About this book
(blurb from Exclusive Books / Penguin Random House SA)
Nothing ever happens in sleepy little Fairhill, Vermont.
The teenagers get their kicks telling ghost stories in the old graveyard. The parents trust their kids will arrive home safe from school. Everyone knows everyone. Curtains rarely twitch. Front doors are left unlocked.
But this morning all of that will change.
Because Diana Brewer isn’t lying safely in her bed where she belongs. Instead she lies in a hayfield, circled by vultures, discovered by a local farmer.
How quickly a girl becomes a ghost. How quickly a town of friendly, familiar faces becomes a town of suspects, a place of fear and paranoia.
Someone in Fairhill did this. Everyone wants answers.
ISBN 9781787635777
Format Trade Paperback
Published August 2024
Buy the book here: What Have You Done? – Exclusive Books Online
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction
My Thoughts
My Thoughts“How many ways, I think, can a girl be assaulted? I never got to live my life. I never got to live to be old enough, to become unattractive enough, to be left alone. To finally just be.”
Shari Lapena delivers another gripping thriller with What Have You Done? This novel stands out with its blend of suspense, supernatural elements, and a twisty plot that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
The story revolves around the murder of Diana Brewer, the golden girl of a small Vermont town. The narrative is told through multiple POVs, including that of Diana herself as a ghost, adding a unique layer to the mystery. The short chapters and shifting perspectives help maintain a fast pace, keeping me engaged throughout.
Lapena excels at creating complex characters, each with their own secrets and motives. The book delves into the hidden lives of the town’s inhabitants, exposing their flaws and potential for deceit. This depth of character development is one of the novel’s strengths, as it keeps readers invested in the outcome.
While the supernatural element might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it adds an intriguing twist to the story. Diana’s ghostly narration provides insights into her last moments and helps unravel the mystery. However, some readers might find this aspect a bit overdone and prefer a more grounded approach.
The novel’s tension is palpable, with plenty of red herrings and unexpected turns. The plot is layered with themes of shattered suburban idealism, secrets, and the impact of appearances. Despite predicting the ending, the journey to uncover the truth is filled with suspense and emotional depth.
What Have You Done? is a solid, fast-paced thriller that will appeal to fans of domestic mysteries. It might not be a life-changing read, but it offers enough twists and emotional depth to make it a worthwhile addition to your reading list. If you enjoy small-town secrets, complex characters, and a touch of the supernatural, this book is definitely for you.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book Exclusive Books!
Read an extract:
Extract: What Have You Done? by Shari Lapena Penguin Random House South Africa
About the author:
@roelia_reads Came home to the most fabulous books from @Exclusive Books – all featured on their #EBRecommends list this month In alphabetical order (titles) Breekpunt deur Marie Lotz @LAPA Publishers #MarieLotz Moonlight Market by Joanne Harris @Jonathan Ball Publishers #JoanneHarris Paris Muse by Louisa Treger Jonathan Ball Publishers #LouisaTreger What have you done? by Shari Lapena @Penguin Random House SA #ShariLapena Which book would you read first? #gifted #RoeliaReads #booktoksa #bookrecommendations ♬ Friday in Love – Studio Pro Sound
