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Valheiden verkko
Kansainvälisen bestselleristin psykologisessa trillerissä synkät salaisuudet kietovat koko naapuruston verkkoonsa.
William Wooler on kunnon perheenisä, tai siltä hän vaikuttaa. Hänellä on ollut salasuhde, joka päättyi iltapäivällä tienvarsimotellissa. Palatessaan kotiin murtuneena ja vihaisena hän menettää malttinsa yhdeksänvuotiaan Avery-tyttären heittäytyessä hankalaksi.
Parin tunnin päästä Avery ilmoitetaan kadonneeksi, ja lintukotona tunnettu asuinalue ei enää tunnukaan niin turvalliselta. Eikä William ole siellä ainoa, jolla on salattavaa. Kun todistajat antavat lausuntoja, jotka ovat ehkä totta tai sitten eivät, naapurusto menee yhä pahemmin tolaltaan.
William Wooler on kunnon perheenisä, tai siltä hän vaikuttaa. Hänellä on ollut salasuhde, joka päättyi iltapäivällä tienvarsimotellissa. Palatessaan kotiin murtuneena ja vihaisena hän menettää malttinsa yhdeksänvuotiaan Avery-tyttären heittäytyessä hankalaksi.
Parin tunnin päästä Avery ilmoitetaan kadonneeksi, ja lintukotona tunnettu asuinalue ei enää tunnukaan niin turvalliselta. Eikä William ole siellä ainoa, jolla on salattavaa. Kun todistajat antavat lausuntoja, jotka ovat ehkä totta tai sitten eivät, naapurusto menee yhä pahemmin tolaltaan.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published July 25, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 19,523 reviews
September 28, 2025
Gotta love a thriller that delivers on the surprises!
Nine-year-old Avery Wooler is missing. Her parents are frantic and want her found. But in this small neighborhood, secrets abound, and not everyone is willing to share theirs in order to help find Avery. And is so often the case, the biggest secrets tend to lie closest to home.
Shari Lapena writes stories across the gamut of the mystery/thriller genre. Some of her stories are more of mysteries, with clues galore where you can suss out the culprit. Not this one. I would categorize this as more of a neighborhood thriller. There are no real clues to follow, but there are plenty of surprises. Just when you think you've got a grip on what's going on, the story changes on you and you have to start again. It's great fun.
I always enjoy Lapena's writing style. It's sparse and action-driven, without a lot of emotional or psychological fluff that is common to the genre. Instead, there's an ease and energy to the writing that keeps you wanting to read just one more page. And before you know you it, you've reached the end.
And what an end it was. It's quite coy, winking at the reader and implying a certain conclusion. Usually I don't mind using my own imagination to fill in the blanks, but in this case, I wanted that certainty. I wish there had been one more chapter to spell it all out so I could get the satisfaction of seeing the villain get what they deserve. But that's a pretty small quibble overall.
Shari Lapena has definitely become a must-read author for me. While I didn't love this one quite as much as Someone We Know and Not a Happy Family (both more of a mystery with clues and red herrings), I did have a lot of fun with it. It hit the perfect spot for an unputdownable thriller.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
Someone We Know
Not a Happy Family
The Couple Next Door
An Unwanted Guest
The End of Her
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
Nine-year-old Avery Wooler is missing. Her parents are frantic and want her found. But in this small neighborhood, secrets abound, and not everyone is willing to share theirs in order to help find Avery. And is so often the case, the biggest secrets tend to lie closest to home.
Shari Lapena writes stories across the gamut of the mystery/thriller genre. Some of her stories are more of mysteries, with clues galore where you can suss out the culprit. Not this one. I would categorize this as more of a neighborhood thriller. There are no real clues to follow, but there are plenty of surprises. Just when you think you've got a grip on what's going on, the story changes on you and you have to start again. It's great fun.
I always enjoy Lapena's writing style. It's sparse and action-driven, without a lot of emotional or psychological fluff that is common to the genre. Instead, there's an ease and energy to the writing that keeps you wanting to read just one more page. And before you know you it, you've reached the end.
And what an end it was. It's quite coy, winking at the reader and implying a certain conclusion. Usually I don't mind using my own imagination to fill in the blanks, but in this case, I wanted that certainty. I wish there had been one more chapter to spell it all out so I could get the satisfaction of seeing the villain get what they deserve. But that's a pretty small quibble overall.
Shari Lapena has definitely become a must-read author for me. While I didn't love this one quite as much as Someone We Know and Not a Happy Family (both more of a mystery with clues and red herrings), I did have a lot of fun with it. It hit the perfect spot for an unputdownable thriller.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
Someone We Know
Not a Happy Family
The Couple Next Door
An Unwanted Guest
The End of Her
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
April 11, 2023
I love an omniscient novel where you know so much about every character. Very satisfying suburban thriller. The ending was a bit rushed but it was also amusing.
July 26, 2023
After reading the authors portrayal of a 9 year old girl, I genuinely wonder if she has ever met a child. This was so unrealistic I couldn’t help but laugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2023
Thank you Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are ALWAYS honest.
BEEP BEEP! HONDA CIVIC RELIABLE READ COMIN THRU!
Writing: unique | Plot: straight-forward | Ending: my fave part
SYNOPSIS
Stanhope is supposed to be a safe place, but the disappearance of 9-year-old Avery reveals a dark side to the close-knit community.
MY OPINION
This is my second from Shari Lapena; I dubbed Someone We Know a Honda Civic Reliable as well. This book deploys the same fragmented and minimalist prose as Someone We Know, which I quite enjoy compared to long-winding similes. It's an easy read to buss out on a sunny afternoon while you work on your tan—don't forget your sunscreen though. Skin cancer and sun spots ain't cute bookstahoes! Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.
Anyways, the plot isn't anything original but I like that it was straight-forward and didn't try to do TOO much. I mean, it does kind do a lot around the 65% mark, but I felt the whackadoodle behaviour was explained well enough. If you're looking for character development or world-building, keep on looking 😂 It's as MIA as my father's love. Bloop.
Lapena's storytelling is as sparse as her prose. If you like to be told the eye/hair colour and smell of a character's farts, good luck. You'll have to use your imagination on this one. There is a 'police procedural' element here, but the finer details (or even the basic ones let's be honest) are left out. This is all about the characters' actions and the unfolding secrets. It's really a 'all plots, no thoughts' vibe but... in a good way? Idk I'm explaining this as poorly as a Stacy Willingham simile. (Sorry for the driveby Stace)
In my unhinged opinny, the strongest part of the book was from 65% onward. I wasn't expecting it to go that direction, but I'm glad I did. Tbh had me feeling a lil uneasy. No spoilers but it will remind you of a very popular thriller.
All in all, this is your standard popcorn 'suspense.' It won't be one for the record books, but it didn't irk tf outta me which is always a good sign. It's like the Switzerland of suspense books 😂
PROS AND CONS
Pros: simple prose, straight-forward but entertaining plot, solid ending
Cons: barebones storytelling, no character development, limited character backstories
___
Check out my YouTube and my TikTok
BEEP BEEP! HONDA CIVIC RELIABLE READ COMIN THRU!
Writing: unique | Plot: straight-forward | Ending: my fave part
SYNOPSIS
Stanhope is supposed to be a safe place, but the disappearance of 9-year-old Avery reveals a dark side to the close-knit community.
MY OPINION
This is my second from Shari Lapena; I dubbed Someone We Know a Honda Civic Reliable as well. This book deploys the same fragmented and minimalist prose as Someone We Know, which I quite enjoy compared to long-winding similes. It's an easy read to buss out on a sunny afternoon while you work on your tan—don't forget your sunscreen though. Skin cancer and sun spots ain't cute bookstahoes! Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.
Anyways, the plot isn't anything original but I like that it was straight-forward and didn't try to do TOO much. I mean, it does kind do a lot around the 65% mark, but I felt the whackadoodle behaviour was explained well enough. If you're looking for character development or world-building, keep on looking 😂 It's as MIA as my father's love. Bloop.
Lapena's storytelling is as sparse as her prose. If you like to be told the eye/hair colour and smell of a character's farts, good luck. You'll have to use your imagination on this one. There is a 'police procedural' element here, but the finer details (or even the basic ones let's be honest) are left out. This is all about the characters' actions and the unfolding secrets. It's really a 'all plots, no thoughts' vibe but... in a good way? Idk I'm explaining this as poorly as a Stacy Willingham simile. (Sorry for the driveby Stace)
In my unhinged opinny, the strongest part of the book was from 65% onward. I wasn't expecting it to go that direction, but I'm glad I did. Tbh had me feeling a lil uneasy. No spoilers but it will remind you of a very popular thriller.
All in all, this is your standard popcorn 'suspense.' It won't be one for the record books, but it didn't irk tf outta me which is always a good sign. It's like the Switzerland of suspense books 😂
PROS AND CONS
Pros: simple prose, straight-forward but entertaining plot, solid ending
Cons: barebones storytelling, no character development, limited character backstories
___
Check out my YouTube and my TikTok
July 5, 2025
Well, I must confess, I screamed and cursed like a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown when my request for the ARC copy of this book got rejected. I even wrote a protest song for the publishers with lyrics that went like, "why! Why! Whyyy!" It truly captured the feelings of frustration that come with each rejection, shattering your heart.
But despite the setback, I was determined to experience this wild ride, so I got my hands on a hard copy of the book. I didn't even bother to read the blurb; the words "child abuse" and "child abduction" were flashing in my mind like phosphorus neon lights. Being an auto-approved author, Shari Lapena already had my trust, so I dove into the reading journey blind. And boy, was it worth the tantrum!
The best part of the book is its impeccable pacing. The mystery entices you, urging you to make guesses about who committed the crime, who took Avery, the 9-year-old little girl. The story weaves a plotline that combines the intrigue of "We Need to Talk About Kevin" and the tension of "Prisoners." As the title suggests, there are multiple suspects, and everyone seems to be hiding something, making it hard to pinpoint the perpetrator and their motive.
Let's delve into the plot a bit more: It all begins in a motel room, where William Wooler, a respectable doctor with a wife and two children, is having an affair with Nora Blanchard, who is also married with two children. When Nora abruptly ends their relationship, William is devastated and returns home to heal his wounds. But his daughter Avery, who suffers from ADHD and behavioral disorders, is home alone, having been kicked out of school. In a moment of anger, William slaps Avery, only to regret it immediately.
As the story unfolds, Avery goes missing, and the police get involved in the search. William is trapped in a web of guilt and fear, unable to admit he saw his daughter before she disappeared. Suspicions arise, and the whole neighborhood is under scrutiny. As witnesses speculate about potential harassment, everyone's lives are turned upside down.
While most characters in the book are irritating, I couldn't help but feel sorry for little Michael, the innocent soul caught in the storm of guilt. The narrative is fast-paced and entertaining, a real popcorn read with a well-concluded ending that kept me hooked till the last page.
As the story progressed, I found myself immersed in the twists and turns, unable to tear myself away from the gripping narrative. The author skillfully wove a web of suspicion and intrigue, keeping me on the edge of my seat with each revelation. The relentless pace and the constant sense of unease made it a rollercoaster of emotions, which I couldn't get enough of.
Despite the characters' flaws and their frustrating decisions, they felt real and human, adding depth to the story. Little Michael's innocence tugged at my heartstrings, while William's guilt-ridden struggle kept me emotionally invested in the outcome. It was fascinating to see how the events unfolded, with each chapter unraveling a new layer of secrets and lies.
Shari Lapena's writing style is engaging and crisp, making the book a quick and addictive read. The pages seemed to fly by, and I found myself eagerly turning each one, desperate to uncover the truth behind Avery's disappearance. The author cleverly kept me guessing until the very end, and when the pieces finally fell into place, I was left in awe of the brilliant storytelling.
As the tension reached its peak, I couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline, my heart racing with anticipation. The final chapters delivered a satisfying resolution, tying up loose ends and leaving me with a sense of closure. It was a masterful conclusion that left me pondering.
Overall, I couldn't put the book down, thoroughly enjoying the mystery escapade it offered. If you're looking for a great page-turner that will keep you guessing until the end, I highly recommend this book. It's a thrilling ride that will leave you wanting more.
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But despite the setback, I was determined to experience this wild ride, so I got my hands on a hard copy of the book. I didn't even bother to read the blurb; the words "child abuse" and "child abduction" were flashing in my mind like phosphorus neon lights. Being an auto-approved author, Shari Lapena already had my trust, so I dove into the reading journey blind. And boy, was it worth the tantrum!
The best part of the book is its impeccable pacing. The mystery entices you, urging you to make guesses about who committed the crime, who took Avery, the 9-year-old little girl. The story weaves a plotline that combines the intrigue of "We Need to Talk About Kevin" and the tension of "Prisoners." As the title suggests, there are multiple suspects, and everyone seems to be hiding something, making it hard to pinpoint the perpetrator and their motive.
Let's delve into the plot a bit more: It all begins in a motel room, where William Wooler, a respectable doctor with a wife and two children, is having an affair with Nora Blanchard, who is also married with two children. When Nora abruptly ends their relationship, William is devastated and returns home to heal his wounds. But his daughter Avery, who suffers from ADHD and behavioral disorders, is home alone, having been kicked out of school. In a moment of anger, William slaps Avery, only to regret it immediately.
As the story unfolds, Avery goes missing, and the police get involved in the search. William is trapped in a web of guilt and fear, unable to admit he saw his daughter before she disappeared. Suspicions arise, and the whole neighborhood is under scrutiny. As witnesses speculate about potential harassment, everyone's lives are turned upside down.
While most characters in the book are irritating, I couldn't help but feel sorry for little Michael, the innocent soul caught in the storm of guilt. The narrative is fast-paced and entertaining, a real popcorn read with a well-concluded ending that kept me hooked till the last page.
As the story progressed, I found myself immersed in the twists and turns, unable to tear myself away from the gripping narrative. The author skillfully wove a web of suspicion and intrigue, keeping me on the edge of my seat with each revelation. The relentless pace and the constant sense of unease made it a rollercoaster of emotions, which I couldn't get enough of.
Despite the characters' flaws and their frustrating decisions, they felt real and human, adding depth to the story. Little Michael's innocence tugged at my heartstrings, while William's guilt-ridden struggle kept me emotionally invested in the outcome. It was fascinating to see how the events unfolded, with each chapter unraveling a new layer of secrets and lies.
Shari Lapena's writing style is engaging and crisp, making the book a quick and addictive read. The pages seemed to fly by, and I found myself eagerly turning each one, desperate to uncover the truth behind Avery's disappearance. The author cleverly kept me guessing until the very end, and when the pieces finally fell into place, I was left in awe of the brilliant storytelling.
As the tension reached its peak, I couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline, my heart racing with anticipation. The final chapters delivered a satisfying resolution, tying up loose ends and leaving me with a sense of closure. It was a masterful conclusion that left me pondering.
Overall, I couldn't put the book down, thoroughly enjoying the mystery escapade it offered. If you're looking for a great page-turner that will keep you guessing until the end, I highly recommend this book. It's a thrilling ride that will leave you wanting more.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
July 12, 2023
The way neurodivergent children are represented in this book is shocking. It’s left a bad taste. Especially how the adults in the book spoke of them.
The fact they turned the MC with learning difficulties adhd and other needs into a narcissistic sociopath didn’t sit right either.
Boring storyline, repetitive, no suspense whatsoever. Terrible ending.
The fact they turned the MC with learning difficulties adhd and other needs into a narcissistic sociopath didn’t sit right either.
Boring storyline, repetitive, no suspense whatsoever. Terrible ending.
August 7, 2023
WHAT?! This was a HUGE, painful, awful disappointment. I could not wait to read this story. I’m a massive Shari Lapena fan. I’ve loved every single book I’ve read by her…. except this one. It was long and drawn out with an ending that fell so incredibly flat. Cue the eye-roll. The frustrated sigh- UGH! Avery was written as the most unrealistic 9 year old on the planet. The twists were not here… or anywhere. Everyone in this book IS a liar and I wish I could say that I’m lying when I tell you that it’s not good at all.
@anyone who gave this 4 or 5 stars, DID WE READ THE SAME BOOK?
@anyone who gave this 4 or 5 stars, DID WE READ THE SAME BOOK?
July 31, 2023
William Wooler has been having an affair, with his beautiful neighbor, Nora-an affair that ended unexpectedly this afternoon at a motel up the road.
Devastated, he returns to his house and finds his difficult nine-year old daughter Avery in the kitchen eating cookies. 🍪 She has been sent home early from choir practice for misbehaving-AGAIN-and she wasn’t supposed to walk home from school alone.
William loses his temper and hours later, Avery's family is declaring her missing.
WHAT REALLY HAPPENED BETWEEN FATHER AND DAUGHTER?
William isn't the only one on his street who's hiding a secret, nor is he the only one LYING.
Yes, this is another book about a missing child, but what makes this one different from the others is that this time, the child is devious and manipulative-or in other words, she was UNLIKABLE!
However, I struggled to believe that a child any younger than twelve(?) could be THIS precocious!
The story reads more like a “neighborhood story” with some light police procedural, which worked for me.
The first half has a lot of finger pointing and anonymous tips, which may or may NOT be true-with not a whole lot happening-but the story ramps up in tension and shock value in second half.
Shari Lapena consistently delivers entertaining SUSPENSE, and this one is no exception! I enjoyed my time in Stanhope, and look forward to her next!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of this title! I paired my reading with listening to the Audiobook which was expertly narrated by the wonderful January LaVoy.
Devastated, he returns to his house and finds his difficult nine-year old daughter Avery in the kitchen eating cookies. 🍪 She has been sent home early from choir practice for misbehaving-AGAIN-and she wasn’t supposed to walk home from school alone.
William loses his temper and hours later, Avery's family is declaring her missing.
WHAT REALLY HAPPENED BETWEEN FATHER AND DAUGHTER?
William isn't the only one on his street who's hiding a secret, nor is he the only one LYING.
Yes, this is another book about a missing child, but what makes this one different from the others is that this time, the child is devious and manipulative-or in other words, she was UNLIKABLE!
However, I struggled to believe that a child any younger than twelve(?) could be THIS precocious!
The story reads more like a “neighborhood story” with some light police procedural, which worked for me.
The first half has a lot of finger pointing and anonymous tips, which may or may NOT be true-with not a whole lot happening-but the story ramps up in tension and shock value in second half.
Shari Lapena consistently delivers entertaining SUSPENSE, and this one is no exception! I enjoyed my time in Stanhope, and look forward to her next!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of this title! I paired my reading with listening to the Audiobook which was expertly narrated by the wonderful January LaVoy.
June 21, 2024
i already didn’t want kids before reading this and now i really don’t want kids
July 30, 2023
4.5 stars — I continue reading Shari Lapena’s books because she does such a good job of writing realistic, fast paced books that keep you on your toes with unexpected twists and turns thoughout the book. Her latest book “Everyone Here is Lying” does an outstanding job in maintaining her standard. “Lying” tells the story of a 9 year old girl, Avery, who goes missing after a confrontation with her father at their home. The resulting police investigation turns over a lot of interconnected affairs, lies and scandals within the close knit neighborhood where the disappearance takes place. Lapena once again does an excellent job of realism in writing about a criminal case. There are so many cases that I have prosecuted that seem to start off with lie building on lie until the whole house of cards tumbles and the truth is discovered. Even though, like most of her books, Lapena interjects a lot of characters. It is not distracting, and you can easily keep each family and their role or non-role in the disappearance straight. What sealed the deal for me was the character Avery, a 9 year old girl who pretty much controls every situation to get what she wants. It’s sort of like a mystery version of the movie “Problem Child.” The book was enjoyable from beginning to end and I highly recommend it.
April 1, 2023
Shari Lapena is a champ at writing suspenseful thrillers. This one is no exception! The neighborhood of Stanhope is lacking hope in honest relationships. The Wooler family is no exception when Dr. William Wooler caps off his day at a hotel with a hospital volunteer, Nora. After months of their rendezvous the two have called it off after guilt overtakes one of them. They both have a spouse and children at home. When Dr. William gets home, he finds his 9 year old daughter Avery there alone. Normally, she waits for her brother, but today she was kicked out of music because of her erratic behavior. With her uncontrollable temper and attitude, she smarts off to her dad and he backhands her in the face. He left the house to cool off leaving her alone.... or did he?
His wife calls him later to report her missing and he doesn't tell the police or his wife that he saw her. He soon becomes a suspect of her disappearance. Things spiral out of control ...lies are revealed...relationships are shattered and Avery is still missing. The ending is twisted and creepy.
Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
His wife calls him later to report her missing and he doesn't tell the police or his wife that he saw her. He soon becomes a suspect of her disappearance. Things spiral out of control ...lies are revealed...relationships are shattered and Avery is still missing. The ending is twisted and creepy.
Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 5, 2023
Ok this was sooo hard to put down. Definitely a little far-fetched but I had fun!
August 15, 2023
The tensions are running high in this neighborhood! 🏠
William Wooler is a respected doctor, but he has been having a secret affair. The woman ends it and he can't see straight from the shock of it. He goes home and does something he soon regrets.
The street is reeling after the news hits, they're glued to their televisions. More than one of them seems to be putting a nail in their own coffin, telling stories, alarm bells going off, dirty little secrets and burner phones!
I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I love how Lapena tells her stories, creating so much charged tension and throwing twists at every turn. She had me jumping hoops, my heart pounding with every revelation!
I do wish the daughter had been older. Her age was pushing my sense of plausibility 👀(as I give her the side eye). Otherwise, this was an overall thrilling, compulsive read!
Library Loan/ Published on July 25, 2023
William Wooler is a respected doctor, but he has been having a secret affair. The woman ends it and he can't see straight from the shock of it. He goes home and does something he soon regrets.
The street is reeling after the news hits, they're glued to their televisions. More than one of them seems to be putting a nail in their own coffin, telling stories, alarm bells going off, dirty little secrets and burner phones!
I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I love how Lapena tells her stories, creating so much charged tension and throwing twists at every turn. She had me jumping hoops, my heart pounding with every revelation!
I do wish the daughter had been older. Her age was pushing my sense of plausibility 👀(as I give her the side eye). Otherwise, this was an overall thrilling, compulsive read!
Library Loan/ Published on July 25, 2023
July 25, 2023
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
Everyone has a secret.
Everyone is a suspect.
Everyone is lying.
In a quiet neighborhood in Stanhope, NY, neighbors Nora and William are having a secret affair. After Nora abruptly breaks off the affair late one afternoon, William arrives home and finds his nine year old daughter Avery in the kitchen. Why is she home alone early from school? She isn’t allowed to walk by herself. She has ADHD, is a difficult child, and never listens to his rules. In a fit of rage, William strikes Avery to the ground. He immediately regrets his behavior, begs her forgiveness, asks her not to tell her mom, and drives away, embarrassed about his actions.
But then Avery goes missing.
What happened to Avery? Detectives Gully and Bledsoe are on the case and determined to find her. In a neighborhood where everyone is keeping secrets, who may have witnessed her disappearance?
What happened to Avery?
Filled with unlikeable characters, despicable motives, and unfortunate scapegoats, Everyone Here is Lying is a fast-paced domestic thriller that will have readers longing to finish it in one sitting. The short chapters quickly uncover theory after theory and keep you guessing until the end. La Peña is a master at misdirection, and readers won’t see this twist coming. She explores themes of child abuse, domestic violence, and infidelity.
However, it should be noted that many kids with ADHD are not like Avery. This diagnosis needed to be researched further in order to more accurately represent the large community of children coping with this disability. She is a nine year old girl, whose behavior and intelligence are indicative of a much older child. This odd discrepancy lacks believability. Additionally, the book ends very abruptly, reminiscent of another book with a similar premise.
Overall, Not a Happy Family remains the best of La Peña’s domestic thrillers. While Everyone Here is Lying has a similar vibe, it left me questioning characters’ actions and seeking more explanations.
3.5/5 stars rounded up
Expected publication date: 7/6/23
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for the ARC of Everyone Here is Lying in exchange for an honest review.
Everyone has a secret.
Everyone is a suspect.
Everyone is lying.
In a quiet neighborhood in Stanhope, NY, neighbors Nora and William are having a secret affair. After Nora abruptly breaks off the affair late one afternoon, William arrives home and finds his nine year old daughter Avery in the kitchen. Why is she home alone early from school? She isn’t allowed to walk by herself. She has ADHD, is a difficult child, and never listens to his rules. In a fit of rage, William strikes Avery to the ground. He immediately regrets his behavior, begs her forgiveness, asks her not to tell her mom, and drives away, embarrassed about his actions.
But then Avery goes missing.
What happened to Avery? Detectives Gully and Bledsoe are on the case and determined to find her. In a neighborhood where everyone is keeping secrets, who may have witnessed her disappearance?
What happened to Avery?
Filled with unlikeable characters, despicable motives, and unfortunate scapegoats, Everyone Here is Lying is a fast-paced domestic thriller that will have readers longing to finish it in one sitting. The short chapters quickly uncover theory after theory and keep you guessing until the end. La Peña is a master at misdirection, and readers won’t see this twist coming. She explores themes of child abuse, domestic violence, and infidelity.
However, it should be noted that many kids with ADHD are not like Avery. This diagnosis needed to be researched further in order to more accurately represent the large community of children coping with this disability. She is a nine year old girl, whose behavior and intelligence are indicative of a much older child. This odd discrepancy lacks believability. Additionally, the book ends very abruptly, reminiscent of another book with a similar premise.
Overall, Not a Happy Family remains the best of La Peña’s domestic thrillers. While Everyone Here is Lying has a similar vibe, it left me questioning characters’ actions and seeking more explanations.
3.5/5 stars rounded up
Expected publication date: 7/6/23
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for the ARC of Everyone Here is Lying in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2024
"One of the most striking differences between a cat and a lie is that a cat has only nine lives.”-Mark Twain
Stanhope, New York: the name itself even SOUNDS soothing. A tight-knit community, and a perfect example of suburban splendor...at least, for Dr. William Wooler and his family. His wife Erin is a successful real estate agent, and the pair have two children: teenager Michael and nine year old Avery. But familial discord, driven by Avery's ADHD and unpredictable, erratic behavior has put a strain on the relationship...and has William yearning for greener pastures.
Enter Nora Blanchard, his neighbor and coworker at the hospital who just can't get enough face time with the doctor...and is all too willing to put her own less-than-satisfactory marriage to Al on the back burner and participate in an affair. William and Nora have kept their meetings private, often meeting at a nearby no-tell motel, but one afternoon Nora decides it all needs to end and breaks off the affair. William is stunned, and returns home to gather his thoughts...and is shocked to find Avery home when she's SUPPOSED to be at a music rehearsal. Avery's a bit mouthier than normal, and William's fuse is short...a bit TOO short. He ends up slapping Avery in the face and then flees the home..
...Or at least, this is what he TELLS the police when they show up at his doorstep. Avery is now missing, and EVERYONE is a suspect. Did Avery simply run away? Has the torrid affair borne ugly fruit, with Nora's bitter husband out for revenge? Did Will do MORE than just momentarily lose his temper? Or has Stanhope been home to a WEB of secrets...with more than one deadly 'spider' at its center?
I've said it once and I'll say it again: Lapena is just about as solid as a plank of wood. You ALWAYS know what to expect from her books, and though the plots vary, the elements stay the same. There will be secrets galore, twists and turns, red herrings, and a bevvy of characters that are simultaneously likable and UNlikable...because you'll change your mind over and over...and OVER...about who you can trust. The bright side is that there are rarely TOO many characters in her books, so you'll thankfully never need a character glossary to keep up.
And while OCCASIONALLY I come up with a speculative ending that is a little more intriguing than the 'actual' ending, I never feel let down by Lapena's tales. This one in particular has a bit of a "What do you MEAN it's over" ending reminiscent of Swanson's All the Beautiful Lies (and let's just say I'm STILL not over that one...IYKYK 🤣) and as she has done in other books, Lapena neatly leaves the door open for a book two if she were ever so inclined. (Not sure I can say the same with the aforementioned Swanson, but I think with the sequel to TKWK, we are all good for a while!)
And as for me? IStanhope we won't have to wait TOO long for Lapena's next book!
😉
4 stars
Now in paperback!
Stanhope, New York: the name itself even SOUNDS soothing. A tight-knit community, and a perfect example of suburban splendor...at least, for Dr. William Wooler and his family. His wife Erin is a successful real estate agent, and the pair have two children: teenager Michael and nine year old Avery. But familial discord, driven by Avery's ADHD and unpredictable, erratic behavior has put a strain on the relationship...and has William yearning for greener pastures.
Enter Nora Blanchard, his neighbor and coworker at the hospital who just can't get enough face time with the doctor...and is all too willing to put her own less-than-satisfactory marriage to Al on the back burner and participate in an affair. William and Nora have kept their meetings private, often meeting at a nearby no-tell motel, but one afternoon Nora decides it all needs to end and breaks off the affair. William is stunned, and returns home to gather his thoughts...and is shocked to find Avery home when she's SUPPOSED to be at a music rehearsal. Avery's a bit mouthier than normal, and William's fuse is short...a bit TOO short. He ends up slapping Avery in the face and then flees the home..
...Or at least, this is what he TELLS the police when they show up at his doorstep. Avery is now missing, and EVERYONE is a suspect. Did Avery simply run away? Has the torrid affair borne ugly fruit, with Nora's bitter husband out for revenge? Did Will do MORE than just momentarily lose his temper? Or has Stanhope been home to a WEB of secrets...with more than one deadly 'spider' at its center?
I've said it once and I'll say it again: Lapena is just about as solid as a plank of wood. You ALWAYS know what to expect from her books, and though the plots vary, the elements stay the same. There will be secrets galore, twists and turns, red herrings, and a bevvy of characters that are simultaneously likable and UNlikable...because you'll change your mind over and over...and OVER...about who you can trust. The bright side is that there are rarely TOO many characters in her books, so you'll thankfully never need a character glossary to keep up.
And while OCCASIONALLY I come up with a speculative ending that is a little more intriguing than the 'actual' ending, I never feel let down by Lapena's tales. This one in particular has a bit of a "What do you MEAN it's over" ending reminiscent of Swanson's All the Beautiful Lies (and let's just say I'm STILL not over that one...IYKYK 🤣) and as she has done in other books, Lapena neatly leaves the door open for a book two if she were ever so inclined. (Not sure I can say the same with the aforementioned Swanson, but I think with the sequel to TKWK, we are all good for a while!)
And as for me? I
😉
4 stars
Now in paperback!
October 2, 2023
Avery Woolery is a nine-year-old problem child — headstrong, defiant, impulsive — and her behavior has caused a riff in her parent’s marriage. Diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and a learning disability, Avery goes missing after being sent home early from school for disrupting choir practice.
The Woolery family resides in Stanhope, NY, an upscale suburban neighborhood thought to be quite safe. But as we soon find out, everyone here has secrets and none of the characters, even the children, can be trusted to tell the truth…hence the title, Everyone Here is Lying.
As the events unfold, the lives of the upstanding and respected residents are suddenly under the microscope of the police and the media. Well-kept secrets come to light as neighbors point accusing fingers at one another and everyone comes under suspicion.
Once Avery is identified as missing, Shari Lapena ratchets up the tension and pace of the book. And the longer Avery is missing, the faster you’ll burn through the pages to find out what has happened to her.
Where this fast-paced thriller falls apart is in Lapena’s portrayal of Avery. Although she exhibits the inattention and impulsiveness of an untreated child with ADHD, Avery is also capable of things that seem too complex for a nine-year-old with this particular neurobehavioral condition.
She is portrayed as a little too sophisticated and calculating in her thoughts to be realistic. Her character would have been more convincing had Lapena made her a few years older. For this reason, the book went from a four-star read to a three.
September 6, 2023
4.5
9-year-old Avery, a difficult child with oppositional defiance disorder who tests the limits of her parents patience, goes missing after a volatile confrontation with her dad.
Her dad William is hardly a Father or Husband of the Year candidate, but is he guilty of doing harm to his daughter?
The police investigation reveals an underbelly of lies and scandals in their neighborhood. Oh what a web we weave….
We’ve all seen our share of neighborhood dramas but the author sets this one apart from the pack by highlighting the emotional consequences on the families when suspicions run high, and with the character of Avery herself. I was thrilled to see the author didn't fall into the trap of the same old, same old...
I can’t say more without spoilers, but Sheri Lapena has delivered another winner that turned familiar tropes on its head and kept me turning the virtual pages to find out what happened to Avery. The twists were brilliant. A fun read!
Oh, and the ending?! It was brilliant. Let’s just say the detective is a smart cookie!
ETA: The library didn’t cooperate so Marialyce, my reading buddy, and I didn’t get our copies at the same time but we did enjoy discussing it when we both finished. (This was memorable enough that I didn’t forget the plot as soon as I finished!)
*the audiobook was narrated by January LaVoy, who delivered her usual excellent performance.
9-year-old Avery, a difficult child with oppositional defiance disorder who tests the limits of her parents patience, goes missing after a volatile confrontation with her dad.
Her dad William is hardly a Father or Husband of the Year candidate, but is he guilty of doing harm to his daughter?
The police investigation reveals an underbelly of lies and scandals in their neighborhood. Oh what a web we weave….
We’ve all seen our share of neighborhood dramas but the author sets this one apart from the pack by highlighting the emotional consequences on the families when suspicions run high, and with the character of Avery herself. I was thrilled to see the author didn't fall into the trap of the same old, same old...
I can’t say more without spoilers, but Sheri Lapena has delivered another winner that turned familiar tropes on its head and kept me turning the virtual pages to find out what happened to Avery. The twists were brilliant. A fun read!
Oh, and the ending?! It was brilliant. Let’s just say the detective is a smart cookie!
ETA: The library didn’t cooperate so Marialyce, my reading buddy, and I didn’t get our copies at the same time but we did enjoy discussing it when we both finished. (This was memorable enough that I didn’t forget the plot as soon as I finished!)
*the audiobook was narrated by January LaVoy, who delivered her usual excellent performance.
September 4, 2023
I think I’ve read every suspense book that Shari Lapena has written, and I’ve rated them all four or five stars. This book is no exception, as I thoroughly enjoyed this twisty tale of lies!
This book starts off with William Wooler getting dumped by the woman he is having an affair with. All he wants is some peace and quiet to blow off some steam, but when he arrives home his daughter Avery is there unexpectedly. Avery is mouthy and uncontrollable, so William immediately loses his temper with her (after all, he has had a bad day). After William and Avery’s confrontation, Avery leaves the house and does not return.
Once Avery is declared missing, the Wooler family and the neighbors of the Stanhope community go down like dominoes. Everyone is lying. But just what are they hiding?
We have two detectives on the case- Detective Bledsoe and Detective Gully. Gully and Bledsoe do a fine job of questioning all of the neighbors, and of course the woman with whom William was having an affair with.
I did not guess how this book was going to turn out. All the surprising twists and turns were so fun!! This book also closed out with an enjoyable ending that I thought was very fitting (and I’m so glad it worked out the way it did). I strongly recommend reading this book as it is one that you do not want to miss out on!
This book starts off with William Wooler getting dumped by the woman he is having an affair with. All he wants is some peace and quiet to blow off some steam, but when he arrives home his daughter Avery is there unexpectedly. Avery is mouthy and uncontrollable, so William immediately loses his temper with her (after all, he has had a bad day). After William and Avery’s confrontation, Avery leaves the house and does not return.
Once Avery is declared missing, the Wooler family and the neighbors of the Stanhope community go down like dominoes. Everyone is lying. But just what are they hiding?
We have two detectives on the case- Detective Bledsoe and Detective Gully. Gully and Bledsoe do a fine job of questioning all of the neighbors, and of course the woman with whom William was having an affair with.
I did not guess how this book was going to turn out. All the surprising twists and turns were so fun!! This book also closed out with an enjoyable ending that I thought was very fitting (and I’m so glad it worked out the way it did). I strongly recommend reading this book as it is one that you do not want to miss out on!
August 1, 2023
Everybody has secrets how far would go to keep them in the dark?
Right from the beginning. Lapena does an excellent job of giving us an up-close look into the neighbourhood of Stanhope. It’s no different from your everyday suburban community — there are secrets on every street.
I consider Lapena to be the master of page-turners and plot twists. She is always great at humanizing her characters that, make them believable while finding empathy at the centre of this domestic psychological thriller — while dropping twists and revelations that had me on the edge of my seat and were palpable at times. Her method of intertwining a missing child plot with the adulterous lives of someone in the neighbourhood adds contrasts even before she adds manipulation into the story, which all works seamlessly against the backdrop of the seemly sleepy small-town suburbanites' lives.
It’s the contrast of the high stakes missing child character Avery, who is neurodiverse mixed with the upper-class neighbourhood, that kept me glued to the pages furiously turning them into the night. If the walls could talk, the neighbours would be shocked at all the dark secrets that their neighbours have kept in the dark right under their noses. You’d be surprised to see how fast, when trouble comes knocking on their doors how quickly they turn on each other to protect their loved ones and keep their dirty secrets from coming to light.
But nothing will prepare you for who took Avery Wooler and the reasoning behind I found it to be Lapena’s most gripping and shocking thriller yet!
My heart was racing with anticipation to find the answers to the question of who took Avery Wooler.
It affected me personally as my son developed behavioural problems at nine and was diagnosed with ADHD. I could sympathize with William and Erin Wooler with their struggles in trying to handle a child who is neurodiverse. It isn’t easy and puts a strain on marriage(s).
I highly recommend you read this if you are a fan of domestic psychological thrillers with short chapters and non-stop suspense and plot twists.
A special thanks to Shari Lapena, Penguin, Random House Canada, and NetGalley for the ARC of Everybody Here is Lying in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Right from the beginning. Lapena does an excellent job of giving us an up-close look into the neighbourhood of Stanhope. It’s no different from your everyday suburban community — there are secrets on every street.
I consider Lapena to be the master of page-turners and plot twists. She is always great at humanizing her characters that, make them believable while finding empathy at the centre of this domestic psychological thriller — while dropping twists and revelations that had me on the edge of my seat and were palpable at times. Her method of intertwining a missing child plot with the adulterous lives of someone in the neighbourhood adds contrasts even before she adds manipulation into the story, which all works seamlessly against the backdrop of the seemly sleepy small-town suburbanites' lives.
It’s the contrast of the high stakes missing child character Avery, who is neurodiverse mixed with the upper-class neighbourhood, that kept me glued to the pages furiously turning them into the night. If the walls could talk, the neighbours would be shocked at all the dark secrets that their neighbours have kept in the dark right under their noses. You’d be surprised to see how fast, when trouble comes knocking on their doors how quickly they turn on each other to protect their loved ones and keep their dirty secrets from coming to light.
But nothing will prepare you for who took Avery Wooler and the reasoning behind I found it to be Lapena’s most gripping and shocking thriller yet!
My heart was racing with anticipation to find the answers to the question of who took Avery Wooler.
It affected me personally as my son developed behavioural problems at nine and was diagnosed with ADHD. I could sympathize with William and Erin Wooler with their struggles in trying to handle a child who is neurodiverse. It isn’t easy and puts a strain on marriage(s).
I highly recommend you read this if you are a fan of domestic psychological thrillers with short chapters and non-stop suspense and plot twists.
A special thanks to Shari Lapena, Penguin, Random House Canada, and NetGalley for the ARC of Everybody Here is Lying in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 17, 2024
It’s been years since I have read a Shari Lapena novel … I ask myself why?
I just love this author she never disappoints.
I listened to the audio version narrated by January Lavoy who I enjoy so made this so much better.
William Wooler is a happily married husband to Erin they have a 9 year old daughter Avery who has problems to the max, one day William arrives home early to find Avery home, William is startled to find her there she was supposed to be at choir practice.
William is having an affair which Erin has no clue about until one day Avery disappears William has a temper & becomes a person of interest why would he abduct his own daughter?
This was a fabulous Psychological Thriller by Ms Lapena I was invested in this from beginning to end the characters were well written I just could not stand Avery was a brat & a manipulator let me tell you it won’t be long till I read another Lapina novel I can tell you a strong 4 🌟 rounded up ⬆️.
I just love this author she never disappoints.
I listened to the audio version narrated by January Lavoy who I enjoy so made this so much better.
William Wooler is a happily married husband to Erin they have a 9 year old daughter Avery who has problems to the max, one day William arrives home early to find Avery home, William is startled to find her there she was supposed to be at choir practice.
William is having an affair which Erin has no clue about until one day Avery disappears William has a temper & becomes a person of interest why would he abduct his own daughter?
This was a fabulous Psychological Thriller by Ms Lapena I was invested in this from beginning to end the characters were well written I just could not stand Avery was a brat & a manipulator let me tell you it won’t be long till I read another Lapina novel I can tell you a strong 4 🌟 rounded up ⬆️.
December 14, 2023
Everyone Here Is Lying is one of those books that you really need to be capable of "suspending disbelief " to read and enjoy this one. I can't believe that an editor didn't pick up on the numerous issues with the characters and storyline.
William Wooler is a family man, on the surface. But he's been having an affair, an affair that ended horribly this afternoon at a motel up the road. So when he returns to his house, devastated and angry, to find his difficult nine-year-old daughter Avery unexpectedly home from school, William loses his temper.
Hours later, Avery's family declares her missing.
I had several issues with the story. What bothered me most and spoilt the read was the fact
I understand thrillers have to be a little farfetched, but I am finding these types of novels very disappointing and should have a genre all of their own called "YAWNERS "
William Wooler is a family man, on the surface. But he's been having an affair, an affair that ended horribly this afternoon at a motel up the road. So when he returns to his house, devastated and angry, to find his difficult nine-year-old daughter Avery unexpectedly home from school, William loses his temper.
Hours later, Avery's family declares her missing.
I had several issues with the story. What bothered me most and spoilt the read was the fact
I understand thrillers have to be a little farfetched, but I am finding these types of novels very disappointing and should have a genre all of their own called "YAWNERS "
September 14, 2023
William Wooler, a trusted doctor and loving family man, has been having an affair with his neighbor, Nora Blanchard. Every Tuesday, the two of them sneak away from their busy lives and meet up at the local motel for an illicit rendezvous. But this week, Nora abruptly announces that they need to stop. It’s not fair to their families and she just can’t keep carrying on with the relationship.
In a daze, William finds himself driving to his home. All he wants is to be by himself with a glass of something strong. Parking in his garage, he opens the door to the unexpected and unwanted vision of his nine year-old daughter, Avery, who should still be in choir practice, standing in the kitchen. Defiant and impulsive, her behavior has been a problem in the past. So it’s no surprise that when he confronts her, their conversation turns into an explosive war of words with William quickly losing his temper.
Just hours later, the Wooler family has called the police to report Avery missing. But as they make the rounds asking questions, the cops begin to uncover one secret after another. Secrets that have been buried just under the surface of the supposedly safe neighborhood. The more the detectives learn, the more they realize everyone has something to hide. As they unwind the truth from the lies, however, neighbors start turning on neighbors and their words and actions spin out of control. But despite the police’s attempts, Avery’s disappearance remains unsolved. Where is the little girl? Is it already too late to save her? Only one thing is for certain—no amount of anticipation will prepare them for truth.
Sigh. I was so excited for Everyone Here Is Lying to hit store shelves. Already an auto-buy author for me, Shari Lapena has always managed to deliver in the past. So just imagine my disappointment when I found myself waiting—and waiting—for the plot to pick up and reveal some altogether shocking turn of events. Don’t get me wrong, there was one jaw-dropping twist as well as various other near perfect bits, but it somehow all got overshadowed by the very definite mixed bag feel. Let me explain.
From the very start, I was hooked by this idyllic yet secretive neighborhood. With each of them hiding plenty from both one another as well as themselves, it was fun to watch the police unravel it all. The downside to this, however, was twofold. First off, the police themselves were irritatingly inept. Not in the way, however, that sells a thriller as there wasn’t a secondary character there to put the pieces together themselves. But to make matters worse, the multiple POVs left literally nothing to the imagination. This meant that with each reveal, attention merely moved on to someone else, letting all the delicious secrets simply drop right then and there.
On the other hand, the characters were dead on perfect. Each more unlikeable than the last, the best was most certainly saved until the end. I don’t want to say too much, but with a manipulative, evil child at the center of the plot, plenty of fun was sure to be had. What was even more enjoyable, however, was the dealing out of punishments for each of the character’s transgressions. One by one, they each most certainly got exactly what they deserved.
The plot, however, was where Lapena lost me. Typically, all of her past novels have had a perfectly timed ratcheting of suspense that oozed tension and foreboding. Unfortunately, this one just did not deliver in that respect. For that reason, the entire storyline felt decidedly little like a Lapena novel for me. The only piece that was a total home run was the mind-blowing twist that turned the entire book on its head. Once that was out of the way, though, the entire premise just wasn’t all that mysterious. Quite frankly, it fell a little flat in comparison to what everyone thought had happened which left me somewhat dissatisfied.
All in all, while ultimately a let down, I have to believe that much of the reason for that was merely because of who wrote this book. After all, I expected so much that anything less than perfection was sure to disappoint. All the same, it was still an unputdownable, undeniably chilling story even if it did fall more towards twisted drama than domestic suspense. Filled to the brim with detestable motives and hapless scapegoats, I never knew exactly where it all was headed. So while I wasn’t quite as sold by this one, I recommend it nevertheless. Just a bit of forewarning. If you’re a diehard Lapena fan like me, perhaps temper your expectations. Rating of 3.5 stars.
*Note about the triggers: As none of them were particularly hard-hitting and explicit, take the extremely long list with a grain of salt.
Trigger warning: infidelity, child abuse, disappearance of a child, severe behavioral problems in a child, possible child molestation, ableism, holding someone captive, spousal abuse, mention of: autism, drug use
In a daze, William finds himself driving to his home. All he wants is to be by himself with a glass of something strong. Parking in his garage, he opens the door to the unexpected and unwanted vision of his nine year-old daughter, Avery, who should still be in choir practice, standing in the kitchen. Defiant and impulsive, her behavior has been a problem in the past. So it’s no surprise that when he confronts her, their conversation turns into an explosive war of words with William quickly losing his temper.
Just hours later, the Wooler family has called the police to report Avery missing. But as they make the rounds asking questions, the cops begin to uncover one secret after another. Secrets that have been buried just under the surface of the supposedly safe neighborhood. The more the detectives learn, the more they realize everyone has something to hide. As they unwind the truth from the lies, however, neighbors start turning on neighbors and their words and actions spin out of control. But despite the police’s attempts, Avery’s disappearance remains unsolved. Where is the little girl? Is it already too late to save her? Only one thing is for certain—no amount of anticipation will prepare them for truth.
Sigh. I was so excited for Everyone Here Is Lying to hit store shelves. Already an auto-buy author for me, Shari Lapena has always managed to deliver in the past. So just imagine my disappointment when I found myself waiting—and waiting—for the plot to pick up and reveal some altogether shocking turn of events. Don’t get me wrong, there was one jaw-dropping twist as well as various other near perfect bits, but it somehow all got overshadowed by the very definite mixed bag feel. Let me explain.
From the very start, I was hooked by this idyllic yet secretive neighborhood. With each of them hiding plenty from both one another as well as themselves, it was fun to watch the police unravel it all. The downside to this, however, was twofold. First off, the police themselves were irritatingly inept. Not in the way, however, that sells a thriller as there wasn’t a secondary character there to put the pieces together themselves. But to make matters worse, the multiple POVs left literally nothing to the imagination. This meant that with each reveal, attention merely moved on to someone else, letting all the delicious secrets simply drop right then and there.
On the other hand, the characters were dead on perfect. Each more unlikeable than the last, the best was most certainly saved until the end. I don’t want to say too much, but with a manipulative, evil child at the center of the plot, plenty of fun was sure to be had. What was even more enjoyable, however, was the dealing out of punishments for each of the character’s transgressions. One by one, they each most certainly got exactly what they deserved.
The plot, however, was where Lapena lost me. Typically, all of her past novels have had a perfectly timed ratcheting of suspense that oozed tension and foreboding. Unfortunately, this one just did not deliver in that respect. For that reason, the entire storyline felt decidedly little like a Lapena novel for me. The only piece that was a total home run was the mind-blowing twist that turned the entire book on its head. Once that was out of the way, though, the entire premise just wasn’t all that mysterious. Quite frankly, it fell a little flat in comparison to what everyone thought had happened which left me somewhat dissatisfied.
All in all, while ultimately a let down, I have to believe that much of the reason for that was merely because of who wrote this book. After all, I expected so much that anything less than perfection was sure to disappoint. All the same, it was still an unputdownable, undeniably chilling story even if it did fall more towards twisted drama than domestic suspense. Filled to the brim with detestable motives and hapless scapegoats, I never knew exactly where it all was headed. So while I wasn’t quite as sold by this one, I recommend it nevertheless. Just a bit of forewarning. If you’re a diehard Lapena fan like me, perhaps temper your expectations. Rating of 3.5 stars.
*Note about the triggers: As none of them were particularly hard-hitting and explicit, take the extremely long list with a grain of salt.
Trigger warning: infidelity, child abuse, disappearance of a child, severe behavioral problems in a child, possible child molestation, ableism, holding someone captive, spousal abuse, mention of: autism, drug use
August 24, 2023
4 tension-filled stars!
This novel revolves around a missing nine-year-old girl who walks home alone from school instead of waiting for her older brother. Local detectives search for answers beginning with questioning all the neighbours.
Shari Lapena is an amazingly reliable author. I can always count on her books to be a unique, entertaining and suspenseful treat. She writes domestic thrillers that have me on edge from start to finish. This latest release grabbed me from chapter one and kept my curiosity and interest piqued until the very end.
The title is perfect! There are several characters in this neighbourhood and they each add a layer of mystery and suspense. My suspicion flew from one person to the next after every few pages, each guess a believable possibility. It was impossible to know who to trust in this community.
Overall, a well-written, fast paced, easy-to-get-lost-in book that I highly recommend to domestic suspense and drama fans! Thank you to the publisher for my digital review copy!
This novel revolves around a missing nine-year-old girl who walks home alone from school instead of waiting for her older brother. Local detectives search for answers beginning with questioning all the neighbours.
Shari Lapena is an amazingly reliable author. I can always count on her books to be a unique, entertaining and suspenseful treat. She writes domestic thrillers that have me on edge from start to finish. This latest release grabbed me from chapter one and kept my curiosity and interest piqued until the very end.
The title is perfect! There are several characters in this neighbourhood and they each add a layer of mystery and suspense. My suspicion flew from one person to the next after every few pages, each guess a believable possibility. It was impossible to know who to trust in this community.
Overall, a well-written, fast paced, easy-to-get-lost-in book that I highly recommend to domestic suspense and drama fans! Thank you to the publisher for my digital review copy!
January 10, 2025
This was going so well until it became unrealistic...
July 16, 2023
William Wooler has been having an affair, an affair that ended this afternoon at a motel up the road. When he comes home to find Avery, his difficult nine-year-old daughter, unexpectedly home from school, William loses his temper. Hours later, Avery's family declares her missing.
I haven't read a Shari Lapena book in a few years and thoroughly enjoyed this one. The nice short chapters just flew by and I was totally immersed in the mystery of what happened to Avery. The characters are interesting but not really memorable except maybe Avery herself and it's basically the plot that keeps you glued to the pages. I had a bit of difficulty attributing Avery's thoughts and scheming to a 9-year-old but then again she's not like any 9-year-old I'm familiar with. The resolution was surprising but the ending left me guessing. I'd definitely recommend this book to a friend.
The Goodreads giveaway is still open in Canada for another couple of days if you want to get in on it!
My thanks to Penguin Random House Canada via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: July 25, 2023
I haven't read a Shari Lapena book in a few years and thoroughly enjoyed this one. The nice short chapters just flew by and I was totally immersed in the mystery of what happened to Avery. The characters are interesting but not really memorable except maybe Avery herself and it's basically the plot that keeps you glued to the pages. I had a bit of difficulty attributing Avery's thoughts and scheming to a 9-year-old but then again she's not like any 9-year-old I'm familiar with. The resolution was surprising but the ending left me guessing. I'd definitely recommend this book to a friend.
The Goodreads giveaway is still open in Canada for another couple of days if you want to get in on it!
My thanks to Penguin Random House Canada via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: July 25, 2023
August 3, 2023
I've tried to get into this author's work, since she's one of the more popular domestic thriller writers, but I just can't really get into it.
There's just nothing I hate more in fiction than unearned twists for shock value - and nothing in the first 3/4 of the book sets up the explanation in the last quarter.
I mean, seriously. A character we've never even HEARD OF up to this point? And this random woman is apparently SO in love with William that she teams up with a 9-year-old(?!) to make him suffer and get his attention.
Also - the demonization of a child with adhd-related behavioral issues, and an abused child nonetheless? She's an elementary-age girl who has a problem with authority and acts out and not only that but we learn that her father is abusive (as much as they try to brush under the rug that he 'slaps her sometimes') and that she is desperately lonely and has no friends. And the author portrays her as so cold and calculating that she runs away and hides in a neighbors house for days with the intention of making her father look guilty for her disappearance. It's basically the plot of gone girl but we're supposed to believe this child is capable of being that cold and calculating?
It's also kind of disappointing considering how sympathetic she is about the Adam character - Gwen, Adam's mom, gets to call out the police officers and neighborhood moms for assuming the worst of her son just because he's autistic - but all of everyone's worst assumptions about Avery because of her neurodivergency are proven true by the narrative.
And the way the narrative vindicates the abusive father for being the only person who is 'right' about Avery, portraying everyone else as manipulated by her, feels like abuse apologism.
And I found the way the story continues for a few days after the 'mystery' has been solved and Avery returned home JUST so that this nine-year-old girl can get her comeuppance on national television a little gross.
Maybe I'm biased as a neurodivergent girl myself but I've spent too much of my life dealing with people assuming the worst of me because of it to not be offended by this depiction.
There's just nothing I hate more in fiction than unearned twists for shock value - and nothing in the first 3/4 of the book sets up the explanation in the last quarter.
I mean, seriously. A character we've never even HEARD OF up to this point? And this random woman is apparently SO in love with William that she teams up with a 9-year-old(?!) to make him suffer and get his attention.
Also - the demonization of a child with adhd-related behavioral issues, and an abused child nonetheless? She's an elementary-age girl who has a problem with authority and acts out and not only that but we learn that her father is abusive (as much as they try to brush under the rug that he 'slaps her sometimes') and that she is desperately lonely and has no friends. And the author portrays her as so cold and calculating that she runs away and hides in a neighbors house for days with the intention of making her father look guilty for her disappearance. It's basically the plot of gone girl but we're supposed to believe this child is capable of being that cold and calculating?
It's also kind of disappointing considering how sympathetic she is about the Adam character - Gwen, Adam's mom, gets to call out the police officers and neighborhood moms for assuming the worst of her son just because he's autistic - but all of everyone's worst assumptions about Avery because of her neurodivergency are proven true by the narrative.
And the way the narrative vindicates the abusive father for being the only person who is 'right' about Avery, portraying everyone else as manipulated by her, feels like abuse apologism.
And I found the way the story continues for a few days after the 'mystery' has been solved and Avery returned home JUST so that this nine-year-old girl can get her comeuppance on national television a little gross.
Maybe I'm biased as a neurodivergent girl myself but I've spent too much of my life dealing with people assuming the worst of me because of it to not be offended by this depiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2023
Entertaining neighborhood suspense!
The handsome Doctor William Wooler is dumped by his pretty neighbor and mistress after their romp at a nearby motel. He decides to go home instead of back to work to find his 9-year-old daughter home, dismissed from choir practice due to bad behavior. An altercation ensues and he leaves the house just to realize later in the evening that his daughter is missing.
Did someone abduct Avery or did she run away?
Police detectives are all over the house looking for clues and interviewing family and neighbors. The doctor can't tell them the truth that he was home, can he? His already over affair would be exposed if he did and ruined his marriage as well as his mistress's.
This was fun with twists and turns. Without saying too much, I thought Avery might have been older than 9. Her thought process might have been more realistic if she was a bit older. But overall this was another great thriller by Ms. Lapena. The audiobook read by January LaVoy was superb!
The handsome Doctor William Wooler is dumped by his pretty neighbor and mistress after their romp at a nearby motel. He decides to go home instead of back to work to find his 9-year-old daughter home, dismissed from choir practice due to bad behavior. An altercation ensues and he leaves the house just to realize later in the evening that his daughter is missing.
Did someone abduct Avery or did she run away?
Police detectives are all over the house looking for clues and interviewing family and neighbors. The doctor can't tell them the truth that he was home, can he? His already over affair would be exposed if he did and ruined his marriage as well as his mistress's.
This was fun with twists and turns. Without saying too much, I thought Avery might have been older than 9. Her thought process might have been more realistic if she was a bit older. But overall this was another great thriller by Ms. Lapena. The audiobook read by January LaVoy was superb!
September 5, 2023
Tell a lie and your life changes because that lie so often leads to many more.
Just ask Dr Wooler, a supposed family man who is not so family as he would like us to believe. For he is involved in an affair with a neighbor across the street. William and his wife have a very difficult daughter, who exhibits behavior that is oppositional defiant. When his daughter pushes his buttons, he gets angry and this time pushing one button too many, William winds up smacking his daughter, Avery. William then claims he had not seen his daughter when he arrived home, but that is a lie. He is distraught over the end of the affair so his temper is short and he is plain stupid in thinking no one will wise up to his deception.
Hours later, Avery is missing. Where could she be or rather has someone taken her? As the hours drag into days, the neighborhood is thrown into chaos, and the neighbors are all pointing fingers at possible culprits starting with William. The police think they have their man when a neighbor steps in to add that she saw Avery get into a car with a young neighborhod boy.
His supposed secret affair is about to be exposed, and his reputation along with his paramour, Nora, is going to be publicized to the world. Everyone of the the neighbors have secrets, and some of those secrets reveal a sinister reason for Avery's disappearance.
Meanwhile is Avery dead, or is someone playing a game which has disastrous consequences.
I liked this story and found my only quibble was the portrayal of Avery. She was nine and acted as is she was approaching her teenage years. I know kids can be precocious but this child seemed having thoughts and plans that seemed beyond her years.
Jan and I read this book separately, but did talk about it after I finished it. So please do take a look see at her review.
September 27, 2023
4.5 stars, rounded down
Everyone Here Is Lying starts strong and never lets up. William would seem to be the perfect father and husband. But he’s been having an affair. And when his paramour breaks it off, he heads home for a little quiet time. But his nine year old daughter, who has behavioral issues, is there, acts up and he hits her. He leaves, but later in the day his wife calls to say the daughter is missing.
Call me callous, but I love a plot where an adulterer gets hoisted by his own petard. But William isn’t the only one hiding things and one by one, the secrets are disclosed.
The story is told from the omniscient POV so we get to see what everyone's thinking. The best part of the writing is how Lapena perfectly captures each parent’s guilt, the distrust, the what if games that each plays in their mind. The character development is superb. The book brings up how each of us has a violent streak. There’s a great sense of suspense and the tension is taut from beginning to end. I had an inkling how it would resolve and I was right (although I didn’t see the exact scenario). But I wanted to see how the very end would play out and I wasn’t disappointed.
I highly recommend this for anyone who likes psychological thrillers.
I listened to this and January LaVoy does her normal superb job.
Everyone Here Is Lying starts strong and never lets up. William would seem to be the perfect father and husband. But he’s been having an affair. And when his paramour breaks it off, he heads home for a little quiet time. But his nine year old daughter, who has behavioral issues, is there, acts up and he hits her. He leaves, but later in the day his wife calls to say the daughter is missing.
Call me callous, but I love a plot where an adulterer gets hoisted by his own petard. But William isn’t the only one hiding things and one by one, the secrets are disclosed.
The story is told from the omniscient POV so we get to see what everyone's thinking. The best part of the writing is how Lapena perfectly captures each parent’s guilt, the distrust, the what if games that each plays in their mind. The character development is superb. The book brings up how each of us has a violent streak. There’s a great sense of suspense and the tension is taut from beginning to end. I had an inkling how it would resolve and I was right (although I didn’t see the exact scenario). But I wanted to see how the very end would play out and I wasn’t disappointed.
I highly recommend this for anyone who likes psychological thrillers.
I listened to this and January LaVoy does her normal superb job.
June 16, 2023
I don't often give out low ratings - and especially not to an author that I've always enjoyed. However.... EVERYONE HERE IS LYING did not hold my attention and it was repetitive as heck. I marked it as finished but I stopped around page 250. I felt like Avery wasn't portrayed realistically and every single page was the same thing. I know a lot of people have enjoyed this so please don't let my opinion deter you but this one wasn't for me.
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