Review: Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
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Some doors should stay firmly shut – especially when the person knocking has charm, good looks, and just the right amount of tragedy in his backstory. Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell is the kind of thriller that reminds you why you never, ever open the door without looking through the peephole first.
If you’ve read Jewell before, you know she’s the queen of domestic suspense with a knack for weaving multiple perspectives into one twisty, tangled web. This book is no exception – fast-paced, layered with secrets, and laced with a constant hum of unease.
Key Takeaways: The Page Turner by Viola Shipman
What It’s About
Nina Swann is still grieving the sudden, tragic death of her husband when she receives an unexpected condolence card from Nick Radcliffe – someone claiming to be a dear friend of her late spouse. He’s warm, generous, and attentive… but Nina’s daughter Ash isn’t buying it. She starts digging into Nick’s past and doesn’t like what she finds.
In another town, Martha is juggling life as a new mother while her husband Alistair takes more and more “work trips.” She wants to believe his excuses, but her gut says something is off.
As these three women’s lives slowly intersect, the truth about Nick begins to surface – and it’s far darker than any of them imagined. Sometimes the biggest danger isn’t outside your door… it’s already in your living room.
My Review Rating – 4 out of 5 stars.
A fast-paced, compulsively readable thriller with a smarmy antagonist you’ll love to hate.
What I Liked
The Setting
Jewell nails the sense of place, from cozy domestic spaces to the unsettling moments when those safe spaces feel compromised. It’s a perfect backdrop for a “do you really know the person you’ve let into your home?” type of story.
The Characters
Nick Radcliffe is every slick, too-polished guy you’ve ever side-eyed at a party – and he’s written to perfection. Nina and Martha are sympathetic but sometimes frustratingly trusting, while Ash steals the show with her sharp instincts and determination.
The Plot & Storylines
For me, the pacing was one of the biggest strengths. Despite multiple POV shifts, the story flowed seamlessly and never dragged. Twists land throughout, and the tension holds until the final page.
What I Disliked
The premise isn’t entirely fresh – thriller readers will recognize the “too good to be true man” setup. And yes, the women’s gullibility is eye-roll-inducing at times. But Jewell’s execution still makes it addictive, and her storytelling keeps the pages turning fast.
If you enjoy her other dark, twisty thrillers, I think you’ll tear through this one too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
Is this book part of a series?
No. Don’t Let Him In is a standalone thriller.
Is it similar to The Family Upstairs?
It has a similar multi-POV structure and a creeping sense of dread, though the plot is quite different.
Is it fast-paced?
Very. It’s easy to read in just a couple of sittings.
Will I like it if I haven’t read Lisa Jewell before?
Yes – this works perfectly as an introduction to her style, but you may also want to check out The Family Upstairs and The Family Remains.
Conclusion: Should You Read Don’t Let Him In?
If you’re looking for a domestic thriller that moves fast, keeps you guessing, and serves up a villain who oozes charm in the worst possible way, Don’t Let Him In is worth answering the knock.
Just don’t expect to fall in love with the women’s decision-making – prepare instead to shout “Don’t do it!” more than once. For Lisa Jewell fans, it’s another solid addition to her suspense roster, and for newcomers, it’s a strong gateway into her twisty world.
🔗 Also see my reviews of The Family Upstairs and The Family Remains, and explore my Mystery/Thriller/Suspense book guide for more addictive reads.
📚 Did You Know?
Lisa Jewell began her career writing romantic comedies before switching to psychological thrillers – a shift that’s made her one of the UK’s most consistently bestselling authors.
