Don't Look Back by Jo Spain: A Book Review

I have developed a pattern of reading rom-com, thriller, rom-com, thriller...I plan to read a wider range of genres next year! Anyway, let's review this thriller - 'Don't Look Back' by Jo Spain. 

Let's set the scene:

Rose treats her new husband Luke to a belated, last-minute honeymoon to Saint Therese in the Caribbean. However, Luke doesn't know that his new wife is hiding a secret, which she reveals on the last night of their honeymoon. Before going away, her violent ex from Shamrock in Ireland tracked her down, broke into their home and in terror, Rose killed him. There is now a body in Luke and Rose's home.

Luke can only think of one person to help them out of this mess - Micky Sheils. Micky's "job" is to help women who are in domestic abusive relationships escape from their violent partners. Micky is also a previous lawyer and Luke knows he can count on her expertise and law knowledge. 

Micky never expects to hear from Luke again, given their history and how he disappeared from her life the first time. Luke knows Micky would never deny a woman who needs help, so she promises to deal with things. But is this job just too big for Micky to handle? And as lies are exposed, is Rose telling the complete truth?

What I liked about 'Don't Look Back'

I love how the suspense is built straight from the get-go. A quarter of the way through the book, I started to question Rose and her story, which made for compelling reading. You could feel the terror in the words jumping out from the page. This book definitely had me hooked until the end!

This story portrayed the natural reactions of the characters well. What I mean is that how the characters reacted to the situation is how some may react too. 

I would say my favourite character is Micky. You always need someone in your life who will go the extra mile, who will stand up to intimidating men and who will support you whatever the circumstances.

I also loved the side character Elliot, a really great side character for the book.

What I disliked about 'Don't Look Back'

I wouldn't say I completely disliked Luke and Rose, but I couldn't really take to them. With Luke, he is a bit of a wet blanket and slightly gullible. I think the phrase "Love makes you do crazy things" springs to mind when I think of Luke. 

With Rose, I just couldn't get a handle on her. She adopted a different personality to different people. Is she innocent? Does she need protection? Or is she calculating and manipulative? Thankfully, all those questions are answered as the book goes on.

My favourite moment of the book

It's got to be the last 100-150 pages of the book. Everything starts making sense.

Would I recommend 'Don't Look Back' by Jo Spain?

If you're into thrillers, you're going to love this one! This book had me hooked throughout, there wasn't too much of a lull that you usually find in some thrillers, which is an advantage. 

I loved that the plot kept me guessing throughout and the ending was good. Micky was the standout main character and it was interesting to see her life away from her job. I liked that the book discussed Luke and Micky's past, how they met etc. 

I loved Jo's writing style and I'm eager to read more of her books in the future!

Trigger warnings - this book discusses topics of domestic violence, sexual assault, emotional abuse, gun violence and death.

Let me know your thoughts on this book?