Review: I See You

Summary: Every morning and evening, Zoe Walker takes the same route to the train station, waits at a certain place on the platform, finds her favorite spot in the car, never suspecting that someone is watching her…

It all starts with a classified ad. During her commute home one night, while glancing through her local paper, Zoe sees her own face staring back at her; a grainy photo along with a phone number and a listing for a website called FindTheOne.com.

Other women begin appearing in the same ad, a different one every day, and Zoe realizes they’ve become the victims of increasingly violent crimes—including murder. With the help of a determined cop, she uncovers the ad’s twisted purpose…A discovery that turns her paranoia into full-blown panic. Zoe is sure that someone close to her has set her up as the next target.

And now that man on the train—the one smiling at Zoe from across the car—could be more than just a friendly stranger. He could be someone who has deliberately chosen her and is ready to make his next move… -- Berkley

If you are looking for one creepy and twisted thriller, then I think I have a suggestion for you. The book is called I SEE YOU by Clare Mackintosh, and I have to say that I really enjoyed this one. The premise of the story was definitely intriguing, and the author's ability to create suspense is definitely worth noting.

I SEE YOU tells the story of Zoe Walker, a woman and mother of two, whose life is turned upside down one day when she notices her photo in a classified ad for FindTheOne.com. Zoe isn't quite sure that it's a photograph of her (it's kind of blurry and grainy); and her family is quick to think it's just someone who looks like her. However, when Zoe discovers that different women and appearing in the same ad each day... and that these women are becoming the victims of crimes (including murder), she begins to worry.

Much to Zoe's frustration, the police aren't exactly how serious to take Zoe's report. Fortunately, one young cop (who just happens to have some major baggage) believes her and wants to help. As they learn more and more about the women and the crimes, they discover some very scary things about the  intent of the ad. Naturally, Zoe's concern quickly turns to full-blown panic (and paranoia) -- she evens begin having doubts about her loved ones. Will they get to the bottom of these ads before Zoe becomes the next victim?

I really enjoyed I SEE YOU. It's a gripping suspense novel that definitely plays tricks with readers' minds. The novel has a twist at the end... and then another huge twist; however, I will admit that I wasn't totally shocked by the reveal. Having said that, I did appreciate how the story unfolded and how Zoe learned the truth about who was responsible. The novel was really like a roller coaster ride as I tried to figure out what in the heck was going on; and I actually felt like I was along with Zoe for the ride!

In addition to Zoe and her story, I also really enjoyed the character of Kelly Swift, the officer who believed Zoe and was doing her best to help her. Kelly was a fantastic character who I actually found much more interesting than Zoe. She had a complicated background, including some baggage from her personal life and her professional one, that made her and her actions intriguing to me. I would love to see her appear in future books by Ms. Mackintosh.

And speaking of Ms. Mackintosh's books, I SEE YOU is her second novel, but it's where I started. Her first one, I LET YOU GO, was a New York Times best-seller; and there is absolutely no doubt that I'm going to track it down... right away. I truly appreciated Ms. Mackintosh's writing and character development as well as the way she incorporated so many twists into the story. I have a feeling that Ms. Mackintosh's books are right up my alley!

I SEE YOU would make a terrific book club selection. I was happy to find a reading guide for this novel -- that's not always the case with thrillers. The guide has nine thought-provoking questions including ones about victims, trust, family, fear, and parenting. I also think many of the characters and their actions are worthy of discussion.

Overall, I enjoyed I SEE YOU very much and I highly recommend it to fans of suspense and mysteries.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.