Title: YOU’LL BE SORRY
Author: LISA GARDNER
ISBN: 9781529970074
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Pages: 357
Source: Private Copy
For Raquel and Theo Collins, it appeared to be love at first sight. Raquel, a renowned interior designer, and Theo, a brash financial wizard met and married in a matter of months, only to confront a terrible tragedy. Now, unbearably aware of the distance between them, they’ve come to a remote town in New Hampshire to begin anew.
Perched on a ledge with stunning views, the Dixon’s family lodge was once a crown jewel of the mountains. Until late one August night, when both parents and their four children vanished, leaving behind a trail of bloody footprints, and a mystery that has endured for thirty years. Now, its latest occupants, the Collinses, are arriving, and the former grand lodge is once more stirring to life.
For Amanda Grady, following in her father’s footsteps as the recently appointed Shereford police chief, it’s good to see a fresh start for the derelict Dixon place. However, not everyone is happy about a new family in the old home and its hidden past may have returned with a vengeance.
When a stray dog leads to the discovery of a skeleton on the property, Raquel and Theo face a daunting choice of what to believe, who to trust, and how to survive. Because in the tiny village of Shereford the time has come. The local residents, the new neighbors, and the fledgling police chief must work together to unravel the terrifying events that happened one night thirty years ago, or …
You’ll be sorry.
Official Summary
11 November 2026
I jumped into this one without even bothering to read the blurb. It turns out that this is a standalone novel and not part of Gardner’s Frankie Elkin series. Was I disappointed? Absolutely not!
Lisa Gardner delivers another fabulous read, complete with plenty of furry friends, a gripping mystery and characters who kept me guessing.
The story begins thirty years ago, when the entire Dixon family disappears one stormy night, never to be seen or heard from again. Their disappearance becomes one of those mysteries that a small town never quite forgets.
Fast forward to the present, and a couple has bought the old Dixon house, immediately attracting the curiosity of the locals. Why would anyone want to move into a house with such a dark history? Before long, the past comes crashing back, turning Rachel and Theo’s lives upside down.
I really enjoyed the small-town setting and the cast of characters. There were plenty of secrets, surprises and interesting personalities to keep things moving. And then there are the dogs! They play such an important role in the story, and I absolutely loved having them included.
The setting was another highlight for me. I could picture the beautiful surroundings and especially loved the idea of the old house perched on the edge of a cliff. Gardner does a wonderful job of bringing the location to life, making it easy to imagine yourself right there.
As for the mystery surrounding the missing Dixon family, it was heartbreaking, but I thought the author brought everything together beautifully. I also really enjoyed learning more about Rachel’s dark past. It added another layer to her character and gave her so much depth.
Overall, this was another awesome read from Lisa Gardner. The combination of a compelling mystery, fascinating characters, a beautiful setting and plenty of furry friends had me completely engrossed.
On a slightly amusing note, I have now read two books about witches back to back. Thankfully, this one isn’t another witch story!
If you enjoy a good mystery with plenty of secrets, unexpected revelations and dogs thrown into the mix, add this one to your TBR. You won’t be disappointed!
Also By Lisa Gardner
KISS HER GOODBYE
A young mother haunted by war, determined to make a fresh start. But sometimes, the sins of the past aren’t so easy to escape.
Recent Afghan refugee Sabera Ahmadi was last seen exiting her place of work three weeks ago. The local police have yet to open a case, while her older, domineering husband seems unconcerned. Sabera’s closest friend, however, is convinced Sabera would never willingly leave her three‑year old daughter. At her insistence, missing persons expert Frankie Elkin agrees to take up the search through the broiling streets of Tucson. Just in time for a video of the young mother to surface—showing her walking away from the scene of a brutal double murder.
Frankie quickly realizes there’s much more to the Ahmadi family than meets the eye. The father Isaad is a brilliant mathematician, Sabera a gifted linguist, and their little girl Zahra—she has an uncanny ability to remember anything she sees. Which given everything that has happened during the girl’s short life, may be a terrible curse. When Isaad also disappears under mysterious circumstances and an attempt is made on Zahra’s life, Frankie realizes she must quickly crack the code of this family’s horrific past.
Someone is coming for the Ahmadis. And violence is clearly an option. When everything is on the line, how far would you go to protect the ones you love?
Frankie is about to find out.
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Lisa Gardner, a #1 New York Times bestselling thriller novelist, began her career in food service, but after catching her hair on fire numerous times, she took the hint and focused on writing instead. A self-described research junkie, she has transformed her interest in police procedure and criminal minds into a streak of internationally acclaimed novels, published across 30 countries. She’s also had four books become TV movies (At the Midnight Hour; The Perfect Husband; The Survivors Club; Hide) and has made personal appearances on TruTV and CNN.
Lisa’s books have received awards from across the globe. Her novel, The Neighbor, won Best Hardcover Novel from the International Thriller Writers, while also receiving the Grand Prix des Lectrices de Elle in France. She was also recognized with the Daphne du Maurier Award in 2000 for The Other Daughter. Finally, Lisa received the Silver Bullet Award from the International Thriller Writers in 2017 for her work on behalf of at-risk children and the Humane Society.
For a bit of fun, Lisa invites her readers to enter the annual “Kill a Friend, Maim a Buddy” Sweepstakes at LisaGardner.com. Every year, one Lucky Stiff is selected to meet a grand end in Lisa’s latest novel. Past winners have nominated spouses, best friends and even themselves.
Lisa lives in New Hampshire where she spends her time with an assortment of canine companions. When not writing, she loves to hike, garden, snowshoe and play cribbage.
Lisa Gardner is one of my go to author, I have not read everything she has written, but I do enjoy her writing. I may add her to my backlist challenge next year. Are you a fan? Which is your favourite book. I really enjoyed this one, if you haven’t yet, I highly recommend adding this to your TBR. Until next time… Happy Reading!
