Someone We Know: A Novel
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
292
Novel • Fiction
•
Mystery & Crime Fiction•
Psychological FictionHudson Valley, New York • Contemporary
•
Loyalty & Betrayal•
Trust & Doubt•
Trauma & Abuse2019
Pamela Dorman Books
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Someone We Know by Shari Lapena, a young woman is brutally murdered, and suspicions sweep through the seemingly serene Hudson Valley town of Aylesford. The narrative unfolds with multiple twists, as a teenager's hacking activities inadvertently expose dangerous secrets among neighbors. The investigation reveals affairs, lies, and buried evidence, delving into themes of trust, deception, and modern technology's ambiguous impact. The book contains graphic descriptions of murder, substance use disorder, and sexuality.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Dark
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
192,856 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Shari Lapena's Someone We Know weaves a tense, small-town mystery that has captivated readers with its brisk pacing and intricate plot twists. Positive feedback highlights the engaging, suspenseful narrative and well-drawn characters. However, some reviews note predictable moments and cliched elements. Overall, an engrossing read for thrill-seekers.
Who Should Read Someone We Know?
Readers who enjoy Shari Lapena's Someone We Know are typically fans of domestic thrillers and psychological suspense. They are likely to appreciate the intricate plotting and suburban secrets found in Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl or Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies. These readers relish unraveling complex mysteries that delve into the dark undercurrents of seemingly perfect communities.
192,856 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A suburban resident and part-time copy editor with a strong moral sense, who becomes a central figure in navigating the novel’s events, especially concerning her family.
The 16-year-old son of Olivia Sharpe, characterized by his interest in computers and a penchant for breaking into neighbors' houses to hack into their systems.
The best friend and neighbor of Olivia Sharpe, with a similar family structure, who plays a key role in the unfolding story due to her actions regarding family secrets.
Amanda's husband, known for his calm demeanor and calculating nature, who is perceived as someone with potentially sinister capabilities.
292
Novel • Fiction
•
Mystery & Crime Fiction•
Psychological FictionHudson Valley, New York • Contemporary
•
Loyalty & Betrayal•
Trust & Doubt•
Trauma & Abuse2019
Pamela Dorman Books
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 10,900+ additional titles.