We Are All Guilty Here

North Falls #1

by Karin Slaughter

The first thrilling mystery in the new North Falls series from Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Girls and the Will Trent series.

Welcome to North Falls—a small town where everyone knows everyone. Or so they think.

Until the night of the fireworks. When two teenage girls vanish, and the town ignites.

For Officer Emmy Clifton, it’s personal. She turned away when her best friend's daughter needed help—and now she must bring her home.

But as Emmy combs through the puzzle the girls left behind, she realizes she never really knew them. Nobody did.

Every teenage girl has secrets. But who would kill for them? And what else is the town hiding?

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Crime, Suspense

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 12, 2025

About the author

Karin Slaughter is one of the world’s most popular storytellers. She is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty- five novels, including the Edgar nominated COP TOWN and standalone novels PRETTY GIRLS and FALSE WITNESS. An international bestseller, Slaughter is published in 120 countries with more than 40 million copies sold across the globe. PIECES OF HER, based on her novel, debuted at #1 worldwide on Netflix as an original series in 2022. Her bestselling thriller series, Will Trent, is now a television and streaming sensation in its 4th season. THE GOOD DAUGHTER will soon be a limited series starring Rose Byrne and Meghann Fahy, and further projects are currently in development for film/TV. Karin Slaughter is the founder of the Save the Libraries project—a nonprofit organization established to support libraries and library programming. A native of Georgia, she lives in Atlanta.

Facebook: Facebook.com/AuthorKarinSlaughter

Website: http://www.karinslaughter.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karinslaugh...

Reviews

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a devoted fan of Karin Slaughter, I eagerly dove into her latest novel, thrilled to meet a brand-new protagonist, Officer Emmy Clifton. Set in the seemingly quiet town of North Falls, the story kicks off with a Fourth of July celebration that takes a dark turn when two teenage girls vanish without a trace. Emmy finds herself at the center of the investigation, determined to uncover the truth—not just for the town, but because one of the missing girls is the daughter of her best friend. As she peels back the layers of the town’s polished facade, she realizes that North Falls is anything but safe, and every resident harbors secrets that could shatter lives.

Slaughter masterfully crafts a deeply immersive mystery, balancing procedural authenticity with psychological depth. Emmy is a flawed yet compelling protagonist—tough, relentless, but burdened by past regrets that shape her every move. The dual timeline adds an extra layer of tension, revealing how a crime from over a decade ago still casts a long shadow over the present. As the investigation unfolds, the narrative is laced with gut-punching twists and morally gray characters, keeping readers on edge.

While the pacing occasionally lingers on heavy descriptions, Slaughter’s signature storytelling prowess ensures that even the slower moments simmer with suspense. The town’s suffocating small-town politics, buried betrayals, and desperate attempts at self-preservation make for an unsettling but riveting read. By the time the shocking conclusion arrives, it’s clear that no one in North Falls is truly innocent.

With its gripping whodunit plot, richly developed characters, and relentless tension, this is yet another knockout from Slaughter—one that fans and newcomers alike will devour. Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for sharing this unputdownable thriller's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

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[♥︎ Heather ⚔ (New House-Hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was so slow that I’ve sat at 42% for over a week and don’t want to go back to it. I tried, I’ve heard so many good things about this author, but it’s too much police procedural, not enough thrill. The chapters are way too long for a thriller in my opinion.

I just couldn’t stay interested.

I almost withdrew my request for this one today 😭😭 and it just landed in my inbox. Yee! I’m excited for this one!

And now I have to crack on like nobody’s business bc I have way too many arcs due in Aug and Sept. 😅

Expected pub date - 08/12/25

Thank you, William Morrow and NetGalley - all thoughts are my own.

[Court Zierk · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Wow. I’m nearly at a loss for words. This is a tour de force creation for an author, who in my opinion, already defines the crime fiction sub-genre. This is a masterpiece…

This story is so intricately told. Every detail is carefully crafted and vividly depicted. I felt like I was in some magical, vicarious voyeur machine that catapulted me into every scene in this book and allowed me to observe with my own eyes. And because I watched each scene firsthand, I also experienced every resulting emotion on a very personal, profound level.

I love that we only got one side of the story, and we were just as in the dark as our protagonist was. It amplified the tension and ratcheted up the suspense significantly as a storytelling mechanism.

The characters were flawed and believable. Their motivations and actions all made perfect sense. Emmy and Jude amazing and I hope they become the centerpiece of many more novels. I will be reading every single one.

I feel very lucky to have been gifted this advanced copy, and I appreciate being able to be part of the hype machine leading up to its release…

Thank you to William Morrow Books for the ARC!

[Sydney Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved everything about this except the length! Don’t let that steer you away though. I don’t mind a longer, character-focused thriller, but I feel like it didn’t need to be *quite* this long. In typical Karin Slaughter fashion this was gritty, emotional, and incredibly dark, and I hung on every word. Will be very much looking forward to the next installments in North Falls.

[Emily May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karin Slaughter has been hit and miss with me in the past, but this is an excellent thriller made of many intricate layers. I am so glad to hear we can expect a series with Emmy and Jude.

There's a lot going on in We Are All Guilty Here. Lots of characters, lots of secrets, lots of mysteries spanning many years. The story turns out to be far bigger than the mystery we are presented with in the beginning, and the pool of potential culprits is large enough to keep you guessing. I also think Slaughter crafted the story in such a way that even if you figure out some of it, you won't figure out all of it, leaving some satisfying reveals for even seasoned mystery readers.

Like the best thrillers, however, the story doesn't hang everything on the mystery, instead allowing the book to be carried by characters that are likable but flawed. Emmy was a character that felt relatable, even though her life is very different from my own. This is because certain aspects of her character-- her dependence on a family member who is her anchor, her poor relationship decisions that impact all around her, her guilt over that one conversation she didn't have --are all things that many of us can understand.

Jude, when she arrives on the scene, seems to be the antithesis of Emmy's emotionally-charged approach to life-- cool, logical, takes no shit --but these kind of outward personas often hide the darkest of trauma and Jude is no exception. It's hard to decide whom I like more.

The stakes feel incredibly high from the very beginning of the book, and there is constantly this awareness of time slipping away as the detectives race against the clock (knowing how the odds of recovery shrink with every passing hour) to bring the missing girls home.

Very intense and compelling. Contains references to sexual assault, child sexual abuse and alcoholism.

[Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay. Okay. I get why there’s so much hype around Karin Slaughter now. I mean, We Are All Guilty Here delivered quite the sucker punch of serious thrills and chills, but that feeling was paired with a poignancy that quite literally brought me to tears more than once. From the believably flawed characters to the “WTF?!” twists, my mind was blown by the immersive storytelling of this dark, gritty, and downright twisted tale. A deft mix of police procedural and family drama, I’m already waiting with bated breath to see where Ms. Slaughter takes these characters next. That’s right. It’s just book one in a brand-spanking-new series. A masterclass of finely tuned suspense, it had everything I could want in a truly addictive novel plus a little bit more.

Thanks to the dual POVs and the tight-knit tinderbox of a small town, which only felt like yet another character, the past and the present came together with utter precision. On top of that, though, no matter how hard I tried, I simply could not predict even one of these blind twists and turns. And while the events that took place were both intense and disturbing, I had to actually stop myself from skimming just to find out the whos, whats, and whys. Hard-hitting and raw in terms of both the missing persons cases and the drama within these characters’ personal lives, I found myself getting choked up more than once as I put myself in their shoes. After all, not only was the plot filled with plenty of intrigue and shocking secrets, but it all had a realistic feel.

All said and done, I was blown away by Slaughter’s ability to dive into the dark heart of humanity. Bringing to life the monsters who live in our midst, this spine-chilling story was both gut-wrenching and riveting. Exploring life-altering trauma and loss, it’s one book that I guarantee not to forget anytime soon. After all, the layers of secrets and lies intertwined with an underlying serial killer premise just unsettling enough to make you quake in your boots. From what I’ve heard, though, it was decidedly less graphic than any of her prior novels. So if I’ve piqued your interest at all, be sure to run out and grab this book ASAP. After all, this messy, dysfunctional family will capture your heart as you watch their lives implode right before your very eyes. Rating of 5 stars.

SYNOPSIS:

Welcome to North Falls—a small town where everyone knows everyone. Or so they think.

Until the night of the fireworks. When two teenage girls vanish, and the town ignites.

For Officer Emmy Clifton, it’s personal. She turned away when her best friend's daughter needed help—and now she must bring her home.

But as Emmy combs through the puzzle the girls left behind, she realizes she never really knew them. Nobody did.

Every teenage girl has secrets. But who would kill for them? And what else is the town hiding?

Thank you to Karin Slaughter and William Morrow Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: August 12, 2025

Content warning: abduction, violence, alcohol abuse, pedophilia, murder, dementia, gun violence, death of a parent, grief, cancer, torture, mention of: violence, rape, grooming

[Norma ~ The Sisters · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter
Happy Book Birthday, August 12, 2025!
Genre: Fiction / Thrillers / Suspense
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Format: Digital ARC

Dark secrets, gritty suspense, and fast-paced small-town drama—this was one unputdownable ride!

Set in the tightly woven community of North Falls, this gripping series opener introduces Officer Emmy Clifton, a woman burdened by guilt after turning away from her best friend’s daughter when she needed help most. When two teenage girls vanish on the night of the town’s fireworks, Emmy’s personal and professional lives collide. As the investigation unfolds, long-buried truths emerge, and it becomes clear that no one in North Falls is as they seem.

It had been a little while since I read a Karin Slaughter novel, and I forgot just how intensely shocking her books can be. She doesn’t hold back from hard-hitting topics or raw, emotional scenes, and while this one felt a little less graphic than some of her previous work, the subject matter was still heavy and, at times, deeply unsettling. It took me a moment to find the right headspace, but once I did, I was completely hooked. I flew through it, even with its longer chapters, which felt layered, deliberate, and absolutely worth the time.

This was such an addictive and emotional police procedural, but also a devastating family tragedy. I really enjoyed the character dynamics and the depth of the investigation. The town itself becomes a character—claustrophobic, secretive, and brimming with tension. North Falls may seem close-knit on the surface, but it is fractured underneath, and no one escapes untouched. The story pulses with secrets, trauma, lies, and loss, while also weaving in moments of strength, courage, and fierce determination.

Some characters carry their guilt quietly. Others wear it like armour. In North Falls, guilt spreads like wildfire—and no one gets away clean.

This was a buddy read that I had the pleasure of reading with Brenda, Carolyn, and Debra from Witches Words, and it was such a thrilling and emotional experience to unravel this mystery together. Please be sure to check out all of their reviews!

Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. Highly recommend.

[NZLisaM · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up to 3, a.k.a pretty average!

While the residents of North Falls, Georgia, are all occupied enjoying the 4th of July fireworks, two local teenage girls – Madison Dalrymple and Cheyenne Baker – are being abducted from the carpark.

Deputy Emmy Clifton-Lang (the official Amazon blurb lists Emmy’s surname as ‘Clifford’, so it’s either a typo, was altered for the published version, or differs depending on edition), along with her Sheriff father Gerald Clifton, are first on the scene where all that remains are two mangled bicycles, a smashed cellphone, and blood. Emmy feels guilty, because when Madison tried to reach out to her earlier in the night, Emmy was too preoccupied with her crumbling marriage to listen. The hunt is on to find Madison and Cheyenne alive. But as the hours pass – hope fades.

Unfortunately, We Are All Guilty Here suffered from the same issues I had with another crime novel I read earlier in the month in that the characters were the standout. I really enjoyed Emmy, and all the supporting and peripheral characters. Her family drama and revealed secrets were another highlight. Also, the crime was emotionally affecting, and the character of Emmy did a superb job of conveying this.

There were some clever, surprising twists throughout the novel, but the resolution to the crime was pretty anticlimactic, didn’t bring anything new to the table, and contained a lot of telling rather than showing. There were disturbing moments but We Are All Guilty Here was pretty tame for a Karin Slaughter novel, which I have to admit, I was kind of disappointed by. The first 30% was a five-star read for me – however, I struggled with the twist that occurred soon after that point, and from then onwards I thought the excitement and urgency of the investigation tapered off. Speaking of the investigation, there was far too much time spent on interviewing suspects and the discussions of evidence grew repetitive. If you’re not a fan of police procedures, then I doubt you would enjoy this one. Finally, it was overly long, and there just wasn’t enough happening to sustain its length.

In conclusion, We Are All Guilty Here was underwhelming overall, and as much as I liked the characters, I’m not sure I’m curious enough to continue this series. Hopefully I’m in the minority, and other reviewers/readers will enjoy it more.

I’d like to thank Netgalley UK, Harper Collins UK, and Karin Slaughter for the e-ARC.

Publication Date: 19th June 2025.

[Tara — on semi-hiatus for health reasons; will check in when possible. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now Available Happy Publication Day!✨

New Series by Karin Slaughter North Falls Book 1

We Are All Guilty Here is my favourite Karin Slaughter book yet! It is brilliant, compelling, and incredibly tense. The suspense builds steadily until the breathless conclusion. The story is utterly enthralling from start to finish. The town is filled with intrigue and dark secrets, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere. This haunting, confined feeling enhances the tension throughout the narrative. It is undoubtedly one of those captivating reads that completely engaged me from beginning to end, drawing me into its depths with every page.


This gripping police procedural weaves a tale of tragedy that envelops several families in North Falls. Secrets lurk around every corner, and the weight of trauma, lies, and loss hangs heavily over the community. It seems that the residents of North Falls truly don't know their neighbours after all. They are good at fooling their neighbours by wearing masks to hide their true selves.


North Falls is a small town where everyone knows each other. It is a close-knit community. Miranda, one of the missing teenage girls, is Emmy's best friend's daughter. And the other girl, Cheyanne Baker, is Madison’s best friend. As Emmy pieces together clues, she realizes she never truly knew the girls, and neither did anyone else in the town. Every teenage girl has her own secrets that blend into her life. But the frightening question remains: who would go so far as to kill to keep those secrets? As Emmy investigates deeper, she feels the town is hiding darker truths than she ever thought possible. The girls' disappearance affects everyone, and in a small town where everyone knows your name, the pain is shared.

12 Years later, Paisley Walker, another teenage girl, is taken—the crime scene eerily the same, leaving Emmy and the rest of the police force shaken to their core with fear while investigating the latest missing girl. Emmy and the police are puzzled while trying to find this new missing girl. The town is still struggling from the earlier cases, and now, with another girl missing, tempers flare, leading to a tragic event that leaves the community heartbroken. The situation is critical.

In California, Jude, a retired criminal psychologist and FBI agent known for finding missing children, sees the alert for Paisley Walker and flies to the town to offer her expertise. Will the town welcome her, or will they keep her out?


As the plot unfolds, characters grapple with profound loss, while others seek the redemptive power of forgiveness. Each page is infused with raw tension and heartache, pushing the boundaries of grief. Yet, amidst the sorrow, a powerful undercurrent of courage, resilience, and love shines through. This story is not just about anguish; it’s also a testament to the human spirit's strength in the face of adversity.

Karin Slaughter's stories have a remarkable ability to dive beyond the surface, drawing readers into the depths of human depravity. In her latest book, she confronts us with the ugly truths of the world, showcasing the full spectrum of humanity's darker side. Once again, Slaughter delivers a gripping and gut-wrenching narrative that will undoubtedly leave readers reeling long after they’ve turned the final page. I highly recommend you grab a copy!

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

RTC—I’m packing for my vacation and couldn't be more excited! This Friday night, I’ll be attending Carlie Fortune’s book tour for “One Golden Summer.” I know this experience will be just what I need to boost my spirits during this challenging time. ❤️‍🩹 Plus, getting out of the city will help improve Harley’s and Mr. Beasley's health and mindset. 🐕

[Joey R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 stars— “We Are All Guilty Here” is the first book I’ve ever read by Karin Slaughter. She has written over twenty books, but I’ve never read a plot summary or blurb that ever made me want to sit down and read one of her books. I saw a lot of positive reviews of this book so I decided to finally give one of her books a chance. I have to admit, I am very glad I did. The book is written primarily from the perspective of Emmy, the sheriff’s daughter and the chief deputy of a small town in Georgia’s sheriff’s department. Emmy is racked with guilt after she refuses to meet with her best friend’s 15 year old daughter due to Emmy having to compose herself from a very public argument with her husband at the local 4th of July celebration. When she regains her composure, she discovers her best friend’s daughter, Hannah and her good friend, Cheyanne are both missing. The book then takes the reader into the investigation of the local sheriff’s department and their investigation into the girls’ disappearances and the aftermath. There are many twists and turns in this very well written thriller. The book is at its best when Ms. Slaughter concentrates on the investigation and how the investigative team works through many leads to get to the bottom of what happened to the girls. I felt like the author’s description of the investigation itself was very nicely done, and very true to life. The only issues I had with the book were the ridiculous family dynamics that became more unbelievable as I read further into the book and one of the climactic gun battle scenes that made a seasoned experienced police office look like a complete buffoon. Also, most of the characters were very unlikable which makes a long book like this harder to read. I still give it 4 stars because the main plot line was so good it made me forget about some of the slower, less interesting parts of the book. I would definitely read Ms. Slaughter again because she has great writing ability that kept me interested in the book from beginning to end.

[Lisa B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowza long audio but worth all the hours spent listening Slaughter has done it again!!!!!


It’s been quite a while since I have read Karin Slaughter & I ask myself why?
OMG what a ride this was so emotional dark & completely compulsive I could not stop listening the narration by Kathleen Early. Was phenomenal.


Set in a small town of North Falls everyone is enjoying the fireworks 🧨 as you do but unbeknown to the townsfolk two girls went missing, officer Emmy Clifton feels the guilt after turning her friends daughter away when she needed help,due to this Emmy’s personal & private life gets out of control the guilt is consuming her.


The townsfolk know about everything that is going on & Emmy has nowhere to turn, as the story unfolds nothing is as it seems in North Falls!


I absolutely loved this book nothing better than a Slaughter novel to keep you invested from start to finish all the mysterious 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟

[TheConnieFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small town thriller mystery novel was one that I absolutely loved! It was extremely emotional, dark and tense. I found the plot to be well executed, it came with a clear thesis and I really enjoyed the dual timelines! It is deep, well written and full of twists that really shocked me! The world building of this small town really caught my attention and drew me in. It kept me guessing the entire time I was reading it! I really liked all of the characters in the story, especially Emmy! I really loved how Emmy became so involved and really had a personal connection with these two girls. It came with strong characters, that change and grew in the story. This is a medium to fast paced read, where the flaws of the characters are the main focus. This is a small town community that is full of betrayals and past traumas! I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end! I definitely recommend this one! I cannot wait till the second book in this series comes out!

“We Are All Guilty Here” centers around officer Emmy. She investigates two girls that went missing in a small town. Emmy deals with a past trauma as she is searching for these two girls. This book really shows you how far people will go to keep secrets and how they will protect the ones they love! I give this book a rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars!

Any fan of the author Karin Slaughter and fans of thrillers that are full of secrets and twists would really enjoy this one! Content warnings include violence, child abuse, murder, death and grief.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Karin Slaughter and William Morrow for this electronic ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is expected to be published on August 12, 2025!

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first part of this book takes us back 12 years, to the disappearance of Madison and Cheyenne. Honestly, it felt like I was right there in the moment, heart racing, completely tense, almost overwhelming at times. Emmy, our deputy sheriff (and total star of the story), throws herself into the search with the help of her dad, the sheriff. No spoilers, you’ll have to read it to see how that plays out!

Fast forward 12 years, and another girl goes missing. That’s when things really start heating up again. I thought the story was fantastic, well told, with phenomenal characters. My only whim is that there is too much retelling of details. I kept thinking, I’ve already read this bit twice. If it had been tightened by about 100 pages, it would’ve been punchier and even more gripping.

I was still hooked the whole way through, and the ending completely blindsided me. As a die hard Karin Slaughter fan, I’m here for every book she writes, and this one was no exception. Huge thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishers for letting me read and review this ARC from one of my favorite authors!

[L.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thrilling mystery in the new North Falls series!! This will be on my top list of thrillers this year. It is a must read!! "Welcome to North Falls—a small town where everyone knows everyone. Or so they think. Until the night of the fireworks. When two teenage girls vanish, the town ignites...."
"Every teenage girl has secrets. But who would kill for them? And what else is the town hiding?"
This tense police procedural is addictive yet devastatingly tragic. When two girls go missing, Officer Emmy and her police chief dad Gerald Clifton search for answers in their own Clifton County. Emmy has a personal reason since one of the girls is her best friend's daughter who had tried to call her but she blew her off as too busy to answer. What they did find were two bikes, cell phones and blood, as well as the town hiding information. Unveiling disturbing info and a moral gray covering of people the town trusted, to hide what? When relationships are revealed and some shocking twists, some deep secrets crumble the walls of this small town. So many puzzle pieces gripped me and showed what the town was hiding. It is a psychological thriller you will not forget. I can't wait to read the next one in the series!!
Thank you Edelweiss and William Morrow for this ARC in exchange for my review!

[LIsa Noell "Rocking the chutzpah!"]

Well, I'm tossing in the towel @ 35%. I'm just not feeling this one at all. The father/daughter duo is just too damned annoying! Maybe I'll pick it up somewhere down the road, but I'm not holding my breath.
No rating.

[Michael Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

What You Don’t Know…

With “We Are All Guilty Here” Karin Slaughter introduces her new North Falls mystery series. The series takes place in the seemingly idyllic small town of North Falls, a close-knit community where everyone seems to know everything about everyone– until their dark secrets come to light.

When two young girls vanish during the Fourth of July festivities, Sheriff Gerald Clifton and his daughter, Deputy Emmy Clifton, launch an immediate investigation. Their chances of finding the girls alive dwindle with every passing hour. Emmy is particularly burdened by guilt, as one of the missing girls had attempted to reach out to her just before disappearing.

Twelve years later, another young girl vanishes in a similar manner. A recently retired FBI agent, Jude Archer is compelled to arrive on the scene, revealing her secret ties to both the town and the Clifton family. Her methodical approach clashes with Emmy's emotional struggle to control her feelings.

Emmy is a wonderfully flawed heroine. She is driven to physical and emotional exhaustion by her powerful sense of justice and overwhelming guilt. This guilt, however, is not hers alone, as the title implies, every character harbors a secret. At one point, the Andy Griffith show is referenced– but this is not Mayberry.

Despite occasional slowdowns due to police procedural explorations, the narrative gains momentum through unexpected twists. The North Falls locale is stocked with well-crafted characters, establishing a solid foundation for a compelling series. Going forward, the two women look to work well together, with Jude’s analytical skills complimenting Emmy’s passionate approach.

This highly suspenseful and entertaining book comes with a warning: some readers may find the depictions of violence and abuse disturbing.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #WeAreAllGuiltyHere #NetGalley

[Dutchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Well done Karin Slaughter, well done!👏👏👏 This deserves all the stars!

I’ll be the first to admit I went into this unsure of how I would feel about a new series and a new set of characters. Both the Will Trent and the Grant County series leave very big shoes to fill. I did not need to worry as the small town of North Falls brought with it a whole new set of characters that make us feel right at home.

Emmy’s family is well known throughout Clifton County as it was founded by her ancestors. We meet just about all of them that it was hard to keep them straight, but I’m sure it’ll be easier the more we get to know them. During a Fourth of July celebration two teenage girls go missing and Emmy is front and center trying to find the girls. I almost felt like I was riding shotgun with Emmy throughout the investigation. You never know which way the book is going and are following the investigation real time with her. Just when you think you know what’s happening and are settling into the case Slaughter has a way of mentally knocking you down. I’m pretty sure I felt every emotion possible as the case evolved and relationships were revealed.

This is one of those books that I wish I could experience reading it for the first time again. Slaughter excels at writing small town intricacies amongst family and the local townspeople. It was very reminiscent of the Grant County series that I love so much except with its own new flare. I absolutely cannot wait to see where this new series goes.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

[Mahsa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too slow, even for someone like me who loves the police procedural kind of details in novels. About 60% was filled with unnecessary, repetitive explanations. I kept thinking about putting it down, but I pushed myself because it was my first Slaughter book, and I wanted to read it completely. I just don’t get what some writers think ;what’s the point of sharing groundbreaking insights when I’m struggling through pages that don’t really move the story along?

Trigger Warning: This book contains themes of violence, child abduction, child molestation (pedophilia), sexual assault, complicated family dilemmas, and drug use.

The reason this book has caught so many readers' attention is twofold:

1. Uncommon POV: It’s narrated from the investigator’s perspective, Emmy, and the author has embodied her beautifully. Readers are drawn into her journey of piecing together the puzzle, establishing a strong logical backbone for the story.

2. Clear Psychological Depth:Each character’s psychological movements are depicted vividly ~their motivations, subtle emotions, deep desires, and unique perspectives. Whether it’s a teenager with a girlish worldview, a seasoned FBI agent, or a reprehensible pedophile, every character has their own distinct voice. It feels like you’ve lifted the lid on their minds and are watching the events unfold directly, a rarity in today’s literature.


So yeah, there’s a lot of great stuff here, but the slow pace can be a total snooze-fest. 🥱🤨

Recommendation: If you’ve found yourself zoning out in the middle but want to know how it ends, just read the last 100 pages. You might find it worth it!

[Krickette❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This BOOK is SO fantastic! Just Wow! It took me by surprise and I fell I love with the characters and their relationships. This is an addicting thriller.

If you’re looking for an all encompassing, complicated, and curiously addicting mystery, We Are All Guilty Here, by Karen Slaughter hits the sweet spot as she pens an extremely humanizing and addicting thriller-mystery! This book was absolutely unputdownable!

Karen Slaughter’s keen ability to take her readers on a journey of discovery is striking! 😳

What can you expect?
👉Writing that is smooth and inviting.
👉Writing that is calm, and alluring.
👉Writing that has layers and depth.
👉Writing that is packed with moments of craze and delirium.
👉Writing that is pliable.

Each page had me stumbling and questioning and wondering. I’m telling you, this book is fantastic! A journey full twisted storylines.

The characters have relationships that could be your own and their stories are deeply intertwined. The security of your hometown thwarted as 2 local girls go missing. A community is challenged, and friendships broken as truths unfold. A novel that does not skip a beat!

Fast forward another 12 years and the nightmare unravels again as another local girl goes missing. Her fate unknown and the race against time begins again! All in the hands of Emmy Lou, a well trained veteran Sheriff Deputy, now acting as Chief! Following leads and tripping up suspects as the Chief’s words, her own father’s words, play again and again in her mind… “What don’t we know?” A definite rollercoaster of a read!

This is a thoughtfully written novel with twisty branches on almost every page. It is multi generational, full of secrets and thick with history, loyalty and love. Its indelible.

I loved this book. It is absolutely a 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read!!!

[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Diggity Dang!! What a killer start to a series—I’m already hooked. Karin Slaughter usually scares the daylights out of me, and I’m one dark, twisted sister myself. She can be overly graphic, but this one struck the right chord: twisted enough to keep me on edge, without me wanting to close my eyes and not read anymore because I myself am traumatized.

Slaughter weaves in some great family drama that completely cast a spell on me. And as always, it’s the characters that pull me in. She’s known for writing broken women and throwing trauma after trauma at them, but this time? These women are strong, grounded, and bring a whole new dynamic to the case.

Can’t wait to see where this series goes next!

A witches Words buddy read with Norma, Debra, Mary Beth and Carolyn. Did it cast a spell on all of us?....

I received a copy from the publisher through Edelweiss

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new mystery series from the brilliant Karin Slaughter -- a magnificently dysfunctional family of sheriffs in a rural Georgia county are the center of the story -- and already I'm excited for whatever comes next for the Clifton family. In a brief first act, two teenage girls disappear the night of the fireworks in North Falls (a town a lot like the Boston bar, Cheers, in that everybody knows your name), and Officer Emmy Clifton and her father Gerald -- the sheriff -- work the clock hard to find them, knowing that if the girls aren't rescued within hours, the odds they'll be found alive sink to almost zero. Flash forward twelve years later to the second and third acts of this Shakespearean drama (with precise, page-turning, police procedural details), and another girl disappears, and once more the clock is ticking. And Emmy is haunted by the mistakes she feels she made over a decade earlier. But what makes WE ARE ALL GUILTY HERE such a treasure are the Cliftons themselves, especially Emmy and her estranged older sister, Jude, who returns from California to help with the investigation, and their ageless aunt, whose cantankerousness grows ever more charming in a weird and wonderful way. How much did I love this novel? Already I can't wait for the next one. (No pressure, Karin, no pressure.)

[Renata Annese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lies 💣 Secrets 🤫 Guilt 💔 Grief 😢

What a wild, emotional ride! From the very first page, I was completely pulled in. The small-town setting, the haunting tension, and the tangled web of trauma and truth kept me listening late into the night. 🌙

Karin Slaughter really knows how to dig deep into the human side of crime... the guilt, the fear, and the heartbreak that lingers long after the last chapter. The characters felt so real, flawed, raw, and vulnerable in ways that made me care about every single one of them.

Yes, it slowed down a bit in the middle, but the build-up and emotional payoff were worth it. And that ending? Chilling, dramatic, and impossible to forget. 😱

This one left me thinking about right and wrong, love and loss, and the darkness that hides behind closed doors. A gripping, emotional read that proves that we’re all guilty of something. 👏

A solid 4.5⭐️ for me.

[Nikki Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unpopular Opinion and I might piss some people off. Lol Let’s just say that it’s common for me to be on outlier island when it comes to hyped up books. Plus, I am very picky when it comes to police procedurals. Period.

The story, teenage girls went missing years ago. Now, more are missing.

Here’s the deal….. when it comes to police procedurals, it needs to be gripping. I want to be fascinated by all the evidence and facts coming to light. I love to be shocked! If it is slow, forget it. I also need to feel a connection to some character that is trying to save the day. It could even be the bad guy, hell. Just as long as I am rooting for someone.

This story was just too slow for my liking. There was evidence that kept getting put on repeat and I honestly felt it could have been shortened by at least 100 pages. I didn’t care for any of the characters, even the ones missing.

Most of you will disagree with me and that’s totally fine. Slaughter has some LOYAL fans who have been reading her for years and they will continue to do so.

Read if you like
— Slow burn police procedurals
— Missing girls trope
— Karin Slaughter

[Kezia Duah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I haven’t written a review in ages, but wow, what a great book to break my hiatus with!

Slaughter gets me every time!! So far, I’ve enjoyed the books I’ve read from her. I’m always drawn to how raw and fearless she is about laying it all bare. I can always trust her to deliver! I knew what to expect in terms of graphic details and enjoyed every bit of it …..well, not all the violence, but you get the idea.

The story hooked me from the beginning, and I was glued to the end. Thrillers always bring out my inner detective. I like to analyze every little clue to see if I can predict the twist before it happens. I love it when an author completely throws me off, not in an unrealistic way but just enough to make me gasp. Slaughter didn’t totally manage that this time, but that’s okay; the entire story made up for it.

What I loved most was that this wasn’t just another “missing girls, let’s find them” kind of story. It definitely had heart. I actually felt like I knew these characters, and I felt t for every single one of them. The main character, with her complex emotions and complicated family dynamics, comes off so strong and badass, but deep down, she’s just as fragile as the rest of us. When I actually care about the people in it, that’s what really keeps my attention in a thriller. The relationships here, including parenthood, friendship, and family, are messy, imperfect, and very real.

My only gripe? The big reveal was a little bit underwhelming. I kinda saw it coming… not to brag, but maybe I’m just that good. Still, just when I thought we were done, Slaughter hit me with a few more twists that completely pulled me back in. So overall, I ended up loving this one.

In the past, Slaughter has wowed me, so maybe my expectations were a little too high. Totally my fault! But the pacing was excellent, the storyline addictive, the ending emotional, and you’ll definitely see me back in the review section for her next book.

[Terence M [on a brief old bloke's hiatus] · Rating 1 out of 5]

1-Star DNF Definite
Karin Slaughter - North Falls #1 - We Are All Guilty Here
Audible Direct: 16:33 Hours - Narrator: Kathleen Early
Commenced: August 28, 2025
Heard: 02:30 Hours - Balance: 14:03 Hours
Outlier Alert!
Nope, definitely not for me! I don't like the story/plot development, I don't like the environment, and I don't even like the narration! No more "whim" buys for me ATM!
Trigger Warnings: Paedophiles; Sexual abuse of young girls

I have read/heard twelve books by Karin Slaughter over the past 15 years or so. My ratings vary from 1-Star to 5-Stars and a rough average for the 12 books would be around 3.5-Stars, so I have had a mixed relationship with this author.
My purpose for buying her latest book, "We Are All Guilty Here", was to see if anything had changed that would encourage me to read more of the 27 books by Slaughter that I have in my collection. Regrettably, I probably won't bother.

[Christy fictional_traits · Rating 5 out of 5]

'If you don't know what to do, start at the beginning'.

Emmy works hard to be as well-respected, as a cop, as her dad, the chief. However, when the small town of North Falls is rocked by a rare double abduction, her police procedural skills, as well as personal involvement, are put to the test. As her investigation delves deeper, it's not only case clues that come to light, but a whole spool of secrets and lies about many of the town residents unravels.

This was my first Slaughter book and I was kept on the hook from page one. Although dealing with the grim crimes of psychopaths doesn’t make for light reading, I was fully invested in the police procedural and criminal psychology. I’d definitely pick up another Slaughter book in the future and look forward to seeing where this new series goes next.

'Some people think serial killers make mistakes because they want to get caught, but the real reason is they're as desperate as any other addict...They chase the euphoria'.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic read from one of my favourite authors.I look forward to her books coming out.can be read as a standalone as a start of a new crime read.. Two friends vanish on fireworks night,are they alive or dead? Officer Emmy Clifton knows the girls and wants to find them safe.. Will she uncover the truth about the girls' lives? Are they hiding secrets? Another thrilling read from Karin..she loves to write gritty storylines which I enjoy reading..looking forward to reading more of her books....

[Casey Reads 🌸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two girls disappear & the race against time begins as the cops realize they were abducted. Then another girl goes missing years later under similar circumstances.

The beginning of this book was 5 stars, then it just dragged on and became so long. Then it got good again. Overall, it is really hard for me to rate this book. I personally feel it should have been condensed about 100 pages or split into 2 books. It felt like it dragged on. But the story itself was interesting and at times very dark.

I would give this one a 3.5 rounded up. If I was this author I would have cut out quite a bit of unnecessary stuff to not destroy the impact of the wild beginning 1/3 of the book.

Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Shantha (ShanthasBookEra) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The first thrilling mystery in the new North Falls series from Karin Slaughter. Welcome to North Falls—a small town where everyone knows everyone. Or so they think."

On the Fourth of July, two teenage girls go missing from a grassy field next to the fireworks show. Only their bikes and blood remain. for Officer Emmy Clifton, the loss is personal as one of the girls is her best friend's stepdaughter. As she and her father investigate, Emmy realizes that everyone in the town has secrets, including the girls.

As the queen of crime, it's no surprise that this had perfect pacing, tension, character development, and plot twists. Slaughter has brilliantly set up the universe for her next series of books.I loved the focus on female characters, their strength, resilience, and how they protect themselves. Slaughter is honest and sensitive about different themes revolving around women. This is gritty at times but never graphic. I am a sensitive reader to violence and found it to be a propulsive page-turner that is well-researched. This is a winner that I highly recommend! I will be first in line for her next book in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Karin Slaughter for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

⚠️CW: kidnapping, rape, torture, murder

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why do I do this to myself? I hated the last Slaughter book I read, and here we are again.

Many mystery enthusiasts rave about Slaughter's writing style, but I find it dry and heavy-handed. So many random, gratuitous details!

I made it to 39% before giving up and skimming. The chapters are way too long for a thriller; there were numerous unnecessary, repetitive scenes. The story didn't grab or keep my interest. I figured out the perp (one of them anyway) in chapter 3 and found the twists easy to guess.

I had zero respect for Emmy, the police officer on the case, who pandered to her dickwad of a husband. The family drama went on and on.

Everything Slaughter writes is dark and bleak. What's the point of reading a story about two missing teenagers when you know the girls are dead?

Other authors in the crime/suspense genre shake up their endings, so the reader can hope against hope because sometimes the outcome is positive. Not Slaughter. Heaven forbid the victim lived for once.