When Zoe Walker sees her photo in the classifieds section of a London newspaper, she is determined to find out why it's there. There's no explanation: just a grainy image, a website address and a phone number. She takes it home to her family, who are convinced it's just someone who looks like Zoe. But the next day the advert shows a photo of a different woman, and another the day after that.
Is it a mistake? A coincidence? Or is someone keeping track of every move they make . . .
I love reading a good psychological thriller, and last year I read an awesome book that blew me away. That book was called I Let You Go, which was Clare Mackintosh's debut novel. So when I heard she had another stand-alone coming out, of course I had to read it too. Though I have to admit that I was a little nervous, because how could anything top the amazing twists and turns of I Let You Go?
Well, as it turned out, I worried for nothing because this story is completely different, but just as awesome.
Zoe Walker catches the London Tube to get to and from work on weekdays. She has a specific place she stands on the platform, a chosen carriage she always steps into, and exits the same way every time. She's never thought twice about her commuter habits. Not until she finds a grainy picture of herself in the classifieds with a phone number and website listed below it.
Kelly is a police officer who was once heading places, but when a case reminded her of something that happened to someone she loves, she made a mistake that set her back. Now she's gotten herself involved with several incidents involving women that at first appear random but might actually add up to one very serious case.
There's someone sharing personal details that shouldn't be shared. Zoe and Kelly might be the only two able to connect enough dots to crack the case. Or die trying...
Wow. This book was seriously awesome!
Told in several POVs, each one helps the story move along, the situations worsen, and keeps the danger building from the very beginning. The everyday premise is frightening. Who doesn't have a routine or habits they adhere to? Whether it's how we travel to work, or when and where we jog or go for walks, people are habitual and tend to take the same paths daily. But we never expect someone to be watching. Someone who lurks in the shadows and learns our routines so they can use them against us. Yep. The very thought of that creeps me out.
And that's what makes this book so terrifying. The fact that it deals with a very real and familiar situation. Not to mention that this author's writing style is totally grab-you-by-the-throat and doesn't let you go until you're feeling just as jumpy as the characters. And speaking of characters, she sure can write some very interesting and flawed people with such complicated lives.
I See You is a chilling thriller that instantly hooked me in. I didn't want to put it down, because the more that was revealed, the stronger the paranoia got. Until I couldn't wait to reach the end to find out who was responsible because I started suspecting everyone. And that ending! Yikes.
This is a brilliant book. I can't wait to read more books written by Clare Mackintosh.
I See You, August 2016, ISBN 9780751554120, Sphere