I See Something Very, Very Impressive Here!

My first look at a Clare Mackintosh book and I’ve come away very, very impressed. At first I felt as if the book wasn’t quite going to really take off in any great way but the time taken to paint sheer normality of modern family life in London made what was to happen as the story unfolded all the more meaningful. Two very strong and deep female lead characters, one a normal working mum and the other a discredited but dedicated police constable are given genuine depth and persona.

The narration by Rachel Atkins is extremely strong, clear and suited to the material. She smoothly moves the story forwards as it gradually unfolds and reveals its twists and turns. In summary this is a deeply satisfying, well produced thriller with characters that are rendered with detailed clarity and warmth by the author. What happens to them matters. What happens to them is both frightening and credible with plenty of twists and guessing games along the way.

I have no qualms whatsoever about recommending this one!

77 people found this helpful

A Proper Suspense-Thriller

A cleverly thought-out plot filled-out with very believable detail of family-life, work-life and travel around London on the tube system. Things that those of us living in the area can all relate to. It all helps to give the impression of a real danger that could happen to any of us.
The story is told through the eyes of two women, one in the past tense, one in the present. Also occasionally through the creepy voice of the culprit confirming to the listener only, that the imagined danger is real. That's what makes it a good suspense novel.
Not sure that the central premise of the plot is plausible, but that doesn't detract from the enjoyment. This a an easy listen. Maybe a bit lightweight as a book, but that's what you want sometimes. This is the second book from Clare Mackintosh that I've listened to. I look forward to the possibility of a third being published.

30 people found this helpful

Fabulous

I enjoyed I Let You Go so much that I have been waiting for this to be published. After hearing clip that the author shared on her Facebook page I decided to preorder the audio book. The narration really brought the book to life and her voice was perfect for this book. Anyone who, like me, is a creature of habit will get the creeps reading (hearing) this book. Another cracker of a book from Clare Mackintosh.

26 people found this helpful

wow! what an ending!

I cannot get over the epilogue... I had to pick my chin up off the floor! great book though! one I will definitely recommend.

15 people found this helpful

Had potential but found it very predictable

I found the first half was slow and i struggled to keep going. Second half much better but either i'm a literary genuis, which I really don't think I am, or it's a very predictable story.
The characters in the second half seemed like they'd had an IQ reduction and were overlooking some very obvious clues and acting frustratingly dumb. i did keep going but the last 30 mins was exactly as predicted.
Just my take.

14 people found this helpful

A top-notch thriller. First class.

Any additional comments?

This story twists and turns and keeps you guessing right up to the final chapters. And, even then,it delivers a jaw-dropping, shocking twist in the epilogue. Fabulous narration, a great plot, a smashing cast of characters and terrifyingly believable. I loved Clare Mackintosh's first novel, I Let You Go, and this story is every bit as good. 10/10.

13 people found this helpful

Gripping and highly addictive

I See You fills the void left by Girl on the Train and The Widow. I could not stop listening to this production - the narrative develops the characters well, and the story is compelling, and worryingly freakish... I loved it. The performance is excellent and brought the characters to life. I listened to this after really enjoying I Let You Go by the same author, and I feel have got the order right. This was a stronger book, in my view, and now I am bereft having finished it!

12 people found this helpful

Gripping story

I found this a compelling listen that kept me returning to the recording wanting to know what happens next. It’s a combination of psychological thriller and detective story. The characters are well-developed and the pacy narrative draws one into the murky world of dating apps and how they can expose women to predatory men. I was surprised and a bit disappointed by the denouement and on reflection can see some details that don’t ring true, but it’s mainly a great listen that I found scary as I walked in twilight along a lonely path!

The narrator drives the story along with verve and she's good at different accents.

11 people found this helpful

gripping

A brilliant performance of a gripping story. I was scared witless whilst listening to it but couldn't stop!

10 people found this helpful

Far fetched story with melodramatic narration

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Although reasonably entertaining and something to pass the time, was just not a book I could engage with. I didn't empathise with any of the characters, the plot was rather silly and far fetched and the overall style was a weird mix of chic-lit / family drama combined with crime thriller, which just didn't work for me.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Pace could have been faster - it dragged at the start. I didn't find the characters likeable - with the possible exception of the policewoman. The main character came across as self-absorbed and careworn.

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Rachel Atkins?

Imogen Church, definitely! Or Juliet Stevenson

Was I See You worth the listening time?

Not really. I persevered because I had started it.

Any additional comments?

I'm afraid I didn't enjoy the narration. Not totally the actor's fault as she did a competent job, but for me I found her voice and interpretation of some of the characters (esp Melissa) somewhat grating. I'm afraid the worst parts of the reading were the 'dramatic' scenes, where her very melodramatic narration (high pitched, fast, almost shouting) was just over the top

3 people found this helpful