Reputation by Sara Shepard is a book that will take you on a wild ride. This thriller is classic Shepard with no shortage of drama and plot twists. However, while the concept is fantastic, the amount of drama in the story becomes a bit too much.
Title: ReputationAuthor: Sara Shepard
Also by this author: The Amateurs (The Amateurs #1)
Publisher: Dutton
Genres: Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Publication Date: December 3, 2019
Rating:
In this fast-paced new novel from Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Little Liars, a tight-knit college town scrambles for answers when an e-mail hack reveals life-changing secrets and scandals.
Aldrich University is rocked to its core when a hacker dumps 40,000 people's e-mails—the entire faculty, staff, students, alums—onto an easily searchable database. Rumors and affairs immediately leak, but things turn explosive when Kit Manning's handsome husband, Dr. Greg Strasser, is found murdered. Kit's sister, Willa, returns for the funeral, setting foot in a hometown she fled fifteen years ago, after a night she wishes she could forget. As an investigative reporter, Willa knows something isn't right about the night Greg was killed, and she's determined to find the truth. What she doesn't expect is that everyone has something to hide. And with a killer on the loose, Willa and Kit must figure out who killed Greg before someone else is murdered.
Told from multiple points of view, Reputation is full of twists, turns, and shocking reveals. It's a story of intrigue, sabotage, and the secrets we keep—and how far we go to keep them hidden. Number one bestseller Sara Shepard is at the top of her game in this brand-new adult novel.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Reputation by Sara Shepard
The one thing that Sara Shepard books have in common is drama. That being said, at times there can be an overwhelming amount of dramatic scenes stuffed into the pages. With Reputation in particular, the story starts off really strong and then it seems as though there is no end to the melodrama.
❀ Unique Plot
What really drew me into the novel at first is the unique plot. Can you imagine all of your personal emails being available for anyone to read? That idea really sets up for an interesting plot. Add a murder investigation and there is just the right amount of intrigue for a great thriller. Everyone in the community has something to gain or lose here.
❀ Interesting and Well-Developed Characters
The story is told from multiple perspectives, which at first seems a bit daunting, but becomes easy enough to follow. None of these characters are ones that are easy to root for, although they are all interesting and well-developed. There is a mixed bag of women who have many different personality types.
❀ A Page-Turner
Reputation by Sara Shepard is a page-turner that will keep you guessing. Although, about three quarters of the way through, I had hit my limit for twists and the overdramatic storyline. However, fans of the author and this style of book will most likely find it enjoyable.
About Sara Shepard
Sara Shepard graduated from NYU and has an MFA from Brooklyn College. She has lived in New York City, Brooklyn, Tucson, Arizona, Philadelphia, and now lives in Pittsburgh, PA. Sara's Pretty Little Liars novels were inspired by her upbringing in Philadelphia's Main Line.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.
I’ve never read a Sara Shepard but I always hear great things about her books!
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Can’t-Wait Wednesday: Once a Myth by Pepper Winters
They are a lot of fun, for sure!
I’m glad you enjoyed this one. I heard it was drama, but not too much. Great review!
Thank you! Yes, there is some drama in this one. 😉
I haven’t read anything from Shepard but I did watch Pretty Little Liars on TV. I like the concept behind this one so I might have to give it a go.
I really love the concept, too!
Oh my goodness, a new Sara Shepard. I can’t wait.
Yes! I hope that you love it!
I usually like her books, but we shall see.
Sounds good, many thanks for the review!
Thanks so much, Melanie!
I just finished this book myself and adored it!!! AMAZING review. couldn’t agree more.
EMILY THE BOOK NERD
emilythebooknerdxo.blogspot.com
Emily Nicholas recently posted…BOOK BLITZ: Like a Shag on a Rock by Vaughan Humphries (giveaway)
I am glad that you loved it!!
Thanks for the straightforward review. I’m not one for over-the-top drama. This one may not be for me.
It is definitely full of drama! 😉
I guess there would be some drama with a title like that. Loving the cover.
Laura Thomas recently posted…Figments and Fragments by Deborah Sheldon ~ Spotlight and Giveaway
You got that right! The cover has such pretty colours.
I agree, the premise does sound amazing, but I think I would get a little bothered by the incessant drama and plot twists, too! Sometimes there is such a thing as too much drama!
I think so! It is a personal preference in a book like this. So, if over-the-top drama is your thing then I think it will work.
I have not read anything by this author so I’m very interested in the review. I’ll have to check it out.
I hope it is one that you enjoy!
I can understand reaching your drama limit. I prefer my books low drama, but books like this have worked for me in the past, if the story is compelling enough.
Sounds like a great read. Thanks for sharing.
Sounds like a good book.
My emails are pretty boring. They would not be of interest to anyone in a book!
Haha! Mine are on the boring side, for sure!
I like the cover, just the right amount of gritty.
I think so, too! 🙂
I haven’t read Sara’s PPL, but I recently added this book to my TBR list because I really liked its synopsis. I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy it as much as you hoped. I’ll try to lower my expectations when I finally get around to it. Great review!
Raven @ Dreamy Addictions recently posted…December Most Anticipated Reads + December TBR [2019]
It is a great story! I just became a bit overwhelmed with the drama. I do hope that you love it when you get the chance to read it.