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Getting Away With Murder
The 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
Hardcover
First published July 28, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 rated up to 5 for GR, this was one of my favorite thrillers in a LONG time! Shari Lapena is so backkkk👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
i absolutely loooove a neighborhood thriller / family thriller and this has both. one of my fave books of hers is NOT A HAPPY FAMILY and this felt very similar to me. a husband and wife are in serious money trouble and do something shocking to get $$$. like, commit murder 😳 but can they get away with it?
i was so hooked the entire time and couldnt wait to see what would happen and how they’d get out of so much trouble LOL. loved all the red herrings in this one and how the neighborhood started to get involved… it had plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep me invested and i couldn’t figure it out.
did i mention the chapters were like 3-5 pages? absolutely loooove a thriller with short chapters. makes binging so easy (i read this in 2 sittings by the pool!)
my one issue is i wish there was one BIG twist and maybe i wanted a bit more of a sinister ending, but overall there’s so much to enjoy about this one.
TLDR; make this your summer thriller binge by the pool or on the beach!
PS: one of the best audio narrators does the audiobook, so check it out if that’s your vibe! i read it and enjoyed it.
thanks to Viking for the early copy :)
i absolutely loooove a neighborhood thriller / family thriller and this has both. one of my fave books of hers is NOT A HAPPY FAMILY and this felt very similar to me. a husband and wife are in serious money trouble and do something shocking to get $$$. like, commit murder 😳 but can they get away with it?
i was so hooked the entire time and couldnt wait to see what would happen and how they’d get out of so much trouble LOL. loved all the red herrings in this one and how the neighborhood started to get involved… it had plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep me invested and i couldn’t figure it out.
did i mention the chapters were like 3-5 pages? absolutely loooove a thriller with short chapters. makes binging so easy (i read this in 2 sittings by the pool!)
my one issue is i wish there was one BIG twist and maybe i wanted a bit more of a sinister ending, but overall there’s so much to enjoy about this one.
TLDR; make this your summer thriller binge by the pool or on the beach!
PS: one of the best audio narrators does the audiobook, so check it out if that’s your vibe! i read it and enjoyed it.
thanks to Viking for the early copy :)
July 28, 2026
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The Book Review Crew Blog
⭐⭐⭐1/2
Getting Away with Murder
Shari Lapena
Publication Date: July 28th, 2026
Penguin Random House Canada | Doubleday Canada
352 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers | Women's Fiction
I liked the way the author wrote this one—we know who the killer is and we know why. The question here is: will they get away with it? It was pretty suspenseful throughout, and I loved that the killers are just ordinary folks who normally wouldn't do this sort of thing, except for the fact that they lost their riches and don't want to lose their home.
It's very fast-paced with plenty of twists. I felt tense reading some of it because every character has a reason to squeal. The pages passed quickly as I was so anxious to get to the end. There are lots of secrets, too, and I felt invested in the outcome. The short chapters kept my butt in the chair, and that really helped with the momentum.
The ending was very satisfying, though I wished the characters were a bit more developed. Overall, this was a very entertaining mystery that delivered the suspense and tension I was hoping for.
For me to give a thriller three-plus stars is a big deal because I am very fussy when it comes to my more suspenseful reads. I am a fan of Lapena's quick, twisty stories, and with this one, she doesn't disappoint.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
⭐⭐⭐1/2
Getting Away with Murder
Shari Lapena
Publication Date: July 28th, 2026
Penguin Random House Canada | Doubleday Canada
352 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers | Women's Fiction
I liked the way the author wrote this one—we know who the killer is and we know why. The question here is: will they get away with it? It was pretty suspenseful throughout, and I loved that the killers are just ordinary folks who normally wouldn't do this sort of thing, except for the fact that they lost their riches and don't want to lose their home.
It's very fast-paced with plenty of twists. I felt tense reading some of it because every character has a reason to squeal. The pages passed quickly as I was so anxious to get to the end. There are lots of secrets, too, and I felt invested in the outcome. The short chapters kept my butt in the chair, and that really helped with the momentum.
The ending was very satisfying, though I wished the characters were a bit more developed. Overall, this was a very entertaining mystery that delivered the suspense and tension I was hoping for.
For me to give a thriller three-plus stars is a big deal because I am very fussy when it comes to my more suspenseful reads. I am a fan of Lapena's quick, twisty stories, and with this one, she doesn't disappoint.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
July 28, 2026
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
Review of advance copy
AS THE SAYING GOES.. F&CK ABOUT AND FIND OUT
In Getting Away With Murder status-obsessed couple Jill and Ted panic when Ted’s bad investments threaten their luxurious New York brownstone. To maintain their lavish lifestyle, they plot to murder Ted’s wealthy brother, Greg, standing to inherit his millions. However, the so-called "perfect murder" quickly spirals into suspicion and unforeseen consequences.
My OG thriller fave is back with another domestic whodunnit. What I love about this author works so much is her ability to draw you into a story from the get-go. You are immersed into the not so domestic bliss of issues rich people face and the diabolical measures they will go to, to secure their status or their Brownstone home in this case.
We are faced with handful of characters in this one that have a motive to want to blackmail Jill and Ted, and we are reading along trying to guess the perpetrator.
I enjoyed reading the drama of it all and Lapena’s writing style is so immaculate and addicting it makes it hard to put the book down.
Admittedly I will say that the reveal was a dud for me, and I was expecting an explosive, didn’t see coming reveal but it was very subpar for me unfortunately.
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ Fast paced
➽ Love to hate characters
➽ The audaciousness of it all
➽ Entertaining
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ The reveal
➽ Quite predictable
➽ A more juicier ending
With that said the story itself was juicy and entertaining and I do think some people will either love or hate this book especially with the ending.
Not my favourite Lapena book but also not a miss.
Excited to read her 11th book when it comes out!
3.5 ⭐
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
EEEEEEEEK! My fave domestic suspense author!
I cant get enough of Shari's pen game!
I will be devouring it all weekend!
💛🤍💛🤍
In Getting Away With Murder status-obsessed couple Jill and Ted panic when Ted’s bad investments threaten their luxurious New York brownstone. To maintain their lavish lifestyle, they plot to murder Ted’s wealthy brother, Greg, standing to inherit his millions. However, the so-called "perfect murder" quickly spirals into suspicion and unforeseen consequences.
My OG thriller fave is back with another domestic whodunnit. What I love about this author works so much is her ability to draw you into a story from the get-go. You are immersed into the not so domestic bliss of issues rich people face and the diabolical measures they will go to, to secure their status or their Brownstone home in this case.
We are faced with handful of characters in this one that have a motive to want to blackmail Jill and Ted, and we are reading along trying to guess the perpetrator.
I enjoyed reading the drama of it all and Lapena’s writing style is so immaculate and addicting it makes it hard to put the book down.
Admittedly I will say that the reveal was a dud for me, and I was expecting an explosive, didn’t see coming reveal but it was very subpar for me unfortunately.
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ Fast paced
➽ Love to hate characters
➽ The audaciousness of it all
➽ Entertaining
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ The reveal
➽ Quite predictable
➽ A more juicier ending
With that said the story itself was juicy and entertaining and I do think some people will either love or hate this book especially with the ending.
Not my favourite Lapena book but also not a miss.
Excited to read her 11th book when it comes out!
3.5 ⭐
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
EEEEEEEEK! My fave domestic suspense author!
I cant get enough of Shari's pen game!
I will be devouring it all weekend!
💛🤍💛🤍
July 28, 2026
4 solid stars for Shari LaPena's latest release - and while not my absolute favorite of hers, I still found it pretty good - very quick & easy to read with short chapters and enough going on plot-wise to keep me engaged. The two MC's, Ted & Jill, are horrid people, but by design - the secondary characters felt a bit weak, though I liked Rameriez the investigator who just didn't quit, and I also felt that the brownstone was a character in it's own compelling way. Overall, just what I expect in a thriller & will be looking forward to her next book!
August 1, 2026
Getting Away With Murder by Shari Lapena ✍🏻
Narrated by the fabulous January LaVoy 🎙️
Listening time 9 hours 36 minutes at 1x or 6 hours 24 minutes at 1.5 x 🎧
Can money buy you happiness?
EVERYONE in this book seems to think so!
Jill and Ted love their New York City brownstone as much as other people love their children, and in Jill’s case, probably more than she loves her husband…
They have already spent Ted’s sizable inheritance, and to try and get even more money, Ted has made one bad investment after another-without consulting with Jill.
When asking his brother, Gregg for a loan doesn’t work out, they “do what they have to do” to keep their lifestyle-plan his murder so that they can inherit the money instead.
But GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER is only the START of their problems…and they will have to stick together if they hope to avoid jail and get the money they feel they so rightfully deserve.
Will they?
I have read ALL TEN of Shari Lapena’s unputdownable psychological thrillers and this was a ONE day listen perfect for KILLING the time indoors when it’s 115 degrees outside! I’m already looking forward to her next!
My copy also included the author and narrator interviewing each other after the book concluded! It has a couple of SPOILERS so don’t listen to it first!
I was able to read/discuss this immersion read with Marilyn as our library copies conveniently arrived in our inboxes just days apart!
Thank You to Libby and the Maricopa County Library system/Gilbert for my Audiobook copy and to the Chandler Public Library for the written copy!
Narrated by the fabulous January LaVoy 🎙️
Listening time 9 hours 36 minutes at 1x or 6 hours 24 minutes at 1.5 x 🎧
Can money buy you happiness?
EVERYONE in this book seems to think so!
Jill and Ted love their New York City brownstone as much as other people love their children, and in Jill’s case, probably more than she loves her husband…
They have already spent Ted’s sizable inheritance, and to try and get even more money, Ted has made one bad investment after another-without consulting with Jill.
When asking his brother, Gregg for a loan doesn’t work out, they “do what they have to do” to keep their lifestyle-plan his murder so that they can inherit the money instead.
But GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER is only the START of their problems…and they will have to stick together if they hope to avoid jail and get the money they feel they so rightfully deserve.
Will they?
I have read ALL TEN of Shari Lapena’s unputdownable psychological thrillers and this was a ONE day listen perfect for KILLING the time indoors when it’s 115 degrees outside! I’m already looking forward to her next!
My copy also included the author and narrator interviewing each other after the book concluded! It has a couple of SPOILERS so don’t listen to it first!
I was able to read/discuss this immersion read with Marilyn as our library copies conveniently arrived in our inboxes just days apart!
Thank You to Libby and the Maricopa County Library system/Gilbert for my Audiobook copy and to the Chandler Public Library for the written copy!
July 30, 2026
Happy Publication Day!
Jill and Ted Westcott aim to pull off the perfect murder—but everything quickly spirals out of control. When Ted's financial troubles threaten their luxurious lifestyle together, he and his wife Jill devise what seems like a foolproof plan: murder a wealthy family member and wait to inherit his estate. But things inevitably go wrong—and a gripping game of cat and mouse unfolds with players you can't trust.
Getting Away with Murder is an addictive, page-turning thriller. Some scenes are hilariously absurd, and the tension builds with each complication. When you think things can't get worse, they do; a shocking twist made me gasp out loud, wondering how they'd dig themselves out of this mess. What stood out most was the undeniable unreliability of every character; each one hides a secret — you can't trust anyone — which creates a compelling cat-and-mouse atmosphere.
Getting Away with Murder is a thriller packed with suspense and twists at every turn. The pacing is razor-sharp, and the tension is relentless. The short chapters kept me eagerly turning pages late into the night. I couldn't put it down; I had to see how it all ended. I devoured this book over a weekend. If you enjoy fast-paced, twist-laden thrillers with morally grey, complex characters, plenty of suspense, and humour along the way, I strongly recommend adding this to your TBR list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC in exchange for an honest review—all opinions are my own.
Jill and Ted Westcott aim to pull off the perfect murder—but everything quickly spirals out of control. When Ted's financial troubles threaten their luxurious lifestyle together, he and his wife Jill devise what seems like a foolproof plan: murder a wealthy family member and wait to inherit his estate. But things inevitably go wrong—and a gripping game of cat and mouse unfolds with players you can't trust.
Getting Away with Murder is an addictive, page-turning thriller. Some scenes are hilariously absurd, and the tension builds with each complication. When you think things can't get worse, they do; a shocking twist made me gasp out loud, wondering how they'd dig themselves out of this mess. What stood out most was the undeniable unreliability of every character; each one hides a secret — you can't trust anyone — which creates a compelling cat-and-mouse atmosphere.
Getting Away with Murder is a thriller packed with suspense and twists at every turn. The pacing is razor-sharp, and the tension is relentless. The short chapters kept me eagerly turning pages late into the night. I couldn't put it down; I had to see how it all ended. I devoured this book over a weekend. If you enjoy fast-paced, twist-laden thrillers with morally grey, complex characters, plenty of suspense, and humour along the way, I strongly recommend adding this to your TBR list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC in exchange for an honest review—all opinions are my own.
June 7, 2026
Unlikable characters, a foolproof murder plot that goes exactly as planned until people get sloppy, a few twists and surprises along the way, this book delivers a fun read. Although I was kind of expecting a different ending, I wasn't too disappointed with how everything panned out.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
July 29, 2026
4.5 Stars
Always love a good Shari Lapena novel.
This book is all about choices. The two MCs in this book seem to make the worst decisions.
These decisions ripple into everyone elses lives.
Ted and Jill have just committed murder hoping for a huge inheritance.
Things don't work out as planned when they find out someone might know what they did.
This turns into paranoia, lies and more murder.
I love a good novel of " What a tangled web we weave.....
Always love a good Shari Lapena novel.
This book is all about choices. The two MCs in this book seem to make the worst decisions.
These decisions ripple into everyone elses lives.
Ted and Jill have just committed murder hoping for a huge inheritance.
Things don't work out as planned when they find out someone might know what they did.
This turns into paranoia, lies and more murder.
I love a good novel of " What a tangled web we weave.....
July 31, 2026
👏🏼 RTC 🤗
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Happy 10th book to Shari – what a feat, and 𝗚𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 is quite the doozy to mark it!
Feeling the crushing weight of a snowballing financial ruin alongside built up resentment of his brother, Ted concludes there's one way out of it all: kill Greg and inherit his fortune. Not wanting to say goodbye to a life of luxury, his wife Jill agrees. It doesn't take long for their devious plan to start to crack and crumble under the weight of lies and greed.
I don't expect or need characters in this genre to be lovable, which is good because these ones are quite loathsome. Ted and Jill are as morally bankrupt as they are financially, but Greg is just as unlikable. Ted with his inferiority complex vs Greg with his superiority complex... no winners here, only red flags.
Short chapters and shifting POVs build up tension and result in an easily bingeable thriller. A supporting ensemble of frenemies, neighbors, and outsiders further escalates the suspense as Ted and Jill grow more unhinged and desperate in their greed and mounting paranoia. I couldn't wait to find out whether this despicable couple would indeed get away with murder, and even more interestingly, I couldn't decide whether I wanted them to or not.
✨ Thank you Viking for the gifted ARC!
[𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦: 7•28•2026]
Feeling the crushing weight of a snowballing financial ruin alongside built up resentment of his brother, Ted concludes there's one way out of it all: kill Greg and inherit his fortune. Not wanting to say goodbye to a life of luxury, his wife Jill agrees. It doesn't take long for their devious plan to start to crack and crumble under the weight of lies and greed.
I don't expect or need characters in this genre to be lovable, which is good because these ones are quite loathsome. Ted and Jill are as morally bankrupt as they are financially, but Greg is just as unlikable. Ted with his inferiority complex vs Greg with his superiority complex... no winners here, only red flags.
Short chapters and shifting POVs build up tension and result in an easily bingeable thriller. A supporting ensemble of frenemies, neighbors, and outsiders further escalates the suspense as Ted and Jill grow more unhinged and desperate in their greed and mounting paranoia. I couldn't wait to find out whether this despicable couple would indeed get away with murder, and even more interestingly, I couldn't decide whether I wanted them to or not.
✨ Thank you Viking for the gifted ARC!
[𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦: 7•28•2026]
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’d like to send a thank you to NetGalley, Viking Publishing, and Shari Lapena for this ARC!
A New York brownstone, an inheritance running out, and one obvious answer to protect their lifestyle. Ted and Jill are what can only be defined as “rich rich.”
This is only my second novel by Shari Lapena and I realized I had no idea what to expect as I was reading it. I’m not sure why I expected a slow build, but the pacing in this felt tight since the prologue and did not shift. Lapena jumps between timelines here — past when they planned it, present when it goes wrong — which easily kept me hooked.
The characters, Ted and Jill, are not likable. Yet that’s the entire point of the book. As the reader, you’re not rooting for them. I’ll be honest, the best part was when the text messages began to appear because both characters are in a panic over something they’re clearly guilty of and cannot seem to hide it. The secondary characters like Officer Ramirez questioning Lara, John, and Nadya add an extra layer to the mess.
It’s no surprise that Lapena knows how to pull twists! The final twist had me shocked.
Pub. date. July 28th, 2026
July 19, 2026
We follow a husband and a wife as they reach the conclusion that the only way out of their money troubles is to murder the husband’s rich single brother. When the deed is done they must live with themselves and the suspicion.
All the characters are various degrees of immoral and despicable, and watching them suffer is kind of enjoyable. It’s utterly forgettable popcorn entertainment, perfect for the beach.
All the characters are various degrees of immoral and despicable, and watching them suffer is kind of enjoyable. It’s utterly forgettable popcorn entertainment, perfect for the beach.
July 9, 2026
Rating: 3.75⭐️
Short chapters, interesting storyline and characters I loved to despise. As always, Shari Lapena delivers an easy to devour book with normal people doing twisted things. It felt a little predictable to me and fell a little flat but overall I would recommend especially if you’re looking for a quick read.
Short chapters, interesting storyline and characters I loved to despise. As always, Shari Lapena delivers an easy to devour book with normal people doing twisted things. It felt a little predictable to me and fell a little flat but overall I would recommend especially if you’re looking for a quick read.
June 13, 2026
Shari Lapena has always been a 4 and 5 star author for me, so I’m very disappointed to say that this one was a letdown. It didn’t feel like her writing style at all. The dialogue was very repetitive, the characters weren’t likable, and there were no big twists. The ending felt very abrupt, especially without the twists and turns we normally get from Shari.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC!
July 15, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ - fast paced, keeps you guessing, just needed to be less choppy
July 4, 2026
I binged 80% of this audio today… so yah loved it!!! put it on your TBR!!!! AUDIOBOOK is the way to go!!!!
February 5, 2026
Started off good but nothing really happened. Why should I care about a bunch of rich people getting richer? Where’s the story arc? Where’s the character growth and development?
The last third. Ugh! The ending ugh!
The last third. Ugh! The ending ugh!
July 31, 2026
Getting Away with Murder was an intense and gripping read from start to finish. The story hooks you immediately with Ted and Jill’s shocking decision to kill Greg for his money, and from that moment on, I was completely invested.
The tension never lets up—I found myself constantly waiting for them to get caught, which made it impossible to put down. The writing is sharp and engaging, and the pacing keeps you turning the pages.
A thrilling, well-executed story that will keep you on edge the entire time. Definitely a 4-star read!
The tension never lets up—I found myself constantly waiting for them to get caught, which made it impossible to put down. The writing is sharp and engaging, and the pacing keeps you turning the pages.
A thrilling, well-executed story that will keep you on edge the entire time. Definitely a 4-star read!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🎧Audiobook Review🎧
Jill and Ted have been quite wealthy and have lived a kush life. However, Ted’s inheritance is starting to run out and his bad investments are affecting them poorly.
They scheme up a plan to mur.der their wealthy family member. What could go wrong?
I haven’t loved the past few novels of hers, but this one is so good! I barreled through the audiobook and finished it in two days. It just kept getting worse for this couple and I couldn’t stop listening. Everyone becomes unhinged.
January LaVoy narrates the audio and she’s fantastic! She’s one of my favorites. She puts on a stellar acting performance that’s for sure! Shari Lapena picked her because she’s her favorite!
I highly recommend the audiobook! I loved it. Pre-order your copy and don’t miss out.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub date - 7/28
Jill and Ted have been quite wealthy and have lived a kush life. However, Ted’s inheritance is starting to run out and his bad investments are affecting them poorly.
They scheme up a plan to mur.der their wealthy family member. What could go wrong?
I haven’t loved the past few novels of hers, but this one is so good! I barreled through the audiobook and finished it in two days. It just kept getting worse for this couple and I couldn’t stop listening. Everyone becomes unhinged.
January LaVoy narrates the audio and she’s fantastic! She’s one of my favorites. She puts on a stellar acting performance that’s for sure! Shari Lapena picked her because she’s her favorite!
I highly recommend the audiobook! I loved it. Pre-order your copy and don’t miss out.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub date - 7/28
June 19, 2026
I enjoyed this psych thriller that kept the pages turning! I wish the ending had been more impactful. 7/10.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 1, 2026
Jill and Ted have blown through Ted's sizable inheritance, and while Ted makes good money as a financial analyst, he's made some bad choices lately. They may have to sell their beloved, remodeled, multi-million dollar brownstone.
What's a couple to do? Why murder Greg, Ted's brother, of course. Ted is Greg's only heir, and money solves all the things.
I like unlikable characters, but they have to be interesting. Ted and Jill are not. Ted is a self-righteous idiot. Jill is whiney and delusional.
The story is repetitive and tedious. There are no twists or surprises. We spend a lot of time in Ted and Jill's heads as they bemoan not getting away with murder and feel sorry for themselves.
Weirdly, the blackmailer who has evidence that Ted and Jill are killers gives up easily when the couple refuses to pony up. I was expecting something more to happen with that, but nope.
The takeaway is that money is the root of all evil, and deep inside we're all greedy bastards. Did we need nearly 400 pages to tell us that?
Lapena has written some bangers, but this isn't one of them.
What's a couple to do? Why murder Greg, Ted's brother, of course. Ted is Greg's only heir, and money solves all the things.
I like unlikable characters, but they have to be interesting. Ted and Jill are not. Ted is a self-righteous idiot. Jill is whiney and delusional.
The story is repetitive and tedious. There are no twists or surprises. We spend a lot of time in Ted and Jill's heads as they bemoan not getting away with murder and feel sorry for themselves.
Weirdly, the blackmailer who has evidence that Ted and Jill are killers gives up easily when the couple refuses to pony up. I was expecting something more to happen with that, but nope.
The takeaway is that money is the root of all evil, and deep inside we're all greedy bastards. Did we need nearly 400 pages to tell us that?
Lapena has written some bangers, but this isn't one of them.
July 29, 2026
Shari Lapena, you've done it again!!! My highest praise for Getting Away With Murder (which might just be my favourite of hers yet... if not it's for sure tied for first place with What Have You Done!)
Okay, so if you want a simmering pot of water that teeters on the edge of boiling, then boils over at an increasingly rapid pace, and that extremely rapidly boiling pot of water suddenly gets involved in a train wreck... this is your book. (Did that analogy even make sense? Both ideas kept coming to me as I read, so here we are!) Simply put, I could not pull myself away from this disastrous couple!
The plot felt super unique and original, though the beginning felt slightly choppy. (But there's really no other way to give that background information up front.) It was smooth sailing once getting past that (very) initial roughness, however! (Sea what I did there?)
In a nutshell: despicable characters (no one is likable, everyone is morally gray, I loved them all), razor-sharp (the plot is plotted in the most finite of ways), and it's completely binge-worthy (I finished in less than 24 hours).
It's a cautionary tale, it's Bonnie and Clyde-ish, it's redemptive classism... and did I mention that it's quite addicting!
What else can I say? I loved it!
Thank you, Doubleday Canada and Penguin Random House Canada, for the complimentary copy to read and review.
Okay, so if you want a simmering pot of water that teeters on the edge of boiling, then boils over at an increasingly rapid pace, and that extremely rapidly boiling pot of water suddenly gets involved in a train wreck... this is your book. (Did that analogy even make sense? Both ideas kept coming to me as I read, so here we are!) Simply put, I could not pull myself away from this disastrous couple!
The plot felt super unique and original, though the beginning felt slightly choppy. (But there's really no other way to give that background information up front.) It was smooth sailing once getting past that (very) initial roughness, however! (Sea what I did there?)
In a nutshell: despicable characters (no one is likable, everyone is morally gray, I loved them all), razor-sharp (the plot is plotted in the most finite of ways), and it's completely binge-worthy (I finished in less than 24 hours).
It's a cautionary tale, it's Bonnie and Clyde-ish, it's redemptive classism... and did I mention that it's quite addicting!
What else can I say? I loved it!
Thank you, Doubleday Canada and Penguin Random House Canada, for the complimentary copy to read and review.
July 29, 2026
Shari Lapeña’s 10th novel introduces Ted and Jill: two profoundly unlikable, tone-deaf protagonists. There is a mountain of incriminating evidence against them, yet I spent the whole book rooting for them anyway. What does that say about my morals? From the main characters to the smallest side roles, literally every single person in this book is crooked, except one.
Shari Lapeña managed to outsmart me; I completely failed to guess who the blackmailer was.
Shari Lapeña managed to outsmart me; I completely failed to guess who the blackmailer was.
July 27, 2026
two despicable people
and their greedy plans:
shari's excellent rythym,
and dark irony dripping
from every chapter. ♡
and their greedy plans:
shari's excellent rythym,
and dark irony dripping
from every chapter. ♡
January 23, 2026
Jill and Ted are living the dream - an expensive brownstone in Brooklyn, high-powered jobs, and an inheritance from Ted’s father. But when bad investments and uncontrolled spending put them on the brink of bankruptcy, they hatch a plan that will solve all their problems. Getting Away With Murder held a lot of promise, but that optimism quickly faded after only a few chapters as this highly anticipated book fails to deliver. The dialogue is stilted, the plot goes around in circles amid repetitive chapters and recaps, and not one remotely likable character made this a chore to get through. There’s no real suspense and some plot lines just come out of nowhere, and it fails to capture the imagination. Given this author’s past books, this was a huge disappointment. I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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.
July 30, 2026
I loved this book. It kept me hooked the entire time. Might just be my favorite Shari Lapena book since The Couple Next Door. Ugh. So great!! ♥️
July 22, 2026
I am genuinely shocked that this was written by Shari Lapena it is not a good book at all.
The characters are so shallow and have nothing to them hardly any characterisation, I don’t mind books with unlikeable main characters but make them interesting.
If they had a better reason for the murder I may have found some enjoyment from it.
The end is just boring and has no satisfaction whatsoever.
I think the issue is when authors have to have a new book out every year they run out of ideas.
This could have been told in under 100 pages of had no substance to it all and feels outdated and reads like a first book not her tenth.
I genuinely hope that Sharis next boon is better as her books are usually a lot better than this.
The characters are so shallow and have nothing to them hardly any characterisation, I don’t mind books with unlikeable main characters but make them interesting.
If they had a better reason for the murder I may have found some enjoyment from it.
The end is just boring and has no satisfaction whatsoever.
I think the issue is when authors have to have a new book out every year they run out of ideas.
This could have been told in under 100 pages of had no substance to it all and feels outdated and reads like a first book not her tenth.
I genuinely hope that Sharis next boon is better as her books are usually a lot better than this.
July 11, 2026
Many thanks to PRH audio for my gifted ALC.
What a fun book this was to listen to. It was fast-paced, twisty, and full of surprises that I didn't see coming. It will have you guessing until the very end and have you thinking you know how it will end. As an added bonus there's an interview between Shari Lapena and her outstanding narrator January LaVoy included!
What a fun book this was to listen to. It was fast-paced, twisty, and full of surprises that I didn't see coming. It will have you guessing until the very end and have you thinking you know how it will end. As an added bonus there's an interview between Shari Lapena and her outstanding narrator January LaVoy included!
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