10 Jul Book Review of Someone Knows
Book Review: Someone Knows by Lisa Scottoline
As I cracked open Someone Knows by Lisa Scottoline, I was immediately drawn to its layered complexity—a personal favorite of mine when delving into contemporary thrillers. The premise intrigued me: a college professor, Elizabeth, returning to her past to confront the ghosts of her youth. It felt like the perfect setup for a deep dive into the darker dimensions of human relationships and secrets, something I believe Scottoline does well. However, while the book had its merits, and I had high hopes, it ultimately left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed.
Elizabeth, our troubled first-person narrator, is seamlessly whisked back to her hometown in Louisiana, compelled to unravel a mystery tied to the death of her college professor—a secret that could unravel everything she has built since. Herein lies the heart of the story: how our pasts can haunt us, both literally and metaphorically. Scottoline manages to evoke a sense of nostalgia mixed with dread that kept me engaged at first.
However, I quickly realized that despite the fast-paced narrative that made it easy to turn the pages, there was a distinct lack of substantial plot progression—a crucial element that thrillers usually thrive on. Elizabeth often felt more like a caricature than a fully realized character; she embodies the classic “troubled genius” trope but leans too heavily into cliché. Her many questionable decisions could have sharpened the plot, yet instead, they only flooded me with annoyance.
Scottoline does excel in her writing style—the prose is taut and resonates with urgency, especially in first-person narration. I appreciated how she shifted Elizabeth’s tone from haughty to frantic, showcasing her unraveling mental state as the story progressed. Here, the narrative often feels like a study of patterns in both storytelling and character behavior, making me reflect on the elements of predictability that can mar a thriller’s impact.
Still, I found myself guessing the major twists well in advance—an experience that dulls the thrill of the unexpected. While the erotic themes were introduced with promise, they quickly devolved into a caricature of “horny,” further detracting from any real emotional depth the story might have had. To that end, the "mandatory last chapter twist" left me scratching my head, questioning not just the storyline, but the choices made by the author. A more satisfying conclusion felt not just possible, but necessary given the intensity of the buildup.
While Someone Knows has the makings of an engaging thriller, I can’t help but feel that it misses the mark. The themes are significant, and I can definitely see this becoming a topic of discussion in book clubs, where readers might dissect its layers and dive into the more profound issues it raises. For those well-versed in the genre, you may find enjoyment here, but if you prefer groundbreaking twists or characters that challenge the norm, this might not be your cup of tea.
In closing, if you’re after a quick read that flirts with deeper themes—albeit without delivering the chilling, sexy thrills it promises—this could fit the bill. However, I urge potential readers to check other reviews and take heed of the book’s sensitivities before diving in. It’s an experience that left me with more questions than answers, and I can’t help but wonder what could have been if the author had chosen a different path.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for providing me with an eARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. Happy reading! #NetGalley #SomeoneKnows
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