Small towns have big secrets. This is certainly the case Everyone here is lying by Shari Lapena. Is it worth reading when it comes out?
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Let it be known that Shari Lapena is on my list of authors to watch out for. Since I read Couple AdjacentI knew she would be an author who would fill my need for suspenseful and twisty thrillers. Everyone here is lying it did not disappoint.
The only thing I wanted was more at the end. Let’s see what to expect for this next release.
What Is Everyone Here Lying About by Shari Lapena?
The book begins with a basic story: nine-year-old Avery Wooler has disappeared.
In fact, we pick up even before that. William Wooler has an affair, but that affair ends, despite the fact that he does not want it to. When he gets home, he just wants to be alone, but his daughter is there, home early from school.
Next thing we know, Avery is gone. No one knows where he went, and it seems everyone in the small town has secrets. When an anonymous tip comes in saying she was seen getting into 18-year-old Ryan Blanchard’s car, police believe they have their suspect. Of course, Ryan’s dad, Al, thinks Avery’s dad did it.
One thing is certain, secrets do not stay hidden. But what other secrets are there in this small town?
Everybody Lies Here, book review
It’s hard not to give spoilers for this book. You see, there is so much going on and it all ties together in some way. This anonymous tip is made for a reason and it turns out that Al may know more about what William has been up to when it comes to activities outside of his marriage.
The only two who don’t seem to lie in this town are Erin and Michael Wooler. Erin just wants to know what happened to her daughter, but she has to deal with her husband’s secrets coming out. Michael is terrified for his sister and shares what he knows, but how much does a 12-year-old really know?
We get to hear the stories of the various people in this small town. Some of them appear as suspects, but is that just to lead us down a rabbit hole? Some of the characters are brought up to show how small town people view themselves. If you’re different, you’re an outcast and it hurts some of the kids on the street.
However, it is important to be careful who you trust. Everyone learns this the hard way.
What I will say is that while the book is fast paced (I read it all in one day), it’s just too short. The ending seems rushed and I would like to know more about what comes next as a certain secret is revealed at the very end. Can we have a sequel please?
Stars: 4.5 out of 5.
Everyone here is lying by Shari Lapena appears on Tuesday, July 25.