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What Happened to the Bennetts
From #1 bestselling author Lisa Scottoline comes a pulse-pounding new novel.
Your family has been attacked, never again to be the same.
Now you have to choose between law…and justice.
Jason Bennett is a suburban dad who owns a court-reporting business, but one night, his life takes a horrific turn. He is driving his family home after his daughter’s lacrosse game when a pickup truck begins tailgating them, on a dark stretch of road. Suddenly two men jump from the pickup and pull guns on Jason, demanding the car. A horrific flash of violence changes his life forever.
Later that awful night, Jason and his family receive a visit from the FBI. The agents tell them that the carjackers were members of a dangerous drug-trafficking organization - and now Jason and his family are in their crosshairs. The agents advise the Bennetts to enter the witness protection program right away, and they have no choice but to agree. But WITSEC was designed to protect criminal informants, not law-abiding families. Taken from all they know, trapped in an unfamiliar life, the Bennetts begin to fall apart at the seams. Then Jason learns a shocking truth and realizes that he has to take matters into his own hands.
Sometimes justice is a one-man show.
Your family has been attacked, never again to be the same.
Now you have to choose between law…and justice.
Jason Bennett is a suburban dad who owns a court-reporting business, but one night, his life takes a horrific turn. He is driving his family home after his daughter’s lacrosse game when a pickup truck begins tailgating them, on a dark stretch of road. Suddenly two men jump from the pickup and pull guns on Jason, demanding the car. A horrific flash of violence changes his life forever.
Later that awful night, Jason and his family receive a visit from the FBI. The agents tell them that the carjackers were members of a dangerous drug-trafficking organization - and now Jason and his family are in their crosshairs. The agents advise the Bennetts to enter the witness protection program right away, and they have no choice but to agree. But WITSEC was designed to protect criminal informants, not law-abiding families. Taken from all they know, trapped in an unfamiliar life, the Bennetts begin to fall apart at the seams. Then Jason learns a shocking truth and realizes that he has to take matters into his own hands.
Sometimes justice is a one-man show.
391 pages, Hardcover
First published March 29, 2022
About the author
Lisa Scottoline
117 books14k followersLisa Scottoline is a #1 bestselling and Edgar award-winning author of 33 novels. Her books are book-club favorites, and Lisa and her daughter Francesca Serritella have hosted an annual Big Book Club Party for over a thousand readers at her Pennsylvania farm, for the past twelve years. Lisa has served as President of Mystery Writers of America, and her reviews of fiction and non-fiction have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Philadelphia Inquirer. She also writes a weekly column with her daughter for the Philadelphia Inquirer entitled Chick Wit, a witty take on life from a woman’s perspective, which have been collected in a bestselling series of humorous memoirs. Lisa graduated magna cum laude in three years from the University of Pennsylvania, with a B.A. in English, and cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where she taught Justice and Fiction. Lisa has over 30 million copies of her books in print and is published in over 35 countries. She lives in the Philadelphia area with an array of disobedient pets and wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,058 reviews
March 14, 2022
The story starts off with a bang when Jason Bennett (aka St Jason 🙄), his wife Lucinda, and their children, Allison and Ethan, are carjacked. Things take a horrific turn, and the family’s lives are forever changed. The FBI becomes involved, and the family must go into the witness protection program.
From here the story took a sharp downhill turn. At 400 pages it needed serious editing. There was a lot of repetitiveness and if the author did any little bit of research into a subject, she included it in what felt like a lecture instead of weaving it organically into the story.
Also, was the author given a deal for product placement? The brand names of nearly everything the family used was included: yogurt (Yoplait) , cheese (Cabot) coffee (Dunkin’ Donuts), coffee pot (Mr. Coffee), cookies (Tates) purse (Vera Bradley), hair dryer (Dyson), doll baby (Bitty Baby), countertops (Corian)…etc.
Have I annoyed you yet?
No mundane detail was too minor to include on every page and I should have dnf'd the book when I had to read pages of one of the characters putting groceries away. Individually. Separated by a few paragraphs of boring blah blah blah. Jason sets the groceries on the counter...blah, blah, blah....Jason unpacks eggs, big oranges (not little ones. big ones. Very important detail), and romaine lettuce and puts them in the fridge....blah, blah, blah....Jason put a block of cheese and turkey into the fridge....blah, blah, blah....Jason puts away apples, and yogurt...blah, blah, blah....Jason puts the grapes away....blah, blah, blah....Jason picks up the 2% milk and places it on the shelf in the refrigerator.....
I am not exaggerating. But I spared you the brand names and the boring "blah, blah, blah, separating all this excitement.
The first half of the book focuses on how perfect St. Jason’s family is and there are lots and lots and lots of thoughts. Lots of thoughts. The characters were stereotypical and PERFECT, and then, bam, at 50% the book turns into an action movie. Jason figures out the FBI can’t protect them so St. Jason turns into Superman and does what he must do to protect his family. The crazy turns and twists weren’t supposed to be funny, but they made me chuckle and my eyes roll.
I can set aside implausibility if the story is fun and compelling. Sorry to say this book was not that story. Perhaps readers who enjoy action-packed books and are able to to set aside implausibility would like this better than I did. There are certainly enough positive reviews to read an alternate opinion. Marialyce and I suffered through this one together, and, as she said in her excellent review, it was a race to the end so we could move on.
*I received a digital copy via Edelweiss. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2023
My heart was literally in my mouth ( tough position but this book made me try it! ) Another outstanding action packed, intense story keeps you in your toes, makes you sit at the edge on your seats or forces you to hit the glass so hard and scream for someone to get you out of here ( okay, let’s part was insignificant! I accidentally locked myself in loo during my read. Don’t ask why I brought my e-reader to the bathroom! )
Anyways! My hair is still up as if it’s been electrocuted! Especially that heart shattering opening scene made me gasp!
At the beginning: We’re introduced to lovely Bennett family! We witnessed their inner jokes, their genuine communication! Actually the author makes you instantly connect with this beautiful family! Jason is the father of the family, 47, suburban dad, owning court-reporting business, Lucinda, pretty, smart vibe, photographer, popular on Facebook community, Allison, teenage daughter, excited after her soccer team win, choosing her prom dress with her mom and 13 years old, smart, introverted Ethan who is already angry at tailgaters, wanting his dad to burn those guys. Let’s not forget their lovely dog Moonie!
But tailgaters suddenly stops in front of their car, two men jump from the pickup, pulling guns! They want their car and Jason doesn’t want any problem, trying to protect his family. But sudden move of their dog Moonie distracts those men. We hear the sudden gun blast! And Allison gets shot! Then one of the perpetrator kills the other and hits the road!
After that jaw dropping opening, we witness how tragedy hit the family, how they find themselves at witness protection. Because those two men are Milo and Junior: the contract killers of a dangerous kingpin George Varia. The perpetrator who has died is Junior who is also son of the kingpin! Milo already put the blame on Jason for killing of George’s son!
Jason still blames himself, starting his own secret investigation under the scrutinizing eyes of FBI agents Dom and Wiki. But when their house, both Jason and Lucinda’s work places get burned to the ground and a big secret comes out, Jason decides to take the matters into his hands. Can a suburban dad turn into a revenge machine to destroy the entire kingpin organization?
Buckle up and find out! Enjoy your extra wild, action packed, heart pounding ride!
I literally devoured the chapters and finished in one sit! As a fan of author, I highly recommend this mind blowing thriller!
Special thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM /G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
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Anyways! My hair is still up as if it’s been electrocuted! Especially that heart shattering opening scene made me gasp!
At the beginning: We’re introduced to lovely Bennett family! We witnessed their inner jokes, their genuine communication! Actually the author makes you instantly connect with this beautiful family! Jason is the father of the family, 47, suburban dad, owning court-reporting business, Lucinda, pretty, smart vibe, photographer, popular on Facebook community, Allison, teenage daughter, excited after her soccer team win, choosing her prom dress with her mom and 13 years old, smart, introverted Ethan who is already angry at tailgaters, wanting his dad to burn those guys. Let’s not forget their lovely dog Moonie!
But tailgaters suddenly stops in front of their car, two men jump from the pickup, pulling guns! They want their car and Jason doesn’t want any problem, trying to protect his family. But sudden move of their dog Moonie distracts those men. We hear the sudden gun blast! And Allison gets shot! Then one of the perpetrator kills the other and hits the road!
After that jaw dropping opening, we witness how tragedy hit the family, how they find themselves at witness protection. Because those two men are Milo and Junior: the contract killers of a dangerous kingpin George Varia. The perpetrator who has died is Junior who is also son of the kingpin! Milo already put the blame on Jason for killing of George’s son!
Jason still blames himself, starting his own secret investigation under the scrutinizing eyes of FBI agents Dom and Wiki. But when their house, both Jason and Lucinda’s work places get burned to the ground and a big secret comes out, Jason decides to take the matters into his hands. Can a suburban dad turn into a revenge machine to destroy the entire kingpin organization?
Buckle up and find out! Enjoy your extra wild, action packed, heart pounding ride!
I literally devoured the chapters and finished in one sit! As a fan of author, I highly recommend this mind blowing thriller!
Special thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM /G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
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March 14, 2022
1.5 stars (yep you saw that right)
I know this review is going to raise some hackles up for some readers, but the truth is that I found this book one that was filled with useless fillers that got on my nerves big time. I know grief, you know grief, everyone does, but to have almost 50% of this book filled with the musings of a grief filled family was OTT.
Then there was a superman, Jason, super father, super husband, super businessman. All he needed was a cape and he could he a stand in for Clark Kent. Next, we have the involvement of the FBI and the witness protection plan which might not be really a witness protection plan from which superman Jason bursts free from as he searched for truth, justice and may I say the American way.
Even after finding out about his beloved wife, he forgives her in a nanosecond and carries forward through the thick and thin of being involved with drug traffickers. Of course, there is no secret as to the length Jason will go to right the wrongs and relish the trophy he so rightly deserves in the end.
And then there is the second half of the book where:
...good guys are bad guys
...bad guys are good guys
...the black three musketeers enter the fray
...everyone bad dies or is punished
... a senator is a fraud (big surprise there)
... a diehard ending on steroids
...the FBI is corrupt (no surprise here either)
...more lovey dovey forgiveness for everything
...the entrance of a new dog and Moonie.
...a plethora of adjectives and adverbs that would make an English grammar teacher proud
...the abject feeling of I could care less
So, I guess by now, you know I so disliked this book. Ask why I finished it, and honestly, I should have quit it, but ever the optimist, I felt it would get better. The one more chapter concept was my companion, but this time that concept was a total failure.
I have read other Scottoline books, and especially enjoyed her After Anna story. That book had meat to it, this one had creamed spinach!
I know there are many others who had the opposite reaction to mine, so please do take a look at their reviews.
Jan and I once again came up empty as to our feelings for this book. It was a huge, enormous disappointment and we raced each other to the finish line. Onward we march to find a better book. Thanks Jan, for sharing the pain of this one.
Thank you for NetGalley for providing a copy of this book and of course I am providing it my ownopinion.
I know this review is going to raise some hackles up for some readers, but the truth is that I found this book one that was filled with useless fillers that got on my nerves big time. I know grief, you know grief, everyone does, but to have almost 50% of this book filled with the musings of a grief filled family was OTT.
Then there was a superman, Jason, super father, super husband, super businessman. All he needed was a cape and he could he a stand in for Clark Kent. Next, we have the involvement of the FBI and the witness protection plan which might not be really a witness protection plan from which superman Jason bursts free from as he searched for truth, justice and may I say the American way.
Even after finding out about his beloved wife, he forgives her in a nanosecond and carries forward through the thick and thin of being involved with drug traffickers. Of course, there is no secret as to the length Jason will go to right the wrongs and relish the trophy he so rightly deserves in the end.
And then there is the second half of the book where:
...good guys are bad guys
...bad guys are good guys
...the black three musketeers enter the fray
...everyone bad dies or is punished
... a senator is a fraud (big surprise there)
... a diehard ending on steroids
...the FBI is corrupt (no surprise here either)
...more lovey dovey forgiveness for everything
...the entrance of a new dog and Moonie.
...a plethora of adjectives and adverbs that would make an English grammar teacher proud
...the abject feeling of I could care less
So, I guess by now, you know I so disliked this book. Ask why I finished it, and honestly, I should have quit it, but ever the optimist, I felt it would get better. The one more chapter concept was my companion, but this time that concept was a total failure.
I have read other Scottoline books, and especially enjoyed her After Anna story. That book had meat to it, this one had creamed spinach!
I know there are many others who had the opposite reaction to mine, so please do take a look at their reviews.
Jan and I once again came up empty as to our feelings for this book. It was a huge, enormous disappointment and we raced each other to the finish line. Onward we march to find a better book. Thanks Jan, for sharing the pain of this one.
Thank you for NetGalley for providing a copy of this book and of course I am providing it my ownopinion.
May 8, 2022
***CONGRATS TO MS. SCOTTOLINE 5 WKS ON THE NYT BESTSELLER LIST***
HAVE YOU EVER QUESTIONED YOUR OWN BOOK CHOICES???? When I started reading this novel I was filled with dread and then grief and I wondered why I had chosen this book.
I’m a fan of Lisa Scottoline so I picked the book up again.I finally got past the initial shock and the book came together quickly. The Bennetts are what many would consider fortunate people. Dad, Jason is successful, he owns a court reporting business; wife Lucinda is (of course) beautiful and has her own photography business. Their daughter Allison is in high school and their son Ethan is 13, more quiet and introverted than his sister. .
I don’t want to repeat the blurb so I’ll be quick with the plot – On what was a happy night because Allison’s lacrosse team won their game, things quickly turned into violence so intense it’s difficult to read.
The Bennetts are held at gunpoint by 2 carjackers.. Things go terribly wrong and Allison is shot. The Bennetts don’t have much time to process this because the FBI has become involved. Because of possible drug and/or mob involvement the Bennetts go into the witness protection program.
They aren’t allowed to contact their friends or extended family, no one knows what happened to them.
Things are all so wrong, the WITSEC program has been designed to keep criminal witnesses safe, they are having trouble keeping an entire family hidden.
What gets and keeps this book going is the plot which is multi-layered. Just when you think you understand what is going on, another layer is peeled back from the core story. Everyone has secrets, the FBI can’t be trusted and Jason finds himself being the reason why they were targeted in the beginning. It all relates back to the time that he was in Gitmo as a court reporter.
Mild mannered Jason turns into a survivalist father who is determined to save his family by any means.
While I enjoyed the “story” it was sometimes hard to believe. However who knows what someone will do when they are pushed to their limits of grief over the loss of loved ones. When playing it safe and being the good guy isn't working!
The pace was quick and the characters likable enough, if a little stereotypical. It’s fiction and it was an entertaining read.
I can recommend this to anyone who enjoys a face paced thriller with everyday heroes.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher, P.G. Putnam’s sons through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to read and review this novel.
HAVE YOU EVER QUESTIONED YOUR OWN BOOK CHOICES???? When I started reading this novel I was filled with dread and then grief and I wondered why I had chosen this book.
I’m a fan of Lisa Scottoline so I picked the book up again.I finally got past the initial shock and the book came together quickly. The Bennetts are what many would consider fortunate people. Dad, Jason is successful, he owns a court reporting business; wife Lucinda is (of course) beautiful and has her own photography business. Their daughter Allison is in high school and their son Ethan is 13, more quiet and introverted than his sister. .
I don’t want to repeat the blurb so I’ll be quick with the plot – On what was a happy night because Allison’s lacrosse team won their game, things quickly turned into violence so intense it’s difficult to read.
The Bennetts are held at gunpoint by 2 carjackers.. Things go terribly wrong and Allison is shot. The Bennetts don’t have much time to process this because the FBI has become involved. Because of possible drug and/or mob involvement the Bennetts go into the witness protection program.
They aren’t allowed to contact their friends or extended family, no one knows what happened to them.
Things are all so wrong, the WITSEC program has been designed to keep criminal witnesses safe, they are having trouble keeping an entire family hidden.
What gets and keeps this book going is the plot which is multi-layered. Just when you think you understand what is going on, another layer is peeled back from the core story. Everyone has secrets, the FBI can’t be trusted and Jason finds himself being the reason why they were targeted in the beginning. It all relates back to the time that he was in Gitmo as a court reporter.
Mild mannered Jason turns into a survivalist father who is determined to save his family by any means.
While I enjoyed the “story” it was sometimes hard to believe. However who knows what someone will do when they are pushed to their limits of grief over the loss of loved ones. When playing it safe and being the good guy isn't working!
The pace was quick and the characters likable enough, if a little stereotypical. It’s fiction and it was an entertaining read.
I can recommend this to anyone who enjoys a face paced thriller with everyday heroes.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher, P.G. Putnam’s sons through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to read and review this novel.
May 30, 2022
3.5
This one is a bit hard for me to rate. The story is told in 2 parts.
I really enjoyed Part 1. It was what I would describe as a slow captivating build. It was so sad. The story is told by Jason - the father of the family. The narration was excellent! I could not stop listening even though the subject matter was so distressing.
Then came Part 2. The story takes a turn and here we have a mostly action-packed thriller kind of movie but it just got more and more unbelievable and Jason more and more irritating.
Part 1 was easily a 4 star rating for me. Part 2 was 3 stars so I'm going for the 3.5 rating all around.
Lisa Scottoline is a gifted writer and I have enjoyed her past books. I just think this one is just not one of her best. I think the Audible added to my enjoyment.
This one is a bit hard for me to rate. The story is told in 2 parts.
I really enjoyed Part 1. It was what I would describe as a slow captivating build. It was so sad. The story is told by Jason - the father of the family. The narration was excellent! I could not stop listening even though the subject matter was so distressing.
Then came Part 2. The story takes a turn and here we have a mostly action-packed thriller kind of movie but it just got more and more unbelievable and Jason more and more irritating.
Part 1 was easily a 4 star rating for me. Part 2 was 3 stars so I'm going for the 3.5 rating all around.
Lisa Scottoline is a gifted writer and I have enjoyed her past books. I just think this one is just not one of her best. I think the Audible added to my enjoyment.
January 21, 2024
This is a Family Drama Mystery/Thriller. The beginning was slow to get going, but I enjoyed the beginning. I loved having some time to get to know the characters. The middle had a lot of suspense with twists and turns. The middle is a wild and crazy ride. The end of this book had a lot of action. I love the ride that this book took me on, and it kept me guessing. This is a very well written book that will keep you guessing and sitting on the edge of your seat. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (G.P. Putnam's Sons) or author (Lisa Scottoline) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
September 20, 2022
So forgettable...
April 15, 2022
What ‘didn’t’ happen to ‘The Bennetts?’
…..physical threat, death, placed under the witness protection system by the FBI, fires of residence and business, a panic attack, dangerous weight loss, social media gossip, and extreme strife upon the Bennett family.
….Not even a simple sit-down fish taco family dinner goes smoothly.
The story is primarily
dominated by Jason Bennett….[“Father Knows Best”]….
as a ‘one-man-driven-show’.
It’s a family saga crime suspense thriller —conducted and orchestrated through the eyes of a grieving family man who blames himself for everything under the sun.
But frankly he just really wasn’t that powerful.
Rather than sounding like a grieving father after a dramatic-traumatic beginning he sounds more like a narcissist egotistical annoying inconsiderate asshole.
Jason was so wrapped up in ‘his’ feelings of blame and failure towards his daughter, wife, son, dog…
that he projected a type of powerlessness on everyone he loved….undermining their own distress.
Jason’s ‘take-the-blame’
martyrdom was so belittling
to his wife and kids, throughput this entire book at times I was getting nauseous.
So that’s it . . . enough!
I was in the mood for thriller.
Got another idea??
“What Happened to the Bennetts” was too long. It was repetitive. There were some odd nature descriptions about how saltwater kills trees leaving a ghost forest, birding, seagulls…..
“a moon as round as a bullet hole” - etc.
I don’t know about you but when I look at a full moon. thinking of a bullet hole would be the last thing I would think of.
The story had a potential premises….but the writing was more gnarly…. than a thriller ride of perils.
So……
there you have it….
the first book I’ve read by Lisa Scottoline.
and….
My last.
2 stars
…..physical threat, death, placed under the witness protection system by the FBI, fires of residence and business, a panic attack, dangerous weight loss, social media gossip, and extreme strife upon the Bennett family.
….Not even a simple sit-down fish taco family dinner goes smoothly.
The story is primarily
dominated by Jason Bennett….[“Father Knows Best”]….
as a ‘one-man-driven-show’.
It’s a family saga crime suspense thriller —conducted and orchestrated through the eyes of a grieving family man who blames himself for everything under the sun.
But frankly he just really wasn’t that powerful.
Rather than sounding like a grieving father after a dramatic-traumatic beginning he sounds more like a narcissist egotistical annoying inconsiderate asshole.
Jason was so wrapped up in ‘his’ feelings of blame and failure towards his daughter, wife, son, dog…
that he projected a type of powerlessness on everyone he loved….undermining their own distress.
Jason’s ‘take-the-blame’
martyrdom was so belittling
to his wife and kids, throughput this entire book at times I was getting nauseous.
So that’s it . . . enough!
I was in the mood for thriller.
Got another idea??
“What Happened to the Bennetts” was too long. It was repetitive. There were some odd nature descriptions about how saltwater kills trees leaving a ghost forest, birding, seagulls…..
“a moon as round as a bullet hole” - etc.
I don’t know about you but when I look at a full moon. thinking of a bullet hole would be the last thing I would think of.
The story had a potential premises….but the writing was more gnarly…. than a thriller ride of perils.
So……
there you have it….
the first book I’ve read by Lisa Scottoline.
and….
My last.
2 stars
May 17, 2022
2.5*
Sadly disappointed.
I’ve read nearly every book from Lisa Scottoline. I’m admittedly a bit partial to her series books over her stand-alones.
This latest release was one I was so excited to finally get my hands on. Once I did, the bottom immediately just fell away.
Possibly a case of it’s me and not the book, but I simply couldn’t connect to the characters or storyline and struggling just to finish.
I’m still a huge fan and will once again loyally be waiting for her next.
Plenty of five star reviews out there, just not a good fit for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam
Sadly disappointed.
I’ve read nearly every book from Lisa Scottoline. I’m admittedly a bit partial to her series books over her stand-alones.
This latest release was one I was so excited to finally get my hands on. Once I did, the bottom immediately just fell away.
Possibly a case of it’s me and not the book, but I simply couldn’t connect to the characters or storyline and struggling just to finish.
I’m still a huge fan and will once again loyally be waiting for her next.
Plenty of five star reviews out there, just not a good fit for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam
March 29, 2022
Happy Publication Day!(March 29,2022)
Tense and suspenseful, Lisa Scottoline's What Happened to the Bennetts is a thrilling story with enough twists and turns to keep you engaged till the very end.
When an attempted carjacking results in the death of their teenage daughter Allison, the Bennetts- Jason and Lucinda and their son Ethan find themselves in the WITSEC program for protection against an organized crime family whose son was one of the carjackers and was killed by his accomplice the same night. Traumatized by the violence they witnessed , overcome with grief over the loss of Allison and afraid for their own lives they reluctantly leave their home, friends and lives behind and move to a safe house under FBI protection till they are to be relocated. While the investigation and search for the perpetrator continues, Jason who owns a court reporting business finds himself doubting the efficacy of the FBI’s efforts and tries to dig deeper into the events that led to the horrific tragedy. While following numerous theories and suspects, some shocking revelations come to light and what follows is a thrilling chase for answers to what was behind all that happened on that fateful night. Public speculation behind the family’s overnight disappearance leaves friends , neighbors and colleagues asking questions and pointing fingers often at Jason himself . With his family’s lives upended , Jason takes in upon himself to find those responsible for his daughter’s death and his quest takes him on a dangerous path putting his own life and those of his family in peril.
While Jason’s search for answers takes up most of the story we also get a close look at the family’s grief and their reactions to losing Allison . The author’s sensitive depiction of the emotional reactions and resulting behavior of each of the family members is very well written. Though the narrative does lose its pace at times and some parts could have been kept shorter, nowhere does it make you lose interest and does keep you waiting with bated breath to find out what happens next.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group-Putnam for providing an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Tense and suspenseful, Lisa Scottoline's What Happened to the Bennetts is a thrilling story with enough twists and turns to keep you engaged till the very end.
When an attempted carjacking results in the death of their teenage daughter Allison, the Bennetts- Jason and Lucinda and their son Ethan find themselves in the WITSEC program for protection against an organized crime family whose son was one of the carjackers and was killed by his accomplice the same night. Traumatized by the violence they witnessed , overcome with grief over the loss of Allison and afraid for their own lives they reluctantly leave their home, friends and lives behind and move to a safe house under FBI protection till they are to be relocated. While the investigation and search for the perpetrator continues, Jason who owns a court reporting business finds himself doubting the efficacy of the FBI’s efforts and tries to dig deeper into the events that led to the horrific tragedy. While following numerous theories and suspects, some shocking revelations come to light and what follows is a thrilling chase for answers to what was behind all that happened on that fateful night. Public speculation behind the family’s overnight disappearance leaves friends , neighbors and colleagues asking questions and pointing fingers often at Jason himself . With his family’s lives upended , Jason takes in upon himself to find those responsible for his daughter’s death and his quest takes him on a dangerous path putting his own life and those of his family in peril.
While Jason’s search for answers takes up most of the story we also get a close look at the family’s grief and their reactions to losing Allison . The author’s sensitive depiction of the emotional reactions and resulting behavior of each of the family members is very well written. Though the narrative does lose its pace at times and some parts could have been kept shorter, nowhere does it make you lose interest and does keep you waiting with bated breath to find out what happens next.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group-Putnam for providing an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2022
4.5*
A riveting, tense account of how our moments as a family can quickly turn into heartbreaking showers of pain. The Bennett family appears to have it all together until a unimaginable night of horror occurs. After leaving their daughter's lacrosse game, they are stopped by a couple of carjackers with guns. The scene escalates leaving their daughter Allison shot and killed. The gunman turns on his own accomplice and kills him too.
The father and mother, Jason and Lucinda with their teenage son, Ethan are whisked away into a Witness Protection Program after the FBI informs them of the organized crime involved and the man killed at the scene is one of the high profile mobster's son. Leaving their family and friends behind without their knowledge of What Happened to the Bennetts is felt deeply. The hardest part to deal with is the loss of their daughter. The emotional grief becomes too much to bear for one family.
The extreme flow of changes in their lives continues when they cannot trust the system and the law appears to turn their heads. Jason decides to take it into his own hands, and the adrenaline escalates into one surprise after another. There are so many revelations made and secrets acknowledged.
I enjoyed the thrill of the story even when it slowed down in the middle the pace changed quickly.
Thank you NetGalley for this incredible copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
A riveting, tense account of how our moments as a family can quickly turn into heartbreaking showers of pain. The Bennett family appears to have it all together until a unimaginable night of horror occurs. After leaving their daughter's lacrosse game, they are stopped by a couple of carjackers with guns. The scene escalates leaving their daughter Allison shot and killed. The gunman turns on his own accomplice and kills him too.
The father and mother, Jason and Lucinda with their teenage son, Ethan are whisked away into a Witness Protection Program after the FBI informs them of the organized crime involved and the man killed at the scene is one of the high profile mobster's son. Leaving their family and friends behind without their knowledge of What Happened to the Bennetts is felt deeply. The hardest part to deal with is the loss of their daughter. The emotional grief becomes too much to bear for one family.
The extreme flow of changes in their lives continues when they cannot trust the system and the law appears to turn their heads. Jason decides to take it into his own hands, and the adrenaline escalates into one surprise after another. There are so many revelations made and secrets acknowledged.
I enjoyed the thrill of the story even when it slowed down in the middle the pace changed quickly.
Thank you NetGalley for this incredible copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 12, 2022
A few things I immensely dislike: kale, WWE wrestling, Progressive commercials with Flo, the list goes on, but I can honestly say I would choose any of the above over this book. It's awful to say, as the book started out with a bang (literally), and I was immediately hooked and thought I was going to love it. But it lost steam so quickly and so thoroughly in the second half, with way too much going on, and way too many ridiculous connections, that my investment level dropped to a big zero, and I was rolling my eyes on almost every page.
The book begins with the Bennett family simply driving down the road in their Mercedes (there is much to-do about brand names/labels in this book - read Jan B's review - she has a fabulous take on them!), when a pickup truck seemingly comes out of nowhere and begins tailgating them. What unfolds next is unthinkable and forever changes their lives, and the Bennetts must enter the Witness Protection Program. The family falls apart, and dad, Jason, decides they cannot live in protective custody. No one voluntarily walks away from the Witness Protection Program alive though, so Jason decides to take matters into his own hand - all for the slim chance that his family can go back to some sort of normalcy again. Now begins the second half, and here is where you need to fall off the turnip truck to believe all that happens next ...
First of all, give me a good mob read set back in the 1940's or 50's, and I'm fine, but current day mafia/crime family books are really not my thing - they are generally implausible and this one takes the cake. On top of that, none of the characters (save Dom) were that great, but I especially loathed Jason Bennett. After entering the Witness Protection, he literally turns into a cross between James Bond and Jesus himself. He often reminds his wife that there has never been a more faithful, devoted husband and dad to ever walk the earth than him. My god, he even showed her how amazing he was by buying her a Mercedes 🙄. Oh, and don't forget, he can also read lips - which comes in mighty handy. I'm fairly certain the only man more sure of himself than Jason Bennett is Will Smith (if you've read his memoir you know what I'm talking about!).
But being the perfect dad and husband isn't enough, he can also outwit the FBI, multiple mafia hit men, politicians, and even the big crime bosses themselves. Side note: if you are in protective custody, and you can so easily fool the FBI agents assigned to you and get them to pass along messages, get items from your former home, and go visit relatives for you, then the FBI is in worse shape than I thought. J. Edgar Hoover would be rolling in his grave! And finally, the "why" of the whole thing was hard to swallow. Not only is it convoluted and complicated, it's also dumb.
Needless to say, this book was a big, fat 2-star miss for me. The best part about it was reading my fellow reviewers Marialyce, Jan B, and Jayne's reviews!
The book begins with the Bennett family simply driving down the road in their Mercedes (there is much to-do about brand names/labels in this book - read Jan B's review - she has a fabulous take on them!), when a pickup truck seemingly comes out of nowhere and begins tailgating them. What unfolds next is unthinkable and forever changes their lives, and the Bennetts must enter the Witness Protection Program. The family falls apart, and dad, Jason, decides they cannot live in protective custody. No one voluntarily walks away from the Witness Protection Program alive though, so Jason decides to take matters into his own hand - all for the slim chance that his family can go back to some sort of normalcy again. Now begins the second half, and here is where you need to fall off the turnip truck to believe all that happens next ...
First of all, give me a good mob read set back in the 1940's or 50's, and I'm fine, but current day mafia/crime family books are really not my thing - they are generally implausible and this one takes the cake. On top of that, none of the characters (save Dom) were that great, but I especially loathed Jason Bennett. After entering the Witness Protection, he literally turns into a cross between James Bond and Jesus himself. He often reminds his wife that there has never been a more faithful, devoted husband and dad to ever walk the earth than him. My god, he even showed her how amazing he was by buying her a Mercedes 🙄. Oh, and don't forget, he can also read lips - which comes in mighty handy. I'm fairly certain the only man more sure of himself than Jason Bennett is Will Smith (if you've read his memoir you know what I'm talking about!).
But being the perfect dad and husband isn't enough, he can also outwit the FBI, multiple mafia hit men, politicians, and even the big crime bosses themselves. Side note: if you are in protective custody, and you can so easily fool the FBI agents assigned to you and get them to pass along messages, get items from your former home, and go visit relatives for you, then the FBI is in worse shape than I thought. J. Edgar Hoover would be rolling in his grave! And finally, the "why" of the whole thing was hard to swallow. Not only is it convoluted and complicated, it's also dumb.
Needless to say, this book was a big, fat 2-star miss for me. The best part about it was reading my fellow reviewers Marialyce, Jan B, and Jayne's reviews!
October 5, 2022
3.5 stars, solid action/mystery
This book had many mixed reviews, so I was a little reluctant to pick it up for a while. I got a copy of the audiobook and this was a very engaging way to experience the novel. The narrator, Edoardo Ballerini, does a fantastic job giving Jason Bennett a voice and showing his strength and growth as a character.
This is the story of a family of four who are driving home one night. Two men attempt to take their car, but in the process the teenage daughter Allison is killed, one of the carjackers kills the other and then drives away. The FBI swoops in shortly thereafter and tells them that the family is in danger because these men are deeply involved in the drug trade. The Bennetts need to go into witness protection quickly. But things aren't necessarily what they seem--were they in the wrong place at the wrong time or was their family targeted?
Overall this is a totally captivating novel. I wanted to keep listening to find out what was happening and why. I liked that the storyline kept moving forward, when it would start to slow down then something else would happen. You can't be sure who to trust, who is protecting the Bennetts and who wants to bring them harm. Everything is wrapped up well in the end too in a very satisfying way.
Yes, some things that happened were completely unbelievable, but I must have been in the right mood for this one because it kept me involved and interested throughout.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This book had many mixed reviews, so I was a little reluctant to pick it up for a while. I got a copy of the audiobook and this was a very engaging way to experience the novel. The narrator, Edoardo Ballerini, does a fantastic job giving Jason Bennett a voice and showing his strength and growth as a character.
This is the story of a family of four who are driving home one night. Two men attempt to take their car, but in the process the teenage daughter Allison is killed, one of the carjackers kills the other and then drives away. The FBI swoops in shortly thereafter and tells them that the family is in danger because these men are deeply involved in the drug trade. The Bennetts need to go into witness protection quickly. But things aren't necessarily what they seem--were they in the wrong place at the wrong time or was their family targeted?
Overall this is a totally captivating novel. I wanted to keep listening to find out what was happening and why. I liked that the storyline kept moving forward, when it would start to slow down then something else would happen. You can't be sure who to trust, who is protecting the Bennetts and who wants to bring them harm. Everything is wrapped up well in the end too in a very satisfying way.
Yes, some things that happened were completely unbelievable, but I must have been in the right mood for this one because it kept me involved and interested throughout.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
May 10, 2022
What happened to the Bennetts?
Let me ask you this;
What didn’t happen to the Bennetts?!
This book grabbed a hold of me in the first few sentences and never let go.
Grief. Action. Love. Suspense. Revenge. It’s all here.
It would make an amazing movie.
After thought: It’s too bad Bruce Willis retired he’d be a perfect Jason Bennett.
Let me ask you this;
What didn’t happen to the Bennetts?!
This book grabbed a hold of me in the first few sentences and never let go.
Grief. Action. Love. Suspense. Revenge. It’s all here.
It would make an amazing movie.
After thought: It’s too bad Bruce Willis retired he’d be a perfect Jason Bennett.
March 12, 2022
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It had me hooked from the beginning and although it dragged somewhat in places, I stuck with it and I’m glad I did. This family went through hell and back and as the reader I couldn’t help but root for them every step of the way.
Jason, Lucinda, Allison, and Ethan Bennett are the typical, average, happy family until one night changes everything. Upon leaving their daughter Allison’s lacrosse game they are the victims of an attempted armed carjacking gone bad. Allison is shot and killed as well as one of the gunmen.
The remaining members of the family are told by the FBI that the gunman who was killed was the son of a high ranking member of organized crime and their lives are now in danger. They are then immediately placed in the Witness Protection Program. With the loss of their daughter weighing heavily on their mind, the realization of disappearing and leaving their friends and family is too much for them to handle.
As time goes on, the Bennetts realize that the FBI cannot protect them and Jason decides that he will protect his family at all costs. The events that follow leave the reader on the edge of their seat.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Jason, Lucinda, Allison, and Ethan Bennett are the typical, average, happy family until one night changes everything. Upon leaving their daughter Allison’s lacrosse game they are the victims of an attempted armed carjacking gone bad. Allison is shot and killed as well as one of the gunmen.
The remaining members of the family are told by the FBI that the gunman who was killed was the son of a high ranking member of organized crime and their lives are now in danger. They are then immediately placed in the Witness Protection Program. With the loss of their daughter weighing heavily on their mind, the realization of disappearing and leaving their friends and family is too much for them to handle.
As time goes on, the Bennetts realize that the FBI cannot protect them and Jason decides that he will protect his family at all costs. The events that follow leave the reader on the edge of their seat.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
June 12, 2022
"What Happened to the Bennetts?" should have been titled "What Happened to Author Lisa Scottoline?"
Lisa Scottoline is an Edgar award-winning author of 33 novels and, therefore, it's difficult to believe that she wrote 75% of this book.
The book starts off strong with a tragic carjacking that forces a grieving family to abandon all and enter a Witness Protection Program.
After the family enters Witness Protection, the book transforms itself into a very, very, very long and repetitive excerpt from "Ripley's Believe It Or Not".
Nothing that happens after the carjacking is believable; especially the family's interaction with the FBI (aka "babysitters"), the main protagonist's plight to fight organized crime solo, and the ludicrous conspiracy theories.
I enjoyed Lisa Scottoline's earlier novels but not this one.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by one of my favorite male narrators, Edoardo Ballerini. Unfortunately, even Edoardo Ballerini could not save this book.
What happened to author Lisa Scottoline?
2 stars rounded up.
Lisa Scottoline is an Edgar award-winning author of 33 novels and, therefore, it's difficult to believe that she wrote 75% of this book.
The book starts off strong with a tragic carjacking that forces a grieving family to abandon all and enter a Witness Protection Program.
After the family enters Witness Protection, the book transforms itself into a very, very, very long and repetitive excerpt from "Ripley's Believe It Or Not".
Nothing that happens after the carjacking is believable; especially the family's interaction with the FBI (aka "babysitters"), the main protagonist's plight to fight organized crime solo, and the ludicrous conspiracy theories.
I enjoyed Lisa Scottoline's earlier novels but not this one.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by one of my favorite male narrators, Edoardo Ballerini. Unfortunately, even Edoardo Ballerini could not save this book.
What happened to author Lisa Scottoline?
2 stars rounded up.
May 6, 2022
Once more, I am WAY behind here on Goodreads. My bad. Last month I devoured WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BENNETTS. It's a gem. Lisa Scottoline is the Queen for so many reasons, but two big ones are the spectacular twists she adds and the ways her characters always surprise us. Just when you think you can see what's ahead in the headlight beams, the road curves and the twist before you will have you READING ONE MORE CHAPTER even though it is, suddenly, well after midnight.
January 6, 2022
As seen on www.mysteryandsuspensemagazine.com
Jason Bennett is driving home one night with his wife and two children when they are carjacked, and his teenaged daughter, Alison, is shot and killed. Devastated and grieving, Jason and his wife Lucinda soon find out the person who shot their daughter is a dangerous man, and they are put into witness protection, along with their son, without any time to tell their remaining family and friends. Unable to bury their daughter, Jason and Lucinda are broken-hearted, living under the supervision of the FBI. When the identity of their daughter’s shooter is revealed, both Jason and Lucinda hope they will be able to have peace. But there is more than meets the eye when the shooter is involved in an even wider conspiracy- involving a drug dealing gang, a high-powered lawyer, even the FBI. Jason, unsure who to trust, sets out on his own to get justice for his daughter, risking his life along the way.
Lisa Scottoline’s new highly addictive novel “What Happened to the Bennett’s?” is a page-turning, pulse-pounding story full of family drama, intrigue and conspiracy. Scottoline not only encapsulates the all-encompassing grief of a parent losing a child, but she had all of my hairs standing on her end with the non-stop action and suspense!
Jason Bennett is a court reporter, who spent some time working with the worst of the worst at Gitmo, and now, years later, he has developed a practice of his own. Immediately, I connected with Jason, a family man who would stop at nothing to seek justice within a broken system. From heartbreak to anger to pure satisfaction, Scottoline has her characters run the entire gamut of emotions, bringing the reader along for the ride.
Each chapter ended on a suspenseful cliff-hanger, making the novel even more of a page-turner. There were no dull moments, and so many twists, in true Scottoline fashion, that when the ending came it was both satisfying and disappointing, as I did not want this novel to end! Scottoline’s well-researched plot pulls the reader deep into the corrupt legal and judicial system, with the FBI, and the WITSEC program, building even more of a connection between the reader and the Bennett family.
Fans of Scottoline will not be disappointed, as “What Happened to the Bennett’s” has everything her life-long readers have come to expect and fans of taut and gripping legal dramas will be unable to put this novel down! Relatable, honest characters and a well-developed plot loaded with action and suspense, “What Happened to the Bennett’s” is a must-read for 2022!
Jason Bennett is driving home one night with his wife and two children when they are carjacked, and his teenaged daughter, Alison, is shot and killed. Devastated and grieving, Jason and his wife Lucinda soon find out the person who shot their daughter is a dangerous man, and they are put into witness protection, along with their son, without any time to tell their remaining family and friends. Unable to bury their daughter, Jason and Lucinda are broken-hearted, living under the supervision of the FBI. When the identity of their daughter’s shooter is revealed, both Jason and Lucinda hope they will be able to have peace. But there is more than meets the eye when the shooter is involved in an even wider conspiracy- involving a drug dealing gang, a high-powered lawyer, even the FBI. Jason, unsure who to trust, sets out on his own to get justice for his daughter, risking his life along the way.
Lisa Scottoline’s new highly addictive novel “What Happened to the Bennett’s?” is a page-turning, pulse-pounding story full of family drama, intrigue and conspiracy. Scottoline not only encapsulates the all-encompassing grief of a parent losing a child, but she had all of my hairs standing on her end with the non-stop action and suspense!
Jason Bennett is a court reporter, who spent some time working with the worst of the worst at Gitmo, and now, years later, he has developed a practice of his own. Immediately, I connected with Jason, a family man who would stop at nothing to seek justice within a broken system. From heartbreak to anger to pure satisfaction, Scottoline has her characters run the entire gamut of emotions, bringing the reader along for the ride.
Each chapter ended on a suspenseful cliff-hanger, making the novel even more of a page-turner. There were no dull moments, and so many twists, in true Scottoline fashion, that when the ending came it was both satisfying and disappointing, as I did not want this novel to end! Scottoline’s well-researched plot pulls the reader deep into the corrupt legal and judicial system, with the FBI, and the WITSEC program, building even more of a connection between the reader and the Bennett family.
Fans of Scottoline will not be disappointed, as “What Happened to the Bennett’s” has everything her life-long readers have come to expect and fans of taut and gripping legal dramas will be unable to put this novel down! Relatable, honest characters and a well-developed plot loaded with action and suspense, “What Happened to the Bennett’s” is a must-read for 2022!
June 13, 2022
Accidentally deleted my original review, but basically this book is superhero porn for middle aged suburban dads and I can't recommend it. The main character is a court stenographer and is somehow smarter than all law enforcement agencies. I know this is fiction but a lot of the scenes had a Magnum PI silliness to them.
December 9, 2022
A suburban dad finds out just how much he is capable of when he stops "playing it safe." Jason Bennett is driving his family home from his daughter Allison's lacrosse game when they are stopped by carjackers. In the scuffle things go terribly wrong and their family is changed forever. The FBI whisk them into the witness protection program. Were they a target? Just in the wrong place at the wrong time? As Jason uses his court reporting skills and resources, he begins to form a theory. I thought this was one of Scottoline's best thrillers. Jason and Lucinda Bennett have to find their way through if they want to keep their family intact. Will they or won't they?
March 13, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Jason Bennett is a court reporter with the ability to read lips. A life-threatening incident occurs one day when he is driving the family home from his daughter Allison’s football game. The members of the Bennet family become terrified and confused why this was happening to them. One of them will not survive this incident/attack. The family is devastated due to losing a member. And to make things worse the FBI gets involved and they put the Bennetts in a witness protection program which means isolating them fully from the life they used to have. But will Jason be able to trust the FBI? Are they trustworthy enough to depend on them? That you have to find out.
This is a decent story but to be honest I was expecting the book to be something else. I thought this would be a mysterious slow-burn family thriller. This turned out to be a more action-based thriller. For me, the biggest highlight of the story was the beginning itself, it was a very powerful start, and nothing that came later matched the high note that the story has started on. Yes, there are a few revelations and secrets here and there but nothing too twisty or too shocking for my taste.
My biggest issue with the story is the believability factor. The story is told from Jason’s perspective and it is his show from the beginning until the end. This is a one-man’s show. A man on a mission to protect his family and bring the culprits to justice. While its first half concentrates more on the family’s grief the second part turns into an FBI-related thriller. The two parts felt somehow disjointed for me. That book cover is not suitable at all for this kind of story. If you like thrillers filled with action then give it a try you might enjoy it.
Many thanks to the publisher Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book.
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Jason Bennett is a court reporter with the ability to read lips. A life-threatening incident occurs one day when he is driving the family home from his daughter Allison’s football game. The members of the Bennet family become terrified and confused why this was happening to them. One of them will not survive this incident/attack. The family is devastated due to losing a member. And to make things worse the FBI gets involved and they put the Bennetts in a witness protection program which means isolating them fully from the life they used to have. But will Jason be able to trust the FBI? Are they trustworthy enough to depend on them? That you have to find out.
This is a decent story but to be honest I was expecting the book to be something else. I thought this would be a mysterious slow-burn family thriller. This turned out to be a more action-based thriller. For me, the biggest highlight of the story was the beginning itself, it was a very powerful start, and nothing that came later matched the high note that the story has started on. Yes, there are a few revelations and secrets here and there but nothing too twisty or too shocking for my taste.
My biggest issue with the story is the believability factor. The story is told from Jason’s perspective and it is his show from the beginning until the end. This is a one-man’s show. A man on a mission to protect his family and bring the culprits to justice. While its first half concentrates more on the family’s grief the second part turns into an FBI-related thriller. The two parts felt somehow disjointed for me. That book cover is not suitable at all for this kind of story. If you like thrillers filled with action then give it a try you might enjoy it.
Many thanks to the publisher Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book.
May 9, 2022
I have read many books by Lisa Scottoline over the years and have enjoyed the suspense, tense moments, mysteries, complex characters and riveting twists she was able to masterfully incorporate into her books. What Happened to the Bennetts was no exception. Lisa Scottoline created a gripping and emotionally packed story that drew me in immediately. What Happened to the Bennetts was a mystery thriller with lots of twists and turns. It was fast paced and hooked me right from the beginning. I listened to the audio CD that was brilliantly performed by Edoardo Ballerini.
The Bennetts were a family who resided in the suburbs and enjoyed a comfortable life style. Jason Bennett, the father, owned a successful court reporting business and Lucinda, the mother, had a photography business. Jason and Lucinda had two children, Allison, a fifteen year old junior in high school and Ethan, the younger sibling. Allison was quite the athlete. Her family often accompanied her to her field hockey games to cheer her on. On one such excursion, the family encountered an incident on their way home that would change their lives drastically in a matter of minutes. A pickup truck started to tailgate them on their way home from Allison’s game. Before Jason Bennett could think of a way to avoid the pickup truck, two armed men jumped out and made Jason pull over and get out of his car. Lucinda, Allison and Ethan were frightened beyond belief but Jason reassured them that all would be fine. Jason got out of the car and realized that the two armed men wanted his new Mercedes’ car. When they aimed guns at him and his family, Jason told them to take his car but the unimaginable happened. Shots were fired and Allison became the victim of one of the bullets. This was any parent’s worst nightmare. How could this have happened to Allison?
Much later that same horrific night, the FBI pounded on the Bennett’s front door. The FBI agents disclosed to Jason that their ordeal had not just been a common carjacking incident. The two thugs that attempted to mastermind it were in fact members of a notorious and dangerous drug-trafficking organization. Jason Bennett was told that he and his family were in grave danger. The organization wanted revenge. They were made to believe that Jason murdered one of the two carjackers even though he didn’t. Jason was being framed for something he did not do. The FBI advised Jason and his family to enter the Witness Protection Program. They had to make up their minds immediately and could not call anyone to let them know. The Bennetts were about to simply disappear. They would have to deal with all they experienced that night and give up the only life they had ever known. Would the Bennetts be able to cope with the living nightmare they now faced or would everything that happened to them tear them apart and pit one against the other? Could they endure a life a isolation where their grief consumed their every waking moments? The Bennetts had no choice but to comply.
Lisa Scottoline never seems to disappoint. There were so many twists and turns in What Happened to the Bennetts that I did not always see them coming. Its pacing was relentless and I found that I was often holding my breath as I waited to find out what would happen next. What Happened to the Bennetts explored various types of love, a love for a child and love in a marriage. It was about family, friendship, trust, betrayal, trusting one's instinct and justice. I really enjoyed listening to What Happened to the Bennetts and would recommend it very highly.
The Bennetts were a family who resided in the suburbs and enjoyed a comfortable life style. Jason Bennett, the father, owned a successful court reporting business and Lucinda, the mother, had a photography business. Jason and Lucinda had two children, Allison, a fifteen year old junior in high school and Ethan, the younger sibling. Allison was quite the athlete. Her family often accompanied her to her field hockey games to cheer her on. On one such excursion, the family encountered an incident on their way home that would change their lives drastically in a matter of minutes. A pickup truck started to tailgate them on their way home from Allison’s game. Before Jason Bennett could think of a way to avoid the pickup truck, two armed men jumped out and made Jason pull over and get out of his car. Lucinda, Allison and Ethan were frightened beyond belief but Jason reassured them that all would be fine. Jason got out of the car and realized that the two armed men wanted his new Mercedes’ car. When they aimed guns at him and his family, Jason told them to take his car but the unimaginable happened. Shots were fired and Allison became the victim of one of the bullets. This was any parent’s worst nightmare. How could this have happened to Allison?
Much later that same horrific night, the FBI pounded on the Bennett’s front door. The FBI agents disclosed to Jason that their ordeal had not just been a common carjacking incident. The two thugs that attempted to mastermind it were in fact members of a notorious and dangerous drug-trafficking organization. Jason Bennett was told that he and his family were in grave danger. The organization wanted revenge. They were made to believe that Jason murdered one of the two carjackers even though he didn’t. Jason was being framed for something he did not do. The FBI advised Jason and his family to enter the Witness Protection Program. They had to make up their minds immediately and could not call anyone to let them know. The Bennetts were about to simply disappear. They would have to deal with all they experienced that night and give up the only life they had ever known. Would the Bennetts be able to cope with the living nightmare they now faced or would everything that happened to them tear them apart and pit one against the other? Could they endure a life a isolation where their grief consumed their every waking moments? The Bennetts had no choice but to comply.
Lisa Scottoline never seems to disappoint. There were so many twists and turns in What Happened to the Bennetts that I did not always see them coming. Its pacing was relentless and I found that I was often holding my breath as I waited to find out what would happen next. What Happened to the Bennetts explored various types of love, a love for a child and love in a marriage. It was about family, friendship, trust, betrayal, trusting one's instinct and justice. I really enjoyed listening to What Happened to the Bennetts and would recommend it very highly.
Want to read
May 3, 2022No rating
It really started out with quite a bit of tension/suspense, so I tried.
BUT, after the beginning chapters I started to skim and lose interest. At 400 pages, and with mixed reviews, and so many books on my shelf, not worth continuing........."
It really started out with quite a bit of tension/suspense, so I tried.
BUT, after the beginning chapters I started to skim and lose interest. At 400 pages, and with mixed reviews, and so many books on my shelf, not worth continuing........."
March 28, 2022
What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline is an adrenaline fueled thriller novel. The story in What Happened to the Bennetts is one that is filled with over the top action told in a fast pace way as it answers just how far this one man will go for his family.
The Bennetts are your average family surrounded by their suburban friends and neighbors. Jason Bennett is driving one night as his family is traveling home from their teenage daughters game they notice a truck following along, a little too closely. The next thing they know that truck swerves in front of them and they are confronted by carjackers. Things go south when the family dog gets loose and their daughter is then being rushed to the hospital and before they know it the FBI is involved and they are taken into protective custody.
What Happened to the Bennetts is not the first book I’ve read by author Lisa Scottoline so I had a good feeling that I would enjoy this one when I picked it up. With such an intense start to the book I couldn’t help but become completely intrigued with how and where the rest would take me. Pulse pounding is definitely a good descriptor for this one as it doesn’t slow down the entire ride. For me some of the action was a little over the top but fans of an adrenaline thriller should love this one.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The Bennetts are your average family surrounded by their suburban friends and neighbors. Jason Bennett is driving one night as his family is traveling home from their teenage daughters game they notice a truck following along, a little too closely. The next thing they know that truck swerves in front of them and they are confronted by carjackers. Things go south when the family dog gets loose and their daughter is then being rushed to the hospital and before they know it the FBI is involved and they are taken into protective custody.
What Happened to the Bennetts is not the first book I’ve read by author Lisa Scottoline so I had a good feeling that I would enjoy this one when I picked it up. With such an intense start to the book I couldn’t help but become completely intrigued with how and where the rest would take me. Pulse pounding is definitely a good descriptor for this one as it doesn’t slow down the entire ride. For me some of the action was a little over the top but fans of an adrenaline thriller should love this one.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 15, 2022
What a complete clunker. I hated this repetitive, implausible waste of time. Ethan is supposedly 13. How many 13 year olds allow themselves to be called "honey" over and over again? And carried home in Dad's arms? Grandma on Zoom keeps saying "Oho". Who says that? And Jason manages to always land in the exact right place in the "small" city of Philadelphia. I could go on and on with these kinds of details. Variations of them occur all through the book. Editing needed. A realistic plot needed. Believable characters needed. Don't bother. This was horrible.
May 22, 2022
This mystery novel is about the Bennett family: dad-Jason, mom-Lucinda, son Ethan, and daughter- Allison. It starts when the family is on their way home from Allison’s field hockey game. Unfortunately, they are in the wrong place at the wrong time! Pulled off the road by two armed men escaping a precious murder and looking fir a cover. The tragedy is that Allison is killed during the crossfire.
Since, these men are part of the mafia, the family enters a witness protection program. They have no choice but to quickly leave their family and friends and move from Pennsylvania to a Delaware. Social media is also included in the drama as the family was very active online and are told that they cannot engage in any type of social media. They find other alias to go under to monitor what their friends and family are doing. They are devastated by some of the rumors and frustrated by a podcast from a neighbor crime group. They listen as one citizen has a podcast and us on the hunt to find out exactly , “What happened to the Bennett’s?”
Jason becomes restless and worried that the killer of his daughter will suffer no repercussions. I mean the FBI for crying out loud the FBI has just let the killer flee to Mexico. They may never bring him back and the family wants him to pay. The family wants their life back! Jason takes on the mission one night without telling the family. He fleas too try and solve this crime and bring his killer to Justice.
I’d agree that some parts are definitely high and unrealistic drama but it’s a fast pace mystery thriller with the love of family at the core. Fun read fir mystery lovers who like family drama. My first read from this author.
Since, these men are part of the mafia, the family enters a witness protection program. They have no choice but to quickly leave their family and friends and move from Pennsylvania to a Delaware. Social media is also included in the drama as the family was very active online and are told that they cannot engage in any type of social media. They find other alias to go under to monitor what their friends and family are doing. They are devastated by some of the rumors and frustrated by a podcast from a neighbor crime group. They listen as one citizen has a podcast and us on the hunt to find out exactly , “What happened to the Bennett’s?”
Jason becomes restless and worried that the killer of his daughter will suffer no repercussions. I mean the FBI for crying out loud the FBI has just let the killer flee to Mexico. They may never bring him back and the family wants him to pay. The family wants their life back! Jason takes on the mission one night without telling the family. He fleas too try and solve this crime and bring his killer to Justice.
I’d agree that some parts are definitely high and unrealistic drama but it’s a fast pace mystery thriller with the love of family at the core. Fun read fir mystery lovers who like family drama. My first read from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2023
Court reporter Jason Bennett is driving his family home when he is carjacked, his daughter is shot and soon dies in a hospital operating room. Jason, his wife Lucinda, and pre-teen son Ethan don’t even have time to mourn this loss, when the FBI shows up explaining that the carjackers are a notorious crime family, out to get Jason. So, off to witness protection they go.
As questions are asked by the community, and a citizen reporter starts to investigate, Jason learns that the attack was probably random. The FBI refuses to answer his questions, so he’s forced, to go it alone to find justice for his dead daughter.
At first it felt like a domestic thriller. But then…
It became a political thriller.
The visual set pieces come quickly, giving the book the feel of a fast-paced suspense action movie. Only I’m not eating popcorn nervously – I’m sort of chomping away at potato chips, going, hmmm…
This is kind of…
Sedate.
We find out the truth…
And,
The book is done. And the story is over.
Well, there you have it, folks. Wrapped up, neatly.
As questions are asked by the community, and a citizen reporter starts to investigate, Jason learns that the attack was probably random. The FBI refuses to answer his questions, so he’s forced, to go it alone to find justice for his dead daughter.
At first it felt like a domestic thriller. But then…
It became a political thriller.
The visual set pieces come quickly, giving the book the feel of a fast-paced suspense action movie. Only I’m not eating popcorn nervously – I’m sort of chomping away at potato chips, going, hmmm…
This is kind of…
Sedate.
We find out the truth…
And,
The book is done. And the story is over.
Well, there you have it, folks. Wrapped up, neatly.
August 27, 2022
I have read alot of negative reviews about What Happened to the Bennetts? By Lisa Scottoline. I actually enjoyed this predictable murder mystery/drama book. It drew me in quickly. It was a basic read with basic characters. A whodunit and why book. It was too long. There were places that should have been cut back and became boring causing me to put it down at times and pick back up. It is set up for more Bennett family dramas. Perhaps we will see a series?
April 19, 2024
I found the first half of this book enthralling, shocking, upsetting, and about as impactful as any thriller I’ve read. It’s the kind of story that will benefit from the reader knowing as little as possible about the plot in advance, and for this reason I’ll attempt to give very little away.
Jason Bennett, his wife, and two children are about as close to a perfect family as it’s possible to get. The parents dote on a son and daughter, who seem to be a thriving and well-adjusted pair. Both parents run successful businesses of their own but somehow still seem to find enough time to be fully participative in their children’s lives. Everything is rosy in their garden. So when a setback inexplicably arrives one day it’s a shock – a terrible shock. Suddenly, this family's future is derailed, and who knows which direction it will take from this point.
With their once bright future now looking anything but the ‘safe’ and rather dull, Jason decides that it’s time he stepped up and owned the task of defining their way forward. From this point on it’s all action as he challenges not only those who have clearly set out to destroy their lives but also question those who claim to have become their protectors. Now events pile upon each other with everything happening at breakneck speed. The climax, when it comes, is violently conclusive.
In truth, I’m not sure that the second half of the tale quite lives up to what precedes it, my threshold for accepting what a well meaning but underprepared individual can achieve in a short space of time having been somewhat stretched here. But I do admire the inventiveness of the storytelling, and I really can’t overstate how compelling I found the opening chapters to be.
My thanks to Bedford Square Publishers for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Jason Bennett, his wife, and two children are about as close to a perfect family as it’s possible to get. The parents dote on a son and daughter, who seem to be a thriving and well-adjusted pair. Both parents run successful businesses of their own but somehow still seem to find enough time to be fully participative in their children’s lives. Everything is rosy in their garden. So when a setback inexplicably arrives one day it’s a shock – a terrible shock. Suddenly, this family's future is derailed, and who knows which direction it will take from this point.
With their once bright future now looking anything but the ‘safe’ and rather dull, Jason decides that it’s time he stepped up and owned the task of defining their way forward. From this point on it’s all action as he challenges not only those who have clearly set out to destroy their lives but also question those who claim to have become their protectors. Now events pile upon each other with everything happening at breakneck speed. The climax, when it comes, is violently conclusive.
In truth, I’m not sure that the second half of the tale quite lives up to what precedes it, my threshold for accepting what a well meaning but underprepared individual can achieve in a short space of time having been somewhat stretched here. But I do admire the inventiveness of the storytelling, and I really can’t overstate how compelling I found the opening chapters to be.
My thanks to Bedford Square Publishers for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
June 25, 2023
I spent the first half of this novel thinking: I hate this, it's boring, I am going to DNF. What happened to the Bennets was really horrible. And in Part 1, they sit around wallowing in misery and grief, which is understandable but not so much fun to read about.
"What I do have, is a very particular set of skills..."
Then in Part 2, Jason Bennett, the father, goes full Liam Neeson. As a court reporter, his skills as far as I could tell were reading lips and typing really fast. Okay, good luck with that against the FBI and a Mexican drug cartel. But I'm glad I didn't DNF, because although it was farfetched and there were so many double-crosses and flips that I mostly had no idea what was going on, it moved along and kept me interested. I can't highly recommend this, but it turned out to be better than I expected.
"What I do have, is a very particular set of skills..."
Then in Part 2, Jason Bennett, the father, goes full Liam Neeson. As a court reporter, his skills as far as I could tell were reading lips and typing really fast. Okay, good luck with that against the FBI and a Mexican drug cartel. But I'm glad I didn't DNF, because although it was farfetched and there were so many double-crosses and flips that I mostly had no idea what was going on, it moved along and kept me interested. I can't highly recommend this, but it turned out to be better than I expected.
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