Lisa Jewell on Don’t Let Him In & It Could Have Been Her: Writing Process & Reader Expectations
The bestselling author discusses psychological suspense, epilogues that shock, writing without a plan, audiobook habits and the pressure of modern thrillers
Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall · Philippa Hall
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Show Notes
In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa is joined by global bestselling author Lisa Jewell to discuss her paperback hit Don’t Let Him In and her brand new summer release It Could Have Been Her.
Lisa talks candidly about writing morally complex characters, creating psychological tension without crossing credibility lines, and why her epilogues often carry the darkest revelations. She shares her unusual writing process — drafting without a plan, discovering twists late, and working at her kitchen table while the world carries on around her.
The conversation also explores:
- The psychology of manipulation and trust in Don’t Let Him In
- Why ordinary domestic settings can feel so sinister
- The dark premise behind It Could Have Been Her
- Whether modern thriller readers are harder to surprise
- The difference between a twist and a reveal
- The realities of building a long-term writing career
- Publishing pressure, branding, and reader expectations
- Audiobooks, reading slumps, and life as a bestselling novelist
Lisa also reflects on how her career has evolved, what she would (and wouldn’t) change, and the biscuit that powered the writing of her latest novels.
Alongside the interview, Philippa reviews:
- Intelligence by Robert Newman
- Strange Buildings by Uketsu
- A War of Wyverns by S. F. Williamson
A wide-ranging and honest conversation with one of the most successful voices in contemporary psychological suspense.
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