Watching You by Lisa Jewell is a fast-paced thriller that will keep you guessing right up until the shocking conclusion. The mystery is told through multiple perspectives from a cast of eclectic characters. The writing is gripping and will draw you in from the very first page.
Title: Watching YouAuthor: Lisa Jewell
Also by this author: Then She Was Gone
Publisher: Atria Books
Genres: Thriller, Adult Fiction
Publication Date: December 26, 2018
Rating:
Melville Heights is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Bristol, England; home to doctors and lawyers and old-money academics. It’s not the sort of place where people are brutally murdered in their own kitchens. But it is the sort of place where everyone has a secret. And everyone is watching you.
As the headmaster credited with turning around the local school, Tom Fitzwilliam is beloved by one and all—including Joey Mullen, his new neighbor, who quickly develops an intense infatuation with this thoroughly charming yet unavailable man. Joey thinks her crush is a secret, but Tom’s teenaged son Freddie—a prodigy with aspirations of becoming a spy for MI5—excels in observing people and has witnessed Joey behaving strangely around his father.
One of Tom’s students, Jenna Tripp, also lives on the same street, and she’s not convinced her teacher is as squeaky clean as he seems. For one thing, he has taken a particular liking to her best friend and fellow classmate, and Jenna’s mother—whose mental health has admittedly been deteriorating in recent years—is convinced that Mr. Fitzwilliam is stalking her.
Meanwhile, twenty years earlier, a schoolgirl writes in her diary, charting her doomed obsession with a handsome young English teacher named Mr. Fitzwilliam…
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Watching You by Lisa Jewell
This is the second novel that I have read by Lisa Jewell and after reading Watching You, I can honestly say that she is one of my favourite thriller writers. The book is one that you will most likely read in one sitting. The chapters are quite short, yet packed with so much detail that makes you want to know more. It really is a page-turner!
❀ Flawed Characters
The characters in the novel are all quite flawed, which makes for a great mystery. Although there are quite a few perspectives and many different personalities to keep track of, the story is very easy to follow. I especially enjoyed Joey’s character, and although she makes quite a few poor decisions, her growth in the story is interesting to read about.
❀ A Perfect Crime Story
Lisa Jewell really knows how to craft a perfect crime story. The book starts off with a diary entry and then a description of the gruesome crime scene. From there, we are introduced to the cast of characters who all seem to be potential suspects. The twists and turns of the plot give way to an ending that definitely surprised me.
❀ Quick Read
Watching You by Lisa Jewell is perfect if you are a fan of the thriller genre. The story moves along quickly and has some interesting characters. Perfect for an afternoon read over the holidays.
About Lisa Jewell
Lisa Jewell was born and raised in north London, where she lives with her husband and two daughters. She is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of twelve novels, including The House We Grew Up In and The Third Wife.
I can’t wait to read this! It sounds amazing. Thanks for the review 🙂
I hope that you enjoy it! 🙂
Glad to see you enjoyed this one. I do have this author on my TBR, but haven’t read anything yet. I’ve seen a lot of glowing reviews for her books.
Great review.
Angie Elle recently posted…ARC Review | Jock Rule by Sara Ney
I really want to give some of her other books a try now. She is definitely one of my auto-buy authors. 🙂
Ooh, I’m liking this one. I’d like to see how the past and the present come together.
Laura Thomas recently posted…Scream Muddy Murder ~ Review and Giveaway
It definitely blew my mind! 😉
This sounds like a great thriller! I love when an author can have a big cast of characters, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
I agree! It is not often that I come away from a book with so many characters and not feel overwhelmed. 😉
I really liked this book! It was the first time I’ve read a Lisa Jewell book. Have already ordered another one. Love her writing style.
Dianna recently posted…Welch’s NEW Christmas Fruit Snacks make tasty stocking stuffers #giftguide @WelchsFruitSnck
I hope that you enjoy the next one! I really love her writing as well. 🙂
Great review! It sounds like a great thriller! I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Raven @ Dreamy Addictions recently posted…Circe By Madeline Miller [Review]
I’ve never read this author, but I’ve heard good things about Watching You. I definitely need to read it!
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…How To Host a Christmas Cookie Exchange
I think that you will really enjoy her books! 🙂
I’m actually reading this book right now and am really enjoying it so far. Definitely an interesting cast of characters!
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra recently posted…A Look Ahead to My 2019 Reading and Blogging Challenges
It really is! I hope that you continue to enjoy it. 🙂
I do love a good thriller and yes this one is on my list. I want to read it even more now!
Mary
I hope that you love it, too! 🙂