It's Not Her by Mary Kubica (Little, Brown Book Group UK | Sphere)

Mary Kubica returns with a story that hits a little too close to home; a family vacation by the lake goes sideways, ending in two murders and a missing niece. The main character, Courtney, is left picking through the wreckage of her brother’s life, desperate to find Reese, her teenage niece. Is Reese just another victim, or is she involved in something darker? The book thrives on that tension; how well do you really know your family, and what are they hiding behind closed doors?

The characters feel real, messy, and all. You might recognize pieces of your own neighbors or relatives in them, for better or worse. Courtney’s journey isn’t some neat arc of self-discovery; it’s more like she’s forced to peel away layers of denial, bit by bit. The feeling of being watched and caged is intensified by the supporting characters, particularly the townspeople and neighbors. Even when no one is speaking, you can feel the past seething between them, and you begin to question everyone's intentions.

The book's central theme is that a joke, even if intended to be harmless, can spin out of control. That feels especially pertinent today, with pranks and viral stunts everywhere. Kubica investigates how a single careless decision can undermine all you believed was protected at home.

Her writing style is concise and concentrated. She avoids cheap thrills in favor of true psychological pressure, which she gradually builds up. The pacing is steady, and she doesn't rush, but when things eventually snap, the twist is rather powerful. Unlike many thrillers that rely on bizarre coincidences, this ending feels like it fits. It's a pleasant change from the complicated, over-the-top narratives that are prevalent right now.

Although the midsection slows down a little as the probe goes over well-known territory, the tension remains high. Still, it's worth staying for the emotional reward. You are left wondering what secrets your own friends and family may be keeping after reading the book. I give it a strong 4/5 if you want thrillers that explore family dramas without resorting to needless padding.

4/5