Darn Right I Would Do It!

TITLE: No One Would Do What the Lamberts Have Done

AUTHOR: Sophie Hannah

PUBLISHER: Sourcebooks Landmark

PUBLISHING DATE: January 20, 2026

PAGES: 406   

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: The twistiest murder mystery you are ever likely to read? 

A story about a family that does the unthinkable in order to save the life of one of its beloved members?

Both? Or something else altogether? 

You'll have to read until the very last word in order to find out… 

You think it will never happen to the ring of the bell, the policeman on the doorstep. What he says traps you in a nightmare that starts with the words, 'I'm afraid…' 

Sally Lambert is also afraid, and desperate enough to consider the unthinkable. Is it really, definitely, impossible to escape from this horror? Maybe not. There's always something you can do, right? 

Of course, no one would ever do this particular something – except the Lamberts, who might have to. 

No one has ever gone this far. Until Sally decides that the Lamberts will…

MY THOUGHTS: This book kind of snuck up on me.  I don't remember seeing it prior to release and I initially missed the little dogs on the cover.  In fact, I missed there were two until I finished it.  Let me tell you, it's all in details folks.  I also don't want to give too much away because the vagueness seems to be what people either love or hate about this one.

Sally, her husband, her two children and their terrier Champ live son a quiet cul-de-sac. They get along pretty well with everyone except the Gavey's an odd couple who along with their daughter, think they are better than everyone else.  One day law enforcement knocks on the door and informs Sally the Gavey's are accusing Champ of biting their daughter.  What ensues are some pretty desperate measures to keep Champ safe and some odd happenings along the way. 

This book will either work for you or won't and if you aren't a dog/animal lover, I would probably say don't even bother.  However, despite some things that normally bother me, I loved this and it's one I actually might reread in the future.   What did I love?  Well, first and foremost, the Lambert's love and commitment to their furry child. Also, the way they keep the memory of their previous furry child Furbert alive.  Secondly, I loved the friendship that forms between Sally and another neighborhood resident and the lengths that neighbor goes to help the family - no questions asked.  What didn't I like?  Nothing really.  Although I must say there is a huge book within a book going on here and for something that usually turns me of, it was either done well,

or I loved the subject so much I didn't care.

Finally, I have to talk about Champ (aka Champy) and Furbert.  They will go down as some of my favorite dog characters and I missed them the minute I read the last page.  There are some things in the book that the reader has to suspend their disbelief of but overall, I know some people who visit my blog absolutely must pick this one up!

MY RATING: 5 PAWS