Let Me In: A Rollercoaster of Suspense and Frustration
When I first heard about Claire Allan’s Let Me In, I was intrigued by the premise of a couple trying to escape their troubled lives in a decrepit McMansion, only to have their fresh start turn into a twisted nightmare. Let’s just say, I hoped for a delicious mix of suspense and intrigue that would keep me on the edge of my seat. Instead, I found myself grappling with a few choice frustrations—and let me tell you, I had to do it without my trusty Kindle, which somehow decided to play hide-and-seek under a mountain of clutter on my desk!
The Characters and Their Folly
Our protagonists, George and Helen, are tasked with delivering that classic tale of starting over—think couplish dreams sprinkled with the chaos of moving into an unsettling new home. But instead of a gripping personal journey, what I encountered was George, a man so engrossed in his aspirations that he forgot about everything else, including his wife’s sense of stability. If George is a Great Value narcissist, then Helen deserves a medal for her unwavering loyalty to someone who clearly prioritizes his own self-inflicted dilemmas over her well-being.
As tensions mount, the plot promises to deliver thrills, weaving threads of mild witchcraft and domestic dread. I was genuinely invested… until about the 75% mark when the entire narrative collapsed—much like a dubious wall in their new kitchen. It was as if the author decided a plot twist was too boring and instead opted for a sinkhole of confusion and absurdity. The pacing felt uneven, moving from suspenseful to downright absurd faster than I could catch my breath.
Writing Style and Memorable Moments
Writing-wise, Allan’s style felt uneven—a 2.5 out of 5, at best. While the early chapters sparked my interest, the momentum fizzled out as the narrative grew increasingly chaotic. If there had been a coherent pathway leading to the climax, perhaps I would have forgiven the abrupt pacing changes. Some scenes were downright puzzling, and I found myself laughing—not from amusement, but sheer disbelief. Take the ending, for example. Helen’s mother, who had been absent for most of the story, makes a sudden, baffling entrance. Her nonchalant declaration that "he needs oxygen!" had me genuinely questioning if I accidentally slipped into a comedy rather than a thriller.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, I would probably recommend Let Me In to readers who revel in domestic thrillers but manage their expectations regarding the narrative’s coherence. If you enjoy navigating chaotic character choices and a plot fraught with errors, then bravely step into the world of George and Helen. Just don’t expect to leave unscathed—this book is less a smooth ride and more a bumpy jaunt through a deep, dark hole.
While I am left pondering how this is the same author who wrote I Know You, I truly respect Allan’s ambition. Here’s to hoping her next adventure brings back the clarity and suspense that made her earlier work so captivating!
Discover more about Let Me In on GoodReads >>