It's Not What You Think

This is a well-named book! Be prepared for a smart and twisty read, my bookish friends!

What starts with a suspicious girlfriend quickly turns into something much more sinister! When Nadeeka finds her boyfriend violently murdered, the police are called and Nadeeka's world is turned upside down. Detective Chief Inspector Lauren Caldwell and her team investigate and reveal a series of lies, secrets and nefarious plans. 

The very short chapters (the best kind!) keep the story at a fast pace and through the POVs of a few characters, the true story is revealed, taking readers on a wild ride that will keep them eagerly turning the pages. And that TWIST!! She got me. Clare totally got me. I didn't see it coming. Well played!

I can't say too much without risking spoilers. Just know that this is a hard to put down fast-paced police procedural/thriller with strong, well-developed characters. Mackintosh brings first-hand experience as a British police inspector for an authentic feel and I appreciated the relevant and important social themes that are woven into the story, making this fantastic fodder for book club discussion. 

This well-crafted police procedural is the perfect book to go into blind. Don't read the blurb, just slide into this tense, edge-of-your-seat read and enjoy the ride!

Author Event: Burlington Public Library - Burlington, ON Canada 

Today I met Clare Mackintosh at an event at the public library in Burlington, Ontario. It was another amazing event (my second event there this week!) and worth the 90-minute drive. 

Clare fielded some great questions from moderator, journalist and cultural commentator Sarah Laing, attendees got insight into the book (without any spoilers - a hard feat!) and a few laughs were had along the way. 

What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

My Rating: 5 stars

Author: Clare Mackintosh

Genre: Suspense

Type and Source: trade paperback, personal copy

Publisher: HarperCollings Canada

First Published: March 26, 2026

Read: June 2-6, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: 

He has a secret. She knows he's lying…

YOU THINK YOU KNOW THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE

Nadeeka is certain Jamie is having an affair. She knows the tell-tale signs.

She's been here before.

YOU THINK YOU KNOW WHO YOU CAN TRUST

When Jamie claims to be at work late, she knows he's lying. He's with another woman, and she's determined to catch him in the act.

YOU THINK YOU KNOW HOW THE STORY ENDS

But when Nadeeka arrives home to confront him, Jamie can't explain himself. The house has become a crime scene…

Jamie is dead.

IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK