The new domestic suspense novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Couple Next Door and *Someone We Know*
In upstate New York, Stephanie and Patrick are adjusting to life with their colicky twin babies. The girls are a handful, but Stephanie doesn't mind being a stay-at-home mom, taking care of them while Patrick does the nine to five to pay the bills.
When a woman from Patrick's past drops in on them unexpectedly, raising questions about his late first wife, Stephanie supports her husband wholeheartedly. She knows the car accident all those many years ago was just that--an accident. But Erica is persistent, and now she's threatening to go to the police.
Patrick is afraid his job--and his reputation--will be at risk if he doesn't put an end to Erica's questioning immediately. And when the police start digging, Stephanie's trust in her husband begins to falter and Patrick is primed to lose everything he loves. As their marriage crumbles, Stephanie feels herself coming unglued, and soon she isn't sure what--or who--to believe. Now the most important thing is to protect her girls, but at what cost?
Review
Praise for The End of Her:“The fast pace will keep those fond of mischief and murder in suburbia turning the pages.”—Publishers Weekly"The queen of the one-sit read." —Linwood Barclay, New York Times bestselling author of Elevator Pitch"I read the cracking The End of Her in one sitting. All hail the Mistress of the Page Turner." —Fiona Barton, New York Times bestselling author of The Suspect"I absolutely adore Shari Lapena's compulsive thrillers and her new novel is her best yet. More twists than a roller coaster." —John Boyne, New York Times bestselling author of My Brother's Name is Jessica"I tore through it. It kept me on my toes throughout and the ending was just fantastic. Really tense!" —Harriet Tyce, bestselling author of Blood Orange "The End of Her is a slippery eel of a novel – just when you think you have it in your grasp, it slithers away on a new current. I consumed it in a day. . . . Unputdownable." —Louise Candlish, bestselling author of Our House "Shari Lapena is one of the best thriller writers in the business."—Steve Cavanagh, bestselling author of Thirteen"Gripping, compelling, thoroughly entertaining and devilishly clever." —Liz Nugent, bestselling author of Lying in Wait "Another unputdownable suburban thriller with the finest love-to-hate characters and a wickedly paced mystery." —Elizabeth Kay, author of Seven LiesPraise for Someone We Know:“Poised and chilling.” —Wall Street Journal“Clever.” —USA Today“No-one does suburban paranoia like Shari Lapena—this slowly unfurling nightmare will have you biting your nails until the end.”—Ruth Ware, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Turn of the Key“Slyly plotted . . . Lapena skillfully maximizes suspense with her dual story lines that eventually collide, as well as some deft misdirection . . . many fans of domestic suspense will be satisfied.”—Publishers Weekly“Highly suspenseful . . . Sure to delight fans of Liane Moriarty and Louise Candlish.”—Booklist“This book is non-stop twists and turns. Shari Lapena will leave your head spinning as you try and make sense of the lies surrounding the families in this neighborhood. And just when you think you’ve figured it out, you’re probably wrong. Absolutely recommend!”—Suspense Magazine“Someone We Know is a tour de force of thriller writing. Shari Lapena proves yet again that she is the mistress of the pacy plot, cliff edge tension and menacing suburban claustrophobia. Fans will be delighted and if you haven’t read her books yet, then why on earth not?” —Gilly Macmillan, New York Times bestselling author of The NannyPraise for An Unwanted Guest:“A gripping mystery perfect for fans of Agatha Christie.” —Good Housekeeping“Proving that time periods may change but people do not, Lapena delivers a solid whodunit with an ending that would make Dame Christie proud.” —USA Today“Another nail-biter perfect for an all-nighter.” —Entertainment Weekly“A new thriller that will give you serious Agatha Christie vibes . . . if you’re one of the many people who counts [And Then There Were None] among their favorite books, you will love An Unwanted Guest. . . . A deftly crafted and expertly paced thriller that will keep readers guessing (and terrified) until the very end.” —Bustle“This compelling and realistic modern take on the country-house mystery will gain new fans for the author and is definitely one to hand to devotees of Agatha Christie (and her modern interpreter, Sophie Hannah).”—Booklist“An intriguing cast, an isolated location, a raging storm and the threat of death in every dark corner: An Unwanted Guest reads like Agatha Christie with a shot of adrenalin. Clear your desk before you start it because you won’t want to put it down.” —Gilly Macmillan, New York Times bestselling author of I Know You Know“Lapena has written a great whodunit, with a delicious Christie-like vibe. Fans of the author's first novel will want this, and anyone who savors a well-crafted murder mystery will gobble it up!” —Library Journal (starred review)Praise for A Stranger in the House:“Lapena’s A Stranger in the House will have you sleeping with the lights on for weeks.” —Bustle“Smart and suspenseful . . . you'll never see the ending coming.” —PureWow “So much suspense. So many twists. Good luck sleeping tonight.” —HelloGiggles“So many dizzying twists you'd better not drive after reading!” —Linwood Barclay, New York Times bestselling author of Parting Shot “Smart, twisty and compulsive. Suspense and suspicion accumulate relentlessly, toying with your expectations and your emotions right up until the packs-a-punch ending. Don’t miss it, and don’t expect to be able to put it down.” —Gilly Macmillan, New York Times bestselling author of I Know You Know“A diverting page-turner."—Publishers Weekly"Great suspense and lots of twists." —The Toronto Star"Lapena keeps the well-developed twists churning, with each a surprise notch in this ever-evolving plot, and she continues this skillful storytelling until the stunning twist at the end . . . memorable." —Associated PressPraise for The Couple Next Door:“Meticulously crafted and razor sharp. The Couple Next Door lingers long after you turn the final page.” —Harlan Coben, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fool Me Once“The twists come as fast [as] you can turn the pages.” —People“Provocative and shocking. One crime, an entire neighborhood of suspects, secrets, and lies. How well do we ever know those around us? The Couple Next Door will keep you glued to the pages in search of the answer. Even then, you’ll never guess the truth . . . until it's too late.” —Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Find Her“I read this novel at one sitting, absolutely riveted by the story line. The suspense was beautifully rendered and unrelenting!” —Sue Grafton, New York Times bestselling author of Y is for Yesterday“Real men read women writers—because of books like this. Trust me.” —Lee Child, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Make Me“A twisty, utterly riveting tale that will send readers on a wild roller-coaster ride of emotions. Shocking revelations kept me turning the pages like a madwoman.” —Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of Playing with Fire“Expertly paced and finely crafted, The Couple Next Door is a gripping thriller of the highest order. I couldn’t put it down.” —A. J. Banner, bestselling author of The Good Neighbor“Gripped me from the very beginning to the very end!” —Becky Masterman, author of Rage Against the Dying“Brilliant! This utterly riveting psychological thriller hurtles along at breakneck speed, never giving you the opportunity to catch your breath. Twisty, turny, and unputdownable.” —C. L. Taylor, bestselling author of The Lie“Exquisitely torturous tension.” —NPR.org“Where did that baby go! It’s hard not to read to the end to find out, and the twists waiting there are gratifyingly clever.”—USA Today“The many never-saw-them-coming twists and questionable characters . . . will keep you on the edge of your seat. First-time novelist Lapena’s writing is spare and tense, and it makes The Couple Next Door a compulsive read. The last line is absolutely a killer.” —Good Housekeeping“[A] well-sculpted domestic thriller . . . highly suspenseful . . . Twists are subtly revealed with aplomb, taking the story to increasingly unpredictable levels.” —Associated Press
About the Author
Shari Lapena is the internationally bestselling author of the thrillers The Couple Next Door, A Stranger in the House, An Unwanted Guest, and Someone We Know, which have all been New York Times and The Sunday Times (London) bestsellers. Her books have been sold in thirty-five territories around the world. She lives in Toronto. Views: 535
Vastrick Security are hired to keep an African Stateswoman alive for just 72 hours until she can deliver a speech that will rock the world. Not too difficult a task unless several African despots, rogue security forces and the world’s deadliest assassin want her dead. The second City of London Thriller has shocks at every turn as the plot races from London to Cuba and on to the USA.Vastrick Security are hired to keep an African Stateswoman alive for just 72 hours until she can deliver a speech that will rock the world. Not too difficult a task unless several African despots, rogue security forces and the world’s deadliest assassin want her dead. The second in the deeply authentic City of London Thriller series has shocks at every turn as the plot races from London to Cuba and on to the USA. A gripping story told in around 100,000 words. Views: 535
After returning to the Rendron with her battle-weary Nighthawks Special Forces, Helga Ate is ready for some rest and relaxation. But once they can finally breathe and feel as if they are out of harm's way, the Rendron is ambushed again.
But who could've known that they were home and safe? Unless, someone on the inside had other plans...
The treachery is far deeper than Helga and the Captain ever imagined. Can Helga and her Nighthawks find the traitor in time to save the crew, or will the next ambush be the last one? Views: 534
Meggie Sherbrooke, newly married to Thomas Malcombe, the earl of Lancaster, finds her new home in Pendragon, a castle on the southeastern coast of Ireland. The ancient dwelling, full of eccentric people, charms Meggie in a fashion that could lead to disaster. Views: 534
A short story about a white envelope, a man, and a boy. Designed as a 'coffee cup' read - just long enough to read over a cup of coffee.A dark future awaits...After a decade of storms, disease, drought, and riots, the US conquers its troubles by militarizing its government. Old democratic allies in Europe respond uneasily to the change.in 2055 Arinna and Michael Prescot are just two of the many former soldiers sent to foreign embassies in the hopes of strengthening faltering US alliances. But as the US becomes embroiled in new internal terrorism, its agents in Europe are offered intimidation and lies rather than explanations. And the price of seeking the truth to events back home is steep.As the growing conflict in the US threatens the peace of Europe and tips the world toward World War III, choices of loyalty need to be made - if Michael and Arinna can determine who to trust and if the price of their help is worth the cost. Global events hinge on a few individuals as an apocalyptic war threatens Europe, and no one is more unprepared than its potential saviors.Stories from the War consists of eleven interlinked short stories that are a prelude to the military dystopian thriller trilogy Friends of my Enemy.Set in Europe, this near future fiction series of novels unfolds through the intersecting lives of a small handful of people and explores adult themes, both dark and hopeful, of friendship, romance, and family, including how these influences direct everyday choices which ripple outwards to impact governments on the verge of an apocalypse. Because not all influence is good, and not all decisions can be made in time.What readers are saying:“Part one of what appears to be an interesting tale of tangled relationships and covert happenings in a future earth torn asunder with riots and natural disasters. Strong characterization and believable scenarios coupled with a setting that is thought provoking and entertaining. I want to read the next one. Check this story out!” - J.Williams 4 stars“Autumn has done it again. This book will grab you and carry you from beginning to end without a moment of boredom. Think of the quotation "The Enemy of my enemy is my friend" and you gain some insight into the substance of the story. I normally like Fantasy Adventure, but this novel was a great walk through something a little different. Can't recommend it enough.” - Victor 5 stars Views: 534
Karen Sheppard is found dead in her car at the Paris Club. Her husband is a self-absorbed sociopath, but is he a killer? The initial evidence points towards Karen's husband, but DNA results exonerates him and points towards a convicted sex offender. Who really killed her? This short story is full of twists and turns with an end that will surprise you.15 year-old Axel lives happily with his mother until he is kidnapped and taken to places unknown and he must find his way back home. Views: 534
"Charlatans is an explosive thriller from New York Times bestselling author and master of the medical thriller Robin Cook.
Noah Rothauser is the new super chief resident at Boston Memorial Hospital. Housing state-of-the-art medical facilities, it’s always been Noah’s dream to work for such an esteemed institution. But the pressures of the role become all too clear when a seemingly routine operation results in the tragic death of an otherwise healthy man. With potential malpractice suspected it falls to the newly appointed surgical doctor to investigate what happened.
Questioning those involved uncovers bitter feuds within the hospital’s surgical staff when Dr. William Mason, the egotistical, world-class surgeon who performed the operation, is quick to blame staff anaeshtetist Dr. Ava London for the disastrous outcome. However Dr. London, along with the nursing staff, point the finger at the surgeon.
When two more anaesthesia-related deaths occur, Noah is forced to look closer at the impressively competent, charming, yet mysterious Dr. London, and he quickly realizes there’s far more to her than meets the eye. With his own job and integrity coming into jeopardy, Noah must decide which doctor is at fault and who he can believe – before any more lives are lost . . ." Views: 533
Weeks after a political coup swept aside a corrupt president, America is thrown into chaos when a satellite is de-orbited over Texas. The substance inside offers untold wonder and horror...and unbelievable power to those who control it. Lives are threatened, loyalties shattered, and families broken as nefarious forces stop at nothing to capture every gram of what was on the Silver Six satellite.Eleven weeks after a political revolution swept aside a corrupt and brutal president, America is thrown into chaos when an unregistered satellite is de-orbited over west Texas. The mysterious substance inside the satellite offers untold wonder and horror...and unbelievable wealth and power to those who control it. Lives are threatened, loyalties are shattered, and families are broken as nefarious forces will stop at nothing to capture every milligram of what was on the Silver Six satellite. Hank Hummel and Hector Rodriguez, forced to abandon their quiet lives, are on the clock and forced to face off against foes who are, quite literally, like nothing on Earth. Views: 533
The mysterious strangers have finally confronted their quarry but Remi hasn't even had his dinner yet! Do Remi and Jane have what it takes to get out of this one alive? Will Remi's insurance cover the damage to his apartment? Does Remi even HAVE insurance? What happens when these assassins from the future go one on one with our favourite nanite wielding super-heroine? Find out in Jane 8086 Part 5!The mysterious strangers have finally confronted their quarry but Remi hasn't even had his dinner yet! Do Remi and Jane have what it takes to get out of this one alive? Will Remi's insurance cover the damage to his apartment? Does Remi even HAVE insurance? What happens when these assassins from the future go one on one with our favourite nanite wielding super-heroine? Find out in Jane 8086 Part Five! Views: 533
What if the person you thought you knew best turns out to be someone you never knew at all . . . ?
Andrea knows everything about her mother, Laura. She knows she’s spent her whole life in the small beachside town of Belle Isle; she knows she’s never wanted anything more than to live a quiet life as a pillar of the community; she knows she’s never kept a secret in her life. Because we all know our mothers, don’t we?
But all that changes when a trip to the mall explodes into violence and Andrea suddenly sees a completely different side to Laura. Because it turns out that before Laura was Laura, she was someone completely different. For nearly thirty years she’s been hiding from her previous identity, lying low in the hope that no one would ever find her. But now she’s been exposed, and nothing will ever be the same again.
The police want answers and Laura’s innocence is on the line, but she won’t speak to anyone, including her own daughter. Andrea is on a desperate journey following the breadcrumb trail of her mother’s past. And if she can’t uncover the secrets hidden there, there may be no future for either one of them. . . .
*NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR***
I thought you guys might want to know some of my thoughts on my new book, PIECES OF HER. First off, let me say it’s NOT a Will and Sara book (that will be next year). I hope that you’ll give this one a try even if you’re a series fan.
I’ve been writing about father/daughter relationships a lot in my standalones, but when the plot of PIECES OF HER started taking shape in my brain, I found myself thinking about how much I enjoyed writing scenes in the Grant County series between Sara and her mother . Mother/daughter relationships tend to be more fraught than father/daughter ones, and it’s always fun to play with those tensions.
Primarily, I wanted to focus on the opportunities for women now vs. the limited choices when I was growing up. Laura Oliver is older than me, but she was faced with the same messages that I grew up with. No one was telling me I could be a doctor or lawyer—us girls were either fast tracked into nursing, teaching, or library sciences. Title IX was just reaching Morrow High School and I vividly recall being told again and again that girls weren’t interested in sports, or that girls weren’t good at math and science and all those other lies that young women are told about themselves.
In contrast to this experience is Laura's 31 year old daughter, Andrea (Andy), who has so many choices that she is paralyzed. I think in many ways 31 year olds are closer to my generation’s 21 year olds. There is no stigma to living with your parents or even hanging out with them. All of the things that for better or worse furiously propelled my generation into adulthood—getting your own car, having your own apartment, making your own decisions, paying for your stupid mistakes—have ceased being motivating factors.
I think a lot of readers can relate to this dynamic, whether they are on the mother side or the daughter side. Everywhere I’ve traveled, there’s some phrase in the popular culture that describes what we in the US call a “helicopter parent.” (In Denmark, they’re “curling parents”). Laura has done her level best to make Andy’s life easy and conflict-free, and the end result is that Andy is teetering on the precipice of adulthood, unable to take the leap and with no one around to give her a gentle shove.
But don’t worry about all this character stuff. Those of you looking for a thriller should be very satisfied with the story. It opens (as all of my books do) with something really horrible happening. Andy is having a birthday celebration with her mother when suddenly, shit goes sideways. In a flash of violence, Andy sees Laura as not the gentle, loving mother she grew up with but as a complete stranger who is capable of doing terrible things.
This leads Andy into a dark place—and also into a quest to find out who her mother really is. Most kids can relate to not really knowing their parents (and some kids don’t want to know!) but Laura’s secrets are deadly, which Andy quickly finds out when she starts to put together all the pieces of a woman she has never known. Views: 532
He has one chance to find the facts he's searched for his entire life. All he has to do is prove his Number One enemy is not a killer... Daniel Pike has fought his entire legal career to ensure no wrongly convicted person dies in prison like his father did. But he's still no closer to uncovering his own painful family secrets. And after a terrible twist of fate, he's hired to defend his arch-nemesis who's been charged with a gruesome murder... With a string of grisly clues placing his client squarely in the frame, Pike's investigations incur the fury of a powerful and callous cartel. After a key defense witness is brutally slain, not even this talented attorney stands a chance of convincing any jury that his defendant's hands are not blood-stained. And the cartel's next target is Pike...and everyone he loves. Will Pike's most challenging assignment destroy everything he's struggled to achieve? Final... Views: 532
