This is both a slow burn and a page turner. I guessed what could be happening at the end very early on. There diary entries on this and it feels you are reading a very delulu person, didn't feel quite real. The second part of the book was better than the first one for me.

Did someone say my favourite book I've read so far in 2025? Um, quite possibly yes...

This book is exceptional, Kazumi expertly crafts the story and it is utter perfection to read. My mind was blown, my jaw was on the floor it was a phenomenal roller coaster of a ride that I can't recommend highly enough that everyone reads and experiences. A lot of my notes on this book were just me being in disbelief or shock because of how many unpredictable plot twists there was. This book has so many sucker punch moments where I was winded and momentarily couldn't believe what was unfolding in front of me. I won't detail all the specific moments my jaw dropped, because that would spoil the entire book but trust me, it was a lot.

Claire is such a multi-faceted character and I really loved her braveness in parts. Without saying too much, her character definitely has a side that absolutely horrified me and spooked me to my core at the end but she has so many layers and I loved that. I really enjoyed watching her lack of self awareness and almost oblivion when Noah is looking at getting guard dogs, it felt almost foreshadowing but it was such a subtle seed planted that it only added up later on after everything had unravelled. I really felt like, at least in the beginning, Claire's character tapped on a universal human need for control at the most extreme end. It felt like Claire was the personification of most people's intrusive thoughts whenever they feel a situation slip out of their control to the point where things feel like they're happening to you rather than in your locus of control. Her impulsiveness and absolute unhingedness really drove the plot in such an exciting direction that was only possible because of her character.

I loved Noah and Claire's relationship. It felt really light and cosy to read, he's immensely thoughtful (I mean, do you know anyone else who makes cute origami notes for their partner?) When Noah goes missing, I really liked that he wasn't a shadow character in the rest of the book and that he actually makes several appearances in the plot despite still being 'missing' from Claire's life generally speaking.

I also really loved Sukhi's character - she is the perfect sidekick and compliments Claire's character really well. It was so nice to have a loyal character throughout all the drama that unfolds that felt like a constant in Claire's life (even though I started to become suspicious of whether she was even real towards the end of book). Don't get me started on Claire's mother. It's been a long time since I've read a character so cruel and downright horrible. She is all around bitter and written so creatively - it's hard to make a character that unlikable, cold and narcissistic - so props again to Kazumi for getting that character development spot on. I think it's also fair to say that Claire's childhood, the entirety of it, was really devastating and really sad to read.

Kazumi also did a phenomenal job of capturing the vibe and essence of Clapham and its surroundings. She really didn't need to set the scene as well as she did because the plot itself was just unbelievable but it added so much realism and as a South London girlie it was really cool to see an area I know represented so accurately and so genuinely. The easy breezy vibe of Clapham definitely sent me into a false sense of safety and security with this book - I did not see the wildness of it all coming! My only critique that involved the location was when Sukhi jokes 'no tip for him' to Claire. Tipping culture is such a foreign concept in London and indeed the rest of the UK that this joke felt so random and so inaccurate. it's not that it was offensive or unfunny, it just felt out of the realms of something someone would realistically say in London unless they were American or from another country that favours tipping in their culture.

Regarding the plot, I was beyond impressed. Eventhough the flashbacks and diary entries did feel confusing in terms of their abruptness in the overall storytelling - they were essential in telling the story. I learned an incredible amount about Claire through her diary entries and flashbacks that really thickened the tapestry of her character and at points felt like a counterargument for the morally ambiguous things she was doing. Yes she is doing things that are unsavoury - but her mother was awful according to her flashbacks and her and Noah's love story was ridiculously heartwarming, according to her diary entries. I can't describe how many dimensions this book was given and the plot overall by using these interesting mechanisms.

Another aspect that was incredibly useful was the court case. Using witnesses to fill in the gaps and separate fiction from objective fact? Chefs kiss. I was obsessed with the entire case. Watching the pieces come together in front of me was fun and interesting but then when new evidence was brought in and the case is morphing in front of Claire's eyes? Priceless. I can't articulate how excellently using the court case built suspense and tension. But also Kazumi is a genius, so the way she reveals information and plot twists with the court case as her canvas was phenomenal.

I had a couple critiques which were more to do with the structure than the story or book overall. Firstly, I was a little confused as to when the diary entries all happened relative to the current day. Obviously, I gathered they were all previous entries but it was hard to work out the overall timeline of how much time had passed since each diary entry and the present day but also the timeline between each diary entry. A header with a timeline 'two months ago' etc probably would've negated this confusion for me. Also, some of the flashbacks to Claire's childhood felt really abrupt and thus were also confusing. Because there was no separation between the main narrative and the flashbacks, it did take a couple of re-reads on certain occasions to adjust to now reading about a flashback with Claire at school when I was just reading about her in the present day etc.

I also wasn't crazy about all the woman on woman hate. Noah cheats on Claire, but the majority of the time Claire's focus is on Lilah and she assigns a lot of the blame to Lilah. I get that this may reflect Claire's character and hyper fixation on saving her relationship, but equally it's just not cool to drag other women down (especially if you're upset about a man's behaviour in the first place). Sukhi does operate as the voice of reason and points out that Noah is the one who lied and betrayed Claire's trust - so I was grateful for that shift in perspective away from solely villanising Lilah for just existing as the other woman without her knowledge.

It's hard to talk about the ending without ruining it, but it goes without saying I adored the ending. It sent a shiver right down my spine and honestly, I hope we see more from Kazumi because it'd be a shame to not see how Claire's world continues. Truly riveting and deeply unforgettable - this book packs a punch in all the right places.

Cuckoo was a twisted but highly entertaining read that I thoroughly enjoyed unpicking the layers of.

This is an impressive debut. The premise itself is wonderful and Kazumi has a great story in store that builds upon it tantalisingly. It is compulsively readable with enticing writing that pulls you into the story. Kazumi has a great sense of pacing and feeds the reveals into the narrative so well, skillfully setting them up. The twists are excellent and multi-faceted, upending the story each time. I enjoy books where the impact is felt immediately and it is wide-spread. Here, each twist has genuine stakes behind it. They feel earned in the course of the plot, rather than just big surprises. All of that being said, I would recommend going in knowing as little as possible and allowing Kazumi to bring you on this wild ride.

Within this tangled web of a plot, you have Claire at the centre. You become endeared to her hopelessly romantic voice pretty quickly. She is somewhat naive and trusting but loses a little of that as she starts to unpick the threads of her life with Noah. Kazumi does a great job at making her three-dimensional and lovable - the interspersions from a child narrating are heart-breaking and add a different perspective to the events unfolding. It is a great balance of character and plot with both elements making the pages fly by for the reader. I also really liked Claire’s coworker turned new friend Sukhi who is a welcome ray of sunshine at times. She’s pulled into this increasingly bizarre story but stays defensive and loyal. There is an innate kindness that is wonderful to see.

Cuckoo is a treacherous and twisty debut thriller from a compelling voice to watch.

Wow this book is a rollercoaster - strap yourself in and enjoy the ride. I really didn’t know what to expect but it grabbed me from the first chapter and didn’t let me go throughout. I was torn and felt compassion for Claire - along with other characters in the story. This is a well written, tightly plotted and exquisitely paced book with well defined and three dimensional characters. I’ll be looking out for more books by this very talented writer.

Thought provoking psychological thriller. A ‘little’ bit too much about life with Mother. It got a tad boring. Other than that, real wow factor writing.

Noah sounds too good to be true - too thoughtful, a perfect partner, ideal! He is Claire's first boyfriend/partner and she worries that he is too good for her. Suddenly it all goes wrong and Noah disappears. Claire is lucky to have one friend - Sukhi - who is so supportive. And so the plot thickens!
Definitely a page turner and interspersed with Claire's search for Noah is the horrendous childhood she has had at the hands of her mother. Always being told she is worthless and only her mother would ever love her.
I did find the diary entries rather strange - yes a good way to describe how Noah and Claire's relationship developed but it doesn't sound like true diary entries.
Three and half stars for me!
Many thanks to Netgalley/Callie Kazumi/Random House UK for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

Ok, this book really was Cuckoo.

I really enjoyed the premise of the book and the pacing of the story kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know more.

The format of the book was a bit off for me. I enjoyed the diary entries but the flashbacks in the middle of the chapters just weren’t made clear enough and threw of the flow of the book for me.

I did find this book extremely predictable but that didn’t make me enjoy it any less. The revelation of the “twist” was in an enjoyable way.

Claire try`s to drops off her fiance`s lunch at his work place as it`s their anniversary, but is told he does not work there, after trying to phone and message him she is ghosted so when her work friend finds him on Facebook at a club they go to confront him only to be told to leave him alone.
Then Claire finds out he has been living a double life with another woman she confronts her and finds out they have been together since school and Claire must be the other women.
When the other woman is found dead Claire is arrested and the lies are revealed and the upbringing Claire had and how her mother hated her.
A bit of a slow burner but once it got going it was interesting.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.

Read in two sittings. This was good!!

Claire has found the love of her life. They have been together over a year and are engaged to be married. A trip to deliver some lunch to his office where he works changes everything. He hasn’t worked there for months. Claire spends her time trying to track him down to find out what’s going on and why he’s ignoring her.

As we read through we find out about some of Claire’s childhood, along with some of her past diary entries from school and her most recent ones about Noah which flow really well alongside each other.

This is a great psychological thriller which had me changing my thoughts every few chapters or so. A very good debut from this Author. I’ll be looking out for more to read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Loved the characters Claire and Noah when Claire discovers that her fiance has been lying to her about going to work each day when she turns up to surprise him on their anniversary. Claire decides with her best friend Shuki to investigate what is going on only to find him living with another woman in Chelsea and start to stalk him.
This is a great insight on how someone who has been betrayed can become obsessed with the truth and you find yourself being engrossed and wanting to find out more about what happens.
Would recommend to anyone who likes a mystery.

Claire believes she has the perfect life with her gorgeous fiancé, Noah, until she pops in to see him at his place of work one day, only to discover that he hasn’t worked there for months!

Noah is ignoring her calls and has blocked her on social media. Desperate for the truth, Claire sets up a fake Facebook account to track Noah down and is devastated when she catches up with him on a night out, with another woman.

This is a well written book and I enjoyed it. The pacing and the character development is really good and I really felt for Claire, especially during the flashbacks to her childhood; her nasty mother and the bullying she was subjected to at school. I did work out the truth towards the end, but that’s didn’t dampen my enjoyment one bit.

4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Callie Kazumi and Random House Cornerstone for an ARC in return for an honest review.

This psychological thriller takes the reader on a breathtaking emotional ride. It features complex characters, unexpected twists, and Claire, an unreliable narrator. The narrative keeps its secrets well; although Claire is unreliable, she is still a protagonist you invest in. The pacy thriller keeps you engaged, and the many twists, some of which I guessed, make you constantly wonder what to do next and who you should believe. I like the popular courtroom format in the story's second half as it includes the reader, allowing them to judge the evidence. It's a poignant psychological thriller with some unexpected twists.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Some of Claire’s actions seem quite unbelievable BUT I’ve never been in the same situation so who’s to say I wouldn’t do the same? Very engaging read throughout and a stunning and interesting debut!

Cuckoo follows the growth of a relationship between a young woman and her ideal man whom she has met during the course of an ordinary day. But, are things as the appear? The characters are rounded and believable and I was hooked from the mysterious and tragic description in the opening paragraph wondering where it would lead the reader. Once I had started reading this book I could not stop as I was compelled to find out what would happen next. For a debut novel this book was great!

Ooo everything is not what it seems! This is a clever, twisty-turny story. I devoured it! Will definitely look out for more by this author.

I do enjoy finding a new author who manages to both engage and entertain me and, with her debut novel, Cuckoo, Callie Kazumi has managed to do just that. This is a relationship drama, of sorts, but one that takes a very dark and unexpected turn. What should have been a very happy day, a kind of anniversary for Claire and her fiance, Noah, turns into somewhat of a nightmare, upending Claire's reality and sending her into a troubling spiral that sees everything she knows come crashing down around her. Ghosted by Noah for reasons she doesn't understand, with the help of her friend and colleague, Sukhi, Claire sets out to find out what secrets Noah has been hiding, never suspecting the truths she is about to uncover.

I like how Callie Kazumi has played this story. There is an air of plausibility about it, and many of the tricks that she uses in the narrative really do drive the mystery and misdirection that feed the plot. It's really hard to talk about the parts of the book I really appreciated the most as it would sway into spoiler territory, but they way in which Claire uncovers Noah's secret life really do reflect modern society and I think, for some, this may be very relatable. There are probably a good few folks who would recognise in themselves the temptation to have a secret social media account and to be able to permeate the lives of other people without their even knowing. There is a twist in this particular tale, and an unexpected darkness, but it helped maintain the tempo of the novel, and kept my attention throughout.

There are some tough scenes in the book which explore Claire's very complicated relationship with her mother. Again, for some this may be relatable, and for others they may not want to read the truth within this part of the book. It is not necessarily easy to read, but it explains quite a bit about the kind of person Claire is, and why she reacts to certain situations in any given way. I didn't always like Claire, but I could feel sympathy for her, and felt that by the end of the book, I understood her better, even if the author was still waiting to drop another, final bombshell right at the end.

I read this book really quickly, and am very glad I decided to add it to my reading list as it was an absorbing, thought provoking book that entertained and reflected some of the darker sides of modern life just a little bit too well. Looking forward to seeing what the author delivers next.

This is a gripping thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish
The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, making it impossible to predict what will happen next.
The writing is both engaging and suspenseful, with well-developed characters that add depth to the narrative.
The pacing of the novel is perfect, with just the right amount of tension to keep readers hooked without feeling overwhelmed.

A great premise that had been hooked - what would you actually do if you found out your life as you knew it was a lie. The twist in this book was fairly obvious from about half way through, but it's still a worthwhile read and a good new author to follow.

**My Review of *Cuckoo* by Callie Kazumi**

‘Cuckoo’ by Callie Kazumi is a gripping debut thriller. The story is a masterclass in slowly building tension and uncertainty, keeping me on the edge of my seat as I desperately sought answers alongside the protagonist, Claire.
At first, Claire's life seems perfect. She's celebrating her first anniversary with her handsome fiancé, Noah, and everything about their relationship feels blissful. But when she decides to surprise him at work, she's shocked to discover he no longer works there – and hasn't for nine months. This revelation set off a chain reaction of events that left me questioning everything.
As Claire's world begins to shatter, we're taken on a journey through her past, including her traumatic childhood with a neglectful and abusive mother. These flashbacks provide insight into Claire's psychology and her deep-seated need for love and validation. However, they also make it difficult to discern what's real and what's imagined, adding to the overall sense of unease.
I was impressed by Kazumi's skilful handling of the narrative, which seamlessly weaves together Claire's present-day investigations with her past experiences. The pacing is expertly controlled, with a constant sense of escalation that kept me invested in the story.
One of the most striking aspects of ‘Cuckoo’ is its exploration of toxic relationships and the blurred lines between love and obsession. Claire's fixation on Noah is all-consuming, and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that her perception of reality is distorted. I found myself wondering if she was delusional or if there was something more sinister at play.
The characters in ‘Cuckoo’ are complex and multi-dimensional, with Claire being a particularly fascinating and flawed protagonist. Her self-deprecation and insecurities make her relatable, but her increasingly erratic behaviour also raises red flags. The dynamics between Claire and her friend Sukhi are equally intriguing, with Sukhi's loyalty and concern for Claire's well-being providing a counterpoint to Claire's spiralling obsession.
The twists and turns in ‘Cuckoo’ are expertly handled, with a stunning revelation that completely upended my expectations. Without giving too much away, I can say that the ending is both shocking and thought-provoking, leaving me to ponder the themes of trauma, gaslighting, and the fragility of the human psyche.
Overall, ‘Cuckoo’ is a gripping and unsettling thriller that will appeal to fans of psychological suspense. Kazumi's writing is assured and evocative, making this a stunning debut that promises great things to come. This story is for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and deeply unsettling read.

This had me gripped from pretty early one.
Claire was a very intense character to follow. Its obvious very early on she isn't OK. The way she behaves instantly was concerning. However as the book progresses you start to question the truth of the relationship.
The ending left me wanting more. But also knowing it probably shouldn't happen (I'd still read a sequel though).