She Didn’t See It Coming by Shari Lapena

A domestic thriller packed with twists, secrets, and betrayals that’ll keep you flipping pages late into the night

Shari Lapena delivers another bingeable thriller with She Didn’t See It Coming—short chapters, shady characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing. I went in expecting a solid domestic suspense, but what I got was a paranoia-fuelled whodunnit where even the neighbour’s cat felt suspicious.

Plot Summary

Bryden Frost, a seemingly perfect wife and mother, vanishes without a trace. Her car’s in the garage, her phone and laptop untouched, and there’s no sign of forced entry. Her husband, Sam, is baffled. The police are called, and the spiral begins.

We’re introduced to a cast of characters—family, friends, neighbours, and even a man Bryden recently had a fender bender with—each harbouring secrets and motives. No one is quite who they seem, and everyone has something to hide.

Detective Jayne Salter leads the investigation, and she’s a standout. Smart, intuitive, and not easily swayed by appearances, she peels back the layers of Bryden’s life to reveal affairs, betrayals, and a community far darker than it first appears. Eventually, Bryden is found murdered in the basement of her building, and the tension ratchets up as the suspect list grows longer and the lies get thicker.

Themes

• Appearances vs. reality: Bryden’s life looks perfect, but it’s anything but.
• Trust no one: Every character feels guilty at some point, and Lapena leans into that uncertainty.
• True crime obsession: A subtle nod to our fascination with crime stories and how they blur our sense of reality.
• Secrets and betrayals: The emotional fallout of hidden truths drives the narrative.

Despite its suburban condo setting, the book has a locked-room mystery vibe. The atmosphere is claustrophobic—everyone’s watching, everyone’s hiding something, and the walls feel like they’re closing in.

What Worked For Me

• Short chapters: Perfect for binge-reading, each ends with a hook that keeps you going.
• Multiple POVs: Adds depth and keeps the mystery fresh.
• Red herrings galore: Lapena is the queen of misdirection. Just when you think you’ve cracked it, she throws another curveball.
• Fast pace: No filler, no lag—just pure momentum.
• Character work: Even if you don’t like them (and I didn’t), they’re well-drawn and believable.

What Fell Short For Me

Some plot elements felt a bit too convenient—like the broken security cameras and the rapid police response. The ending, while satisfying, was slightly rushed. I wouldn’t have minded one last twist or a deeper emotional payoff.

Who Should Read This

If you love fast-paced domestic thrillers with unreliable characters and plenty of twists, this one’s for you. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware, or anyone who enjoys popcorn thrillers that don’t require a flowchart to follow.

Final Thoughts

She Didn’t See It Coming is a twisty, addictive read that kept me glued to the pages. It’s not flawless, but it’s undeniably fun. Lapena knows how to build tension and keep you guessing. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a sequel – there are still shadows lurking in that condo.

Have you read it? I’d love to hear who you suspected!

Thank you to Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read this book.