Scan barcode
A review by ronnieb
Everyone Here Is Lying by Shari Lapena
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Trigger Warning: Domestic/Child Abuse, Cheating, Molestation Discussed Not Shown
This book was a solid read. You are constantly switching between many different POVs and it reads at breakneck speeds but I personally love that type of story. It is fast-paced and there are enough story beats happening that you never really get bored. I did think there were a few too many characters as I found myself forgetting who some were and where they fit into the story between sittings to read this. A character list would be helpful.
As for the actual story, this is not doing anything new or groundbreaking but there are lessons and commentary provided under an engaging mystery of what did happen to Avery. You dislike most characters but everyone does feel three-dimensional outside of Avery I would say. I never felt like I was reading a first draft or characters who were just one trait personified, once again outside of Avery. In the actual reveal of what did happen, I did partially guess as far as motive but I did not guess everything fully. This was in part of the story being well constructed but I will say it does come a bit out of nowhere. I will explain further below but it could be potential spoilers so stop here if you do not one even a hint of the twist.
POTENTIAL SPOILER
I felt like the character that ultimately is our big bad is in one scene before being revealed which I initially dismissed as a red hearing. It was not bad but I would be shocked if someone really was blown away by the twist.
This book was a solid read. You are constantly switching between many different POVs and it reads at breakneck speeds but I personally love that type of story. It is fast-paced and there are enough story beats happening that you never really get bored. I did think there were a few too many characters as I found myself forgetting who some were and where they fit into the story between sittings to read this. A character list would be helpful.
As for the actual story, this is not doing anything new or groundbreaking but there are lessons and commentary provided under an engaging mystery of what did happen to Avery. You dislike most characters but everyone does feel three-dimensional outside of Avery I would say. I never felt like I was reading a first draft or characters who were just one trait personified, once again outside of Avery. In the actual reveal of what did happen, I did partially guess as far as motive but I did not guess everything fully. This was in part of the story being well constructed but I will say it does come a bit out of nowhere. I will explain further below but it could be potential spoilers so stop here if you do not one even a hint of the twist.
POTENTIAL SPOILER
I felt like the character that ultimately is our big bad is in one scene before being revealed which I initially dismissed as a red hearing. It was not bad but I would be shocked if someone really was blown away by the twist.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse