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Getting Away With Murder
Not yet published
Expected 16 Jul 26The new twisty and playfully addictive thriller from the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Everyone Here is Lying and The Couple Next Door.
She loves her husband.
But she might love their house more.
Jill and Ted adore their New York brownstone the way others adore their children. They have carefully, expensively, made every inch of it their own. It reflects who they are, their status and tastes. With the grand mahogany staircase and state-of-the-art kitchen, it is the stuff of glossy magazines and real-estate dreams. It is their sanctuary.
So when Ted’s inheritance runs out and he makes a bad investment, they panic. How can they protect their beloved home and enviable lifestyle?
The answer is obvious. Or at least, it is obvious to Jill and Ted. The death of one wealthy family member could solve all their problems. Together, they will get away with murder.
As long as they trust each other.
And as long as there are no surprises . . .
' A modern master of the psychological thriller.' STEVE CAVANAGH
'The queen of page-turners' ANDREA MARA
'Shari Lapena is the undisputed queen of dysfunctional families.' CLARE MACKINTOSH
She loves her husband.
But she might love their house more.
Jill and Ted adore their New York brownstone the way others adore their children. They have carefully, expensively, made every inch of it their own. It reflects who they are, their status and tastes. With the grand mahogany staircase and state-of-the-art kitchen, it is the stuff of glossy magazines and real-estate dreams. It is their sanctuary.
So when Ted’s inheritance runs out and he makes a bad investment, they panic. How can they protect their beloved home and enviable lifestyle?
The answer is obvious. Or at least, it is obvious to Jill and Ted. The death of one wealthy family member could solve all their problems. Together, they will get away with murder.
As long as they trust each other.
And as long as there are no surprises . . .
' A modern master of the psychological thriller.' STEVE CAVANAGH
'The queen of page-turners' ANDREA MARA
'Shari Lapena is the undisputed queen of dysfunctional families.' CLARE MACKINTOSH
Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 28, 2026
9 people are currently reading
4470 people want to read
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November 17, 2025
Well, I’ll admit it right away — I’m not usually a big fan of unlikable main characters, especially when they’re ruthless, power-hungry, money-obsessed murderers who plan to get away with it. But here’s the thing: when a story pulls off that kind of dynamic this well, I simply cannot resist. The perfectly executed cat-and-mouse game, the nonstop pacing, the taut, nerve-wracking tension — it’s impossible to look away. Each twist hit like a lightning strike, and by the halfway mark, I could practically feel the walls closing in! More popcorn and wine, please, because I stayed up all night devouring this thriller. It just kept getting better with every chapter until that juicy, explosive final epilogue had me whispering, “Hell yeah, that was good!”
It might not be my all-time favorite Shari Lapena novel, but it still delivers a wickedly fun, hyperventilating, mind-bending ride full of sharp twists and relentless suspense that will make you question everyone and trust no one.
Jill and Ted — the so-called power couple at the center of the chaos — are a perfect study in greed and moral decay. Let’s be honest: they don’t really deserve the glamorous lives they’ve built. Ted, a spoiled heir who inherited his father’s fortune, has the business sense of a potato. His stunning wife Jill, the classic trophy spouse, escaped her rough, working-class upbringing (with an alcoholic father and a string of disappointments) by marrying into money. She now works at an art gallery and dreams of opening her own — naturally expecting Ted to bankroll the whole thing.
But when Ted’s reckless investments implode and they’re suddenly on the verge of losing everything — including their elegant Brooklyn brownstone house — desperation takes hold. A visit to Ted’s arrogant, loaded brother Greg ends in rejection, and from there, Ted decides on a solution only a sociopath could justify: if Greg dies, he inherits everything. Forty million dollars, to be exact.
So the couple plots the perfect crime. A simple boating trip, a few too many glasses of champagne, a conveniently absent life vest — and Greg is gone, swallowed by the sea. The cover story? Smooth, polished, and believable... or so they think. But they didn’t count on Officer Ramirez, the relentless investigator who smells deceit from the start. Add to that Lara, Jill’s suspicious best friend, John, Ted’s unsettling old acquaintance who suddenly reappears, and Nadya, the cleaning lady with moral dilemmas of her own when her son falls in with dangerous company — and you have a tangled web of lies, guilt, and manipulation.
Then come the messages. Anonymous. Chilling. Someone out there knows what they did. Someone might even have proof. The tension skyrockets as paranoia takes over — and the price of their newfound wealth might just demand the ultimate redemption.
Overall: This was one of the fastest-paced mysteries I’ve read in ages — I devoured it in a single sitting! Addictive, sharp, and full of gasp-worthy moments, it’s a smart, entertaining thriller that keeps your pulse racing until the very last page. Shari Lapena once again proves she knows exactly how to deliver a slick, twist-filled psychological ride.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin / Pamela Dorman Books for providing me with this addictive, highly anticipated thriller’s digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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It might not be my all-time favorite Shari Lapena novel, but it still delivers a wickedly fun, hyperventilating, mind-bending ride full of sharp twists and relentless suspense that will make you question everyone and trust no one.
Jill and Ted — the so-called power couple at the center of the chaos — are a perfect study in greed and moral decay. Let’s be honest: they don’t really deserve the glamorous lives they’ve built. Ted, a spoiled heir who inherited his father’s fortune, has the business sense of a potato. His stunning wife Jill, the classic trophy spouse, escaped her rough, working-class upbringing (with an alcoholic father and a string of disappointments) by marrying into money. She now works at an art gallery and dreams of opening her own — naturally expecting Ted to bankroll the whole thing.
But when Ted’s reckless investments implode and they’re suddenly on the verge of losing everything — including their elegant Brooklyn brownstone house — desperation takes hold. A visit to Ted’s arrogant, loaded brother Greg ends in rejection, and from there, Ted decides on a solution only a sociopath could justify: if Greg dies, he inherits everything. Forty million dollars, to be exact.
So the couple plots the perfect crime. A simple boating trip, a few too many glasses of champagne, a conveniently absent life vest — and Greg is gone, swallowed by the sea. The cover story? Smooth, polished, and believable... or so they think. But they didn’t count on Officer Ramirez, the relentless investigator who smells deceit from the start. Add to that Lara, Jill’s suspicious best friend, John, Ted’s unsettling old acquaintance who suddenly reappears, and Nadya, the cleaning lady with moral dilemmas of her own when her son falls in with dangerous company — and you have a tangled web of lies, guilt, and manipulation.
Then come the messages. Anonymous. Chilling. Someone out there knows what they did. Someone might even have proof. The tension skyrockets as paranoia takes over — and the price of their newfound wealth might just demand the ultimate redemption.
Overall: This was one of the fastest-paced mysteries I’ve read in ages — I devoured it in a single sitting! Addictive, sharp, and full of gasp-worthy moments, it’s a smart, entertaining thriller that keeps your pulse racing until the very last page. Shari Lapena once again proves she knows exactly how to deliver a slick, twist-filled psychological ride.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin / Pamela Dorman Books for providing me with this addictive, highly anticipated thriller’s digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
Want to read
November 9, 2025EEEEEEEEK! My fave domestic suspense author!
I must find a way to get my hands on this one sooner!
I cant get enough of Shari's pen game!
💛🤍💛🤍
I must find a way to get my hands on this one sooner!
I cant get enough of Shari's pen game!
💛🤍💛🤍
November 8, 2025
𝐒𝐡𝐞'𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐛𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮.
I don't think I've ever read a book so quickly. This story was made to be devoured and was the very definition of a dark, delicious thriller.
I absolutely despised the main characters, Jill and Ted. The back story of how they ended up together will fill you with glee in its perfect execution. These two vapid people adore their New York brownstone the way others adore their children or their pets, of which they have neither. They have painstakingly renovated every square inch, importing all the best finishes, the most expensive luxuries, to craft a dwelling that was just perfectly 'them.' Ted is living on borrowed time as he has blown through his inheritance and tanked what little was left with a bad investment. He finally comes clean to Jill, telling her the only choice was to sell the brownstone. She would rather die than lose the home she so painstakingly created, so they resort to a desperate plan.
They visit Ted’s brother Greg, who has much better business acumen than Ted. He's worth upwards of $40 million, and the pair figures if they can swindle a small loan (which they decide they will never repay) from him, they can keep their beloved home. Their request ends in cruel rejection, and from there, Greg's fate is decided. Ted knows that after Greg's marriage ended, he is the sole heir of Greg's fortune. All they need to do is plan the perfect crime.
But crimes of this magnitude are rarely perfect, even though it starts off that way. A trip on Greg's sailboat in turbulent weather, an egomaniac with a history of never wearing a life jacket and bragging about his skill navigating the water--well, it's hardly shocking when he plunges overboard. The couple gleefully celebrates their good fortune, but they didn't count on what was to come. The red herrings were plentiful with the supporting cast: Officer Ramirez, the relentless investigator who suspects foul play immediately; Jill's best friend Lara, who has known her for years and notices her shift in behavior; Nadya, the couple's cleaner who spends her days removing the dirt from the opulent dwellings of others while she is left to sit alone in her humble home to worry about the fate of her son, whom she fears is destined for prison thanks to the new crowd he has decided to run with, and John, a former acquaintance of Ted who suddenly reappears at a most opportune time with a 'business proposition' that's a sure thing.
Then the text messages begin: "I know what you did," and from there, all the lies, deceit, and manipulation converge into a shocking, explosive finale. Will Jill and Ted turn on each other? Will they get what's coming to them, or will they walk away from what they've done unscathed? This is going to be one of the top thrillers of 2026. Many thanks to Viking/Pamela Dorman Books for this early read. Expected publication date is July 16, 2026.
I don't think I've ever read a book so quickly. This story was made to be devoured and was the very definition of a dark, delicious thriller.
I absolutely despised the main characters, Jill and Ted. The back story of how they ended up together will fill you with glee in its perfect execution. These two vapid people adore their New York brownstone the way others adore their children or their pets, of which they have neither. They have painstakingly renovated every square inch, importing all the best finishes, the most expensive luxuries, to craft a dwelling that was just perfectly 'them.' Ted is living on borrowed time as he has blown through his inheritance and tanked what little was left with a bad investment. He finally comes clean to Jill, telling her the only choice was to sell the brownstone. She would rather die than lose the home she so painstakingly created, so they resort to a desperate plan.
They visit Ted’s brother Greg, who has much better business acumen than Ted. He's worth upwards of $40 million, and the pair figures if they can swindle a small loan (which they decide they will never repay) from him, they can keep their beloved home. Their request ends in cruel rejection, and from there, Greg's fate is decided. Ted knows that after Greg's marriage ended, he is the sole heir of Greg's fortune. All they need to do is plan the perfect crime.
But crimes of this magnitude are rarely perfect, even though it starts off that way. A trip on Greg's sailboat in turbulent weather, an egomaniac with a history of never wearing a life jacket and bragging about his skill navigating the water--well, it's hardly shocking when he plunges overboard. The couple gleefully celebrates their good fortune, but they didn't count on what was to come. The red herrings were plentiful with the supporting cast: Officer Ramirez, the relentless investigator who suspects foul play immediately; Jill's best friend Lara, who has known her for years and notices her shift in behavior; Nadya, the couple's cleaner who spends her days removing the dirt from the opulent dwellings of others while she is left to sit alone in her humble home to worry about the fate of her son, whom she fears is destined for prison thanks to the new crowd he has decided to run with, and John, a former acquaintance of Ted who suddenly reappears at a most opportune time with a 'business proposition' that's a sure thing.
Then the text messages begin: "I know what you did," and from there, all the lies, deceit, and manipulation converge into a shocking, explosive finale. Will Jill and Ted turn on each other? Will they get what's coming to them, or will they walk away from what they've done unscathed? This is going to be one of the top thrillers of 2026. Many thanks to Viking/Pamela Dorman Books for this early read. Expected publication date is July 16, 2026.
November 11, 2025
have never been so excited to have been approved for a book as I was for Getting Away With Murder. I have consistently read each and every book Shari Lapena releases as soon as they are published. This was the first time I have ever gotten an early copy, so when I say I savored each chapter, I truly mean it!
Our main characters in the book, Jill and Ted are horrible people. Selfish, arrogant, rich, and not all that smart at times. They make a horrific decision at the very start of the book, and the fallout and consequences of that mistake are about to turn their whole world apart.
I was glued into this book from the get go! I absolutely loved the way the action happened right at the beginning. I wasn’t expecting the first couple of chapters to get right down to business, but they did- and I’m not complaining. There was a great cast of characters throughout the story who played pivotal roles in the book, and as a reader I didn’t know who to trust. The pacing and the suspense were perfect. There are scenes that will have your jaw on the floor, including the unexpected banister scene (not a spoiler) among others. What I love most about Shari Lapena is her books are just perfect. She leaves no stone unturned and everything always comes together beautifully at the end of her books.
I found all of the characters in the book to be really interesting, especially Jill’s best friend Lara. I couldn’t peg her for being a true friend or not. And Ted. Oh Ted! His famous last words were “I will figure it out” each time he and Jill were thrown yet another plot twist or hurdle. The ending was very unexpected! It was one of the most surprising parts of the story obviously, mainly because I just never saw it coming.
Shari Lapena crafts the most interesting and fun thrillers of any author out there. If you want a book that’s clever, fast paced and always ends with a perfect twist then she’s your girl! I highly recommend other readers read this book when available. All the stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and also Viking/Pamela Dorman for the opportunity to read this book in advance. It was a privilege to do so!
Our main characters in the book, Jill and Ted are horrible people. Selfish, arrogant, rich, and not all that smart at times. They make a horrific decision at the very start of the book, and the fallout and consequences of that mistake are about to turn their whole world apart.
I was glued into this book from the get go! I absolutely loved the way the action happened right at the beginning. I wasn’t expecting the first couple of chapters to get right down to business, but they did- and I’m not complaining. There was a great cast of characters throughout the story who played pivotal roles in the book, and as a reader I didn’t know who to trust. The pacing and the suspense were perfect. There are scenes that will have your jaw on the floor, including the unexpected banister scene (not a spoiler) among others. What I love most about Shari Lapena is her books are just perfect. She leaves no stone unturned and everything always comes together beautifully at the end of her books.
I found all of the characters in the book to be really interesting, especially Jill’s best friend Lara. I couldn’t peg her for being a true friend or not. And Ted. Oh Ted! His famous last words were “I will figure it out” each time he and Jill were thrown yet another plot twist or hurdle. The ending was very unexpected! It was one of the most surprising parts of the story obviously, mainly because I just never saw it coming.
Shari Lapena crafts the most interesting and fun thrillers of any author out there. If you want a book that’s clever, fast paced and always ends with a perfect twist then she’s your girl! I highly recommend other readers read this book when available. All the stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and also Viking/Pamela Dorman for the opportunity to read this book in advance. It was a privilege to do so!
November 28, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Viking Penguin and Pamela Dorman Books for providing this book, with my honest review below.
How does Shari Lapena have to know her readers and fans of the thriller genre so well to be a step ahead of them? Getting Away with Murder is for those fans who love the genre and are getting a bit sick of the formula, capitalizing on the mystery and suspense we all love but taking a different approach. In this book, Jill and Ted are a very well off couple in NYC who have spent more than even they have. The obvious solution to them is to off Ted’s brother Greg, but when they throw themselves under suspicion all the people around them seem to know and one in particular is out to get them. When I tell you Jill and Ted are the worst and deserve every drawn out moment of terror they’ll do themselves in, it’s easy to believe within a few pages, but the way the book plays with its audience getting to who did it and what comes from the culmination of events, you should be more surprised.
Kudos to Shari for once again anticipating what readers want before they may realize it themselves.
How does Shari Lapena have to know her readers and fans of the thriller genre so well to be a step ahead of them? Getting Away with Murder is for those fans who love the genre and are getting a bit sick of the formula, capitalizing on the mystery and suspense we all love but taking a different approach. In this book, Jill and Ted are a very well off couple in NYC who have spent more than even they have. The obvious solution to them is to off Ted’s brother Greg, but when they throw themselves under suspicion all the people around them seem to know and one in particular is out to get them. When I tell you Jill and Ted are the worst and deserve every drawn out moment of terror they’ll do themselves in, it’s easy to believe within a few pages, but the way the book plays with its audience getting to who did it and what comes from the culmination of events, you should be more surprised.
Kudos to Shari for once again anticipating what readers want before they may realize it themselves.
December 1, 2025
I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I requested this because I generally dig Shari Lapena’s thrillers - is it weird to say this is reminiscent of The Couple Next Door if I don’t actually *remember* very much about that book? Either way, the vibes are the same - very much a domestic thriller. It also reminded me of a less annoying version of Kill Your Darlings, since it’s told chronologically (that book was fine, but the timeline gimmick was hiding a not very interesting plot).
Ted and Jill Wescott are having money problems (though for months only Ted is aware of them), so they decide that the best solution is to kill his brother Greg. As Greg’s sole heir, Ted will get all of his money which will solve all of their problems. This goes about as well as you might expect - they’re able to pull off the actual murder part, but as always, it’s keeping it covered up that presents the most problems.
There’s a bit of jumping around at first - we open with the three of them on the boat, the day of Greg’s “accident,” and then jump back a few months, then forward, then back again…and then we’re just staying in the present. I get why authors do this - catch your attention right away with the crime, then jump back to fill in the gaps - but it’s starting to get old. It’s a common tv trope as well, and it’s just exhausting to get sucked into something and then see the dreaded “4 months ago” card and know that it’ll be a while before you get back to anything interesting. In this case, the flashbacks fill in the expected blanks - Ted and Greg both had trust funds, but Ted isn’t great with money and keeps throwing what he has left into bad investments in the hopes of getting it all back. He doesn’t fill his wife in on any of this until it’s too late and he’s in debt to a loan shark, and it takes shockingly little convincing to get her on board with murdering Greg.
Their idea of the “perfect” crime is to take him out on his boat (where he’s known for being reckless and never wearing a life jacket), get him a little drunk and then push him overboard. It works more or less as planned - they leave him to drown, drive away and THEN call the Coast Guard, going through all of the motions of having lost him in the storm. But of course that’s not the end of it - someone seems to know what they’ve done, and they start getting threatening texts, which hint that someone is watching them. Plus the Coast Guard investigator won’t stop sniffing around. As you might expect, Ted and Jill get more and more paranoid as the story progresses, to the point where you’re expecting them to turn on each other at any moment.
Like all of Lapena’s novels, this one moves quickly and is hard to put down. I didn’t love the unraveling in the end (I was expecting one last twist), but it was a fun ride nonetheless.
Ted and Jill Wescott are having money problems (though for months only Ted is aware of them), so they decide that the best solution is to kill his brother Greg. As Greg’s sole heir, Ted will get all of his money which will solve all of their problems. This goes about as well as you might expect - they’re able to pull off the actual murder part, but as always, it’s keeping it covered up that presents the most problems.
There’s a bit of jumping around at first - we open with the three of them on the boat, the day of Greg’s “accident,” and then jump back a few months, then forward, then back again…and then we’re just staying in the present. I get why authors do this - catch your attention right away with the crime, then jump back to fill in the gaps - but it’s starting to get old. It’s a common tv trope as well, and it’s just exhausting to get sucked into something and then see the dreaded “4 months ago” card and know that it’ll be a while before you get back to anything interesting. In this case, the flashbacks fill in the expected blanks - Ted and Greg both had trust funds, but Ted isn’t great with money and keeps throwing what he has left into bad investments in the hopes of getting it all back. He doesn’t fill his wife in on any of this until it’s too late and he’s in debt to a loan shark, and it takes shockingly little convincing to get her on board with murdering Greg.
Their idea of the “perfect” crime is to take him out on his boat (where he’s known for being reckless and never wearing a life jacket), get him a little drunk and then push him overboard. It works more or less as planned - they leave him to drown, drive away and THEN call the Coast Guard, going through all of the motions of having lost him in the storm. But of course that’s not the end of it - someone seems to know what they’ve done, and they start getting threatening texts, which hint that someone is watching them. Plus the Coast Guard investigator won’t stop sniffing around. As you might expect, Ted and Jill get more and more paranoid as the story progresses, to the point where you’re expecting them to turn on each other at any moment.
Like all of Lapena’s novels, this one moves quickly and is hard to put down. I didn’t love the unraveling in the end (I was expecting one last twist), but it was a fun ride nonetheless.
November 21, 2025
*thank you to NetGalley and Viking for a copy of this eARC*
When Ted and Jill come up with the idea to kill Ted's wealthy brother Greg for the inheritance money, it seems like the perfect plan. They've thought of everything: evidence, the body, where to do it so it seems like an accident...nothing can go wrong. But when the couple starts receiving anonymous texts declaring their guilt--and the tapes to prove it--the perfect crime becomes the perfect nightmare. Suddenly their 40 million dollar windfall is quickly dwindling with more and more blackmail promises and debts, their best friends are now suspects, and there are even cameras in their living room. Will the truth prevail, or will Jill and Ted go down for what they did?
I am usually a big fan of Shari Lapena's mysteries, but Getting Away with Murder fell a little flat for me. Maybe it was because the main characters were the villains with no redeeming qualities, or maybe it was the lack of payoff in the end, but something about this latest thriller didn't grip me as much as her previous novels. However, if you're looking to read a mystery from the antagonists' point of view, or a book where the good guys never seem to win, this is great! The writing is still strong, the characters are still fleshed out, and Lapena's classic multiple POV storytelling is still well-done, it's just the karmic justice that fails, which is maybe the point. After all, aren't we seeing karmic justice fail every day in the news?
When Ted and Jill come up with the idea to kill Ted's wealthy brother Greg for the inheritance money, it seems like the perfect plan. They've thought of everything: evidence, the body, where to do it so it seems like an accident...nothing can go wrong. But when the couple starts receiving anonymous texts declaring their guilt--and the tapes to prove it--the perfect crime becomes the perfect nightmare. Suddenly their 40 million dollar windfall is quickly dwindling with more and more blackmail promises and debts, their best friends are now suspects, and there are even cameras in their living room. Will the truth prevail, or will Jill and Ted go down for what they did?
I am usually a big fan of Shari Lapena's mysteries, but Getting Away with Murder fell a little flat for me. Maybe it was because the main characters were the villains with no redeeming qualities, or maybe it was the lack of payoff in the end, but something about this latest thriller didn't grip me as much as her previous novels. However, if you're looking to read a mystery from the antagonists' point of view, or a book where the good guys never seem to win, this is great! The writing is still strong, the characters are still fleshed out, and Lapena's classic multiple POV storytelling is still well-done, it's just the karmic justice that fails, which is maybe the point. After all, aren't we seeing karmic justice fail every day in the news?
November 26, 2025
3.75 stars! Getting Away with Murder falls in the middle in terms of Shari Lapena books I've read. This one was a very fast-paced one, and it can definitely be read in one or two sittings!
I truly loved the setting in this one. Jill and Ted live in a New York brownstone; Shari Lapena actually made you feel as if you were there. Especially in the beginning, the scene was set perfectly. She described the brownstone in great detail, and I loved every second of it. I think this is something that lacks in a lot of thrillers. The story usually jumps straight into it without setting the scene.
The novel doesn't rank as higher as other Shari Lapena's to me because of the characters. It was hard to care about the story for some time. The reasoning for this is that the characters are so unlikeable!!! It's definitely that way for a reason, but wow, every single character makes me feel that way.
For the first 50% of the story, I thought I had it all figured out. In true Shari Lapena fashion, of course I didn't!! I was genuinely surprised at multiple points, and Getting Away with Murder is no doubt another great story by this author.
Thank you NetGalley, Pamela Dorman Books, & Shari Lapena for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Getting Away with Murder is released on July 28, 2026!
I truly loved the setting in this one. Jill and Ted live in a New York brownstone; Shari Lapena actually made you feel as if you were there. Especially in the beginning, the scene was set perfectly. She described the brownstone in great detail, and I loved every second of it. I think this is something that lacks in a lot of thrillers. The story usually jumps straight into it without setting the scene.
The novel doesn't rank as higher as other Shari Lapena's to me because of the characters. It was hard to care about the story for some time. The reasoning for this is that the characters are so unlikeable!!! It's definitely that way for a reason, but wow, every single character makes me feel that way.
For the first 50% of the story, I thought I had it all figured out. In true Shari Lapena fashion, of course I didn't!! I was genuinely surprised at multiple points, and Getting Away with Murder is no doubt another great story by this author.
Thank you NetGalley, Pamela Dorman Books, & Shari Lapena for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Getting Away with Murder is released on July 28, 2026!
November 6, 2025
Shut the front door!!! The queen of psychological domestic suspense has floored me with her latest jewel, Getting Away With Murder. Shari Lapena has been a must read author for me since her first book came out, and she has never disappointed me.
Ted and Jill have everything they could possibly want, until they don't. Having spent all their millions living frivolously, they find themselves in financial despair. They concoct a sinister plan to murder the person standing in their way of inheriting millions. Once the plan is executed, they think they're in the clear. But someone knows what they have done and wants their own payday. But who is it, and how do they know?
This gripping thriller is packed with lies, deception, tension and so many secrets. I was turning the pages well into the night unable to stop myself. This is exactly how a great thriller is written. The two main characters are vile, disgusting, and greedy, and I found myself rooting against them. The ending was a huge surprise. It was definitely not what I was expecting. Bravo Shari Lapena, for once again stunning me. I can't wait to see what she has up her sleeve next!
Thanks to Netgalley and Viking Penguin for the advanced copy
Ted and Jill have everything they could possibly want, until they don't. Having spent all their millions living frivolously, they find themselves in financial despair. They concoct a sinister plan to murder the person standing in their way of inheriting millions. Once the plan is executed, they think they're in the clear. But someone knows what they have done and wants their own payday. But who is it, and how do they know?
This gripping thriller is packed with lies, deception, tension and so many secrets. I was turning the pages well into the night unable to stop myself. This is exactly how a great thriller is written. The two main characters are vile, disgusting, and greedy, and I found myself rooting against them. The ending was a huge surprise. It was definitely not what I was expecting. Bravo Shari Lapena, for once again stunning me. I can't wait to see what she has up her sleeve next!
Thanks to Netgalley and Viking Penguin for the advanced copy
December 7, 2025
Getting Away with Murder is Shari Lapena doing what she does best: crafting a tightly wound, compulsively readable thriller that keeps you guessing from first page to last. The tension is immediate, the pacing relentless, and every chapter ends with that signature Lapena jolt that makes it impossible to stop reading.
The characters are deliciously unreliable—each one hiding something, each one capable of far more than they let on. Lapena expertly plays with suspicion, shifting your theories constantly until you’re not sure who to trust or what to believe. The small, claustrophobic setting only amps up the paranoia and unease.
What really stands out is how cleverly the plot is constructed. Every reveal lands, every twist feels earned, and the story unfolds with perfect timing. The finale is shocking in that classic Lapena way—bold, satisfying, and guaranteed to stick with you long after you close the book.
If you love domestic suspense filled with secrets, sharp turns, and characters you love to suspect, Getting Away with Murder is a must-read.
The characters are deliciously unreliable—each one hiding something, each one capable of far more than they let on. Lapena expertly plays with suspicion, shifting your theories constantly until you’re not sure who to trust or what to believe. The small, claustrophobic setting only amps up the paranoia and unease.
What really stands out is how cleverly the plot is constructed. Every reveal lands, every twist feels earned, and the story unfolds with perfect timing. The finale is shocking in that classic Lapena way—bold, satisfying, and guaranteed to stick with you long after you close the book.
If you love domestic suspense filled with secrets, sharp turns, and characters you love to suspect, Getting Away with Murder is a must-read.
November 18, 2025
I am a big fan of Shari Lapena so I jumped at the chance to early read this thriller coming out in July 2026. Jill and Ted are greedy, selfish, really unlikable people. When teaching writing, they say, "Show the reader, don't tell them." For me the first 30% of this book was a lot of telling instead of showing. Not a lot of dialogue. An action-packed prologue with a murder, but then it turned into getting the reader to dislike Jill and Ted, and wonder if they were going to get caught. Which we absolutely wanted to happen. More and more characters introduced, which was easy to get them straight, because they were introduced at different times in the story.
This particular story didn't grab me... but you know what? I definitely kept reading until the very last page. And I preordered it anyway. Ha. I will re-read it when it is published in 9 months.
Thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC. Book to be published July 28, 2026
This particular story didn't grab me... but you know what? I definitely kept reading until the very last page. And I preordered it anyway. Ha. I will re-read it when it is published in 9 months.
Thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC. Book to be published July 28, 2026
November 20, 2025
A big thank you to #NetGalley for the early E-ARC of Getting Away with Murder by Shari Lapena
⭐ 4.5 Stars ⭐
I don’t think Shari Lapena has ever written a book I didn’t absolutely inhale! I'd read her grocery list for fun. Getting Away with Murder is fast, wild, and so impossible to put down that I basically blinked and finished it.
The story jumps right in and never lets up—short chapters, constant tension, and plenty of those “oh no they didn’t” moments. And the characters? Pure chaos in human form. Every single one is the perfect blend of shady, annoying, guilty-looking, or downright suspicious. Truly, a whole cast of “I can’t stand you but please keep talking” people.
It’s quick, addicting, and unforgettable. The only negative was an anti climatic ending. I was hoping for a shock. it was just clean and neat.
If you love Lapena, this one will feel like a treat. If you’re new to her, buckle in—you’re about to lose sleep.
4.5 stars of twisty fun!
⭐ 4.5 Stars ⭐
I don’t think Shari Lapena has ever written a book I didn’t absolutely inhale! I'd read her grocery list for fun. Getting Away with Murder is fast, wild, and so impossible to put down that I basically blinked and finished it.
The story jumps right in and never lets up—short chapters, constant tension, and plenty of those “oh no they didn’t” moments. And the characters? Pure chaos in human form. Every single one is the perfect blend of shady, annoying, guilty-looking, or downright suspicious. Truly, a whole cast of “I can’t stand you but please keep talking” people.
It’s quick, addicting, and unforgettable. The only negative was an anti climatic ending. I was hoping for a shock. it was just clean and neat.
If you love Lapena, this one will feel like a treat. If you’re new to her, buckle in—you’re about to lose sleep.
4.5 stars of twisty fun!
November 22, 2025
Suspenseful with compelling plot and action, but flat, stereotypical characters detract from the enjoyability.
Jill and Ted think they have planned the perfect murder, one that will preserve their carefully cultivated, elite lifestyle. But it might not be as easy as they thought, and with no one left to trust, their perfect lives begin to unravel.
I usually love Shari Lapena's books, but this one fell flat for me. The story itself is fairly strong, and the suspense elements are masterfully handled, but the characters are all unlikeable, one-dimensional stereotypes (some of them kind of offensive). Class tensions and the wealth gap are central to this book, but the themes are poorly handled and lack any depth or nuance.
Overall, I couldn't put it down, but I'm not sure I enjoyed it.
Thank you NetGalley for access to an Advance Readers' Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Jill and Ted think they have planned the perfect murder, one that will preserve their carefully cultivated, elite lifestyle. But it might not be as easy as they thought, and with no one left to trust, their perfect lives begin to unravel.
I usually love Shari Lapena's books, but this one fell flat for me. The story itself is fairly strong, and the suspense elements are masterfully handled, but the characters are all unlikeable, one-dimensional stereotypes (some of them kind of offensive). Class tensions and the wealth gap are central to this book, but the themes are poorly handled and lack any depth or nuance.
Overall, I couldn't put it down, but I'm not sure I enjoyed it.
Thank you NetGalley for access to an Advance Readers' Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After setting aside my dislike for the main characters and the unusually slow start, I became quite invested in this story. It's quite different from any others that I've read by Lapena. There wasn't a great deal of mystery or suspense, but when an author can make you start rooting for evil, you know she's doing something right...even though it's morally wrong. WTF! I detested Jill and Ted, and yet I found myself wanting them to get away with it; however, their so-called "excellent adventure" didn't go as smoothy as planned. A downward spiral of tension and fear took hold and continued through to the very end. I would have liked something more final than the ending that was written. But, with that being said, I saw it for what it was. Great read! I really enjoyed it and would recommend!
Thank you to Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books for granting me this digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books for granting me this digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
November 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Getting Away with Murder by Shari Lapena
I received an ARC of Getting Away with Murder from NetGalley, and WOW—Shari Lapena has never disappointed me, but this one might just be her best yet. From page one, I was completely hooked. This book delivers a fresh, unique concept that felt so different from the thrillers I usually read, and it worked perfectly.
The suspense? Nonstop.
The tension? Absolutely flawless.
The pacing? Couldn’t have been tighter.
Lapena has a way of pulling you straight into the chaos, and this story kept me guessing at every turn. I truly believe this is going to be a bestseller—it’s that strong, that clever, and that addictive.
An incredible thriller from start to finish. If you love fast-paced, twisty, edge-of-your-seat reads, add this to your list immediately.
I received an ARC of Getting Away with Murder from NetGalley, and WOW—Shari Lapena has never disappointed me, but this one might just be her best yet. From page one, I was completely hooked. This book delivers a fresh, unique concept that felt so different from the thrillers I usually read, and it worked perfectly.
The suspense? Nonstop.
The tension? Absolutely flawless.
The pacing? Couldn’t have been tighter.
Lapena has a way of pulling you straight into the chaos, and this story kept me guessing at every turn. I truly believe this is going to be a bestseller—it’s that strong, that clever, and that addictive.
An incredible thriller from start to finish. If you love fast-paced, twisty, edge-of-your-seat reads, add this to your list immediately.
November 8, 2025
Shari Lapena has done it again! "Getting Away with Murder" is a fantastic, medium-paced thriller. The characters are so well-developed and the plot kept me guessing the entire time.
This book is a page turner with little reveals throughout that kept me fully engaged.
I loved watching Jill and Ted spiral as they desperately tried to control their own destiny. It was so enjoyable seeing the chaos and waiting to see how Jill and Ted would handle it.
The plot has such depth compared to a typical, shorter thriller and the ending was satisfying. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a compelling thriller that really lets you sink into the story and enjoy the ride.
#NetGalley #GettingAwayWithMurder
This book is a page turner with little reveals throughout that kept me fully engaged.
I loved watching Jill and Ted spiral as they desperately tried to control their own destiny. It was so enjoyable seeing the chaos and waiting to see how Jill and Ted would handle it.
The plot has such depth compared to a typical, shorter thriller and the ending was satisfying. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a compelling thriller that really lets you sink into the story and enjoy the ride.
#NetGalley #GettingAwayWithMurder
December 3, 2025
I've read a couple of other Shari Lapena books, but this one just did not do anything for me.
Ted and Jill love their expensive, perfectly furnished home like most people love their children. After Ted makes some poor financial decisions, their fortune is gone and they are in danger of losing their home. But if a wealthy family member dies, they are set to inherit millions that will allow them to maintain the lifestyle they've become accustomed to. They hatch a plan to kill said family member. Can they get away with it?
I DNFed this book. The writing was not good, the premise of the book bordered on ridiculous, and not a single character was likable.
I'm hoping future Shari Lapena books are better, but this one I just cannot recommend.
Ted and Jill love their expensive, perfectly furnished home like most people love their children. After Ted makes some poor financial decisions, their fortune is gone and they are in danger of losing their home. But if a wealthy family member dies, they are set to inherit millions that will allow them to maintain the lifestyle they've become accustomed to. They hatch a plan to kill said family member. Can they get away with it?
I DNFed this book. The writing was not good, the premise of the book bordered on ridiculous, and not a single character was likable.
I'm hoping future Shari Lapena books are better, but this one I just cannot recommend.
November 9, 2025
Jill and Ted are having money troubles, Ted is struggling to keep wife Jill in the luxury lifestyle to which she has become accustomed. Together they plot a m*rder of a family member, if they get away with it they’ll inherit millions.
A clever ‘Will they get away with it?’ plot unfolds, it’s nicely plotted with plenty of unexpected angles. Written in Shari Lapena’s signature easy flowing style, it might not be the fastest or the twistiest but it is a page turner certain to appeal to her fans.
I enjoyed it and appreciated it. Definitely recommended for fans.
Thanks to Netgalley and Viking Penguin
A clever ‘Will they get away with it?’ plot unfolds, it’s nicely plotted with plenty of unexpected angles. Written in Shari Lapena’s signature easy flowing style, it might not be the fastest or the twistiest but it is a page turner certain to appeal to her fans.
I enjoyed it and appreciated it. Definitely recommended for fans.
Thanks to Netgalley and Viking Penguin
November 30, 2025
Shari Lapena knows how to crank up tension in the best way! Jill and Ted’s obsessed with their brownstone and go to extreme lengths to protect it, and watching them scheme was both thrilling and terrifying. The twists kept coming, and every time I thought I had it figured out, the story would flip! I loved most was how the author balanced dark and suspenseful plotting with relatable domestic moments. It was like watching a marriage crack under pressure while also plotting a murder. The pacing is insane, the stakes are high, and the paranoia is palpable. Totally binge worthy if you like thrillers that are sharp, fast, and impossible to predict!
December 10, 2025
So good! Ted and Jill love a life of luxury . But Ted’s brother Greg is more wealthy and Ted wants his money too. So they set out to kill Greg. And they do. What could go wrong? Enter a best friend , an ex of Greg’s ,a housekeeper , and a detective that won’t give up. Oh and some cameras that are put in the home. Who put the cameras in? What did the cameras catch? Will they get away with murder? All the questions will be answered. I really thought that
I had figured this one out and was like ok so the death happens early in the book so what is the whole book about. But it lays out with lots of juicy twists! A must read!
I had figured this one out and was like ok so the death happens early in the book so what is the whole book about. But it lays out with lots of juicy twists! A must read!
December 3, 2025
The ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Comes out July 2026.
Shari Lapena is always good for a page turning thriller and this was no exception. Ted and Jill are a wealthy couple with a meticulously restored Brooklyn brownstone that they love more than the children they decided not to have. They’d do anything to keep it, including murder Ted’s even wealthier brother. Full of twists and turns - I normally don’t love books with unlikable characters, but this was a winner. Twisty and fun - this will be a lot of people’s beach read this summer.
Shari Lapena is always good for a page turning thriller and this was no exception. Ted and Jill are a wealthy couple with a meticulously restored Brooklyn brownstone that they love more than the children they decided not to have. They’d do anything to keep it, including murder Ted’s even wealthier brother. Full of twists and turns - I normally don’t love books with unlikable characters, but this was a winner. Twisty and fun - this will be a lot of people’s beach read this summer.
December 10, 2025
Great Read by Shari Lapena! The character development is deep and connective to most. Each character takes you down the emotional rabbit hole daring you to ask yourself what you would do to obtain a ' fortune"; or better yet, maintain the 'fortune' you possess. And what makes up a ' fortune'? Peace? Money? Safety?
Characters from all walks of life and all monetary backgrounds collide for their own personal pursuits. Each Character forces you to self evaluate those in your life you protect, let go, or chase. The reader is forced to imagine how much money or self-dignity is needed to bring their own version of peace and safety forward.
Characters from all walks of life and all monetary backgrounds collide for their own personal pursuits. Each Character forces you to self evaluate those in your life you protect, let go, or chase. The reader is forced to imagine how much money or self-dignity is needed to bring their own version of peace and safety forward.
December 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the free arc in exchange for my honest opinion. I genuinely enjoyed reading this and I LOVED the writing of this. There was many characters but it was easy to get into because of the writing style and just the formatting. I kept trying to guess who the blackmailer was and I was a bit shocked it was Peter. The ending had me stressed out because I thought they would still find a way to incriminate themselves, but they got away. Fast paced and great!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2025
I so wanted to give this book 5 stars because 1. I love Shari Lapena and 2. I could not put this book down!! It was a page turner from page one with interesting characters and plot turns. But I just couldn’t in the end because I found the end anti climatic and terribly disappointing. A good read but maybe not a great one.
November 17, 2025
3.6
I enjoyed the premise: Deeply unlikeable people do extremely bad thing to incredibly insufferable person, but nothing really seems to happen after that. Like, they fret about imprisonment...for a really long time.
I enjoyed the premise: Deeply unlikeable people do extremely bad thing to incredibly insufferable person, but nothing really seems to happen after that. Like, they fret about imprisonment...for a really long time.
November 22, 2025
Unfortunately I just didn’t like this. It’s all very basic and I didn’t feel like it was much of a mystery. It didn’t grab me at all and I’m so over books where you just hate every character.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Interesting start to the book about a couple who decide to murder the husband's brother to get the inheritance. But none of the characters are likable and the story seemed to drag on a little. Still read it to the end, but I have enjoyed Shari Lapena's other books more.
November 24, 2025
This was pretty repetitive and no one is likable so a tough one that doesn’t pick up until about 75%.
December 10, 2025
Thanks to Net-Galley for the advanced copy! This was a quick and easy read that kept me guessing. I also love a book with short chapters to help build the suspense, and this book did just that!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
3 1/2 stars, twisty & highly readable with unlikable characters
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