Another brilliant book from Shari Lapena. This was really gripping and tense, and kept me guessing all the way through. Fantastic twists and turns, and what an ending! Loved it.

She didn't see it coming ... and neither did I!

Addictive, page turning, twisty, I literally couldn't put this book down and raced through it in 2 days.

Bryden is married to Sam and they seem to have it all - they are that perfect couple that everyone wants to be. Attractive, surrounded by friends, they both have successful careers and are living in a luxury apartment, with their beautiful daughter.

But then comes the phone call - Bryden hasn't picked their little girl up from daycare. Her car is in the garage, her phone, keys and wallet still at home, but she is nowhere to be seen, and has completely disappeared without a trace.

Fast paced and tightly plotted She Didn't See It Coming is a master class in thriller writing. The short chapters have you thinking - just one more, and keep the momentum running. It doesn't slow down and the tension is high throughout.

I loved the elements of true crime woven into the story, and the exploration of the online communities where anonymous users play detective and the pull that can have. I also really liked the Detective in charge of the case - a strong female lead who pulls no punches.

Everyone is a suspect and you don't know who to trust. Shari writes unreliable witnesses and unlikable characters brilliantly, and keeps you guessing right until the very end.

The ending is very neat and satisfying, pulling together all the little clues and sub twists perfectly.

The ideal book to pack in your suitcase and loose yourself in by the pool on your holidays. Or simply to enjoy sitting in sunshine wherever you may be this summer! Recommended - a must read for thriller fans.

I love Shari Lapena's books and this did not disappoint, kept me guessing until the very end, highly recommend!

I a big fan of this author and book did not disappoint a very gripping read. Bryden has it all a husband daughter good job s. Sam Bryden husband gets a call at work his wife not picked up their daughter from day care he gets home her bag phone all at home she just disappeared, Detective Jayne salter is on this case. won't say no more lies secrets deceit very gripping you think you worked it out but no

Outstanding…
Bryden, a career woman, a mother, a wife, has disappeared from her apartment - seemingly into thin air. The couple seem to have it all, successful jobs, a luxury condo and a beautiful three year old daughter. Where is Bryden? As the police investigation ratchets up, secrets and lies will out. This latest offering from this accomplished author is, as per usual, simply outstanding - whip smart plotting, an intense narrative and nigh on perfect character studies. Immersive and wholly, utterly compelling.

Bryden a loving mother, sister and wife disappears leaving her purse and phone behind and no one knows where she has gone. At first glance she seems to have it all but soon secrets come spilling out and nothing seems that perfect anymore.

Wow an amazing 5 star read from Shari Lapena that I couldn’t put down. The story was excellent and I just had no idea until the end what had happened as I doubted every suspect.

The ending was fantastic and just blew me away.
Thanks to NetGalley, Shari Lapena and Random House UK, Transworld publishers for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Bryden has it all - a great marriage, a beautiful daughter and a job she enjoys. Until one day she vanishes without a trace, leaving it all behind.

Just what has happened to Bryden and who knows more than they are letting on?

Another inspired and brilliant read from Shari, whose books just get better and better. An author I want to read more from!

Highly recommended.

From the moment I picked this book up, I was hooked. I had a hard time putting it down. I even stayed up late reading and I thought I had the twist figured out but the author surprised me multiple times.

I’d highly recommend this book to anybody who loves thriller books especially ones that have twists that make you scream , “WHAT?!”

The story was a real good one, you didn’t know what was happening due to the twists making it so fast- paced I loved it!

I just LOVE books when they make you think, and then you change your mind on the characters. The ending was one word: WOW!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me!

Bryden and Sam appear to have it all: a loving family unit, a daughter, good jobs and a way of life for which so many would yearn. Until Bryden doesn’t collect their daughter from daycare and Sam comes home to realise his wife is missing. Like she’s simply walked out of their apartment, she’ll be back soon, won’t she? As the mystery deepens – and the reality hits home – it’s clear the shine on this perfect couple is dimming, with secrets and half truths coming to light. But will their friends, neighbours and closest family be on hand to help with what is to come? This bounced nicely between each character, whose reactions felt realistic, leaving the reader satisfyingly perplexed as to their real intentions. A snappy read.

I always enjoy Shari Lapena’s books, and this certainly didn’t disappoint. It was packed full of twists right up to the last page. I believed that almost every character was the villain at some point in this book. This is a great domestic thriller and I’ll definitely be recommending.

This is a brilliant read. Bryden fails to collect her daughter Clara from creche. When the po.ice arrives her house nothing is missing and her phone and wallet are there. Where has she gone and is she alive? This book will keep you gripped and is a sure fire hit.

Wow! What a book, I'm totally shook! I was so excited to be approved for this book as I love Shari Lapena books, this one was no exception! It had it all in it. It was full of twists and turns the whole way and you genuinely don't know what way its going to go. I literally couldn't put it down at all was totally hooked. One of the best books by Shari that I have read. Highly recommend this book, cant wait for the next one!

This is definitely a mystery that gets you suspecting everyone and trying to figure out what happened and why. Sam is worried when Bryden doesn’t collect their daughter from nursery and it soon becomes apparent that she’s missing. At first glance there’s no obvious suspects or motive but this does a great job of dissembling characters and relationships as the story progresses. It’s not a pacy thriller but it progresses well and I was certainly enthralled as things gradually fell apart and my feelings towards different characters changed. There’s plenty of red herrings and it’s definitely a case of you really don’t know what goes on behind closed doors.

#SheDidntSeeItComing #NetGalley
One of it's kind. 5 ⭐.
Shari Lapena, the queen of domestic suspense, returns with She Didn’t See It Coming—a gripping, high-stakes thriller that turns a picture-perfect life into a chilling mystery. With her signature style of rapid pacing and psychological tension, Lapena crafts a twisty tale that keeps readers glued to the pages. Bryden and Sam appear to have it all—prestigious careers, a happy marriage, a sweet daughter, and a sleek condo in a luxury building. But their perfect life is shattered when Bryden suddenly vanishes without a trace. Bryden’s car is still in the underground garage. Her phone, laptop, and keys are all in place. There’s no sign of forced entry or struggle. It’s like she simply vanished from their secure apartment in the middle of the day. As the investigation unfolds, secrets begin to leak. Can Sam really account for every minute of his day? Is the condo building as secure as it seems? And what are the neighbors hiding behind their polished façades? As detectives dig deeper and the media frenzy grows, the truth about Bryden, Sam, and those around them begins to unravel—and it’s darker than anyone imagined.
Overall, She Didn’t See It Coming is a masterclass in domestic noir—eerie, twisty, and impossible to put down. Shari Lapena once again proves why she's one of the most compelling voices in psychological thrillers today. Fans of The Couple Next Door and Gone Girl will devour this.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK Transworld Publishers Bantam for giving me an advance copy.