Member Reviews

Karin Slaughter strikes again with this unputdownable thriller. I was hooked from the beginning. It's been a while sine a book had me staying up all night to finish, and that is exactly what We Are All Guilty Here did. Masterpiece. Thank you Netgalley for the arc!! 4.5 stars!!

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Karin Sluaghter is one of my favorite dark thriller reads. I have greatly enjoyed every book that I have read and this one is no different.

As expected this setting is also the Georgia area and we start out with the disappearance of two teenage girls. Where we have Police Officer Emmy Clifton investigating. But this story seems to end before it starts until 30 years later when the convicted killer is realized due to new evidence. then less than 48 hours after his release another young girl goes missing. Is this the work of the same killer that they just freed or were they wrong the whole time?

This was a very well written story and I really enjoyed the passage of time so we could see how certain characters matured and come out of their situations from the beginning.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Karin Slaughter delivers another powerhouse thriller with We Are All Guilty Here, a tightly wound, emotionally intense novel that masterfully blends psychological suspense with razor-sharp social commentary. Set against the backdrop of a small town simmering with secrets, the story follows a tangled web of guilt, loyalty, and the desperate need for redemption.

Slaughter’s writing is as gritty and propulsive as ever. Her characters are deeply flawed but utterly compelling—especially the protagonist, whose past mistakes come crashing into the present with devastating consequences. The plot unfolds with precision, building tension slowly before slamming the reader with twists that feel both shocking and earned.

What elevates this book is Slaughter’s ability to weave in nuanced themes—justice, complicity, and the burden of truth—without slowing down the narrative. The moral gray areas she explores linger long after the final page, making this more than just a page-turner; it’s a novel that asks hard questions about who we protect and why.

If there’s a minor fault, it’s that a few subplots could have used a bit more room to breathe. But even so, the emotional payoff is substantial.

Dark, smart, and unflinchingly honest, We Are All Guilty Here is one of Slaughter’s best—an unmissable read for fans of psychological thrillers with real depth.

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I'm always excited for a new Karin Slaughter book and this one did not disappoint. In addition to the main mystery of the missing girls, there was plenty of family intrigue in this novel including the sudden death of the patriarch and a sister who rose from the dead. Slaughter is very adept at reeling the reader in and taking us on a journey with many twists and turns. I suspect I'll be in the minority, but I didn't see the final surprise coming and it was something. I am sure this book will be flying off the shelves and deservedly so.

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Two friends vanish. Are they dead or alive?? Another thrilling read from a well loved author. Very engaging. The story is well written. The pacing was off for me a few times but still enjoyed the story.

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Glad that I got to read this early. Well written,
kept my attention. Has some surprises. Keep on writing! ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

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Another tour de force from the grand mistress of high (grisly) crime and family drama. Every single time Karin Slaughter somehow finds a way to balance truly gnarly murder with beautiful depictions of human frailty, family strife and ultimately reconciliation. I have no idea how one writer manages to make me want to vomit and then cry and then laugh and then vomit again.

Slaughter has told another gripping story of murder and loss against a back drop of family secrets and hidden pain in the south. This time an untested young sheriff finds herself investigating a case that mirrors another she closed with her father years earlier. Did they get it wrong the first time? Can she avoid the same mistakes this time? Then her estranged sister, a psychologist recently retired from the FBI surfaces ostensibly to lend a hand but clearly with an ulterior motive. If they can't bury the hatchet and work together there will be another death.

This was totally engrossing and gross and every Karin Slaughter fan will be thrilled.

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"We Are All Guilty Here" by Karin Slaughter is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that masterfully blends crime and complex human emotions. From the outset, Slaughter draws readers into a intricately woven tale filled with compelling characters and moral dilemmas, keeping you engaged throughout.

The writing is sharp and evocative, allowing readers to connect deeply with the characters as they navigate their intertwined lives and the choices that haunt them. Slaughter's storytelling shines as she deftly explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the gray areas of justice, all while keeping the suspense high.

Overall, "We Are All Guilty Here" is a captivating read that showcases Karin Slaughter's exceptional talent for crafting enthralling narratives. This book is a must-read for fans of suspenseful, character-driven stories. A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

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I always enjoy Karin Slaughter's work, she's always been one of my favorite authors, but We are all Guilty Here is excellent. The characterization works very well, flaws in each character are written well, all characters are portrayed as real individuals. I found it reminiscent of some of her other stand alone books. in particular Pretty Girls.

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We Are All Guilty Here is a standalone thriller written by Karin Slaughter.

*Child sexual assault
*Family secrets
*Small town antics

Karin Slaughter’s latest novel follows the life of small town deputy Emmy Lou and her law enforcement family that includes her Sheriff father, FBI psychologist sister Jude, and sheriff deputy son.

This novel begins with the disappearance of two teen girls and the investigation into what actually happened that tragic 4th of July. Twelve years later another young girl has gone missing and the family is back at it trying to find out what happened, and who is behind the disappearances/crimes.

Fans of this author will know what to expect, trigger wise, in this novel. New readers will need to be aware of the on page assault of teen girls, child pornography, death of a family member, family member with dementia/Alzheimers.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Mystery / Suspense
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️
Characters: Emmy Lou (FMC) & Jude (FMC)

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Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

A very average Karin Slaughter. Very good writing, but the plot got too in the weeds for me and as always, she goes a bit too far for me with the sexual violence.

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Well, this is a damn good novel. Some didacticism mars the denouement (thanks for the free indirect discourse about how raping teenagers is bad), and I sussed out the surprise culprit quite early. But although no one really needs yet another missing-girl story with yet another good cop protagonist, if we have to have one, Slaughter’s the best around.

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Karin Slaughter’s We Are All Guilty Here is a dark, emotionally charged thriller that masterfully combines small-town intrigue with a deeply personal investigation. Set in North Falls, a seemingly close-knit community, the novel begins with the disappearance of two teenage girls during a Fourth of July fireworks celebration. For Officer Emmy Clifton, the case is personal—one of the girls is her best friend’s daughter, and Emmy carries the guilt of having turned away when she was needed most. As Emmy digs deeper into the mystery, she uncovers shocking secrets about the girls and the town itself, revealing that no one is as innocent as they seem.

Slaughter excels at creating an immersive atmosphere, capturing the claustrophobic tension of North Falls and its undercurrents of secrecy and betrayal. The novel’s pacing is relentless, with twists and revelations that keep readers hooked until the explosive climax. Emmy Clifton is a compelling protagonist—flawed yet determined—and her emotional stakes in the case add depth to her character. Through Emmy’s journey, Slaughter explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the hidden lives of teenagers, making the story both suspenseful and poignant.

The book doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, including violence against women, child abduction, and betrayal. Slaughter handles these subjects with sensitivity while maintaining the raw intensity that characterizes her writing. The forensic and procedural details are meticulously crafted, adding authenticity to the investigation.

Critics have praised We Are All Guilty Here for its layered characters and sharp social commentary. Emmy’s strained relationships with her family and community are explored alongside broader themes of parental influence and rebellion. The twists are expertly executed—some shocking and others quietly devastating—ensuring readers remain engaged throughout.

While some readers may find the book’s graphic descriptions unsettling or its pacing slower in certain sections due to extensive character development, these elements ultimately enrich the narrative. The emotional weight of Emmy’s guilt and determination resonates deeply, making her a protagonist readers can root for.

Overall, We Are All Guilty Here is another triumph for Karin Slaughter—a gripping thriller that combines razor-sharp plotting with emotional depth. Fans of Slaughter’s previous works will appreciate this new series opener, which promises even more intrigue in future installments. For those who enjoy thrillers steeped in small-town secrets and morally complex characters, this novel is an absolute must-read.

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I would read the back of a cereal box if Karin Slaughter wrote it. I have to admit I was disappointed at first that this was not a new Will Trent book. My disappointment was gone after reading the first page. A new set of characters to meet and fall in love with! They mention the GBI in the book, so one can only hope they are setting up for a crossover! Wonderfully written and heartbreaking in the way only Karin Slaughter can break my heart but leave me wanting more!

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Ok, the book description in no way prepared me for what an epic read this was. I love all things Karin Slaughter, but We Are All Guilty Here was top notch. A story that included mystery, family dynamics, regrets….my emotions were everywhere. Not sure if this is the start of a new series, but I cannot give this enough stars! Well done, Ms. Slaughter.

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Karin Slaughter is one of my mother-in-law's favorite authors and she had me give her a try. I wasn't as into this book as I would have liked but it wasn't terrible.

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Another great work from Karin Slaughter. Well developed characters, an interesting plot with lots of twists and turns, and of course lots of red herrings.

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Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars. Superb!

I have read all of Karin Slaughters Will Trent books and was excited for a new lead. So much happened in the book I don't even want to go into too much detail. Officer Emmy Clifton has grown up the daughter of local Sheriff Gerald Clifton. At a 4th of July celebration two girls go missing, one being the step daughter of her life long best friend. Lots of secrets in the town. Lots of twists in the book. I really enjoyed the book.

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We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter. The first book in a new series is an amazing page turner. The characters are complicated and their motivations and challenges bring depth to the plot. Another winner for Ms Slaughter. Hopefully Emmy and North Falls will have many new investigations and crimes to solve.

Thank you to the author, William Morrow, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

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Karin Slaughter’s We Are All Guilty Here opens with a disappearance. Two teenage girls vanish during a Fourth of July celebration in North Falls, Georgia—a town that prides itself on familiarity and tradition. Officer Emmy Clifton is devastated. One of the girls is the stepdaughter of her closest friend, and Emmy is determined to find them before it’s too late.

Emmy is early in her career, working alongside her beloved father, the town’s sheriff. She is also a mother, a sister, a wife in a marriage that is quietly unraveling, and a member of the Clifton family—a long-established clan whose roots in North Falls run deep. Her marriage may be faltering, but her life is full of responsibility and connection. She is shaped by loyalty, instinct, and a steady commitment to doing what’s right. She is not hardened or brittle. She is present, capable, and fully embedded in the world around her. I liked her tremendously.

Slaughter has long excelled at writing strong willed women who, no matter what is thrown their way, survive, even thrive. Emmy is one of her best. In her work life, she's committed to using the power of the law to help others. In her personal life, she's a gift to those she loves. Slaughter makes her relatable and real--in fact, all of the characters are vividly limned.

Her parents, George and Myrna, age over the course of the novel in ways that will be immediately recognizable to anyone watching loved ones grow older. Her son Cole, in his twenties, is a standout. He's such a 20 something and yet, like his mom, is observant, decent, and emotionally steady in a way that matters. Emmy’s friendship with Hannah, her closest confidante, and her relationship with her sister-in-law Celia are equally vivid. These women comfort, challenge, and support each other with a mix of candor and care that feels earned. The Cliftons, as a family, struggle to talk openly about their emotions. They are strong, often quiet, unfailingly loyal, and surprisingly funny. They love without flourish. That limitation becomes a strength. Emmy is not idealized, but she is the kind of person you want nearby when things fall apart.

The Clifton family, in fact, is every bit as compelling as the villains and the havoc they create. Slaughter gives them the kind of layered attention most thrillers reserve for the perpetrators. Their affection is messy and enduring. Their friction feels lived-in. They linger because they are drawn with clarity and warmth.

The novel unfolds in three parts. The first reads like classic Slaughter: girls go missing, predators hide in plain sight, and a town’s surface calm begins to crack. It is grim in places and occasionally familiar. Then the narrative leaps forward twelve years, and the book opens up. Assumptions fracture. Histories shift. One late reveal genuinely startled me—not for its shock value, but because of how fully it reframed what had come before.

The final section, an extended epilogue, is the most affecting. With the case resolved, Slaughter gives her characters time to breathe. After so much violence, the tenderness of these closing chapters is striking. People reach for each other. They find language, however limited, for what they feel. There is grief, but also connection. Slaughter allows love to emerge not as a reward, but as a consequence of survival. I cried.

Jude, the FBI consultant who arrives in the second half, is unforgettable. She is astute, composed, and uninterested in performance. She does not draw attention, but her presence recalibrates every scene she enters. Her competence, insight, and dry humor offer something rare in fiction: a woman entirely unbothered by expectation. More characters like her would be a gift.

This is the first in a series, and that direction feels right. Not every thread is resolved, and several characters—Jude, Dylan, Cole, Millie—are clearly positioned for more to come. The Clifton family alone could sustain multiple books without losing energy.

One element falters. There is a medical blind spot late in the novel—something that touches several characters and carries emotional weight—that feels implausible and insufficiently examined. Slaughter is usually meticulous, so the lapse is noticeable. It is not a minor detail, and it weakens an otherwise well-constructed world.

[su_spoiler title="a true spoiler" icon="caret-square"]It turns out that Emmy's mother is Jude and that the latter was a teen alcoholic for much of her pregnancy. And yet, there is no mention of or indication that Emmy might have been influenced by that. Additionally, Emmy's birth father is the very stupid Adam--again, wouldn't this have impacted Emmy in some way? It just left me unsatisfied. [/su_spoiler]

The title also misleads. We Are All Guilty Here suggests sweeping communal complicity that the story does not support. There is, without revealing specifics, some shared culpability, but not at the scale the title implies. It introduces a thematic promise the novel does not fulfill, and distracts from the clarity of the story itself. Slaughter does not need the misdirection. The novel holds up without it.

Still, this is one of Slaughter’s strongest books. It is emotionally textured, precisely plotted, and anchored in relationships that feel alive. It addresses violence, but more powerfully, it explores what endures afterward: the effort of staying connected, the quiet resilience of flawed families, and the slow work of choosing love in the face of failure. This story belongs not only to Emmy, but also to Jude, Cole, Myrna, and the many others Slaughter gives space to grow. Their lives feel unfinished in the best way, and I will follow them wherever the series goes next.

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