What Happened to the Bennetts

Lisa Scottoline
64 pages2-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2022

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Book Brief

Lisa Scottoline

What Happened to the Bennetts

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Mystery & Crime Fiction

•

Horror & Suspense

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

Pennsylvania • Contemporary

Theme
Masculinity

•

Fathers

•

Justice
Topic
Grief & Death
First Publication Year

2022

Publisher

G.P. Putnam's Sons

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline follows Jason Bennett, a suburban dad who, after witnessing the murder of his daughter during a carjacking, enters the Witness Protection Program with his family to escape retaliation from a drug-trafficking organization. As Jason delves into the conspiracy that endangers his family, he confronts corruption within the FBI, ultimately risking everything to protect his loved ones. The novel depicts murder and torture.

Suspenseful

Emotional

Dark

Unnerving

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

3.9

104,060 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Lisa Scottoline's What Happened to the Bennetts has been praised for its gripping and fast-paced narrative, drawing readers into a family's harrowing ordeal. However, some critics noted an overreliance on clichés and predictability in the plot. Overall, the novel is well-received for its emotional depth and suspenseful storytelling, despite minor criticisms of its formulaic elements.

Who should read this

Who Should Read What Happened to the Bennetts?

Readers who enjoy gripping family dramas and legal thrillers, akin to those by Jodi Picoult or John Grisham, will find What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline captivating. This novel appeals to those who appreciate intense emotional narratives intertwined with suspenseful courtroom plots.

3.9

104,060 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

The protagonist and narrator, a 47-year-old Pennsylvania native who built a successful court reporting business and struggles with balancing safety and risk in his life.

Jason's wife, a dedicated mother and owner of a photography business, who struggles with family obligations and personal desires.

The 13-year-old son of Jason and Lucinda, who enjoys video games and has difficulty coping with his sister’s death and the family’s relocation.

An FBI agent assigned to protect the Bennetts under the witness protection program, who becomes a mentor and friend to Jason.

The novel's antagonist, a dangerous and unpredictable figure with a background involving criminal activities.

Jason and Lucinda's teenage daughter known for her competitive nature and close relationship with her mother, whose death impacts the family profoundly.

Dom's FBI partner with a knack for facts, who tries to connect with Ethan but has his own personal agenda.

A high-powered lawyer with connections and a history with Lucinda, known for his ambition and manipulation.

The former head of a large criminal organization, noted for his power and family loyalty despite his criminal activities.

A true crime blogger and podcaster whose investigations provide pivotal information to the characters.

A trucking company whose drivers show notable loyalty and play a role in the unfolding events.

A trio of Vietnam veterans and poker buddies, who aid Jason with their calm presence and experience.

A senator with a military background and connections to past interrogations, whose ambitions trigger key events in the story.

Lucinda’s best friend who uses her social media resources to investigate the Bennetts' disappearance.

Big George’s son, involved in the criminal organization with Milo, who creates tension during the carjacking incident.

A low-level drug trafficker in the criminal organization, playing a role as a typical underling involved in the Bennetts' case.

The FBI agent responsible for overseeing the Bennett case, representing corrupt elements within the bureau.

Lucinda’s mother, a former CEO now residing in assisted living due to Alzheimer’s disease.

A neighbor in the Delaware safehouse area who provides Jason with assistance in the form of a vehicle.

A paralegal at Lattimore & Finch with connections to Hart, involved in his professional and personal life.

An innocent victim sold to the US government post-9/11, with a backstory involving Guantanamo Bay and interrogation.

Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Mystery & Crime Fiction

•

Horror & Suspense

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

Pennsylvania • Contemporary

Theme
Masculinity

•

Fathers

•

Justice
Topic
Grief & Death
First Publication Year

2022

Publisher

G.P. Putnam's Sons

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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