I discovered Shari Lapena’s What Have You Done? by chance. As an avid reader and audiobook listener, I often search for new publications to add to my ever-expanding collection. I’ve read innumerable novels in a variety of genres, from thrillers to literary fiction, and although this isn’t the first book I’ve reviewed, it won’t be the last. So, when What Have You Done? appeared as one of Lapena’s most recent releases—an author whose work I’d been following since The Couple Next Door—I knew I had to get started.
It’s interesting how some novels seem to find you at the perfect moment. Do you get that sensation when you pick up a book and it instantly reminds you of something you’ve read before? That’s exactly what occurred here. Lapena’s trademark style of domestic suspense reminded me of previous gripping readings, notably Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train. Both stories have a tremendous feeling of paranoia, with every character seeming questionable and the truth continuously moving just beyond your grasp.
But, before I get ahead of myself, let’s go further into What Have You Done?, examining the narrative, characters, and everything in between.
Plot Overview: The Calm Before the Storm
What Have You Done? takes place in the supposedly lovely community of Fairhill, Vermont. The town is one of those classic tiny villages where everyone knows one other and life goes at a slower, safer pace. It’s the kind of establishment where the front doors are often left open, and the most exciting thing you can anticipate is a little of chatter over coffee. However, underneath this peaceful veneer is the potential for evil, which is completely realized when Diana Brewer, a high school senior, is discovered dead in a hayfield surrounded by vultures.
This finding sends shockwaves through the neighborhood, transforming what was once a quiet village into a hive of dread, distrust, and paranoia. Everyone in Fairhill becomes a suspect as Diana’s murder exposes the town’s communal mask, exposing the truths and lies lurking underneath. The core question, “What have you done?” is addressed not just at the characters in the novel, but also at the reader, pushing them to solve the mystery.
Characters: A Town Filled with Secrets
Lapena expertly constructs a tapestry of multifaceted individuals, each with their own possible motivations and secrets. The tale is narrated from several points of view, which not only develops the plot but also heightens the sensation of bewilderment and suspicion.
- Diana Brewer: Diana, the story’s victim, was a popular and clever high school senior with a bright future ahead of her. However, as the inquiry into Diana’s murder continues, it becomes evident that she was not as innocent as she seemed. She had secrets, some of which may have led to her early death.
- Cameron Farrell is Diana’s boyfriend and one of the main suspects. Cameron is a gloomy, passionate young guy who was very protective of Diana. Their relationship was tumultuous, to say the least, and Cameron may have seen Diana alive for the final time. But did envy push him to murder?
- Brewer Family: Diana’s parents are distraught by their daughter’s murder, but as the narrative develops, their sorrow is eclipsed by the discovery of long-buried family secrets. These secrets indicate that the Brewers were far from the idyllic, joyful family they purported to be.
The Residents of Fairhill: As the inquiry progresses, practically everyone in Fairhill falls under suspicion. Friends, neighbors, and even strangers have their own dark secrets and hidden motivations. Lapena does a wonderful job of depicting a community full of flawed, genuine beings, everyone with something to conceal.
Lapena creates a narrative that forces the reader to understand the characters as more than merely suspects, but as multidimensional persons with layers of personal histories and motivations. This is a village where everyone has something to conceal, and the more you discover about each individual, the less clear the reality becomes. As you read each page, you continuously question who is speaking the truth and who is to blame for Diana’s murder.
Themes include fear, paranoia, and the fragility of small-town life
One of the key themes of What Have You Done? is the belief that no one is genuinely innocent. The story examines how rapidly fear and paranoia may spread, transforming a close-knit society into one of suspicion and danger. Fairhill, with its open doors and welcoming smiles, morphs into a community where everyone is a possible suspect and no one can be trusted.
This topic is similar to numerous psychological thrillers, especially those that explore the darker sides of human nature and the thin veneer of politeness that keeps society together. Lapena also addresses the concept of guilt, both real and imagined. The title implies an accusing tone, as if questioning not just who perpetrated the murder, but also what part each character (and, by extension, each reader) plays in the developing events.
The story also explores the issue of secrets—the ones we hold from one another and from ourselves. In a town like Fairhill, where everyone knows everyone, these secrets are like time bombs ready to explode. The mask of small-town tranquillity is destroyed when these secrets are revealed, exposing relational flaws and the ugly side of human nature.
Comparisons with Other Works
As previously said, What Have You Done? has a remarkable similarity to The Girl on the Train, not just in structure and tone, but also in its investigation of untrustworthy narrators and the vulnerability of truth. Unlike The Girl on the Train, which concentrates on the psychological unraveling of a single character, Lapena’s work takes a larger approach, integrating several views into a complex, interconnecting story.
Another parallel may be found with Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies, notably in the way both books explore the dark underbelly of apparently idyllic societies. In both works, violence shatters the veneer of suburban peace, forcing the protagonists to face their own shortcomings and the falsehoods they’ve made to preserve the idea of normality.
Lapena’s writing also has parallels with Gillian Flynn’s books, notably Sharp Objects. Like Flynn, Lapena investigates the dark truths that lurk behind the surface of small-town life. Both writers are skilled at creating atmospheres of tension and discomfort, where the past is never fully buried and the truth is always more complicated than it looks.
The Twist: A Revelation That Changes Everything
No good thriller is complete without a twist, and What Have You Done?delivers in plenty. Without giving too much away, the novel’s finale turns the story on its head, showing that the truth was hiding in plain sight all along. This revelation is not just stunning; it is also immensely rewarding, connecting the story’s different strands in a manner that seems both predictable and unexpected.
Lapena’s ability to create such an intriguing twist demonstrates her storytelling prowess. She leaves minor hints throughout the story, but they are easy to miss within the layers of duplicity and misdirection. When the truth is revealed, the reader is forced to reevaluate all they previously believed about the people and the community of Fairhill.
The twist in What Have You Done? demonstrates Lapena’s mastery of the thriller genre. It’s the kind of twist that makes you want to go back and reread the book, hunting for hints you missed the first time. It’s a twist that not only alters your perception of the tale, but also increases your admiration for the skill of storytelling.
Psychological Depth: More Than Just a Thriller
While What Have You Done? is certainly a thriller, it is also a psychologically rich story. Lapena goes into the characters’ psychological states as well as the exterior events—murder, investigation, and twist. The story investigates how guilt, fear, and suspicion may distort our views and influence our behavior.
The way Lapena describes her characters exemplifies the novel’s psychological complexity. They are not merely archetypes—the jealous lover, the bereaved parents, the suspicious neighbor—but fully developed characters with complicated interior lives. Their anxieties, wants, and regrets are all exposed, making them approachable and, at times, disturbingly genuine.
This psychological intricacy provides another dimension to the work, elevating it beyond merely a page-turner. It’s a story that encourages you to consider the ways in which we mislead ourselves and others, as well as the repercussions of such actions. It’s a work that lingers with you long after you’ve finished reading it, as you reflect on the characters’ motives and decisions.
Writing Style: Simple and Effective
Lapena’s writing style is basic yet powerful. She doesn’t use flowery jargon or too complicated words. Instead, she use simple writing to heighten suspense and propel the story ahead. This simplicity is one of the novel’s virtues, since it enables the tale to go quickly, keeping the reader involved from beginning to end.
The novel’s straightforward style makes it accessible to a broad spectrum of readers. You don’t have to be a literary specialist to enjoy the narrative Lapena tells. At the same time, the straightforwardness of the text does not imply that the work lacks subtlety. Lapena creates a feeling of anxiety via tiny changes in tone and viewpoint.
The Verdict: A must-read for thriller fans
In conclusion, What Have You Done? is a riveting, well-crafted thriller that will have readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. Shari Lapena has once again shown herself to be a master of home suspense, with a work that is both amusing and thought-provoking.
Whether you’re a longtime lover of Lapena’s work or a beginner to her novels, her current release is not to be overlooked. Its outstanding character development, clever narrative, and startling twist set it apart from the genre. If you appreciate psychological thrillers that delve into the darkest aspects of human nature, What Have You Done? should be at the top of your reading list.
So, if you want to read a gripping story that will keep you wondering till the finish, What Have You Done? is the book for you. But be warned: once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop until you’ve discovered every secret in Fairhill.
Final Thoughts: Reflections on the Genre
Thrillers like What Have You Done? have a unique position in the literary world because they touch into our most primal fears and worries. They serve as a reminder that danger may hide behind even the most recognizable faces, and that the border between safety and hazard is thinner than we would think. Authors such as Shari Lapena explore these issues not just for pleasure, but also to face and grasp the intricacies of human nature.
As I end this evaluation, I can’t help but feel satisfied. Another amazing book done, another adventure through the twisted maze of suspense. But, as usual, the conclusion of one book heralds the beginning of another. So, as I bid farewell to Fairhill and its mysteries, I look forward to the next narrative, which will definitely capture my mind.
