Book Review: Someone Knows by Lisa Scottoline
There’s something inherently captivating about the premise of a psychological thriller—especially one that centers on buried secrets and personal demons. When I discovered Lisa Scottoline’s Someone Knows, I felt an irresistible pull. Having enjoyed her previous romance novel, I found myself intrigued, especially as this new book promised to unearth the tangled past of Elizabeth, an English professor who has more than a few skeletons in her closet. But oh, how often one can be eager and yet disappointed!
In short, Someone Knows revolves around Elizabeth, who discovers that a student’s chapter about a high school affair eerily mirrors a dark chapter from her own past. You see, long ago, Elizabeth’s best friend, Jocelyn, was involved in a scandal, and it’s no secret Elizabeth played a gruesome role. The story unfolds as Elizabeth returns to her hometown in Louisiana, hoping to confront her past while navigating the unresolved tensions of her present.
On the surface, this book ticks all the boxes of an engaging thriller: fast-paced narration, a compelling first-person POV, and a plot brimming with intrigue. Scottoline’s ability to shift the tone from a self-reflective ego to frantic chaos is noteworthy, pulling readers into Elizabeth’s spiraling mind. Yet, as the pages turned, I was struck by a sense of déjà vu—predictability seeped through the cracks in the plot. Perhaps that’s just me being overly picky, but in a genre like this, where twists and surprises are quintessential, I found myself anticipating developments long before they unfolded.
That said, Scottoline’s writing is undeniably engaging. The story’s brisk pace keeps you reading, even when the plot feels stagnant. The character of Elizabeth is deeply flawed and chaotic, which can be relatable. She embodies the cocktail of coffee, alcohol, and impulsivity, but this raised a red flag for me—the “idiot protagonist” trope can quickly wear thin. While this may resonate with some, it left me feeling frustrated.
As the story progresses, the edgy blend of eroticism and psychological drama becomes a faint echo of what it could have been. Sure, there are moments where the tension is palpable, but often it veers into what I’d call "horny" rather than genuinely sexy—a shame considering the potential to delve into the darker nuances of Elizabeth’s psyche.
And then we come to the last chapter, a trend I loathe. While shocking conclusions can work wonders, here it felt forced, attempting to tie everything up in a neat bow when it was clearly screaming for complexity.
In summary, Someone Knows has all the makings of a good thriller, yet I found it lacking in that elusive spark that leaves readers breathless. If you revel in psychological thrillers and don’t mind a predictable plot with a tinge of emotional chaos, this book might still hit the mark for you. As for me, while I didn’t find the book chilling or captivating, I’m sure other readers may appreciate its layers and themes. If you do pick it up, keep an eye out for the triggers; Someone Knows does not shy away from heavy themes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the eARC. This review is voluntary and reflects my honest opinion of the book. Happy reading!
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