from books with heavy-handed political commentaries.

While this book explored the darker side of contemporary ideological extremism, it did so tactfully and with restraint.

No political agenda was ever pushed.
👏👏👏👏👏

Instead, the storyline focused on the human fallout of political extremism and its devastating consequences.

I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Richard Armitage, Samuel Barnett, Tuppence Middleton, and Vineeta Rishi.

Full-cast narrations are always a treat, and all narrators gave outstanding performances.

❤️ My favorite Clare Mackintosh thriller to date.

❤️ One of my besties of 2026.

All the stars!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Twisty" is an adjective which is used in pretty much every thriller review or blurb. Never has it been more accurate that this one.

I am not going to get into the synopsis, it's one of those books you go into Blind and enjoy it better

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy publication day!
4.5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐Suspense, domestic drama, police procedural, thriller, this one had it all!

There was so much to love about this one, I found myself eager to pick it up whenever I had a chance to read and also chatting about it with my family and coworkers. I would eagerly watch this as a British crime drama! I guessed some of the twists but certainly not all including the first one, and just wow.. I didn't see that coming!! It was such a neat idea for a plot twist!

Nadeeka thinks her partner is cheating on her and rushes home to catch him in the act but instead finds that her home is a crime scene and her partner dead. You wont believe were we go from there. This novel doesn't shy away from dealing with some current hot button topics.

I love a novel with different POVs but this one was written in a fairly unique way for me as it had large chunks from each characters POV and I found it surprising sometimes whose head we would end up in. My favourite POV was the police one for sure, it was so interesting and kept me so engaged. There was one that slowed the book down a bit for me and thus the loss of star but all in all, was so glad I kept picking it up.
I loved the female leads, both so different, and loved learning more about their characters as I read.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Canada for the advance copy. Be sure to pick this one up on March 26th when it publishes and see if you can forecast the ending or will you agree that It's Not What You Think! 👀

[Stu Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it too soon to call my book of 2026!?

This book comes with some very bold claims, including the one that got my attention: this is Clare Mackintosh’s BIGGEST twist yet! (Yes, that Clare Mackintosh…of I LET YOU GO genius…possibly the greatest twist of all time!!). I knew immediately that I had to dive into this one as soon as it landed on my doormat, just to find out if these claims held any weight. And boy, oh boy, do they!! It does exactly what it says on the cover and NOTHING is what you think. When I say that this book is fully loaded with twists, I mean FULLY loaded and ready to eject its load at the most shocking times, in the most mind-blowing of ways! Having said all of this, you can probably guess that it is virtually impossible to tell you very much more. This is a book that you absolutely MUST read, and do so without any prior knowledge of what is contained within its pages. You will not regret picking this book up. It’s destined to be huge, because it deserves to be and is another example of just how incredible a writer Clare Mackintosh is.

If that isn’t enough to convince you…firstly, are you ok, hun!? Secondly, here is a non-spoiler-y round up of what I absolutely loved most about this book:

1. It’s SO timely, incredibly astute, and absolutely taps into the society we are currently living in. That is what ultimately makes it so terrifying and tense.
2. The story is told in 5 distinct parts, from different perspectives, and each section ends with another twist that flips everything we think we’ve known up to that point. It’s ADDICTIVE!
3. Mackintosh’s writing style shines brighter than the K-Pop Demon Hunters’ GOLDEN, as she builds layer upon layer of suspense, which comes to a breathtaking crescendo in the final chapters. The book progresses at breakneck pace, with short and engaging chapters, which get shorter and more exhilarating as events unfold. It’s basically impossible to put down.
4. The characters are so well drawn, with two central heroines I couldn’t help but love and root for. The misdirection is exceptional and the wider cast really help propel the narrative forward, whilst giving the reader really visceral feelings towards them.
5. The emotions this book garners is off the scale! My heart was racing and at times my anger was raging. There’s a real poignancy to this narrative, but I turned the final pages feeling a true sense of hope. This is no mean feat, considering how close to the bone the social critique is in these pages.

IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK will be released in March 2026. You should absolutely pre-order it this very minute. You do not want to miss the opportunity to read this the moment it’s released…we’re all going to be chatting about it! 🤯

My heartfelt thanks to @harperfiction and @claremacwrites for my #gifted advance copy. I will cherish it forever!

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster of a book!

I could not put it down… wow!
A great, twisty read, intelligent and thought provoking.

It touches some very important topics and was therefore a little hard to read, as it felt like it resonated a little too close to home at this time.

It’s my first book from the author, but it certainly won’t be my last.

Edit: It has been 2 days, and I am still thinking about this book and the topics it explored so well. Brilliant! That is what a book should do :)

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading Clare Mackintosh books and was delighted to receive an advance copy of her new book ‘It’s Not What You Think’.
This was an exciting story with some fantastic characters, lots action to keep you on the edge of your seat and a twist you won’t see coming.
I can’t wait for the next book from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really isn't what you think. Lots of twists that were carefully placed throughout the book and I particularly enjoyed the way it all started to unravel as the pieces fit together. The second half of the book was much more enjoyable and the first half felt a bit slow and didn't grab me hence 4 stars

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️5 Stars⭐️
Review coming

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! I’m not going to say much about it for fear of spoiling it but this is a fantastic, twisty read. I highly recommend reading it.

[Lu thrillskillsandchills · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

I went into It’s Not What You Think knowing very little — and that is exactly how this book should be read.

This was my first Clare Mackintosh, and if this novel is any indication of her writing style, I’ll be picking up more immediately. The pacing is tight, the tension relentless, and the story is constructed in a way that makes it genuinely hard to pull yourself away. I read this in three sittings, and each time I had to actively convince myself to stop.

What really stood out for me was how confidently the story led me in one direction, encouraging certain assumptions that felt solid — until they very much weren’t. The reveals never felt thrown in for shock value; everything felt deliberate, layered, and unsettling in the best way. The title couldn’t be more fitting.

I can absolutely see this becoming one of the most talked about books of 2026.

If you take one thing from this review, let it be this: go in blind. Don’t research it. Don’t read the synopsis. Just pick it up, start reading, and trust the process.

[Deborah (debbishdotcom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Not What You Think by Clare Mackintosh is another unexpected read from the English author. Her debut I Let You Go was a very memorable book for me and in my review I comment on almost dropping my iPad into the bathtub (where I read) as the midway plot twist was sooooo shocking with limited foreshadowing. On starting this I assumed I was about to read a book about a cheating partner who gets his comeuppance, with the victim / partner becoming a key suspect... but this was far from that. Again Mackintosh flips things a third of the way through the book and we realise we've been duped. Suddenly the type of book we thought we were reading is far from what unfolds.

Mackintosh doesn't waste any time getting to the point here, as we meet Nadeeka as she's racing home expecting to find her boyfriend of 10 months at their house with another woman, instead finding her house a crime-scene and Jamie stabbed to death. We're privy to several flashbacks during which we learn how they meet and baggage Nadeeka is carrying from her marriage to a cheating ex-husband.

Mackintosh takes readers down several paths offering up a number of scenarios and suspects. But again this heads in a surprising direction and Mackintosh keeps the surprises coming until the very end. It's hard to talk too much about the murder and the 'why' without offering up too many spoilers, but let's just say Nadeeka's forced to consider that (either) she didn't know Jamie as well as she thinks; or that others are wrong about him.

4.5 stars

Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...

[Nicola Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nadeeka and Jamie are really happy together but there’s a niggling doubt in Nadeeka’s mind, something about Jamie’s behaviour that makes her think he’s cheating on her. Rushing home to confirm her suspicions, she in fact finds Jamie dead and police on the scene. From there it becomes very clear that it’s not what she or the reader thinks.

I think it’s fairly common knowledge that there may be some twists in this book and Clare Mackintosh certainly does know how to do an excellent twist. I loved that nothing was obvious in this story, but even setting aside the clever twists, this is simply a first-rate thriller with a compelling story that I wanted to be reading all the time. The writing and plotting are flawless, the characters are so brilliantly depicted and the pacing is timed to perfection.

It’s Not What You Think was one of the books I was most looking forward to reading this year and it delivered on every level. I thought it was superb.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up for Goodreads.
This was fantastic, I genuinely was so stressed out the last 10% that I couldn’t put it down.
This isn’t a thriller with a wild last minute twist, but rather you spend the book slowly unraveling what happened.
If you like thrillers you’ll probably like this.

Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the ARC.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s Not What You Think really lives up to its name. What starts as a familiar setup, Nadeeka certain Jamie is having an affair, convinced she knows the signs, convinced she knows who she can trust, quickly unravels into something much darker. When she comes home ready to confront him and instead finds the house turned into a crime scene and Jamie dead, everything you think you know goes out the window.

I genuinely enjoyed this one and it did not go where I expected. There were so many twists and turns, and the end of Part 1 had my jaw on the floor. I’ve never read anything quite like this, and it was a refreshing change from the usual thrillers. I also liked how it weaves in current world events. It added an extra layer that kept me hooked.

I did end up guessing the final twist (I never fully trusted that person), but it didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment at all. Clever, tense, and very bingeable.

Thank you NetGalley & HarperCollins Australia for the ARC copy.

[Tracy Fenton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Clare Mackintosh’s standalone psychological thrillers and her debut book I Let You Go still remains in my TOP TEN BOOKS OF ALL TIME and I will never tire of recommending it for one of the best twists in this genre.

When I saw Clare on Instagram sharing the exciting news about her latest book It’s Not What You Think I was very intrigued and would like to thank her for arranging an early ARC copy for me to read.

Due out mid March 2026, It’s Not What You Think is being marketed as “Clare Mackintosh’s biggest twist yet”. The story starts with Nadeeka, a divorced mother of two young girls, who suspects her boyfriend Jamie of having an affair. Having been cheated on by her first husband, she comes home early to catch him out, except what she actually finds is worse than she could ever have imagined. Her house is a crime scene and Jamie is lying dead in a pool of blood.

She has absolutely no idea why anyone would kill Jamie, the police won’t let her in the house and now she starts to question everything she thinks she know about the man she let into her family home.

The chapters are pacy and gritty and the author reveals tiny clues to as who Jamie really was.

This book is a timely and topical look at the darker side of humanity and unfortunately I can’t say any more than that as YOU need to read this book for yourself. However, if you are familiar with this author’s previous books you will know that NOTHING is what it seems to be. My only suggestion would be to trust no-one and suspect everyone (including the author) as It’s Not What You Think is going to make your jaw-drop and your eyes pop. I am pretty confident when I say that there is absolutely no way anyone could predict some of the twists in this story and once again the author has managed to blow my mind.

[andshe.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gotta say never come across a thriller as twisty as this, twisty gives twisty a new meaning & It's really not what you think.

If Clare Mackintosh wasn't already an auto-read author for me this book would have been the one that made it so.

Absolutely cracking plotting, I didn't know if I was coming or going & I bloomin loved it. The pacing is on point not super speedy that I didn't absorb information but not snail pace either just the right pace that had me flipping the pages thinking bloody hell It truly isn't what I thought.

Also the characterization was on point however I'm not about to divulge a single thing, this one is best read blind.

Go on buckle up, It's Not What You Think.

Thanks Netgalley, Harper Fiction for a digital copy, all thoughts are my own.

[Lenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, this one just didn’t work for me. Had I known beforehand how heavily it would lean into political themes and police procedural elements, I probably wouldn’t have requested it, as that’s not typically what I gravitate toward in my reading. I also struggled to connect with the characters, and I found myself feeling surprisingly detached from Jamie’s storyline and the mystery surrounding him. At times, my interest waned enough that I skimmed certain sections. Under different circumstances, I likely would have dnf’d it, but since it was an arc, I decided to see it through.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[KathVBtn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going to be one of those very annoying reviews that can’t tell you anything about the book but will just tell you how exceptional it is. Clare Mackintosh has written something that physically made my stomach ache with the intensity of the storyline and the coming together of all of the action points. There are jaw dropping plot twists , multiple POVs, and it is INTENSE. It is going to be huge next year - I think everyone should read it, even if you usually think crime fiction isn’t your bag.

[BettyLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I can admit it: I was dead wrong! Initially suspecting it was going to be your usual affair/murder type crime story, I kept putting off starting this. But once I did, I had the rug ripped out from under me and my theories, as this was an engrossing story with twists and turns that just kept coming. What I initially thought was a bit of a silly title was revealed as highly appropriate: it really wasn’t what I’d thought! And I’m so glad.
This was well written, with realistic and well-developed characters, revealed through four key POVs to keep the reader in the heart of the action. I was thankful though that the switches between them were well-timed for best effect, and that the author used restraint.
This was a police procedural, but so much more, and I’m hoping the author might decide to revisit some of these characters (e.g. Lauren) one day.

Thanks to the author, HarperCollinsAU and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nakeeka is convinced that her partner is cheating on her so one day she rushes home thinking that she’s about to catch him in the act but what she does find leaves her reeling, it’s so much worse than even she was prepared for and completely leaves her adrift.

About 20% in we get our Claire Mackintosh style twist and it was surprising. The POVS then switch up, themes I wasn’t expecting get touched up.This is unlike anything this writing has written before and I was surprised by the direction this one took.

For me “I Let You Go” still remains my favourite book, I smiled when she gave us die hard fans of that book a little nod at the start but don’t sleep on this books it’s another prime example of why this author is the queen of the thriller genre.

[Vicki Rosik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Clare’s books; fast paced and twisting so you can’t put them down…She knocked it out the park with this book

This one does not disappoint and has a few WTF moments. Thought I saw the plot twists coming but they’re not what you think….

Read it quick before spoilers

[Elle (IG: simply.elle18) · Rating 5 out of 5]

All hail, Clare Mack!
I was beyond excited to have been granted an ARC of It's Not What You Think by the brilliant Clare Mackintosh, and since I had not decided my next read yet, it arrived at the perfect time!

This addictive thriller made me wish I was unemployed! It hits the ground running and I was hooked from the get go, I did not want to go to work! Gripping, suspenseful and with more twists and turns than a Tour de France race, this book demands you drop everything.

A massive plot twist at the 20% mark - my jaw was on the floor! - had me wondering what the hell was going on. It's tense, terrifying and thought provoking. I suggest you go in blind, this one is a BEAUTY!

A huge thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins Publishers Australia for an ARC to read and review.

[Kimmy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those books where life is frustrating me by getting in the way of being able to read this! Superbly twisty, and even though I guessed at the who, I could never have figured out the how and the where, and the when. Although the why is clear in the story, the reader is given four points of view of a murder - the victim, his partner, the allocated DI, and her partner (and also policeman). Gradually we’re taken into the lives of these people, with red herrings, and a frankly frightening insight into pro-white people radicalisation (the immigrants are taking all our jobs brigade). Fantastic story, well written, and a wake up call that people aren’t alway who you thought. With sincere thanks to Harper Collins Australia and NetGalley for the preview copy.

[Carole Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first half of this book and flew through it, unfortunately for me it got a bit bogged down by politics after that, which I am definitely not a fan of. It is well written and has a few good twists. I did guess the end one so maybe that’s why it’s a three star rather than a four.

Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced reading copy.

[my_reads_in_pictures · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s certainly not what I thought, but definitely what I expected from a Claire Mackintosh plot!! Heartfelt characters, a good villain (or two) and suspense chapter after chapter.

Good on Clare Mackintosh for shining a light on such a huge current world problem!

[The Cookster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.0/5

Having spent the past few years writing three books in the DC Ffion Morgan series, Clare Mackintosh has reverted to a standalone story with her latest offering, "It's Not What You Think".

Nadeeka has already had a bad experience in a previous relationship and she has convinced herself that her current partner, Jamie, is now also cheating on her. Is she just being paranoid, or is there really some substance to her suspicions? After she calls him and hears a woman's voice in the background, Nadeeka drives home as quickly as she can. However, the sight that greets her is not one that she ever expected. Her house is a crime scene and Jamie has been killed.

Although broken down into six parts, I think I would describe "It's Not What You Think" as a novel of two halves. The first half, albeit perfectly competently written, is quite slow-paced. Whilst this isn't an out and out police procedural there are significant elements of that genre on display. Thankfully, Clare Mackintosh does make effective use of her background as a detective to deliver a sense of authenticity, rather that relying on some of the hackneyed tropes that often go hand-in-hand with the police procedural genre. However, that doesn't always make for the most compelling reading experience. Thankfully, the premise that is teed up in the first half of the book really starts to come into its own from the midway mark and the whole story sparks into life. As with a number of this author's previous novels, the style is quite filmic and this regularly reads like a ready-made screenplay for a television mini-series.

The plot is neatly constructed and strikingly relevant in the current climate. The nature of the credible storyline means that there are some unavoidable, but troubling themes, which may not make for comfortable reading for everyone, but I admire the author for addressing them and handling matters in such a professional manner. Regular readers of crime fiction may well predict some of the twists before they are formally revealed, but this does not detract from the fact that the story is well-structured and the writer plays fairly with the audience. After a relatively slow-burning first half, Clare Mackintosh has delivered another creditworthy read and I have little doubt I will be returning for her next one too.