She Didn't See it Coming by Shari Lapena

Another great thriller from author Shari Lapena! As always, Lapena keeps the reader’s attention with her fast-paced plot and crisp writing style. With each chapter ending on a cliff hanger, it’s impossible to put down the book.

What starts as a simple fender bender leads to the woman who caused the accident to go missing several weeks later. Bryden’s husband, Sam, is distraught when she doesn’t arrive to pick up their daughter at daycare. Finding her purse, computer, and cell phone in their apartment, he checks with their neighbor, her sister, and her best friend, who have no idea where she might be. The tension builds as police search the building, finding her car in the underground garage, but no sign of Bryden. Discovering a neighbor has been previously charged with the abduction of a young woman, he becomes a person of interest, along with the man whose car Bryden damaged. But Sam soon realizes he is the number one suspect, and he worries the police will uncover what he is hiding.

Written in the present tense, the story unravels with a sense of immediacy, with a glimpse into each of the main character’s thoughts with multiple points of view, including the family, the suspects, and the lead detective on the case. This shifting of POVs creates suspense and allows the reader to piece together the clues. As each piece of evidence is revealed, Lapena shifts the focus and doubt from one suspect to another. Masterful character development in a slow-burn kind of way makes the reader question everyone.

What appears to be a perfect couple with a loving family and friends may be tainted with secrets and lies. The twists start early and don’t stop. If you are looking for a book to devour in a day or two, pick up your copy of She Didn’t See it Coming now.