What do you think?
Rate this book
It Could Never Happen Here
Their school is about to be taught a lesson...
Beverley Franklin will do whatever it takes to protect her local school's reputation.
So when a scandal involving her own daughter threatens to derail the annual school musical's appearance on national television, Beverley goes into overdrive.
But in her efforts to protect her daughter and keep the musical on track, she misses what's really going, both in her own house and in the insular Glass Lake community - with dramatic consequences.
Glass Lake primary school's reputation is about to be shattered...
Beverley Franklin will do whatever it takes to protect her local school's reputation.
So when a scandal involving her own daughter threatens to derail the annual school musical's appearance on national television, Beverley goes into overdrive.
But in her efforts to protect her daughter and keep the musical on track, she misses what's really going, both in her own house and in the insular Glass Lake community - with dramatic consequences.
Glass Lake primary school's reputation is about to be shattered...
400 pages, Hardcover
Published February 3, 2022
63 people are currently reading
1156 people want to read
About the author
Eithne Shortall
6 books163 followersEithne Shortall is an author and journalist. Her debut novel, Love in Row 27, was published in June 2017. Her second novel, Grace after Henry, will be published in the UK and Ireland in May 2018 and in the United States in early 2019. She is the chief arts writer with the Irish edition of the Sunday Times newspaper and a regular contributor to RTE Radio.
Eithne was born and grew up in Dublin, Ireland. She studied journalism at Dublin City University and spent four months living in West Virginia. She lived in Paris for a year in her early twenties and vaguely thought about writing. She went to London to write her first novel, Love in Row 27, which is set there. Her follow-up, Grace after Henry, is set in – and is partly a love letter to – Dublin, where she now lives.
Eithne has been a regular contributor to RTE Radio for several years. She has worked as a presenter with RTE, BBC Northern Ireland and she fronted a music series, entitled Ceol ar an Imeall, for TG4.
Love in Row 27 has been sold into 11 territories and nine languages, while Grace after Henry was acquired by Putnam, an imprint of Penguin, in the US in a headline-grabbing deal. NBC Universal has optioned Love in Row 27 for a TV series.
Eithne is an avid cyclist, veracious reader, eater of sweets and lover of radio. Her Mastermind topic would be the life of Lucia Joyce, twentieth century Irish visual art, 1980s teen movies or Dawson’s Creek. It depends on the day.
Eithne was born and grew up in Dublin, Ireland. She studied journalism at Dublin City University and spent four months living in West Virginia. She lived in Paris for a year in her early twenties and vaguely thought about writing. She went to London to write her first novel, Love in Row 27, which is set there. Her follow-up, Grace after Henry, is set in – and is partly a love letter to – Dublin, where she now lives.
Eithne has been a regular contributor to RTE Radio for several years. She has worked as a presenter with RTE, BBC Northern Ireland and she fronted a music series, entitled Ceol ar an Imeall, for TG4.
Love in Row 27 has been sold into 11 territories and nine languages, while Grace after Henry was acquired by Putnam, an imprint of Penguin, in the US in a headline-grabbing deal. NBC Universal has optioned Love in Row 27 for a TV series.
Eithne is an avid cyclist, veracious reader, eater of sweets and lover of radio. Her Mastermind topic would be the life of Lucia Joyce, twentieth century Irish visual art, 1980s teen movies or Dawson’s Creek. It depends on the day.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
May 14, 2022
Rounded down from roughly 4.5 stars ⭐️
It Could Never Happen Here follows the lives of those involved in an Irish primary school in a small town. A scandal is about to tear their lives apart in ways they couldn’t have foreseen. Can they protect their children and keep the school musical going?
I have a bit of a love for books set in a small Irish town, so I absolutely loved the setting of this book. I really felt the claustrophobia of living in such an insular community where everyone thinks they know your business. There are very few characters who you can actually like, but that is definitely the point of this book. I did end up loving Arlo and Charlie. I always have a soft spot for the underdog, but they showed so much kindness and bravery. The drama seeping into the lives of these rich mums gave me Desperate Housewives vibes (although I admit I’ve never seen it). It kept me desperately wanting to turn the pages.
My only small complaint is that multiple points of view were used and weren’t clearly marked. I love the depth that comes with seeing multiple perspectives and it worked perfectly for this book. But the lack of obvious marking made it difficult for my brain to catch up to the shift at times. I did love the inclusion of extracts from the police interview though, I felt that was a fun addition! I also loved all the twists and reveals that happened near the end! I almost felt like I got whiplash, I just could not keep up! I do love it when a mystery/crime book can surprise me! I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author now!
I would recommend this to those who love a mysterious crime novel with a large dose of playground drama. But please be aware there are some possible triggers in this book, so be very careful if this could be an issue! I want to thank NetGalley, Atlantic Books and Eithne Shortall for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts.
It Could Never Happen Here follows the lives of those involved in an Irish primary school in a small town. A scandal is about to tear their lives apart in ways they couldn’t have foreseen. Can they protect their children and keep the school musical going?
I have a bit of a love for books set in a small Irish town, so I absolutely loved the setting of this book. I really felt the claustrophobia of living in such an insular community where everyone thinks they know your business. There are very few characters who you can actually like, but that is definitely the point of this book. I did end up loving Arlo and Charlie. I always have a soft spot for the underdog, but they showed so much kindness and bravery. The drama seeping into the lives of these rich mums gave me Desperate Housewives vibes (although I admit I’ve never seen it). It kept me desperately wanting to turn the pages.
My only small complaint is that multiple points of view were used and weren’t clearly marked. I love the depth that comes with seeing multiple perspectives and it worked perfectly for this book. But the lack of obvious marking made it difficult for my brain to catch up to the shift at times. I did love the inclusion of extracts from the police interview though, I felt that was a fun addition! I also loved all the twists and reveals that happened near the end! I almost felt like I got whiplash, I just could not keep up! I do love it when a mystery/crime book can surprise me! I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author now!
I would recommend this to those who love a mysterious crime novel with a large dose of playground drama. But please be aware there are some possible triggers in this book, so be very careful if this could be an issue! I want to thank NetGalley, Atlantic Books and Eithne Shortall for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts.
February 3, 2022
“IT COULD NEVER HAPPEN HERE” is written by Irish author and journalist Eithne Shortall and is a fabulous example of character-driven contemporary women’s fiction, full of gossip, witty humour, outrageous characters and a slow burn dark mystery.
- “Beverley Franklin will do whatever it takes to protect her local school's reputation. So when a scandal involving her own daughter, threatens to derail the annual school musical's appearance on national television, Beverley goes into overdrive. But in her efforts to protect her daughter and keep the musical on track, she misses what's really going on, both in her own house and in the insular Glass Lake community, with dramatic consequences. Glass Lake primary school's reputation is about to be shattered...”
Anyone who has stood at the gates of their child’s school at the close of day, will understand exactly where this book is coming from. Although this story is in its extreme and probably much more suited to American parenting, you certainly get the feel of what truly occurs between competing mothers and their cosseting parenting.
Excellently combining the tragedy of a suspicious death, sensitive themes involving minors and the humour of helicopter mothers and the ridiculous lengths they’d go to ensure their child is number one, “It Could Never Happen Here” is a thoroughly entertaining read, which I escaped to and enjoyed during a very stormy weekend. I liked how you were kept guessing as to who died and how the author slowly revealed pieces of information as to who was responsible. Revealed through the telling of some of the main characters two weeks prior to the death, we get to hear their first hand emotions and thoughts in the build up to the fateful day. Most of the characters were unlikeable (as I would assume was the author’s intention) however, one or two of them you couldn’t help endearing to and my heart went out to them for their own traumatic emotions.
“It Could Never Happen Here”- An excellent escapism read that I’d happily recommend and Eithne Shortall is a new author for me that I’ll definitely read again in the future.
#ItCouldNeverHappenHere - 5 stars
- “Beverley Franklin will do whatever it takes to protect her local school's reputation. So when a scandal involving her own daughter, threatens to derail the annual school musical's appearance on national television, Beverley goes into overdrive. But in her efforts to protect her daughter and keep the musical on track, she misses what's really going on, both in her own house and in the insular Glass Lake community, with dramatic consequences. Glass Lake primary school's reputation is about to be shattered...”
Anyone who has stood at the gates of their child’s school at the close of day, will understand exactly where this book is coming from. Although this story is in its extreme and probably much more suited to American parenting, you certainly get the feel of what truly occurs between competing mothers and their cosseting parenting.
Excellently combining the tragedy of a suspicious death, sensitive themes involving minors and the humour of helicopter mothers and the ridiculous lengths they’d go to ensure their child is number one, “It Could Never Happen Here” is a thoroughly entertaining read, which I escaped to and enjoyed during a very stormy weekend. I liked how you were kept guessing as to who died and how the author slowly revealed pieces of information as to who was responsible. Revealed through the telling of some of the main characters two weeks prior to the death, we get to hear their first hand emotions and thoughts in the build up to the fateful day. Most of the characters were unlikeable (as I would assume was the author’s intention) however, one or two of them you couldn’t help endearing to and my heart went out to them for their own traumatic emotions.
“It Could Never Happen Here”- An excellent escapism read that I’d happily recommend and Eithne Shortall is a new author for me that I’ll definitely read again in the future.
#ItCouldNeverHappenHere - 5 stars
February 2, 2022
This twisty mystery opens with the over-involved parents and staff of sought-after Glass Lake primary school congregating at the police station following the discovery of a body in the nearby river on the eve of the school musical’s opening night before rolling back fifteen days. Involving, terrifically witty and wonderfully well-observed, I had a blast reading this immersive novel full of subplots, secrets, sexting and other surprisingly serious issues.
The book is expertly plotted with Eithne Shortall juggling the stories of multiple characters and weaving them together to paint a compelling picture of the small town of Cooney in West Cork and the diverse community who call it home. Queen Bee of the Glass Lake parents and a former pupil herself is Beverley Franklin who has not only cast her youngest daughter, Amelia, as the lead in the school musical, but also pulled off the coup of bringing TV camera’s to Cooney to film it. Determined Bev is all for keeping up appearances but with marital strife and an older daughter whom she struggles to communicate with things are a lot more complicated behind closed doors. When Bev catches Amelia taking a naked photo of herself with the intention of sending it to classmate Woody Whitehead, whose father has recently been convicted of a drink driving tragedy that has devastated the neighbourhood, she is quick to demand the boys expulsion from school, all whilst intending to keep Amelia’s involvement hush-hush. But nothing stays a secret in Cooney for long..
It is the events of this car crash, which left the son of Glass Lake’s headteacher in a wheelchair, that reverberate through the entire novel and although events begin with the town focused on the Whitehead’s they soon spill over into all of the locals lives, including Bev’s school mum frenemies. Meanwhile Bev’s older daughter is engaged in a clandestine romance with the other Whitehead son, Arlo, who is doing his best to prove his detractors wrong after being given work at Glass Lake by the school caretaker. Local journalist, Christine, has an anxious child of her own keen to be involved in the musical but has her own hands full reporting on the sexting scandal and trying to resolve the problem of a neighbour having nabbed the family cat, and not even the other teachers are without problems of their own.
The narrative is intercut with occasional glimpses of the witness statements being compiled by the Gardaí but the actual identity of the deceased is not disclosed until over eighty percent of the way through the novel, keeping my mind working overtime as the suspense really kicked in. Although the cast is sizeable Shortall’s characterisation is superb and I felt that I knew, and was able to appreciate, every characters individual predicament in a pacy narrative of multiple perspectives. Whilst much of the humour is tongue-in-cheek and there are gossipy goings-on and grudges aplenty to get drawn into, the novel also has a weightier component with Shortall bravely touching upon several serious issues from sexting to drink-driving and eating disorders with real compassion. Whilst parts of the novel do stretch credibility with a rather campy vibe to the backdrop, it very much fits with the spirit of this big-hearted novel of acceptance and understanding.
The book is expertly plotted with Eithne Shortall juggling the stories of multiple characters and weaving them together to paint a compelling picture of the small town of Cooney in West Cork and the diverse community who call it home. Queen Bee of the Glass Lake parents and a former pupil herself is Beverley Franklin who has not only cast her youngest daughter, Amelia, as the lead in the school musical, but also pulled off the coup of bringing TV camera’s to Cooney to film it. Determined Bev is all for keeping up appearances but with marital strife and an older daughter whom she struggles to communicate with things are a lot more complicated behind closed doors. When Bev catches Amelia taking a naked photo of herself with the intention of sending it to classmate Woody Whitehead, whose father has recently been convicted of a drink driving tragedy that has devastated the neighbourhood, she is quick to demand the boys expulsion from school, all whilst intending to keep Amelia’s involvement hush-hush. But nothing stays a secret in Cooney for long..
It is the events of this car crash, which left the son of Glass Lake’s headteacher in a wheelchair, that reverberate through the entire novel and although events begin with the town focused on the Whitehead’s they soon spill over into all of the locals lives, including Bev’s school mum frenemies. Meanwhile Bev’s older daughter is engaged in a clandestine romance with the other Whitehead son, Arlo, who is doing his best to prove his detractors wrong after being given work at Glass Lake by the school caretaker. Local journalist, Christine, has an anxious child of her own keen to be involved in the musical but has her own hands full reporting on the sexting scandal and trying to resolve the problem of a neighbour having nabbed the family cat, and not even the other teachers are without problems of their own.
The narrative is intercut with occasional glimpses of the witness statements being compiled by the Gardaí but the actual identity of the deceased is not disclosed until over eighty percent of the way through the novel, keeping my mind working overtime as the suspense really kicked in. Although the cast is sizeable Shortall’s characterisation is superb and I felt that I knew, and was able to appreciate, every characters individual predicament in a pacy narrative of multiple perspectives. Whilst much of the humour is tongue-in-cheek and there are gossipy goings-on and grudges aplenty to get drawn into, the novel also has a weightier component with Shortall bravely touching upon several serious issues from sexting to drink-driving and eating disorders with real compassion. Whilst parts of the novel do stretch credibility with a rather campy vibe to the backdrop, it very much fits with the spirit of this big-hearted novel of acceptance and understanding.
February 19, 2023
3 stars.
Ah, it all started as such a fun read.
But it did not last long enough, spinning into a dull small town routine.
My favorite part was about Porcupine though ))
Ah, it all started as such a fun read.
But it did not last long enough, spinning into a dull small town routine.
My favorite part was about Porcupine though ))
January 28, 2022
2.5 ⭐️
I really wish I could have given this book a higher rating but it was a chore to read. I couldn’t wait to finish it and if I hadn’t enjoyed a previous book by the same author, I might have abandoned it altogether.
A domestic/community drama based around a school play, a dead body, some nude pics and a car crash that happened a few months prior. The premise was good but there was a lack of intrigue, far too many characters, none of whom were particularly likeable (most of whom were highly irritating and extraneous to the plot!) and a reveal that was underwhelming.
The subplot around the cat burglary was completely bizarre but very charming and funny, and a bright spot in a what was unfortunately a forgettable book.
Many thanks to the publishers Corvus Books for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It will be published on 3 February 2022.
If you’re after a school/domestic drama, Other Parents by Sarah Stovell also published this month is a decent read.
I really wish I could have given this book a higher rating but it was a chore to read. I couldn’t wait to finish it and if I hadn’t enjoyed a previous book by the same author, I might have abandoned it altogether.
A domestic/community drama based around a school play, a dead body, some nude pics and a car crash that happened a few months prior. The premise was good but there was a lack of intrigue, far too many characters, none of whom were particularly likeable (most of whom were highly irritating and extraneous to the plot!) and a reveal that was underwhelming.
The subplot around the cat burglary was completely bizarre but very charming and funny, and a bright spot in a what was unfortunately a forgettable book.
Many thanks to the publishers Corvus Books for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It will be published on 3 February 2022.
If you’re after a school/domestic drama, Other Parents by Sarah Stovell also published this month is a decent read.
March 5, 2022
An amusing entertaining and enjoyable story
It was the event of the year, a play put on by the children of Glass Lake primary school.
This year the production of The “Wizard of Oz” is going to be filmed for local television sending the kids parents into a fight to get their sons and daughters leading roles, there are no tactics they are not prepared to adopt including blackmail bribery and malicious gossip.
Beverley who is the president of the School gate mums club the “Glass Lakers” and director of the school play has her own problems, her younger daughter has been swapping dick pics with a boy from school, her teen daughter has been sneaking her boyfriend into her bedroom at night, half of the Munchkins turned up at rehearsal as Oompa Loompas and she is being blackmailed by some of the mums for better roles for for their kids.
This is just a glimpse into some of the scandal and mystery that revolves around the school and its characters including the mystery of the drowning of the school caretaker, the family of the driver of the car that crashed causing the death of a Glass lake teen, and the cat thief that dies the fur of stolen pets.
It was the event of the year, a play put on by the children of Glass Lake primary school.
This year the production of The “Wizard of Oz” is going to be filmed for local television sending the kids parents into a fight to get their sons and daughters leading roles, there are no tactics they are not prepared to adopt including blackmail bribery and malicious gossip.
Beverley who is the president of the School gate mums club the “Glass Lakers” and director of the school play has her own problems, her younger daughter has been swapping dick pics with a boy from school, her teen daughter has been sneaking her boyfriend into her bedroom at night, half of the Munchkins turned up at rehearsal as Oompa Loompas and she is being blackmailed by some of the mums for better roles for for their kids.
This is just a glimpse into some of the scandal and mystery that revolves around the school and its characters including the mystery of the drowning of the school caretaker, the family of the driver of the car that crashed causing the death of a Glass lake teen, and the cat thief that dies the fur of stolen pets.
January 16, 2022
'It Could Never Happen Here' by Eithne Shortall is a fascinating examination of the Irish small town community of Cooney where nothing is secret and playground politics dominate the lives of the parent of Glass Lake Primary School. At the beginning, we know a body has been pulled from the river - who it is and why they ended up dead remains a mystery as we follow the two weeks prior to the death. This is a black cloud looming over the narrative, the past interspersed with flashforwards to police interviews and the investigation. It is pacey, complex, topical and has strong vibes of Lianne Moriarty's 'Big Little Lies' which meant I thoroughly enjoyed it (despite how many times I guessed the victim and explanation for their death completely wrong!).
The cast of characters include Bev Franklin, the overachieving mother of Amelia and director of the school's musical, Christine, local journalist and the Whiteheads, the black sheep family of Cooney due to a recent car accident. The interrelationships between the cast of morally grey characters are a complex web as the reader gradually unpicks the circumstances surrounding the drowning. The story has some dark moments but this is balanced with genuinely hilarious moments - Bev dressing down the munchkins who turned up dressed as oompa loompas being a particularly hilarious highlight (justice for the munchkin mayor!).
Overall, this is a disturbingly plausible story and has some uncomfortable plot points linked to safeguarding and the impact of the young generation growing up with easy access to the internet. This is an interesting and important read as well as being genuinely gripping. I would highly recommend this one! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The cast of characters include Bev Franklin, the overachieving mother of Amelia and director of the school's musical, Christine, local journalist and the Whiteheads, the black sheep family of Cooney due to a recent car accident. The interrelationships between the cast of morally grey characters are a complex web as the reader gradually unpicks the circumstances surrounding the drowning. The story has some dark moments but this is balanced with genuinely hilarious moments - Bev dressing down the munchkins who turned up dressed as oompa loompas being a particularly hilarious highlight (justice for the munchkin mayor!).
Overall, this is a disturbingly plausible story and has some uncomfortable plot points linked to safeguarding and the impact of the young generation growing up with easy access to the internet. This is an interesting and important read as well as being genuinely gripping. I would highly recommend this one! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2025
This was wildddd! Every time I thought I knew where it was going, I absolutely was proven wrong. I like Shortall’s quippy humour and it was fairly funny!
“'Children's lives ...'
'Matter!'
As well as being a fan of the Obamas, Lorna bought all her soap from a woman in Aberstown who was one-quarter Asian (not that Lorna saw colour), so she was sure the Black Lives Matter movement wouldn't mind her borrowing a few chants. They were very catchy.” 😭😭😭😭 hilarrrr
My only minor gripes were that it slowed down a bit around the middle for a while (though it then picked up again), and that I didn’t really understand the point of having Leo’s voice speaking to Arlo. I understand Leo’s role in the accident and his importance as a character but I just didn’t think it added anything. Surely having Mike as the voice in his head makes more sense?
I found it interesting that Nuala and the others decided not to tell anyone about Séamus. It raises major philosophical questions in my opinion about honesty and trauma. I initially felt they should have told everyone but after Nuala explains how it would have traumatized so many kids, I started to maybe agree with them. I found it a tricky thought to navigate!!! Still not sure what I think on that.
I’d probably give it 4.5 if I could but am rounding it to 4.
“'Children's lives ...'
'Matter!'
As well as being a fan of the Obamas, Lorna bought all her soap from a woman in Aberstown who was one-quarter Asian (not that Lorna saw colour), so she was sure the Black Lives Matter movement wouldn't mind her borrowing a few chants. They were very catchy.” 😭😭😭😭 hilarrrr
My only minor gripes were that it slowed down a bit around the middle for a while (though it then picked up again), and that I didn’t really understand the point of having Leo’s voice speaking to Arlo. I understand Leo’s role in the accident and his importance as a character but I just didn’t think it added anything. Surely having Mike as the voice in his head makes more sense?
I found it interesting that Nuala and the others decided not to tell anyone about Séamus. It raises major philosophical questions in my opinion about honesty and trauma. I initially felt they should have told everyone but after Nuala explains how it would have traumatized so many kids, I started to maybe agree with them. I found it a tricky thought to navigate!!! Still not sure what I think on that.
I’d probably give it 4.5 if I could but am rounding it to 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2022
It Could Never Happen Here is a twisty mystery set in a small community in Ireland and focuses on events surrounding their prestigious school and the pushy parents.
Events unfold from multiple points of view, interspersed with interviews from the police investigation as it emerges a body has been discovered.
There is a great mix of realistic characters and you can easily imagine the politics and personality clashes, especially as they try to cast and organise the school's musical performance, which is even more high profile this year since Beverley has managed to arrange for it to be broadcast on TV.
Beverley wasn't born into wealth but she wants everyone to see that she has money now and to show off her perfect life. She is married to a very handsome and wealthy man, she has a beautiful house, her eldest daughter Ellie is in her first year at university and Amelia is a star of Instagram. But what she doesn't want people to know is that she and Ellie are barely on speaking terms, or that she has just discovered 12 year old Amelia exchanging nude pictures with a boy in her class. The boy is from an unpopular family, well-known in the community for their involvement in an incident which devastated several local families. Beverley is determined to get him excluded and force the family out of town.
Christine works for the local paper and is sent to interview Beverley about the sexting incident. Although they grew up together in the same class at school, Beverley prefers to keep Christine at arms length, imagining that Christine will use childhood memories against her. Christine is oblivious to this, not understanding why Beverley would be ashamed of her past.
Engaging and funny with cleverly interwoven storylines. Well worth a read.
Events unfold from multiple points of view, interspersed with interviews from the police investigation as it emerges a body has been discovered.
There is a great mix of realistic characters and you can easily imagine the politics and personality clashes, especially as they try to cast and organise the school's musical performance, which is even more high profile this year since Beverley has managed to arrange for it to be broadcast on TV.
Beverley wasn't born into wealth but she wants everyone to see that she has money now and to show off her perfect life. She is married to a very handsome and wealthy man, she has a beautiful house, her eldest daughter Ellie is in her first year at university and Amelia is a star of Instagram. But what she doesn't want people to know is that she and Ellie are barely on speaking terms, or that she has just discovered 12 year old Amelia exchanging nude pictures with a boy in her class. The boy is from an unpopular family, well-known in the community for their involvement in an incident which devastated several local families. Beverley is determined to get him excluded and force the family out of town.
Christine works for the local paper and is sent to interview Beverley about the sexting incident. Although they grew up together in the same class at school, Beverley prefers to keep Christine at arms length, imagining that Christine will use childhood memories against her. Christine is oblivious to this, not understanding why Beverley would be ashamed of her past.
Engaging and funny with cleverly interwoven storylines. Well worth a read.
July 27, 2023
Get ready to meet a community you will not forget! In the vein of Big Little Lies, It Could Never Happen Here is a wealthy private school community with its own pariahs and secrets. The parents are competitive to the point of viciousness, the secrets are worth killing for.
The story opens with a death but the real excitement is the day to day story of the parents, the children, and the teachers. Nothing is as it seems, yet everything is quite familiar.
I just loved this novel and I know you will too. If you like mysteries, domestic thrillers, parents gone wild, deep secrets and multiple points of view, It Could Never Happen To You is your next read!
#independentpublishers #Corvus #ItCouldNeverHappenHere #EithneShortall
The story opens with a death but the real excitement is the day to day story of the parents, the children, and the teachers. Nothing is as it seems, yet everything is quite familiar.
I just loved this novel and I know you will too. If you like mysteries, domestic thrillers, parents gone wild, deep secrets and multiple points of view, It Could Never Happen To You is your next read!
#independentpublishers #Corvus #ItCouldNeverHappenHere #EithneShortall
June 30, 2022
3.5 out of 5 ⭐s
I really enjoy Shortall's style!
I really enjoy Shortall's style!
February 7, 2022
Small town school, over involved parents, drama, gossip, and a dead body….. have we heard of this before? From the very start this gave off very strong “Big Little Lies” vibes, and to be honest it never really shook them off. Told in a similar style to Liane Moriarty’s novel, we get several different viewpoints on events which leads to a lot of drama.
I think there was too much going on in this book to be able to keep track of everything. From school drama, kidnapped cats, a drunk driving incident, school children sending nudes, to a dead body, it was a bit much. Not only that but there were far too many characters, and a lot of them completely pointless to the plot. As the book continued it became quite hard with the changing narratives to remember what exactly was going on. Possibly it would have worked much better with a small bit of editing down the material (the bizarre kidnapped cats plot could have easily been taken out).
I did enjoy the conversation around sex education in schools, and to be honest would have loved the book to focus a little more on how underdeveloped any sex education programme is in Ireland. It is a topic that is unfortunately taboo, and we see the consequences of that very clearly in the novel. However, it just didn’t go further than glossing over it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atlantic Books, Corvus for the copy of this book. My review is honest and unbiased.
I think there was too much going on in this book to be able to keep track of everything. From school drama, kidnapped cats, a drunk driving incident, school children sending nudes, to a dead body, it was a bit much. Not only that but there were far too many characters, and a lot of them completely pointless to the plot. As the book continued it became quite hard with the changing narratives to remember what exactly was going on. Possibly it would have worked much better with a small bit of editing down the material (the bizarre kidnapped cats plot could have easily been taken out).
I did enjoy the conversation around sex education in schools, and to be honest would have loved the book to focus a little more on how underdeveloped any sex education programme is in Ireland. It is a topic that is unfortunately taboo, and we see the consequences of that very clearly in the novel. However, it just didn’t go further than glossing over it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atlantic Books, Corvus for the copy of this book. My review is honest and unbiased.
November 22, 2021
Oooh I loved it - small-town primary school politics and a mysterious death as well, sign me up!
It Could Never Happen Here starts with the police investigating an unexplained death (you don't find out any details for a long time which I liked) - but its almost a backstory to the main event which is what happens when a group of school friends grow up, stay in the same town, and their children go to school together.
The years of history and secrets between them all, the unspoken but seething rivalries over tiny issues - it was wonderfully conveyed, shimmering with resentments and misunderstandings. And all the way through, the actual pupils are just trying to put on a school play and have a good time.
If you enjoyed Sarah Storey's Other Parents - this is definitely one for you
It Could Never Happen Here starts with the police investigating an unexplained death (you don't find out any details for a long time which I liked) - but its almost a backstory to the main event which is what happens when a group of school friends grow up, stay in the same town, and their children go to school together.
The years of history and secrets between them all, the unspoken but seething rivalries over tiny issues - it was wonderfully conveyed, shimmering with resentments and misunderstandings. And all the way through, the actual pupils are just trying to put on a school play and have a good time.
If you enjoyed Sarah Storey's Other Parents - this is definitely one for you
March 14, 2024
Upvote from 3.5 stars.
Seen the title and the cover and wanted to read this for ages so we’re finally here.
Well. This wasn’t what I was expecting. I saw at the back there was a school scandal but little did I expect it to be a sexting scandal.
Oh the lives of school parents. Some get so involved don’t they. Beverley is Glass Lake. I can understand some of her character but she does come across as a dose for most of the book. Her mum however I’d die for.
I liked where the book led. What it led you to believe and then twisted all away. Knifes and daggers.
The story was there, and each story got wound up in its own way. Why people are who they are, and why some people seem cold but are fighting another battle.
Frank’s attitude at the end rings very true.
I wasn’t expecting it to be as funny as it was so that was different.
Overall, 3.5 stars from me.
Seen the title and the cover and wanted to read this for ages so we’re finally here.
Well. This wasn’t what I was expecting. I saw at the back there was a school scandal but little did I expect it to be a sexting scandal.
Oh the lives of school parents. Some get so involved don’t they. Beverley is Glass Lake. I can understand some of her character but she does come across as a dose for most of the book. Her mum however I’d die for.
I liked where the book led. What it led you to believe and then twisted all away. Knifes and daggers.
The story was there, and each story got wound up in its own way. Why people are who they are, and why some people seem cold but are fighting another battle.
Frank’s attitude at the end rings very true.
I wasn’t expecting it to be as funny as it was so that was different.
Overall, 3.5 stars from me.
September 9, 2023
This was so good as I flew through it. There were characters I loved and those I hated. We also had some twists that I wasn’t expecting.
March 10, 2024
This is such a daft little book I had a great time with it
January 3, 2023
i LOVED this book. it was so addictive and the various plots left my mind reeling and audibly saying “no way”
January 3, 2022
What a perfect start to my 2022 this book was. A brilliant study of niggles, petty one upmanship and the myriad strings some parents will pull for their little darlings.
All happening in the small Irish town of Cooney, the story starts with an unnamed body being found in the river. Who is it and why have they died?
We step 15 days back in time to slowly unravel the series of events - all of which seem to revolve around the local school and a very competitive set of parents. What a glorious 15 days they are too - secret relationships, unhidden snobbery and cat thefts are all unwritten by a tragic accident.
This is a place where a life changing event of the past is having a huge impact on the present. Where grudges are still alive and well. Where even bigger secrets and truths will be revealed.
I loved how all is revealed in such tiny steps, how we really get under the skin of these characters and how much we come to love them.
It really is an absolute joy
What a perfect start to my 2022 this book was. A brilliant study of niggles, petty one upmanship and the myriad strings some parents will pull for their little darlings.
All happening in the small Irish town of Cooney, the story starts with an unnamed body being found in the river. Who is it and why have they died?
We step 15 days back in time to slowly unravel the series of events - all of which seem to revolve around the local school and a very competitive set of parents. What a glorious 15 days they are too - secret relationships, unhidden snobbery and cat thefts are all unwritten by a tragic accident.
This is a place where a life changing event of the past is having a huge impact on the present. Where grudges are still alive and well. Where even bigger secrets and truths will be revealed.
I loved how all is revealed in such tiny steps, how we really get under the skin of these characters and how much we come to love them.
It really is an absolute joy
All happening in the small Irish town of Cooney, the story starts with an unnamed body being found in the river. Who is it and why have they died?
We step 15 days back in time to slowly unravel the series of events - all of which seem to revolve around the local school and a very competitive set of parents. What a glorious 15 days they are too - secret relationships, unhidden snobbery and cat thefts are all unwritten by a tragic accident.
This is a place where a life changing event of the past is having a huge impact on the present. Where grudges are still alive and well. Where even bigger secrets and truths will be revealed.
I loved how all is revealed in such tiny steps, how we really get under the skin of these characters and how much we come to love them.
It really is an absolute joy
What a perfect start to my 2022 this book was. A brilliant study of niggles, petty one upmanship and the myriad strings some parents will pull for their little darlings.
All happening in the small Irish town of Cooney, the story starts with an unnamed body being found in the river. Who is it and why have they died?
We step 15 days back in time to slowly unravel the series of events - all of which seem to revolve around the local school and a very competitive set of parents. What a glorious 15 days they are too - secret relationships, unhidden snobbery and cat thefts are all unwritten by a tragic accident.
This is a place where a life changing event of the past is having a huge impact on the present. Where grudges are still alive and well. Where even bigger secrets and truths will be revealed.
I loved how all is revealed in such tiny steps, how we really get under the skin of these characters and how much we come to love them.
It really is an absolute joy
October 22, 2023
Surprisingly good. Thought I was picking up a piece of fluff, but had some unexpected depth. A good story about a small community embroiled in a mystery.
August 19, 2024
This started a a light book with a bit of mystery set around a school with very involved parents.
But some the themes were very dark
- sexting between minors
- subsequently realised images of minors being distributed (this was never dealt with which was shocking)
- drink driving / false statements
The cat abduction was light relief
I felt the story turned v dark & found it very hard to believe that 2 parents and principal of a school all felt it was fine to ignore that the caretaker had blackmailed the child for explicit images of a minor children which he then received.
Principal has duty of care & safeguarding role
If the author didn’t want to follow guidelines on this she should have a much more innocuous “secret”
But some the themes were very dark
- sexting between minors
- subsequently realised images of minors being distributed (this was never dealt with which was shocking)
- drink driving / false statements
The cat abduction was light relief
I felt the story turned v dark & found it very hard to believe that 2 parents and principal of a school all felt it was fine to ignore that the caretaker had blackmailed the child for explicit images of a minor children which he then received.
Principal has duty of care & safeguarding role
If the author didn’t want to follow guidelines on this she should have a much more innocuous “secret”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2021
This book was full of playground politics (anybody whose done a school run will know all about them 😂), gossip and a mysterious body - and what a read it was! I really enjoyed this book and how it flicked between characters and timelines. It kept me guessing throughout and held my attention completely.
March 27, 2022
From the front cover and sneak peek I received prior to reading, I knew It Could Never Happen Here was going to be an addictive page-turner. However, I had no idea just how scandalous and deep it would go. The brightly coloured cover and Desperate Housewive-esque feel that each of the mums had, would never had made me guess the events that took place.
This book has everything; cheating husbands, gritty school politics, shocking and scary topics related to their children and a huge secret the town it’s set in, couldn’t bear to see come to life. I was truly gripped from the moment I started reading this.
The characters, though sometimes not likeable, where all enjoyable. I felt like some were over dramatised for a comedic factor, but it flowed nicely with the plot. I also enjoyed how each character seemed to have so much chaos in their lives but it never got too busy or strayed too far from the main plot.
Overall, I think this is a great read from Eithne Shortall. Definitely not as mature as some of the thriller books I have read in the past, but this has the perfect mixture of mystery, drama and comedy and it was a brilliant introduction to the author. Five stars!
This book has everything; cheating husbands, gritty school politics, shocking and scary topics related to their children and a huge secret the town it’s set in, couldn’t bear to see come to life. I was truly gripped from the moment I started reading this.
The characters, though sometimes not likeable, where all enjoyable. I felt like some were over dramatised for a comedic factor, but it flowed nicely with the plot. I also enjoyed how each character seemed to have so much chaos in their lives but it never got too busy or strayed too far from the main plot.
Overall, I think this is a great read from Eithne Shortall. Definitely not as mature as some of the thriller books I have read in the past, but this has the perfect mixture of mystery, drama and comedy and it was a brilliant introduction to the author. Five stars!
January 30, 2022
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
It Could Never Happen Here follows the parents of children who go to a prestigious school in a small town in Ireland. The mums call themselves 'The Lakers' and are lead by Queen Bee Beverly, who is very much an Amanda from Motherland type character.
I would describe it as Motherland meets The Appeal.
The book starts with the revelation that somebody has turned up dead, although you don't find out who and how until the end where there's a big twist that I had no idea was coming! It then goes back in time to the events leading up to the death, centering around the school musical which is being directed by Beverly, with her daughter in the starring role (of course).
During the rehearsals for the musical huge scandal also hits the school and Beverly sees it as her duty as Queen Bee of The Lakers to make sure it goes away and that the school's reputation remains intact.
I absolutely loved this book, it's a hilarious insight into playground politics and even if you don't have children you will definitely recognise some of these mothers.
Despite its somewhat dark subject matter, the book stays lighthearted for the most part, and as the story flits between the different mothers you begin to understand why they behave the way that they do, and is an interesting look at the complex relationships between mothers and their daughters.
At the very heart of it all is the message that a mother will do anything for her children.
It Could Never Happen Here follows the parents of children who go to a prestigious school in a small town in Ireland. The mums call themselves 'The Lakers' and are lead by Queen Bee Beverly, who is very much an Amanda from Motherland type character.
I would describe it as Motherland meets The Appeal.
The book starts with the revelation that somebody has turned up dead, although you don't find out who and how until the end where there's a big twist that I had no idea was coming! It then goes back in time to the events leading up to the death, centering around the school musical which is being directed by Beverly, with her daughter in the starring role (of course).
During the rehearsals for the musical huge scandal also hits the school and Beverly sees it as her duty as Queen Bee of The Lakers to make sure it goes away and that the school's reputation remains intact.
I absolutely loved this book, it's a hilarious insight into playground politics and even if you don't have children you will definitely recognise some of these mothers.
Despite its somewhat dark subject matter, the book stays lighthearted for the most part, and as the story flits between the different mothers you begin to understand why they behave the way that they do, and is an interesting look at the complex relationships between mothers and their daughters.
At the very heart of it all is the message that a mother will do anything for her children.
April 18, 2022
This was a fantastic book, being a teacher myself I was immediately drawn into the setting. I loved how the opening begins with a flashback and recalls the day the event took place. The writing is brilliant, the chapters are short and the characters are developed so well. Different personalities and so many opinions of everyone. The twisty opening draws the reader in with questions of what's happened surrounding the mysterious body which was discovered in the lake. As the book develops, the guessing game begins. There are some plausible and uncomfortable storylines surrousing duty of care etc and i could relate from a teacher and parent perspective- i found Shortall does well to cover there issues and highlight the importance. Covering these issues takes courage and i do commend her as a writer. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read and totally recommend!!
April 9, 2025
An interesting little domestic drama laced with a couple of important messages, this book is perhaps a little bit too big for its britches. It tries to tackle an awful lot of topics, however, it perhaps spreads itself a bit too thin throughout.
The characters are a bit unlikeable, which makes for some difficult reading in parts, but it’s still a good book with the stereotypical school setting of frustrating parents, bad behaviour from kids, and the insidiousness of some people.
I did enjoy the subplot of Porcupine and the serial cat thief though- that part certainly had some charm!
The characters are a bit unlikeable, which makes for some difficult reading in parts, but it’s still a good book with the stereotypical school setting of frustrating parents, bad behaviour from kids, and the insidiousness of some people.
I did enjoy the subplot of Porcupine and the serial cat thief though- that part certainly had some charm!
January 13, 2024
Unhinged overbearing mothers loosing their minds over issues they create for themselves. Amazing.
The author knows it’s ridiculous and just has fun with it. Until the end where it gets quite heavy. It feels really disjointed after spending so long with Beverly and Co.
Honestly would have enjoyed it more if the author had just kept it silly.
The author knows it’s ridiculous and just has fun with it. Until the end where it gets quite heavy. It feels really disjointed after spending so long with Beverly and Co.
Honestly would have enjoyed it more if the author had just kept it silly.
May 7, 2022
Sharp and funny
May 11, 2022
Well-written and compelling. I loved that it was so character-driven.
March 18, 2024
I adored this book so much! A funny murder mystery with a bunch of ladies that lunch in Ireland. So funny, gripping and I loved every single character. Genius!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews