This epic psychological thriller starts dramatically and heart wrenchingly with the death of a five-year-old boy. Clare Mackintosh, was a serving police inspector until the success of this debut novel and it shows in the assured writing. Initially chosen as a Richard and Judy Book Club read and described by them as ‘the most thrilling twist we have read’, it went on to be shortlisted for the ‘Dead Good Reader Award in the categories of ‘most epic ending’ and ‘most recommended’ book.
The police procedural aspect of the story is told through the viewpoint of a detective inspector who struggles to balance his need to find the child’s killer with his battle to be a good husband and father. Alternating with this is the first person account of Jenna who is so affected by the loss of the child that she flees to a remote village on the coast of the Gower Peninsular trying to come to terms with her loss. At first I was eager to follow the police investigation and found the switch of viewpoint got in the way but once Jenna arrives in Wales I was caught up in her story and the secret she was escaping from and hiding from us readers.
Clare Mackintosh was inspired to write ‘I let you go’ by a real hit-and-run incident when a child was killed by a car thief. The intense emotions that incident produced and the loss of her own child informed her writing and has resulted in a powerful and gripping novel. Early in the writing process, Clare intended that halfway through the story the reader would realise that all was not as it seemed, resulting in an astonishing twist that compels you to read on. I completed the book in record time. It is truly an edgy, captivating and ultimately satisfying read.
C J Browne 