Book review: It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell
Genre: Thriller mystery
Release date: June 23, 2026
Goodreads rating: 3.9
My rating: 3.5
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As a dog lover, I didn't need much convincing to pick up a thriller that begins with a lost terrier. What starts as an attempt to return a dog to its owner soon becomes a much darker and more complicated mystery.
The story follows Jane Trevally, who discovers a small white terrier wandering alone. When the teenager caring for the dog is reported missing, Jane sets out to return him to his owner, only to find herself drawn back to Thornwood, a house connected to a traumatic chapter from her own past.
Lisa Jewell is incredibly good at creating an unsettling atmosphere. Thornwood has a creepy, almost haunted-house feel to it, and I found myself wanting to know what happened there all those years ago.
My biggest challenge was keeping all of the characters straight at the beginning. There are quite a few people to track, and it took me a while to figure out who was who and how everyone connected. That being said, I was really impressed by how well Lisa Jewell handles multiple timelines, gradually revealing pieces of the story without losing the tension.
I found this one darker than I expected, but readers who enjoy twisty, atmospheric psychological suspense should love this one.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for granting me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
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