Obviously John Lanchester's going to write a terrific book (well, it would be highly surprising if he didn't). I like the way this one starts off as almost John O'Farrell, quickly twists...and then twists again. (And some of the reminiscences of 1980s Oxford were, of course, dead spot on.) It's a novel that reads like a thriller and then becomes a disturbing question into morality. Great stuff.

I was expecting something quite lighthearted and comedic, but what I found was something much more insightful and emotionally nuanced. This story begins with a smug married middle-age middle class couple, Kate and Jack. They have a happy marriage, with plenty of in-jokes and unspoken words.

When Jack unexpectedly and suddenly dies, Kate naturally goes to pieces. When she starts watching the latest TV hit ‘Cheaters’ Kate is devastated and bewildered to hear their personal love language broadcast across the nation.

Meanwhile, Phoebe, the writer of the series, is dealing with her own issues, including a narcissistic mother, an unavailable twin and a career that has spiralled out of recognition. The two women’s lives come crashing together in a great unraveling.

The characters are so well developed and intricately known - I wasn’t expecting the level of insight and knowledge. The female protagonists are expertly drawn and brought to life.

I can certainly see this being made into a tv drama and it would work brilliantly

I have read most of Mr Lanchester’s novels and what has struck me in the past is how different they are. At first look this book appears to abandon that distinctiveness as it is London set as was “Capital”. But “Capital”was a look at the state of the nation so the character list was diverse whereas “Look what you made me do” covers a rather narrower cast which includes an architect, screenwriter, actor. Even an ex-con is a multi millionaire. And the story is that of revenge and revengers so we are indeed on a different path from the preceding novels. In fact we have a tale that is by turns laugh out loud funny, saddening and cruel. I particularly enjoyed the plot twists where an apparently inconsequential event later transpires to hold great significance. The final point to note is that this was one of those rare books where I paced my reading because I didn’t want to finish it too quickly. Thanks to NetGalley and Faber and Faber for this review copy:

This was a real page turner given the quality and cleverness of. the plot and how it draws you in. The two key characters Kate and Phoebe are both monsters in their own right driven as they are by a lethal combination of rage and revenge. They are both beautifully drawn and depicted as we get deep inside their heads and learn what drives them both on.

Other characters become collateral damage, caught as they become entwined in the struggle between the two main protagonists.

The writing is tense yet suffused with comedy and laughter as well as brilliant characterisation.

A sure fire best seller

John Lanchester is a versatile writer. Just because you’ve read one novel of his, don’t assume you know what the next will be like. I had read his previous book, The Wall, which packed a powerful punch and was a dark portrayal of migration, borders and walls dividing people and countries. I appreciated its emotional depth and it stayed with me long after I closed the book.

Look what you made me do illustrates for me Lanchester’s considerable ability as a writer, as it is so different to The Wall but equally brilliant. Set in contemporary London, it is a funny and cutting portrayal of contemporary life, with characters who are far from perfect. The plotting is well-crafted and satisfying, with twists that keep the reader on their toes and engaged. I enjoyed the references to recent media phenomena it made me laugh out loud several times.

I will be recommending this book to lots of different groups, including readers who enjoy thrillers, social commentary and comedy. A smart page-turner with some sharp commentary on technology, media and relationships.