What Have You Done?: By Shari Lapena (Book Review)

Shari Lapena, the author renowned for her suspenseful thrillers, delivers another gripping tale with her latest novel, What Have You Done? Set in the seemingly tranquil town of Fairhill, Vermont, this story is a chilling exploration of secrets, small-town dynamics, and the dark underbelly that lies beneath the surface of everyday life. Lapena’s ability to craft intricate plots with deeply flawed characters ensures that readers are in for an unputdownable read.

Plot Overview

The novel begins with a harrowing discovery: Diana Brewer, a high school senior, is found dead in a hayfield, surrounded by vultures. This tragic event shatters the quiet routine of Fairhill, transforming it into a place filled with fear, suspicion, and paranoia. As the investigation unfolds, the town’s seemingly benign facade crumbles, revealing a web of lies, deceit, and hidden motives.

Diana’s death not only brings grief to her friends and family but also turns the spotlight on her possessive boyfriend, Cameron Farrell. Although Cameron is an immediate suspect, Lapena skillfully weaves a narrative that suggests multiple potential culprits, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. The story alternates between different perspectives, including Diana’s friends and the townspeople, each revealing more about the complex relationships and underlying tensions in Fairhill.

Character Development

One of Lapena’s strengths lies in her ability to create characters that are not only believable but also deeply flawed and relatable. In What Have You Done?, each character is portrayed with a unique set of attributes that add depth to the narrative. Diana’s presence is felt throughout the novel, even after her death, as the impact of her loss reverberates through the town.

Cameron, Diana’s controlling boyfriend, is depicted with a blend of intensity and vulnerability that makes him both suspicious and sympathetic. Riley and Evan, Diana’s best friends, grapple with their own guilt and secrets, which are slowly unveiled as the story progresses. Lapena excels at showing how these characters, despite their seemingly mundane lives, harbor dark secrets that complicate their relationships and, ultimately, the investigation.

Themes and Atmosphere in “What Have You Done?”

What Have You Done? delves deep into themes of control, power dynamics, and the pervasive influence of fear in a close-knit community. Lapena’s exploration of how young women’s lives are often controlled or influenced by the men around them adds a poignant and timely layer to the story. Diana’s death becomes a catalyst for exposing the systemic issues within the town, particularly how the concerns and autonomy of women are often dismissed or undermined.

The atmosphere of the novel is thick with suspense and unease. Fairhill, initially portrayed as a sleepy town, transforms into a place of dread and suspicion as the story unfolds. Lapena’s writing is taut and engaging, with short, cliff-hanging chapters that propel the reader forward at a breakneck pace. The shifting perspectives add to the suspense, making it difficult to predict the next twist or revelation.

Critique and Reception

While What Have You Done? has been praised for its suspenseful plot and well-drawn characters, some critics have noted that certain elements of the story may feel familiar to fans of the genre. However, Lapena’s skillful execution of the plot and her ability to maintain tension throughout the novel have garnered widespread acclaim. Readers have particularly appreciated the novel’s pacing and the way it keeps them guessing until the final pages.

The book has also been recognized for its commentary on social issues, particularly the ways in which society fails to protect vulnerable individuals. Lapena’s portrayal of Diana’s posthumous presence adds a haunting dimension to the story, ensuring that the emotional impact of her death lingers long after the final chapter.

Conclusion

What Have You Done? is another masterclass in suspense from Shari Lapena. With its complex characters, tightly woven plot, and evocative themes, the novel is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and domestic suspense. Lapena once again proves her ability to craft stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking, leaving readers questioning the true nature of the people they think they know. For those seeking a fast-paced, suspenseful read that also offers deeper reflections on societal issues, What Have You Done? is an excellent choice.

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