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Everything Has Happened
A disappearance from the past echoes in the future in this ambitious and wrenching mystery, perfect for readers of The God of the Woods.
In 1986, a child disappeared. Nearly forty years later, a tip line rings.
It’s been almost four decades since Edie Marshall’s little brother, Charlie, vanished on his walk home from day camp. After the case went cold, Edie—who had once dreamed of pursuing a life beyond the confines of her small Vermont town—never left, her dreams disappearing right along with Charlie. In her fifties now, she teaches at her old high school and has returned to her childhood home to care for her ailing mother.
When the long-dormant tip line set up for Charlie rings for the first time in years, Edie assumes it’s a wrong number—but on the other end is Jericho Jenkins, the only person of interest ever identified in the investigation. Jericho believes he’s found something of Charlie’s on his property, and with this news, all the pain and uncertainty of that summer rushes back to Edie, including vivid memories of her best friend, Trill: their shared secrets and the devastating lie Edie told that could have changed everything.
Now Jericho is under suspicion again, Trill is coming home, and her mother’s hope is renewed. Edie’s in the same place with the same people as when Charlie first vanished, but somehow everything is different now, and maybe this time they can discover the truth.
Everything Has Happened is not only a compelling mystery of a missing child but a story of forbidden young love, a deeply moving novel for readers of Rebecca Makkai and Angie Kim.
In 1986, a child disappeared. Nearly forty years later, a tip line rings.
It’s been almost four decades since Edie Marshall’s little brother, Charlie, vanished on his walk home from day camp. After the case went cold, Edie—who had once dreamed of pursuing a life beyond the confines of her small Vermont town—never left, her dreams disappearing right along with Charlie. In her fifties now, she teaches at her old high school and has returned to her childhood home to care for her ailing mother.
When the long-dormant tip line set up for Charlie rings for the first time in years, Edie assumes it’s a wrong number—but on the other end is Jericho Jenkins, the only person of interest ever identified in the investigation. Jericho believes he’s found something of Charlie’s on his property, and with this news, all the pain and uncertainty of that summer rushes back to Edie, including vivid memories of her best friend, Trill: their shared secrets and the devastating lie Edie told that could have changed everything.
Now Jericho is under suspicion again, Trill is coming home, and her mother’s hope is renewed. Edie’s in the same place with the same people as when Charlie first vanished, but somehow everything is different now, and maybe this time they can discover the truth.
Everything Has Happened is not only a compelling mystery of a missing child but a story of forbidden young love, a deeply moving novel for readers of Rebecca Makkai and Angie Kim.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2026
About the author
T. Greenwood
29 books1,876 followersT. Greenwood is the author of sixteen novels. She has received grants from the Sherwood Anderson Foundation, the Christopher Isherwood Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Maryland State Arts Council. She has won four San Diego Book Awards. Five of her novels have been IndieNext picks. BODIES OF WATER was finalist for a Lambda Foundation award and KEEPING LUCY was a Target Book Club selection.
She teaches creative writing for San Diego Writer's Ink and The Writer's Center. She and her family split their time between San Diego and Vermont. She is also a photographer.
More information on T. Greenwood can be found at her websites: http://www.tgreenwood.com
She teaches creative writing for San Diego Writer's Ink and The Writer's Center. She and her family split their time between San Diego and Vermont. She is also a photographer.
More information on T. Greenwood can be found at her websites: http://www.tgreenwood.com
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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⭐⭐⭐⭐
Everything Has Happened
T. Greenwood
Publication Date: April 28th, 2026
Crooked Lane Books
336 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: LGBTQIAP+ | Mystery & Thrillers
This book mixes a mysterious disappearance with a coming-of-age story that takes place in the mid-eighties, and I was so here for it. It's about Edie, who lives in Vermont. Her life was changed when her little brother, Charlie, disappeared while walking home from camp. It's now a cold case; the trauma from it never really left Edie, and Edie never left her hometown. She's now a high school teacher and looks after her mom. It's forty years later when a call comes through the tip line about Charlie. Jericho is the caller—he was a person of interest during the investigation—and he says he has found something that belonged to Charlie on his property. This opens up a whole slew of feelings and worries for Edie.
I loved the dual timelines; this is my favourite way to read a story. The way the story shifted from 1986 to the present was seamless and flowed well. This is because of the way T. Greenwood writes. I loved the flashback parts so much. The time period is from my early twenties, so I remember it well, and Greenwood is very accurate in describing the details and how it was to be that age at that period in time. The mystery stands out so much because of a lie that Edie told back then about her friend, Trill. Did that lie affect the investigation? I liked how the author showed how everything that happened back then is affecting Edie in the now, as well as showing how hard it is to look after your aging parent, especially while dealing with your own grief and other issues. Greenwood wrote about these problems realistically.
While the story is a slow burn, this literary mystery is well-written, and the protagonist suffers through the "what ifs" on a daily basis; I loved that it felt like a character study. This isn't a fast-paced "popcorn thriller," so if you're looking for action, you won't find any here, which I enjoyed because the tension comes from Edie herself and the secrets she is keeping. I really connected with the atmosphere of this one; it's an excellent example of how T. Greenwood handles heavy themes with class. It’s definitely more of a feelings book than a seat-of-your-pants thriller. Overall, if you love stories about small-town secrets and childhood trauma, I would recommend this one, as it is poignant and heartbreaking, but also a look at how we survive the things that come to define us.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Everything Has Happened
T. Greenwood
Publication Date: April 28th, 2026
Crooked Lane Books
336 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: LGBTQIAP+ | Mystery & Thrillers
This book mixes a mysterious disappearance with a coming-of-age story that takes place in the mid-eighties, and I was so here for it. It's about Edie, who lives in Vermont. Her life was changed when her little brother, Charlie, disappeared while walking home from camp. It's now a cold case; the trauma from it never really left Edie, and Edie never left her hometown. She's now a high school teacher and looks after her mom. It's forty years later when a call comes through the tip line about Charlie. Jericho is the caller—he was a person of interest during the investigation—and he says he has found something that belonged to Charlie on his property. This opens up a whole slew of feelings and worries for Edie.
I loved the dual timelines; this is my favourite way to read a story. The way the story shifted from 1986 to the present was seamless and flowed well. This is because of the way T. Greenwood writes. I loved the flashback parts so much. The time period is from my early twenties, so I remember it well, and Greenwood is very accurate in describing the details and how it was to be that age at that period in time. The mystery stands out so much because of a lie that Edie told back then about her friend, Trill. Did that lie affect the investigation? I liked how the author showed how everything that happened back then is affecting Edie in the now, as well as showing how hard it is to look after your aging parent, especially while dealing with your own grief and other issues. Greenwood wrote about these problems realistically.
While the story is a slow burn, this literary mystery is well-written, and the protagonist suffers through the "what ifs" on a daily basis; I loved that it felt like a character study. This isn't a fast-paced "popcorn thriller," so if you're looking for action, you won't find any here, which I enjoyed because the tension comes from Edie herself and the secrets she is keeping. I really connected with the atmosphere of this one; it's an excellent example of how T. Greenwood handles heavy themes with class. It’s definitely more of a feelings book than a seat-of-your-pants thriller. Overall, if you love stories about small-town secrets and childhood trauma, I would recommend this one, as it is poignant and heartbreaking, but also a look at how we survive the things that come to define us.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
May 8, 2026
Edie’s brother went missing 4 decades ago. He disappeared without a trace and now his knapsack has been found and the case is reopened.
Now Edie is back in the town where her hopes and dreams once lived and also died.
The story flips back in forth between 1986 and 2023.
Young, forbidden love at the crux of all that went wrong. Edie lying and never telling the truth of what she knew about the accused suspect. Now decades later, she realizes the error of her ways and is determined to make things right even at the risk of revealing her own truth.
Writing was ok but there should have been some editing done.
I thought I had the mystery figured out but I was wrong. Good on you, Greenwood.
4⭐️
Now Edie is back in the town where her hopes and dreams once lived and also died.
The story flips back in forth between 1986 and 2023.
Young, forbidden love at the crux of all that went wrong. Edie lying and never telling the truth of what she knew about the accused suspect. Now decades later, she realizes the error of her ways and is determined to make things right even at the risk of revealing her own truth.
Writing was ok but there should have been some editing done.
I thought I had the mystery figured out but I was wrong. Good on you, Greenwood.
4⭐️
December 5, 2025
I am a huge fan of this author already so I knew this book was going to be amazing and it was. The past and present chapters were so helpful on understand the plot and how Edie is struggling with caring for her mother and reflecting on her younger brother Charlie who disappeared decades ago. I was constantly trying to figure out what happened to him just like Edie was. I felt so many emotions for her as she uncovers the truth and has to come to terms with her own guilt all these years later. The characters were great, the plot was genius, and once again I got sucked into the world of T Greenwood. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 10, 2026
I wrapped this book around me like an afghan, familiar and nostalgic. I slowly savored every word over the course of seven days. This book is not a reel. It was not written for consumers of short-form video. I took my time with it and enjoyed every chapter as it flipped back and forth through time—from 1986 to the present day.
This is a story about a boy who goes missing in 1986. The case goes cold until one day, nearly 40 years later, someone calls the tip line. The case is reopened and new charges brought.
This is a mystery with a steady but slower pace. The pacing was not an issue for me as I devoured every cultural reference and vibe from my childhood and teen years.
This book also tells the story of forbidden love. A beautifully articulated romance between best friends.
The prose had me reaching for my highlighter constantly! The plotting was expertly crafted. T. Greenwood can write. This is a fantastic read. All the stars! ✨
This is a story about a boy who goes missing in 1986. The case goes cold until one day, nearly 40 years later, someone calls the tip line. The case is reopened and new charges brought.
This is a mystery with a steady but slower pace. The pacing was not an issue for me as I devoured every cultural reference and vibe from my childhood and teen years.
This book also tells the story of forbidden love. A beautifully articulated romance between best friends.
The prose had me reaching for my highlighter constantly! The plotting was expertly crafted. T. Greenwood can write. This is a fantastic read. All the stars! ✨
May 3, 2026
Secrets and selfish reasons to hide truths make this story a sad 30 years of life
May 5, 2026
I LOVED this. Coming of age, nostalgia, mystery, friendship. I loved the characters and felt so connected to them. It’s suspenseful and heartbreaking and beautiful all in one. I didn’t want it to end!
May 2, 2026
I devoured this story! My expectations are always high with T. Greenwood did not disappoint! Thank you for this wonderful, suspenseful story of love and heartbreak.
June 25, 2026
5 stars, no asterisks. As a T. Greenwood fan from the very beginning, I have to say that there is nothing but great work that she commits to the page. And EVERYTHING HAS HAPPENED is now among my very favorites. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended for the characters and their relationships, the lush landscapes and details, and the thrill and mystery.
May 16, 2026
T. Greenwood has done it again. She’s a master at portraying small towns and dynamic characters. This mystery had twists and turns and bumps in the road. There were emotional layers and choices made created ripple effects of fear and hurt. The relationships between characters, and how they change, and don’t change, over the years is wonderfully written.
Here are some notable quotes from this book-
“Everything has happened, I thought. But oddly, it wasn’t grief or shock I felt, but fear like the world had become unrecognizable. A place where a little boy could close his eyes and never wake up.”
“When you never leave a place, the past and present are braided together, separate strands, but intertwined. Every location has a memory associated with it, a hundred memories. Open fields become drive-in theaters. A vacant storefront is where your best friend worked, renting out videos and selling steel popcorn. A lonely road is where your brother van vanished. This town breaks my heart every day.” 🩷 (I can relate to this quote so very much!)
Here are some notable quotes from this book-
“Everything has happened, I thought. But oddly, it wasn’t grief or shock I felt, but fear like the world had become unrecognizable. A place where a little boy could close his eyes and never wake up.”
“When you never leave a place, the past and present are braided together, separate strands, but intertwined. Every location has a memory associated with it, a hundred memories. Open fields become drive-in theaters. A vacant storefront is where your best friend worked, renting out videos and selling steel popcorn. A lonely road is where your brother van vanished. This town breaks my heart every day.” 🩷 (I can relate to this quote so very much!)
May 25, 2026
Audible
Yikes! It seems really hard to rate this book for me primarily because I really like this author. I have read her Bodies of Water twice (audible and print) and I know it’s the kind of story I will read again given the opportunity. (One of my personal criteria for 5⭐️). I thought this book would join those ranks, but I couldn’t get there.
This novel has all the ingredients of a good read; coming of age, discovering love, well done flipping between ‘then and now’, and good character development. Edie and Trill are great friends their senior year of high school. Even as everyone expects Edie to marry Nathan her HS/boy next door boyfriend, Edie begins to realize that relationship of time and convenience doesn’t even feel special or fun anymore, but everything she does with Trill does. Just hanging out with Trill is so much fun, and she truly understands Edie’s devotion to all things Sylvia Plath, as a fellow creative…Edie in poetry, Trill in film.
When Edie’s much younger brother, Charlie, disappears at 10, the entire family is devastated. The loss breaks her mother, who adored her boy, breaks ties with Nathan’s family (who also is going through a loss) and sets the scene for a 40 year mystery of what happened to Charlie and how it impacts everyone differently. In a small town a disappearance takes on significance for everyone.
For me it felt too long. I like the way the author handled the two time spans, but it began to feel like too many flips, which obviously added to the length, BUT I will say that something of marginal importance did happen in each change.
This wasn’t one of my favorite narrations. Though well-paced, the voice didn’t feel like the type that aged well or perhaps it was too aged for a teenager. Just my personal quirk.
Anyone appreciating really good prose and long semi-contemporary fiction, might really like this novel. All else aside, for me, Ms. Greenwood just writes so very well!
Yikes! It seems really hard to rate this book for me primarily because I really like this author. I have read her Bodies of Water twice (audible and print) and I know it’s the kind of story I will read again given the opportunity. (One of my personal criteria for 5⭐️). I thought this book would join those ranks, but I couldn’t get there.
This novel has all the ingredients of a good read; coming of age, discovering love, well done flipping between ‘then and now’, and good character development. Edie and Trill are great friends their senior year of high school. Even as everyone expects Edie to marry Nathan her HS/boy next door boyfriend, Edie begins to realize that relationship of time and convenience doesn’t even feel special or fun anymore, but everything she does with Trill does. Just hanging out with Trill is so much fun, and she truly understands Edie’s devotion to all things Sylvia Plath, as a fellow creative…Edie in poetry, Trill in film.
When Edie’s much younger brother, Charlie, disappears at 10, the entire family is devastated. The loss breaks her mother, who adored her boy, breaks ties with Nathan’s family (who also is going through a loss) and sets the scene for a 40 year mystery of what happened to Charlie and how it impacts everyone differently. In a small town a disappearance takes on significance for everyone.
For me it felt too long. I like the way the author handled the two time spans, but it began to feel like too many flips, which obviously added to the length, BUT I will say that something of marginal importance did happen in each change.
This wasn’t one of my favorite narrations. Though well-paced, the voice didn’t feel like the type that aged well or perhaps it was too aged for a teenager. Just my personal quirk.
Anyone appreciating really good prose and long semi-contemporary fiction, might really like this novel. All else aside, for me, Ms. Greenwood just writes so very well!
June 20, 2026
Let me give you a little backstory. A couple weeks ago I went to a local library event where the librarians discussed new and upcoming books, and also gave away some free arc copies. Everything Has Happened was one of the books I picked up.
I love discovering new-to-me authors don't you? Everything Has Happened was my first book by T. Greenwood and it definitely won't be my last. This story had so many elements I love and a good mystery/ thriller. A decades-old disappearance, family secrets, emotional depth, and of course, plenty of 1980s. Nostalgia. Told through dual timelines in 1986 and 2023, the story follows Edie Marshall as she grapples with the lingering impact of her little brother Charlie's disappearance and the secrets that have haunted her for decades.
While the mystery kept me turning to pages, it was the characters and Greenwood's beautiful writing that truly captured my heart. The story is a bit on the longer side, but honestly, I didn't mind it one bit. I was completely engrossed in uncovering what happened to Charlie and seeing how the past continued to shape the present. I also found myself relating to Edie. She has put her life on hold for many reasons including caring for her elderly mother. I really could relate to that. I was a caregiver for my elderly parents until they passed. So I really felt that part.
The ending was especially emotional for reasons I won't spoil here, but I love when a book leaves a lasting emotional impact. So if you are in the mood for a good character driven mystery with nostalgic overtones, this book might be right up your alley.
4.5 ⭐
I know this book wasn't sent to me specifically but I wanted to say a thank you to @tgwood505 and @crookedlanebooks
for this #giftedarc My thoughts and opinions are my own.
#tgreenwood #everythinghashappened #crookedlanebooks #bookreview
I love discovering new-to-me authors don't you? Everything Has Happened was my first book by T. Greenwood and it definitely won't be my last. This story had so many elements I love and a good mystery/ thriller. A decades-old disappearance, family secrets, emotional depth, and of course, plenty of 1980s. Nostalgia. Told through dual timelines in 1986 and 2023, the story follows Edie Marshall as she grapples with the lingering impact of her little brother Charlie's disappearance and the secrets that have haunted her for decades.
While the mystery kept me turning to pages, it was the characters and Greenwood's beautiful writing that truly captured my heart. The story is a bit on the longer side, but honestly, I didn't mind it one bit. I was completely engrossed in uncovering what happened to Charlie and seeing how the past continued to shape the present. I also found myself relating to Edie. She has put her life on hold for many reasons including caring for her elderly mother. I really could relate to that. I was a caregiver for my elderly parents until they passed. So I really felt that part.
The ending was especially emotional for reasons I won't spoil here, but I love when a book leaves a lasting emotional impact. So if you are in the mood for a good character driven mystery with nostalgic overtones, this book might be right up your alley.
4.5 ⭐
I know this book wasn't sent to me specifically but I wanted to say a thank you to @tgwood505 and @crookedlanebooks
for this #giftedarc My thoughts and opinions are my own.
#tgreenwood #everythinghashappened #crookedlanebooks #bookreview
May 12, 2026
I saw this book out of the corner of my eye and put it on my TBR the same way you put Tupperware into the cupboard: quickly and without much care.
Well, I am glad I stowed it away and decided to read it, because the time periods align with what I love and what I’ve lived through, told during dual timelines of the 80s and 2020s. Think Challenger, solar eclipse, pandemic, etc.
An easy read with some twists and definitely a few tears. It’s all so real and relatable. Highly recommended.
Well, I am glad I stowed it away and decided to read it, because the time periods align with what I love and what I’ve lived through, told during dual timelines of the 80s and 2020s. Think Challenger, solar eclipse, pandemic, etc.
An easy read with some twists and definitely a few tears. It’s all so real and relatable. Highly recommended.
May 13, 2026
riveting story
Everything Has Happened is a riveting story, told in a dual timeline. Edie was a teenager when her younger brother Charlie disappeared. She was a young woman with big dreams and a heart that was confused and conflicted. After her brother goes missing, Edie’s hopes for her future were quashed. Decades later, new evidence surfaces from Charlie’s disappearance; secrets are revealed, lives forever changed, emotions rise back up to the surface.
Everything Has Happened is a riveting story, told in a dual timeline. Edie was a teenager when her younger brother Charlie disappeared. She was a young woman with big dreams and a heart that was confused and conflicted. After her brother goes missing, Edie’s hopes for her future were quashed. Decades later, new evidence surfaces from Charlie’s disappearance; secrets are revealed, lives forever changed, emotions rise back up to the surface.
April 30, 2026
This was a riveting slow burn mystery. Told through a dual time line 1986 and present day, a boy goes missing but the case goes cold until forty years later. This book has it all, as a teenager of the 1980’s, I really enjoyed all of the nostalgia from the eighties (it really was the best decade). Filled with secrets, this was an eerily atmospheric, character driven mystery. Highly recommend.
June 27, 2026
This book was fantastic! It had a little bit of everything, love, heartbreak, mystery, lovable characters, nostalgia, coming of age, a twist or two! I loved it. Audiobook narrator was perfection too! Definitely going to read more for this author!
July 14, 2026
As usual - an absolutely stunningly told novel about loss and love and time. I read this slowly because I didn’t want it to end. T. Greenwood continues in my #1 favorite author spot!
September 22, 2026
Review to follow
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Top Books of 2026!
"Everything Has Happened" by T. Greenwood (a long-time favorite) is an enthralling blend of nostalgia, literary suspense, mystery, and coming-of-age narrative that weaves together the past and present. Set against the backdrop of 1986 and 2023, her sixteenth novel immerses readers in a gripping cold-case mystery that unfolds with each turn of the page.
Greenwood's award-winning evocative writing style draws you in from the very first sentence and holds your attention through a richly layered exploration of themes such as memory, loss, and the complexities of growing up. This compelling and fully immersive tale keeps you on the edge of your seat, making it impossible to put down until the last word.
Highlights...
What happened to Charlie Marshall is the ongoing mystery.
My thoughts...
I loved EVERYTHING HAS HAPPENED!
No one evokes the essence of Vermont and the bittersweet pangs of nostalgia quite like T. Greenwood. Her work is a profound reflection of both place and time, showcasing a masterful command of mood and atmosphere.
In her writing, she paints vibrant scenes of a small Vermont town during the 1980s, an era marked by the carefree spirit of childhood summers. These are pre-digital days characterized by exploration and wonder, where the freedom of long, sun-drenched afternoons mingles with a sense of isolation. Greenwood captures the simplicity of life before the advent of cell phones and our current state of constant connectivity, inviting readers to revel in the joys and innocence of a bygone summer. (check out her playlist)
The narrative explores the challenges of 1980s adolescence, focusing on sexual awakening and the intensity of forbidden young love during that decade, with summer camps, dreams of independence, and escaping a small town. From fashion, music, and culture, she has it covered.
By utilizing the dual timelines, there is a contrast where characters must face the long-term consequences of their 1980s secrets. The novel explores how a single "devastating lie" told in childhood can alter the trajectory of multiple lives.
Delving into the profound psychological burden of harboring a secret for nearly four decades, this story intricately explores Edie's deep-seated guilt. Readers will find themselves empathizing with Eden as she grapples with the heavy weight of a hidden truth she has carried for so long. The narrative unfolds to reveal the enigmatic circumstances surrounding her brother, adding layers to her emotional struggle.
If you experienced life in this decade or raised children during the vibrant yet tumultuous 1980s, you will find a deeper resonance in this poignant tale, enriching your understanding of the characters' journeys and the era's impact on their lives.
T. Greenwood is known for her stunning literary prose style that elevates her suspense novels above standard thrillers. In "Everything Has Happened," her writing is lyrical, evocative, and sensory. She uses "gorgeous" imagery to contrast the natural beauty of the Vermont landscape with the grim nature of a child's disappearance.
Character-driven, the focus is less on "action" and more on the internal lives and psychological weathering of the characters. The writing shifts seamlessly between the nostalgic lens of 1986 and the "heavy, somber" reality of 2023.
The atmosphere and tone are gorgeously written as in all her novels, with the emotional resonance of the suspense and characters' lingering grief. The ongoing mystery is compelling and absorbing, keeping you glued to the pages. The novel pulls you into the secrets and lies of the town and its characters with vivid imagery and emotional depth that is heartbreaking, stirring, moving, and raw. The plot and pacing are slow-burning to capture the moments yet twisty and memorable.
The plot is driven by several heavy, interconnected themes that bridge the 1986 and 2023 timelines.
Themes...
~The Weight of Secrets
~Grief and Stagnation
~Memory vs. Truth
~Coming-of-Age and Loss of Innocence
~Small-Town Justice and Prejudice
~Family Obligation
T. Greenwood effectively uses the natural world and the artifacts of the 1980s as powerful literary devices to explore the psychological toll of a cold case.
Metaphors...
~Healing as Scarring
~The "Devastating Lie" as an Anchor
~Recollection as Tearing at Wounds
Symbolism...
~Charlie’s Belonging
~The Vermont Landscape (Lake Gormlaith)
~The Summer Day Camp
~The Marshall Home
A single lie or omission, even one made in the confusion of youth, can ripple through decades, stalling lives and preventing justice. Healing requires truth, and the real closure begins when characters stop living in the shadow of "what if" and confront the uncomfortable reality of what actually happened. The novel highlights the quiet tragedy of those who stay behind to hold a broken family together, suggesting that loyalty can sometimes become its own kind of prison.
The childhood home where Edie now cares for her mother represents stagnation. Living in the same rooms where the tragedy began symbolizes how Edie has become a museum of her own trauma, unable to move into a space that isn't defined by Charlie's absence.
Title significance...
Everything Has Happened refers to the emotional and psychological weight of a past that is so all-encompassing it leaves no room for a future.
Takeaway ...
The central takeaway is that the past is never truly buried, and the secrets we keep to "protect" ourselves often end up being the very things that trap us.
Ultimately, the message is one of survival and resilience— that even after forty years of grief and stagnation, it is possible to find a version of peace by finally speaking the truth.
The author's work...
When you settle in with a masterpiece crafted by T. Greenwood, you can expect to embark on an exhilarating lyrical journey that immerses you in a richly woven tapestry of intrigue and atmosphere.
I have a real appreciation for literary suspense where the "why" of the human heart is just as important as the "who" of the mystery. I read over 300 books a year, and if I could choose my favorite genre, it would be whatever T. Greenwood writes. It checks all my literary boxes!
Each page turns with an irresistible allure, drawing you deeper into a realm where the mysteries of time and place come alive. It’s the kind of experience that captivates your senses and makes it nearly impossible to tear yourself away from the unfolding narrative.
For the past twelve years (I started my book blog in 2014), I have been an ardent admirer of this remarkable author and have passionately documented this journey with every book she has penned. A mesmerizing experience, captivating me with her unique storytelling, well-developed characters, and rich prose. I have had the incredible privilege of interviewing her for my #AuthorElevatorSeries several times, and her generosity with her time is truly appreciated. She stands out as one of my absolute favorite authors, her writing style incomparable and distinct — truly in a league of her own.
If you haven't yet delved into Greenwood's literary world, I wholeheartedly encourage you to start from the very beginning. Each book can stand alone, but to truly immerse yourself in the depth and evolution of her work, experiencing them in order offers an enriched and fulfilling journey.
I highly recommend EVERYTHING HAS HAPPENED. Ideal for book clubs and further discussions. And all her entire backlist!
Tammy, welcome to your new home at Crooked Lane Books!
Special thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for graciously sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I have pre-ordered the hardcover for my Greenwood home library collection and can't wait to listen to the audiobook narrated by a favorite, Therese Plummer.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: April 28, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars +
April Newsletter
Top Books of 2026
"Everything Has Happened" by T. Greenwood (a long-time favorite) is an enthralling blend of nostalgia, literary suspense, mystery, and coming-of-age narrative that weaves together the past and present. Set against the backdrop of 1986 and 2023, her sixteenth novel immerses readers in a gripping cold-case mystery that unfolds with each turn of the page.
Greenwood's award-winning evocative writing style draws you in from the very first sentence and holds your attention through a richly layered exploration of themes such as memory, loss, and the complexities of growing up. This compelling and fully immersive tale keeps you on the edge of your seat, making it impossible to put down until the last word.
Highlights...
The Disappearance (1986):
The story centers on the vanishing of Charlie Marshall, Edie’s younger brother, who never returned home from summer day camp in their small Vermont town.
The Aftermath:
Following the disappearance, the Marshall family's life was in shambles. Edie, who had dreamed of a life beyond Vermont, stays behind, her own goals dissolving along with her brother.
The Reopening (2023):
Nearly forty years later, the long-dormant tip line rings. Jericho Jenkins—the original "person of interest"—claims to have found one of Charlie's belongings on his property.
Edie's Burden:
Now in her fifties and caring for her ailing mother, Edie is forced to confront "the devastating lie" she told decades ago that might have changed the investigation's outcome.
A Reckoning with the Past:
As Jericho falls under suspicion again and Edie’s childhood friend Trill (with shared secrets) returns to town, the narrative explores themes of forbidden young love, sexual awakening, and the long-term impact of shared secrets.
What happened to Charlie Marshall is the ongoing mystery.
My thoughts...
I loved EVERYTHING HAS HAPPENED!
No one evokes the essence of Vermont and the bittersweet pangs of nostalgia quite like T. Greenwood. Her work is a profound reflection of both place and time, showcasing a masterful command of mood and atmosphere.
In her writing, she paints vibrant scenes of a small Vermont town during the 1980s, an era marked by the carefree spirit of childhood summers. These are pre-digital days characterized by exploration and wonder, where the freedom of long, sun-drenched afternoons mingles with a sense of isolation. Greenwood captures the simplicity of life before the advent of cell phones and our current state of constant connectivity, inviting readers to revel in the joys and innocence of a bygone summer. (check out her playlist)
The narrative explores the challenges of 1980s adolescence, focusing on sexual awakening and the intensity of forbidden young love during that decade, with summer camps, dreams of independence, and escaping a small town. From fashion, music, and culture, she has it covered.
By utilizing the dual timelines, there is a contrast where characters must face the long-term consequences of their 1980s secrets. The novel explores how a single "devastating lie" told in childhood can alter the trajectory of multiple lives.
Delving into the profound psychological burden of harboring a secret for nearly four decades, this story intricately explores Edie's deep-seated guilt. Readers will find themselves empathizing with Eden as she grapples with the heavy weight of a hidden truth she has carried for so long. The narrative unfolds to reveal the enigmatic circumstances surrounding her brother, adding layers to her emotional struggle.
If you experienced life in this decade or raised children during the vibrant yet tumultuous 1980s, you will find a deeper resonance in this poignant tale, enriching your understanding of the characters' journeys and the era's impact on their lives.
T. Greenwood is known for her stunning literary prose style that elevates her suspense novels above standard thrillers. In "Everything Has Happened," her writing is lyrical, evocative, and sensory. She uses "gorgeous" imagery to contrast the natural beauty of the Vermont landscape with the grim nature of a child's disappearance.
Character-driven, the focus is less on "action" and more on the internal lives and psychological weathering of the characters. The writing shifts seamlessly between the nostalgic lens of 1986 and the "heavy, somber" reality of 2023.
The atmosphere and tone are gorgeously written as in all her novels, with the emotional resonance of the suspense and characters' lingering grief. The ongoing mystery is compelling and absorbing, keeping you glued to the pages. The novel pulls you into the secrets and lies of the town and its characters with vivid imagery and emotional depth that is heartbreaking, stirring, moving, and raw. The plot and pacing are slow-burning to capture the moments yet twisty and memorable.
The plot is driven by several heavy, interconnected themes that bridge the 1986 and 2023 timelines.
Themes...
~The Weight of Secrets
~Grief and Stagnation
~Memory vs. Truth
~Coming-of-Age and Loss of Innocence
~Small-Town Justice and Prejudice
~Family Obligation
T. Greenwood effectively uses the natural world and the artifacts of the 1980s as powerful literary devices to explore the psychological toll of a cold case.
Metaphors...
~Healing as Scarring
~The "Devastating Lie" as an Anchor
~Recollection as Tearing at Wounds
Symbolism...
~Charlie’s Belonging
~The Vermont Landscape (Lake Gormlaith)
~The Summer Day Camp
~The Marshall Home
A single lie or omission, even one made in the confusion of youth, can ripple through decades, stalling lives and preventing justice. Healing requires truth, and the real closure begins when characters stop living in the shadow of "what if" and confront the uncomfortable reality of what actually happened. The novel highlights the quiet tragedy of those who stay behind to hold a broken family together, suggesting that loyalty can sometimes become its own kind of prison.
The childhood home where Edie now cares for her mother represents stagnation. Living in the same rooms where the tragedy began symbolizes how Edie has become a museum of her own trauma, unable to move into a space that isn't defined by Charlie's absence.
Title significance...
Everything Has Happened refers to the emotional and psychological weight of a past that is so all-encompassing it leaves no room for a future.
Takeaway ...
The central takeaway is that the past is never truly buried, and the secrets we keep to "protect" ourselves often end up being the very things that trap us.
Ultimately, the message is one of survival and resilience— that even after forty years of grief and stagnation, it is possible to find a version of peace by finally speaking the truth.
The author's work...
When you settle in with a masterpiece crafted by T. Greenwood, you can expect to embark on an exhilarating lyrical journey that immerses you in a richly woven tapestry of intrigue and atmosphere.
I have a real appreciation for literary suspense where the "why" of the human heart is just as important as the "who" of the mystery. I read over 300 books a year, and if I could choose my favorite genre, it would be whatever T. Greenwood writes. It checks all my literary boxes!
Each page turns with an irresistible allure, drawing you deeper into a realm where the mysteries of time and place come alive. It’s the kind of experience that captivates your senses and makes it nearly impossible to tear yourself away from the unfolding narrative.
For the past twelve years (I started my book blog in 2014), I have been an ardent admirer of this remarkable author and have passionately documented this journey with every book she has penned. A mesmerizing experience, captivating me with her unique storytelling, well-developed characters, and rich prose. I have had the incredible privilege of interviewing her for my #AuthorElevatorSeries several times, and her generosity with her time is truly appreciated. She stands out as one of my absolute favorite authors, her writing style incomparable and distinct — truly in a league of her own.
If you haven't yet delved into Greenwood's literary world, I wholeheartedly encourage you to start from the very beginning. Each book can stand alone, but to truly immerse yourself in the depth and evolution of her work, experiencing them in order offers an enriched and fulfilling journey.
I highly recommend EVERYTHING HAS HAPPENED. Ideal for book clubs and further discussions. And all her entire backlist!
Tammy, welcome to your new home at Crooked Lane Books!
Special thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for graciously sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I have pre-ordered the hardcover for my Greenwood home library collection and can't wait to listen to the audiobook narrated by a favorite, Therese Plummer.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: April 28, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars +
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July 15, 2026
This book was so good. It made me want to immediately pick up the author’s previous books.
It’s a coming of age story about Edie a teenager in 1986. She is struggling with her sexuality and over protective parents. Her brother goes missing and she blames herself. Later she returns to her hometown to take care of her mother.
This book examines how tragedy affects your life.
It’s a coming of age story about Edie a teenager in 1986. She is struggling with her sexuality and over protective parents. Her brother goes missing and she blames herself. Later she returns to her hometown to take care of her mother.
This book examines how tragedy affects your life.
August 8, 2026
2.5 stars
At the end, I came away feeling like this book was actually a cringey coming of age romance, told through the lens of a missing child. The book examines the tragic impact on the missing boy’s family and community, the police investigation, and the aftermath; detailed through alternating timelines that worked fairly well. The author definitely takes her time and the story meanders a little too much for my taste. The writing was fine, although sometimes the narrative felt OTT. Some of the characters’ actions and storylines became frustrating and overdramatic, and ultimately unbearable.
I’m certain that this book will work for a lot of people who aren’t me, but I can’t recommend it.
At the end, I came away feeling like this book was actually a cringey coming of age romance, told through the lens of a missing child. The book examines the tragic impact on the missing boy’s family and community, the police investigation, and the aftermath; detailed through alternating timelines that worked fairly well. The author definitely takes her time and the story meanders a little too much for my taste. The writing was fine, although sometimes the narrative felt OTT. Some of the characters’ actions and storylines became frustrating and overdramatic, and ultimately unbearable.
I’m certain that this book will work for a lot of people who aren’t me, but I can’t recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Crooked Lane Books, #partner for the advanced copy of Everything Has Happened in exchange for my honest review.
I need to shout from the rooftops how much I loved this book!! I have read 2 other books by this author — Rust & Stardust and Keeping Lucy — both of which were 5 stars. And now this one, another 5 star read…I’m obsessed with her writing and will be adding her entire backlist to my tbr immediately!!
This book had a hold on me right from the start. It’s not a book to rush through, but one to read slowly, taking in every word because it’s all necessary. The way the story builds, as each switch from past to present unravels more and more of what really happened that fateful day is haunting, suspenseful, evocative.
Along with the mystery of what happened to the missing boy, the author explores memory, the challenges of growing up, loss, and complicated family dynamics. I especially loved the nostalgia that the author evokes — the past timeline is set in 1986. I was 12, in the 5th grade and remember what life was like back in those days, how simple things were before cell phones and internet.
Secrets play a big role in this book, both in the past and the present and we see the psychological burden this has on the characters, some more than others. It is this that drives the story at times, thus making it more a character-driven story, which I loved. The emotional depth that this story has really pulled at me, keeping me fully invested until I reached the conclusion. I could think of nothing else while reading this until I finished…that’s how involved I became with the story!
I cannot recommend this one, or this author, enough!!
My reviews can also be found on my blog: Always With A Book
I need to shout from the rooftops how much I loved this book!! I have read 2 other books by this author — Rust & Stardust and Keeping Lucy — both of which were 5 stars. And now this one, another 5 star read…I’m obsessed with her writing and will be adding her entire backlist to my tbr immediately!!
This book had a hold on me right from the start. It’s not a book to rush through, but one to read slowly, taking in every word because it’s all necessary. The way the story builds, as each switch from past to present unravels more and more of what really happened that fateful day is haunting, suspenseful, evocative.
Along with the mystery of what happened to the missing boy, the author explores memory, the challenges of growing up, loss, and complicated family dynamics. I especially loved the nostalgia that the author evokes — the past timeline is set in 1986. I was 12, in the 5th grade and remember what life was like back in those days, how simple things were before cell phones and internet.
Secrets play a big role in this book, both in the past and the present and we see the psychological burden this has on the characters, some more than others. It is this that drives the story at times, thus making it more a character-driven story, which I loved. The emotional depth that this story has really pulled at me, keeping me fully invested until I reached the conclusion. I could think of nothing else while reading this until I finished…that’s how involved I became with the story!
I cannot recommend this one, or this author, enough!!
My reviews can also be found on my blog: Always With A Book
Review of advance copy received from Author
Everything Has Happened is a coming-of-age, slow-burning mystery that's full of nostalgia. The idea of a tip line ringing for the first time in 40 years was the concept that pulled me into the story, but Edie's experience was what captured my full attention. This novel is beautifully layered; it's full of flawed, complex characters, all centered around a tragedy that would break almost anyone.
Told through dual timelines, Greenwood effortlessly captures life in both the 1980s and the 2020s. The attention to detail paints an image that's easy to picture, though the level of pain and questioning is something I struggle to personally imagine. The guilt Edie faced when her brother Charlie went missing, the shame she experienced as her feelings for Trill grew deeper and she grew more distant from her boyfriend Nathan, along with the challenging relationship she had with her parents, all felt so honest that I kept forgetting this was a novel and not true crime.
Watching the story take form through the different time periods was a great way to create a weighty conclusion. Greenwood allowed her readers to feel the difficulty each of the characters faced, and it was easy to have a lot of empathy for their individual experiences. Because of that, the ending was that much more profound and was both satisfying in its conclusion and deeply heartbreaking as well.
T. Greenwood's writing is incredibly immersive, her characters are deeply developed, and her stories stick with you long after the last page. Everything Has Happened is a novel I won't soon forget. I'm looking forward to reading through her backlist and strongly recommend reading this and other books from this author.
Huge thank you to T. Greenwood and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an ARC of this novel!
Told through dual timelines, Greenwood effortlessly captures life in both the 1980s and the 2020s. The attention to detail paints an image that's easy to picture, though the level of pain and questioning is something I struggle to personally imagine. The guilt Edie faced when her brother Charlie went missing, the shame she experienced as her feelings for Trill grew deeper and she grew more distant from her boyfriend Nathan, along with the challenging relationship she had with her parents, all felt so honest that I kept forgetting this was a novel and not true crime.
Watching the story take form through the different time periods was a great way to create a weighty conclusion. Greenwood allowed her readers to feel the difficulty each of the characters faced, and it was easy to have a lot of empathy for their individual experiences. Because of that, the ending was that much more profound and was both satisfying in its conclusion and deeply heartbreaking as well.
T. Greenwood's writing is incredibly immersive, her characters are deeply developed, and her stories stick with you long after the last page. Everything Has Happened is a novel I won't soon forget. I'm looking forward to reading through her backlist and strongly recommend reading this and other books from this author.
Huge thank you to T. Greenwood and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an ARC of this novel!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for gifting me a digital and physical ARC of the latest novel by a favorite, T. Greenwood. All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 5 stars!
In 1986, Edie Marshall dreamed of escaping her small Vermont town, anxious for a bigger life. But then her little brother, Charlie, vanished on his walk home from camp and nothing was ever the same. In 2023, Edie is teaching at her old high school and has returned to her childhood home to take care of her mother. Then a call comes in on their old tip line from Jericho, the brother of her estranged best friend and the only person of interest ever identified, who believes he found something of Charlie’s on his property. Suddenly, everything in the past comes back.
I loved this book – Greenwood has such a way with her words. Told from these dual timeframes, we see Edie come of age in the 1980s and it is certainly nostalgic and will take you back in time. You can feel the angst of Edie’s long-ago decisions and secrets and how they have affected her present life. I also related to her taking care of her mom, with all the feelings that invokes. The mystery was compelling, but it’s the characters that really shine. I was sad when it was over.
In 1986, Edie Marshall dreamed of escaping her small Vermont town, anxious for a bigger life. But then her little brother, Charlie, vanished on his walk home from camp and nothing was ever the same. In 2023, Edie is teaching at her old high school and has returned to her childhood home to take care of her mother. Then a call comes in on their old tip line from Jericho, the brother of her estranged best friend and the only person of interest ever identified, who believes he found something of Charlie’s on his property. Suddenly, everything in the past comes back.
I loved this book – Greenwood has such a way with her words. Told from these dual timeframes, we see Edie come of age in the 1980s and it is certainly nostalgic and will take you back in time. You can feel the angst of Edie’s long-ago decisions and secrets and how they have affected her present life. I also related to her taking care of her mom, with all the feelings that invokes. The mystery was compelling, but it’s the characters that really shine. I was sad when it was over.
April 28, 2026
In 1986, Edie Marshall’s little brother Charlie vanished while walking home from day camp; his disappearance was never solved. Now in 2023, almost four decades later, the landline tip line rings in the family room, and Jericho Jenkins on the other end, saying he’s found something of Charlie’s Jericho Jenkins, the only person of interest back in 1986 and the brother of Edie’s then-best friend Trill, soon finds himself under suspicion again, and 40 years of secrets and lies are about to rise to the surface.
Everything Has Happened is part mystery, part coming of age story, and all written in T. Greenwood’s lovely trademark prose with her keenly perceptive eye for dissecting complex human relationships. Unfolding along two timelines, this beautifully written, character-driven story evoked a deep sense of nostalgia in this Gen X kid. Perfect for fans of The Gallagher Place and The God of the Woods.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me an advance copy of this book.
Everything Has Happened is part mystery, part coming of age story, and all written in T. Greenwood’s lovely trademark prose with her keenly perceptive eye for dissecting complex human relationships. Unfolding along two timelines, this beautifully written, character-driven story evoked a deep sense of nostalgia in this Gen X kid. Perfect for fans of The Gallagher Place and The God of the Woods.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me an advance copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another hit from Ms. Greenwood. I have read several books by this author. She has a knack for telling a story so that it pulls the reader in quickly.
This story revolves around the disappearance of a little boy, Charlie, in 1986. Then, in 2023, a clue to his disappearance surfaces.
The main character is Charlie's older sister, Edie Marshall. The plot is multi-layered. The 1986 timeline builds up to Charlie’s disappearance. But, it also focuses on Edie’s coming of age story, her struggles trying to find herself, her relationship with her parents, and her academic life.
The 2023 timeline centres on the newly found clue, a possible suspect. Edie is struggling with her past, looking for acceptance of herself and her relationships.
This is a well-developed storyline, a bit of a slow burn as it builds up in both timelines. There are a lot of details to absorb. It gets quite tense towards the last part of the book. I wouldn’t classify it as a thriller, but, more of a mystery. A well-written mystery.
The ending is good, it satisfactorily ties up all the loose ends. There was a solar eclipse which is often thought to symbolize new beginnings and renewal. Perfect choice!
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
This story revolves around the disappearance of a little boy, Charlie, in 1986. Then, in 2023, a clue to his disappearance surfaces.
The main character is Charlie's older sister, Edie Marshall. The plot is multi-layered. The 1986 timeline builds up to Charlie’s disappearance. But, it also focuses on Edie’s coming of age story, her struggles trying to find herself, her relationship with her parents, and her academic life.
The 2023 timeline centres on the newly found clue, a possible suspect. Edie is struggling with her past, looking for acceptance of herself and her relationships.
This is a well-developed storyline, a bit of a slow burn as it builds up in both timelines. There are a lot of details to absorb. It gets quite tense towards the last part of the book. I wouldn’t classify it as a thriller, but, more of a mystery. A well-written mystery.
The ending is good, it satisfactorily ties up all the loose ends. There was a solar eclipse which is often thought to symbolize new beginnings and renewal. Perfect choice!
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A new book by T. Greenwood and you can count me in. I love the way she writes and her new mystery immediately captured my attention. Edie’s brother Charlie has been missing for almost 40 years. He vanished on the way home from school but the mystery was never solved. There is still a tip line at his home that hasn’t rung in years until now. Love, secrets, and lies are all apart of this sad tale. The author flips back and forth in time as the story begins to unfold. Her characters seem to come alive with her descriptive writing. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will be recommending it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an advanced eGalley of the book. All thoughts and comments are truly my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an advanced eGalley of the book. All thoughts and comments are truly my own.
May 5, 2026
Truly a page-turner, Everything Has Happened captures love and loss in a 1980s setting. By the end of the book, I was gasping and saying "Oh no!" But in a good way. I loved the imagery: an old woman's veiny hands, stale marshmallows, the sense of wonder in a nighttime lake swim. And I should admit that I figured out the "who" of the whodunnit about halfway through, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book. And I never saw some of the details until they were revealed.
Full disclosure: the author is a professional colleague.
Full disclosure: the author is a professional colleague.
May 31, 2026
I loved this! The writing was beautiful and I loved both main characters. A mix of mystery, coming of age, romance, friendship and more. Dual timelines of the 1980s and 2020s; I loved the nostalgia of the flashback sections.
This is not a twisty edge of your seat thriller, but rather a slow burn mystery and it worked really well that way. I did guess who the culprit was very early on, probably because I read so many thrillers that it’s harder to truly surprise me, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. Definitely a 2026 favorite!
This is not a twisty edge of your seat thriller, but rather a slow burn mystery and it worked really well that way. I did guess who the culprit was very early on, probably because I read so many thrillers that it’s harder to truly surprise me, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. Definitely a 2026 favorite!
June 2, 2026
I don't write reviews, however, I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My first time reading Ms. Greenwood, and I enjoyed her writing, the characters, and her storytelling. I picked it up from the 'new fiction' shelf at my library on a whim, because I usually read police/detective/FBI/Reacher/Bosch/Rapp style of books, but I think I'll branch out a bit and read another Greenwood. I was finding myself pulling for Edie and Trill the entire book.
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