Ok, confession time. I am notoriously bad at figuring out twists in books. You’d think after how many books I read, especially thrillers, I’d have a better grasp…but alas. Even the times when I’m convinced I’ve worked it out—I’m thrown a swerve. And How I Lost You threw me multiple swerves. Although, I did figure out one major reveal and I was so proud of myself.

Susan Webster has just been released from a psych ward after she murdered her baby son, Dylan, in a fugue state of “puerperal” or postpartum psychosis. She starts over, new location, new name, and begins to rebuild her life. Then, she receives an envelope with a picture in it. Of a toddler. With the name, Dylan, written on the back.

Dun dun dun.

After seeing some less than favorable reviews, I was nervous going in. But I was interested from the premise alone, and the first few pages definitely suck you in. It’s your bread and butter psychological thriller. Unreliable narrator; he said, she said; etc, but it works.

How I Lost You also went waaaay darker than I was expecting. There’s a background plot that is disturbing and unthinkable, and seems completely out of place but then makes its way to the forefront in an equally dark way.

PS The cover really doesn’t match the plot at all, so don’t be deterred if you’re tired of the whole “woman stands with her back to the audience with hair blowing” trend that seems to be going on right now.

If you’re a fan of Ruth Ware and Clare Mackintosh, this will be right up your alley.

3.5 / 5

Thank you Atria Books for the ARC. How I Lost You is available now.