Readers of murder mysteries expect twists and surprises, but “It’s Not What You Think” really surpasses the ordinary with its clever, clever premise. Which I can’t share here because it’s a spoiler. Sorry. But nonetheless, please be assured that Clare Mackintosh has written a mystery that is as thrilling as any you might read.

At the end of the first 75 pages, there is a twist that is completely jaw-dropping. (At least mine did.) The story is divided into chapters, each of which is clearly labeled with the character from whose point of view the narrative is written. That works flawlessly, providing information from that character’s viewpoint, including not disclosing information that that character isn’t privy to.

In that manner, Mackintosh keeps the tension simmering as we realize how much we don’t know, just as one of the main characters, Nadeeka Prasanna, doesn’t know what happened to Jamie, her boyfriend. At the beginning of the novel, Nadeeka is on her way home from work, speeding, because she suspects that her boyfriend Jamie is cheating on her. She has reason to be suspicious; her ex-husband cheated on her. Also, Jamie has been acting suspiciously the past several weeks, and it’s had her wondering what has changed in their relationship. She has two daughters she needs to look out for.

When she arrives at her home, after having been stopped for speeding, she finds a police car in front of her home. She’s devastated to learn that Jamie has been killed. And from that point, good luck figuring out who is involved in this twisty tale of police, underground racist far-right groups, immigration, and relationships. How well do we know those around us? How far will the terrorist groups go to ensure their subversive message isn’t stopped?

The other main character is DCI Lauren Caldwell, a Detective Chief Inspector, who is getting married in a few weeks to another member of the force, Fraser. They work closely together and, in fact, she is his boss. But they make it work, and their relationship seems perfect. When Lauren meets Nadeeka, it sets off a chain of events and investigations that will upend all their lives.

There’s so little that can be written about the plot without giving away important details that need to not be spoiled. Suffice to say that this is not a “typical” mystery; rather, what Mackintosh has created is really unique, and the premise is fabulous. But a great premise isn’t enough to make the novel worth reading. What makes this a truly magnificent read is the care with which Mackintosh has created the characters, the hints that she drops that we only realize were hints in retrospect, and the timing with which she parses out details. It’s all beautifully conceived and written. This is one mystery you won’t want to miss.

This review was first posted on Bookreporter.com.