Lisa Jewell on Don’t Let Him In & It Could Have Been Her: Writing Process & Reader Expectations

Lisa Jewell on Don’t Let Him In & It Could Have Been Her: Writing Process & Reader Expectations

48:08 Mar 2, 2026
About this episode
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 InWhy ordinary domestic settings can feel so sinisterThe dark premise behind It Could Have Been HerWhether modern thriller readers are harder to surpriseThe difference between a twist and a revealThe realities of building a long-term writing careerPublishing pressure, branding, and reader expectationsAudiobooks, reading slumps, and life as a bestselling novelistLisa 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 NewmanStrange Buildings by UketsuA War of Wyverns by S. F. WilliamsonA wide-ranging and honest conversation with one of the most successful voices in contemporary psychological suspense. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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