jfurchak 's review for:

Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell

2.0

challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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This book would have been fine if it was about 150 pages shorter.

I get it, the author wanted us to feel a connection to the wives and children affected by this man. But it made things so so so derailed for no reason. I also understand she was trying to make us feel exhausted and manipulated by Simon’s long, winding narratives. But she accomplished both of those things mmmm about 20-25% of the way through the book. Then kept doing it with no forward motion until about 75% of the way through. You established your characters. You established their flaws. You pieced together these all over the place timelines and identities for me, now move it along with the story?!?!?! I got it. He’s a psychopath who lies, cheats and steals. I didn’t need 200 pages giving me stories and examples of his badness. I know he’s bad.</spolier>