1. About the Author: Shari Lapena
Shari Lapena is one of Canada’s most prominent contemporary authors in the thriller and psychological suspense genre. Over the past decade, she has built an international reputation for crafting gripping stories centered on family secrets, closed communities, and ordinary people hiding extraordinary darkness. Her global breakthrough came with The Couple Next Door, followed by a series of bestsellers such as An Unwanted Guest, Someone We Know, and Not a Happy Family.
Lapena’s writing style is instantly recognizable: fast-paced narratives, short and sharp chapters, and an intense focus on psychological tension. Rather than relying on graphic violence, she excels at exploring moral ambiguity and everyday fear—the idea that danger often comes from those closest to us. With What Have You Done?, Shari Lapena once again proves why critics regard her as a master of modern suspense.
2. About the Audiobook Narrators: Barrett Leddy, Jorjeana Marie, January LaVoy
The Audiobook edition of What Have You Done? is performed by three accomplished narrators: Barrett Leddy, Jorjeana Marie, and January LaVoy, all well known to fans of crime and psychological thrillers.
Barrett Leddy delivers a grounded, steady tone that works well for investigative and male perspectives. Jorjeana Marie brings a sharp, emotionally controlled voice ideal for complex female characters. January LaVoy, a veteran in the audiobook world, stands out for her ability to shift tone, rhythm, and emotional intensity, capturing inner turmoil with remarkable precision. Together, their performances create an immersive listening experience that feels almost cinematic.
3. Book Overview: What Have You Done?: A Novel
What Have You Done? is a psychological thriller set in the seemingly peaceful small town of Fairhill. The story begins with the mysterious death of a 17-year-old girl. There are no clear witnesses, no obvious suspects—and nearly everyone has something to hide. As the investigation unfolds, layers of deception are peeled back, revealing how fragile the town’s image of safety truly is.
The novel explores themes of guilt, collective silence, moral responsibility, and the unsettling question of how well we really know the people around us. On Goodreads, the book holds an average rating of approximately 3.7/5 from tens of thousands of readers. It also became a New York Times Bestseller, confirming both its critical appeal and commercial success within the thriller genre.
4. Book Review: What Have You Done? – In-Depth Review
As a book, What Have You Done? delivers exactly what readers expect from Shari Lapena: tight pacing, mounting suspense, and constant doubt. The narrative shifts between multiple perspectives, keeping readers off balance and forcing them to reassess their assumptions again and again. One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its claustrophobic small-town atmosphere, where every character feels potentially complicit.
Some readers note that the final reveal unfolds rather quickly and may not deliver the explosive payoff they anticipated. Still, critics largely praise the novel’s execution. Publishers Weekly described it as “addictive, chilling, and deeply unsettling.”
Personal Reflection:
For me, What Have You Done? stands out as a psychological thriller that prioritizes human behavior over shock value. The story doesn’t rely on sensational twists but instead builds tension through silence, suspicion, and emotional restraint. What I found most compelling is the way Lapena makes every character feel both ordinary and dangerous at the same time. It’s the kind of novel you read quickly, yet continue thinking about long after you’ve finished, precisely because its fears feel so close to real life.
5. Audiobook Review: What Have You Done? – Audiobook Review
The Audiobook version of What Have You Done? is widely praised for its multi-narrator approach. Assigning different voices to different viewpoints helps listeners follow the story with ease while enhancing emotional depth. January LaVoy, in particular, receives strong praise for conveying anxiety, guilt, and inner conflict with subtlety and control.
A small number of listeners feel that multiple narrators can occasionally make certain character roles easier to predict, slightly reducing suspense. Nevertheless, reviews on Audible and Audiobooks.com generally rate the audiobook around 4 out of 5 stars, recognizing it as a high-quality audio production.
Personal Reflection:
I found the audiobook especially effective for this story. The calm but tense delivery of the narrators amplifies the feeling that you’re listening to overlapping confessions rather than a single, objective truth. The pacing is well balanced—slow enough to absorb psychological nuance, yet fast enough to maintain suspense. For listeners who enjoy immersive storytelling during commutes or quiet evenings, this audiobook is an excellent choice.
6. Who Should Read or Listen to This Book?
What Have You Done? is ideal for fans of psychological thrillers, especially those who enjoy stories set in small communities filled with hidden secrets. Readers who liked The Couple Next Door or Someone We Know will feel right at home. It is also a strong recommendation for Audiobook listeners who appreciate multi-voice narration and character-driven suspense.
7. Conclusion
What Have You Done?: A Novel reinforces Shari Lapena’s reputation for crafting tense, human-centered thrillers. While it may not be her most shocking work, it remains a compelling and unsettling read, equally effective in print and as an Audiobook. If you’re looking for a suspenseful story that feels disturbingly plausible, this novel deserves a place on your reading or listening list.
8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook
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