Welcome back to Series 2, episode 2 of A Quickie with….
This week I had the pleasure of chatting to Clare Mackintosh, the author of one of my “all time favourite” psychological thrillers I Let You Go.
Here’s a brief recap of Clare’s biography:
With more than two million copies of her books sold worldwide, number one bestseller Clare Mackintosh is the multi-award-winning author of I Let You Go, which was a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller, and the fastest-selling title by a new UK crime writer in 2015. It also won the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year in 2016.
Both Clare’s second and third novels, I See You and Let Me Lie, were number one Sunday Times bestsellers and Richard & Judy Book Club picks. Clare’s novel After the End was published in June 2019 and spent seven weeks in the Sunday Times hardback bestseller chart, and in June 2021, Clare’s locked room thriller, Hostage, flew straight into the top ten.
And now it’s time for our quickie….
What is the title of your new book and the date of publication?
It’s Not What You Think (Clare Mackintosh), 26 March 2026
Please describe your new book in 5 words
A whiplash inducing plot twist
The last 5 star book you read and would recommend
The Wasp Trap (Mark Edwards)
What is the last text or message you have received?
Can this go in the dishwasher?
What is your secret talent?
I can sing
What’s the one product you couldn’t live without?
Wellies. I live in rural Wales and have three dogs and a goat.
What is the weirdest thing in your Google search history?
Can you buy body bags individually or only in bulk?
What is one piece of advice you wished you’d seriously taken?
Wear SPF every day
Do you have any phobias or superstitions?
I always salute a single magpie
What’s the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever had in public?
When I was a police officer, I was chasing a car thief who vaulted a high set of railings. I did the same, but my belt caught on the railings, leaving me dangling from the fence while my colleague continued the pursuit…
What are your pet peeves and what are YOUR worst habits?
Sniffing. If you’re sitting next to me on a train and sniffing, I will passive-aggressively offer you a tissue.
I have no bad habits, how dare you…
How would your closest friends describe you?
Busy
He has a secret. She knows he’s lying…
YOU THINK YOU KNOW THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE
Nadeeka is certain Jamie is having an affair. She knows the tell-tale signs.
She’s been here before.
YOU THINK YOU KNOW WHO YOU CAN TRUST
When Jamie claims to be at work late, she knows he’s lying. He’s with another woman, and she’s determined to catch him in the act.
YOU THINK YOU KNOW HOW THE STORY ENDS
But when Nadeeka arrives home to confront him, Jamie can’t explain himself. The house has become a crime scene…
Jamie is dead.
IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK
