This book hooked me immediately and kept me reading...
I enjoy reading mysteries. My complaint about many of them is that it often takes me a while to really get into the flow of the book, to be hooked. That was clearly NOT an issue with Lisa Jewell's new book, WATCHING YOU. After only a few pages into the story I was hooked and didn't want to lay the book down. The book opens with a two page prologue which describes the scene of a grizzly murder--yet does not identify the victim of the crime. That alone drew me into the story! The bulk of the book is told in a flashback that begins several months prior to the murder.
Jewell does a masterful job of creating a neighborhood filled with fully developed, yet flawed characters. Much of the attention is given to Josephine Mullen, or Joey as she is usually known. Joey married on a whim while on a brief vacation apparently because she was anxious to feel more of a grown up and responsible adult. The husband, Alfie Butter works at a local bar and was described by one character as having "not much upstairs." Too poor to pay rent on a home, Alfie and Joey live in the upstairs of the home owned by Joey's brother and sister-in-law.
Across the street from Joey is the centerpiece family of the book, Tom Fitzwilliam and his wife and son Freddie. Freddie is a creapy, skeevy character who gives the story its darker side. Tom is the head of the local school and has come in as a problem solver. Down the way from the Fitzwilliam's live two of Tom's students: Jenna Tripper and Bess Ridley.
What soon becomes evident is that someone in this community has a secret. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that everyone in this community has a secret. Freddie watches everything that happens in the community and captures it on film. Joey is fascinated by Tom and is drawn to him. Jenna and Bess each have a crush on Tom. Jenna's mother has mental problems that seem somehow connected with Tom. And it's clear that Tom, homself, has some secrets.
Jewell does a tremendous job of weaving the tale through these secrets toward the murder leaving the reader wondering who the victim might be. You think you know, but are you sure? And who was the murderer. There is no end of suspects--each with a valid reason for committing the crime.
By the end of chapter 1 there was no doubt in my mind that I would finish this book and enjoy every moment of the read. I had a hunch early on who the murderer was, but I'll not say if I was right or not. I'll let you figure it out on your own.
This is a superbly crafted book. I highly recommend it!
Jewell does a masterful job of creating a neighborhood filled with fully developed, yet flawed characters. Much of the attention is given to Josephine Mullen, or Joey as she is usually known. Joey married on a whim while on a brief vacation apparently because she was anxious to feel more of a grown up and responsible adult. The husband, Alfie Butter works at a local bar and was described by one character as having "not much upstairs." Too poor to pay rent on a home, Alfie and Joey live in the upstairs of the home owned by Joey's brother and sister-in-law.
Across the street from Joey is the centerpiece family of the book, Tom Fitzwilliam and his wife and son Freddie. Freddie is a creapy, skeevy character who gives the story its darker side. Tom is the head of the local school and has come in as a problem solver. Down the way from the Fitzwilliam's live two of Tom's students: Jenna Tripper and Bess Ridley.
What soon becomes evident is that someone in this community has a secret. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that everyone in this community has a secret. Freddie watches everything that happens in the community and captures it on film. Joey is fascinated by Tom and is drawn to him. Jenna and Bess each have a crush on Tom. Jenna's mother has mental problems that seem somehow connected with Tom. And it's clear that Tom, homself, has some secrets.
Jewell does a tremendous job of weaving the tale through these secrets toward the murder leaving the reader wondering who the victim might be. You think you know, but are you sure? And who was the murderer. There is no end of suspects--each with a valid reason for committing the crime.
By the end of chapter 1 there was no doubt in my mind that I would finish this book and enjoy every moment of the read. I had a hunch early on who the murderer was, but I'll not say if I was right or not. I'll let you figure it out on your own.
This is a superbly crafted book. I highly recommend it!