What Have You Done? by Shari Lapena Summary
Overview of What Have You Done?
In "What Have You Done?", Shari Lapena's darkest thriller yet, a murdered teen narrates from beyond the grave. This atmospheric Vermont mystery doubles as sharp social commentary on violence against women, proving why Lapena remains the undisputed "Queen of Domestic Suspense."
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Key takeaways
A Murder Shatters Small-Town Tranquility
In the quiet town of Fairhill, Vermont, where everyone knows everyone, a gruesome discovery tears through the peaceful facade. Farmer Roy Ressler stumbles upon the naked body of seventeen-year-old Diana Brewer lying in his field, her stomach ripped open by scavenging birds, her eyes gouged out. The purple bruising around her throat tells a clear story: strangulation. Within hours, the news ripples through the community like a shock wave. At Fairhill High School, a classroom falls silent as officials appear with grim expressions. Meanwhile, Brenda Brewer, a night-shift nurse and single mother, returns home to find Police Chief Hall waiting with news that will destroy her world. What makes this discovery particularly chilling isn't just the violence itself, but the realization that in a community where neighbors trust neighbors, someone among them is a killer. The body wasn't just discarded-it was deliberately displayed, suggesting not just murder but a disturbing message. As investigators swarm Roy's field, a haunting question emerges: what kind of person would leave a young girl "for the birds"?
Three Suspects, Three Secrets
A Community Transformed by Fear
Diana's Ghostly Presence
The Investigation Intensifies
The Shocking Truth
The Darkness Within Us All
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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