‘I Know What I Saw’ by Imran Mahmood is his second book. I have not read his first (ok I know massive error). I have heard about it and hope to be reading it when I can. I received my book and sat down to read. My intention was a quick chapter or two, well, that never happened. Needless to say, this is a gripping thriller that had me hooked immediately.
We meet Xander Shute, once a successful, clever man, with all the trappings, a beautiful girlfriend and the best friend you could have in Seb. Over thirty years Xander has been on the street, why? What would cause him to live on the streets?
Then events begin to spiral as he, through no fault of his own, finds an empty house with the door wide open. He takes the chance and goes to sleep in the warmth. Someone arrives back at the house and Xander hides behind the settee. He witnesses something that is not easily forgotten. He goes to the police and is not believed… then is arrested for murder. How will he find a way out of this?
A story that is narrated by Xander himself and the timeline takes us right back to how he got where he is in the present day. Imran Mahmood has written this book in such a way that my heart went right out to Xander. He is such a relatable character that it made it an emotional read with his history. His character is that real and his voice so strong and unique that his confusion and hurt almost jumps out of the page at you. His determination to attempt to find the truth whatever it takes is admirable. As people begin to question and doubt his version of events the reader does start doubting Xanders’ reliability as a narrator.
A psychological thriller that isn’t a fast-paced book. It is a multi-layered thriller about one man and his quest for the truth no matter what the consequences. I loved this truly engaging and immersive story that has given me yet another fabulous author to follow.
Thanks to Raven Books for my copy of the book and Tracy Fenton for inviting me along on the tour.
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