I Let You Go Book Summary - I Let You Go Book explained in key points

I Let You Go summary

Brief summary

I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh is a gripping psychological thriller that follows Jenna Gray as she tries to escape her past and build a new life. However, a tragic accident and a determined detective threaten to unravel her carefully constructed world.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    I Let You Go
    Summary of key ideas

    The Tragic Accident

    In I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh, the story begins with a tragic accident. Jenna Gray, the protagonist, is walking home in the rain with her five-year-old son, Jacob. In a split second, Jacob lets go of Jenna's hand and runs into the street, where he is struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. The event is heart-wrenching, and Jenna is consumed by grief and guilt.

    Struggling to cope with the loss, Jenna leaves her life in Bristol behind and moves to a remote cottage in a small Welsh town. She isolates herself, hoping to escape the memories that haunt her. The narrative then shifts to the perspective of the two detectives, Ray Stevens and Kate Evans, who are assigned to investigate Jacob's death.

    The Investigation

    Ray and Kate are determined to solve the case, but they face numerous challenges. The only witness to the accident is a young boy who saw the car but can't provide any useful information. The detectives are left with no leads, and the case goes cold. However, they refuse to give up, and their investigation continues, albeit with little progress.

    Meanwhile, Jenna is trying to rebuild her life in Wales. She forms a tentative friendship with a local man named Patrick, who helps her renovate her cottage. Despite her efforts to move on, Jenna is haunted by the memories of her son and the accident. She also begins to receive anonymous letters, which add to her distress.

    The Shocking Twist

    As the story unfolds, a shocking twist is revealed. It turns out that the hit-and-run driver is not a random stranger, but rather a character we have come to know. The revelation is a gut-wrenching moment, and the narrative takes a sharp turn. The reader is left reeling from the unexpected turn of events.

    With the truth out in the open, the second half of the book focuses on the aftermath of the revelation. The characters are forced to confront their pasts and the consequences of their actions. Jenna's life is thrown into turmoil once again, and the detectives are left grappling with the shocking turn of events.

    The Resolution

    In the final part of I Let You Go, the story reaches its climax. The truth about the accident is finally revealed, and the characters' lives are forever changed. The resolution is both heartbreaking and satisfying, as the characters come to terms with their pasts and the events that have shaped their lives.

    In conclusion, I Let You Go is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of grief, guilt, and the consequences of our actions. With its unexpected twists and turns, the novel keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end. Clare Mackintosh's skillful storytelling and well-crafted characters make this a compelling and unforgettable read.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is I Let You Go about?

    I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. After a tragic accident, Jenna Gray moves to a remote cottage on the Welsh coast to escape her past. But as the story unfolds, shocking secrets and twists are revealed, making it impossible to put the book down.

    I Let You Go Review

    I Let You Go (2015) by Clare Mackintosh is a gripping thriller that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:

    • Filled with unexpected twists and turns, it keeps readers on the edge of their seats, guessing until the very end.
    • Expertly crafted characters bring depth and authenticity to the story, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journey.
    • The book explores themes of loss, secrets, and redemption, adding layers of complexity and making it more than just a typical crime novel.

    Who should read I Let You Go?

    • Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers and suspenseful plot twists
    • Individuals who appreciate complex and well-developed characters
    • Those interested in exploring the impact of trauma and the process of healing

    About the Author

    Clare Mackintosh is a former police officer turned author, known for her gripping psychological thrillers. After leaving the police force, Mackintosh worked in the field of public relations before pursuing her passion for writing. Her debut novel, I Let You Go, was a massive success, receiving critical acclaim and winning the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award. Mackintosh's other notable works include I See You and Let Me Lie.

    Categories with I Let You Go

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    People also liked these summaries

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    32 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    I Let You Go FAQs 

    What is the main message of I Let You Go?

    The main message of I Let You Go is a gripping and emotional journey of love, loss, and betrayal.

    How long does it take to read I Let You Go?

    The reading time for I Let You Go varies depending on the reader's pace, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary, however, can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is I Let You Go a good book? Is it worth reading?

    I Let You Go is a captivating book that will keep you at the edge of your seat. It's definitely worth a read!

    Who is the author of I Let You Go?

    Clare Mackintosh is the author of I Let You Go.

    What to read after I Let You Go?

    If you're wondering what to read next after I Let You Go, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
    • The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
    • A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
    • Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
    • The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
    • The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
    • The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
    • Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
    • Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
    • The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda