Book Review: Someone Knows by Lisa Gardner
Sometimes a title just hooks you, doesn’t it? When I came across "Someone Knows" by Lisa Gardner, I was instantly intrigued. As someone who often finds solace in a good thriller, I was ready to dive into the world of secrets, suspense, and a touch of nostalgia. The premise—a college professor returning to her hometown to confront a dark secret—felt like it had all the makings for a gripping read. Yet, as I turned the pages, I found myself caught in a web of mixed feelings.
At its core, the story revolves around Elizabeth, an English professor who discovers that one of her students has penned a chapter eerily similar to a dark secret from her past—one that involves her deceased best friend Jocelyn and a twisted teacher-student affair. As Elizabeth navigates her return to Louisiana, we’re promised a dramatic unraveling of old wounds. I truly felt the pull of the emotional stakes at play, and there’s that ostensibly thrilling hook that kept me curious. But when I actually got into it, predictability soon eclipsed my enthusiasm.
Gardner’s writing style is undoubtedly fast-paced, gifting readers a sense of urgency that propels the story forward. The first-person perspective paints a raw, candid portrait of Elizabeth’s internal turmoil, almost like a chaotic reflection of her fractured psyche. However, despite the engaging voice, I found myself anticipating twists long before they materialized. The narrative, while captivatingly frantic at times, often felt devoid of real depth or surprise—leaving me wanting more from the plot structure.
The character of Elizabeth, unfortunately, wears the "foolish protagonist" trope pretty heavily. Between sleepless nights fueled by coffee and alcohol, her decisions left me shaking my head more often than not. It felt almost as though she was ticking boxes on a checklist of what we expect from flawed characters in thrillers. While I appreciate the intention to explore her instability through her choices, the repetition soon turned into frustration.
And oh, the book promises to be chilling and sexy, but unfortunately, it fell flat. The "sexy" often treaded into territory better suited for a soap opera. It dulled the suspense rather than heightening it, making moments that could have been poignant feel somewhat ridiculous instead. The last chapter, a twist seemingly crafted to shock, left so much to be desired—an unnecessary addition that only rekindled my irritation.
If you’re a fan of thrillers, you might still find some enjoyment here, especially if you appreciate character-driven stories. There are certainly themes worth discussing, like the implications of trauma and the haunting legacies of our choices. Gardner expertly sketches the patterns of relationships and the scars they leave, making this a potential discussion piece for book clubs.
In conclusion, "Someone Knows" shows great promise and boasts a keen understanding of how to build suspense. However, for a seasoned thriller lover like myself, the disappointments overshadowed the thrills. I’d encourage readers to peek at other reviews before diving in—there’s a chance this book will resonate with those open to traditional tropes and setups. Personally, I’m left with a thoughtful pause about my own preferences in this genre and how they shape my reading experience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for providing the eARC! As always, my opinions remain genuine and heartfelt.
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