Book Review: What Have You Done? by Shari Lapena
As a longtime fan of Shari Lapena, I was eager to dive into her latest thriller, What Have You Done? Set against the seemingly idyllic backdrop of Fairhill, Vermont — a small town where nothing ever really happens — this novel captures readers right from its unsettling opening: the discovery of a teenager, Diana Brewer, found dead in a hayfield by a local farmer. The initial intrigue hooked me immediately, but as I turned the pages, I found myself wrestling with a mix of admiration and frustration.
From the jump, Lapena expertly immerses us in a tight-knit community grappling with the horror of a murder that shakes their very foundations. The central mystery — What the hell happened? Who did this? — drives the narrative and invites a visceral exploration of themes around secrecy, trust, and the masks we wear in public life. I appreciated how realistic many of the characters felt; the entangled relationships added layers of complexity. However, I must admit that there were a few too many characters for my liking. While I’m usually okay with multifaceted storylines, I found myself occasionally struggling to keep track of who was who, and how they connected to Diana. It felt overwhelming at times, pulling me out of the otherwise gripping narrative.
Lapena takes a daring approach by incorporating Diana’s ghostly point of view at various junctures. Honestly, this struck me as a bit peculiar. I found myself questioning the purpose it served; she didn’t know her own murderer, leading to moments that felt more confusing than illuminating. While this creative choice undeniably added a distinctive flair to the storytelling, it didn’t always enhance the overall plot in a meaningful way.
On a positive note, Lapena’s darker tone in What Have You Done? is compelling, especially when addressing sensitive topics that spark an emotional reaction. Some chapters left me squirming, filled with rage and disbelief — a true testament to her skill as a writer. Yet, while the buildup was electrifying, the reveal of the culprit held little surprise. The culprit seemed almost obvious, having been overshadowed by the myriad of red herrings placed along the way.
The ending felt so hastily wrapped up, almost like a “wham bam, thank you ma’am,” leaving me craving a more nuanced conclusion. A richer, more extended resolution would have elevated the overall experience for me. Still, there were aspects I deeply appreciated: the quick pacing and Lapena’s signature writing style kept me flipping pages, even during the occasional dragging moments in the middle.
In terms of what I loved about the book, I can’t overlook the power of Lapena’s thought-provoking prose, which made me reflect on the characters’ motivations, even as they drove me mad. Oh, and I must acknowledge that Ms. Lapena taught me a new vocabulary word — hubris — which I can’t help but chuckle about!
All in all, I’d rate What Have You Done? a solid 3.5 stars. It’s an engaging read that would be perfect for fans of the thriller genre looking for something quick-paced for a weekend. While it may not have reached the heights of some of her previous works, I’ll continue to follow Lapena’s career because her writing remains captivating and addictive.
So, if you enjoy stories of layered secrets and unsettling truths, give this novel a shot! After all, there’s a reason Shari Lapena is a household name in the realm of psychological thrillers. Happy reading!