Book Review: She Didn’t See It Coming by Shari Lapena
There’s something about a Shari Lapena novel that feels like slipping into a perfectly tailored suspenseful thrill ride, and “She Didn’t See It Coming” is no exception. Right from the moment I saw the cover, I knew I was in for a treat—an intriguing title coupled with Lapena’s knack for twisting narratives. As I delved into the world of Bryden and Sam, a seemingly perfect couple unraveling amidst chaos, I realized I wasn’t just reading a book; I was devouring a tightly wound mystery that kept me guessing and gasping.
In this riveting tale, we meet Bryden, who vanishes from what should have been the safety and comfort of her home. The intricacies of her disappearance unravel through multiple points of view, and honestly, each character seemed more suspicious than the last. I found myself questioning everyone—from Bryden’s enigmatic husband Sam to her oddly quirky sister, as layers upon layers of secrets emerged. The locked-room mystery premise posed tantalizing questions: How could she have just disappeared? Was her perfect life crumbling beneath the surface?
Lapena has a masterful way of crafting characters I love to hate. Each character, while fleshed out and nuanced, held on tightly to their own webs of deceit, making them as unlikeable as they were captivating. I adored the pacing of the narrative, driven by short, punchy chapters that compelled me to keep reading far into the night. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Lapena would throw in a curveball, leading me down cascading rabbit holes of red herrings. I had my suspicions about the culprit and almost celebrated a “gotcha” moment, only to be shocked into realizing my initial guess was about to get a crushing twist. Bravo, Ms. Lapena, for giving my brain such a thrilling workout!
What struck me most was the book’s theme of unveiling the darker aspects of seemingly blissful lives. Lapena traverses heavy subject matter—missing persons, infidelity, and lies that intricately loop into one another’s lives, creating a network that felt eerily true to real life. It’s this blend of crime fiction with relatable family dynamics that keeps readers like me on their toes, wondering how quickly our own lives can morph into chaos.
In conclusion, “She Didn’t See It Coming” is a gripping read for anyone who craves an onion-like narrative filled with suspicion, intrigue, and shocking revelations. If you enjoy family dramas intertwined with taut police procedural elements—and let’s not forget the thrill of twisting mysteries—you’ll find yourself devouring this book in one go. I ended my reading experience both satisfied and mind-boggled, sporting that Cheshire Cat-like grin right up until the last page. Grab a copy; you won’t regret it!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Thanks to Shari Lapena, Pamela Dorman Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary copies. This review is based solely on my reading experience and opinions. Happy reading!
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