We Are All Guilty Here

North Falls #1

by Karin Slaughter

The first thrilling mystery in the new North Falls series from Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Girls and the Will Trent series.

Welcome to North Falls—a small town where everyone knows everyone. Or so they think.

Until the night of the fireworks. When two teenage girls vanish, and the town ignites.

For Officer Emmy Clifton, it’s personal. She turned away when her best friend's daughter needed help—and now she must bring her home.

But as Emmy combs through the puzzle the girls left behind, she realizes she never really knew them. Nobody did.

Every teenage girl has secrets. But who would kill for them? And what else is the town hiding?

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Crime, Audiobook, Suspense

448 pages, Hardcover

First published August 12, 2025

About the author

Karin Slaughter is the author of twenty-five instant NEW YORK TIMES bestselling novels, including the Edgar–nominated COP TOWN and standalone novels THE GOOD DAUGHTER, PRETTY GIRLS, and GIRL, FORGOTTEN. She is published in 120 countries with more than 40 million copies sold across the globe. PIECES OF HER is a #1 Netflix original series starring Toni Collette. The Will Trent Series is on ABC (and streaming on Hulu in the U.S and Disney+ internationally). THE GOOD DAUGHTER and FALSE WITNESS are in development for film/tv. Slaughter is the founder of the Save the Libraries project—a nonprofit organization established to support libraries and library programming. A native of Georgia, she lives in Atlanta.

Facebook: Facebook.com/AuthorKarinSlaughter

Website: http://www.karinslaughter.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karinslaugh...

Reviews

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a devoted fan of Karin Slaughter, I eagerly dove into her latest novel, thrilled to meet a brand-new protagonist, Officer Emmy Clifton. Set in the seemingly quiet town of North Falls, the story kicks off with a Fourth of July celebration that takes a dark turn when two teenage girls vanish without a trace. Emmy finds herself at the center of the investigation, determined to uncover the truth—not just for the town, but because one of the missing girls is the daughter of her best friend. As she peels back the layers of the town’s polished facade, she realizes that North Falls is anything but safe, and every resident harbors secrets that could shatter lives.

Slaughter masterfully crafts a deeply immersive mystery, balancing procedural authenticity with psychological depth. Emmy is a flawed yet compelling protagonist—tough, relentless, but burdened by past regrets that shape her every move. The dual timeline adds an extra layer of tension, revealing how a crime from over a decade ago still casts a long shadow over the present. As the investigation unfolds, the narrative is laced with gut-punching twists and morally gray characters, keeping readers on edge.

While the pacing occasionally lingers on heavy descriptions, Slaughter’s signature storytelling prowess ensures that even the slower moments simmer with suspense. The town’s suffocating small-town politics, buried betrayals, and desperate attempts at self-preservation make for an unsettling but riveting read. By the time the shocking conclusion arrives, it’s clear that no one in North Falls is truly innocent.

With its gripping whodunit plot, richly developed characters, and relentless tension, this is yet another knockout from Slaughter—one that fans and newcomers alike will devour. Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for sharing this unputdownable thriller's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

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[♥︎ Heather ⚔ (New House-Hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was so slow that I’ve sat at 42% for over a week and don’t want to go back to it. I tried, I’ve heard so many good things about this author, but it’s too much police procedural, not enough thrill. The chapters are way too long for a thriller in my opinion.

I just couldn’t stay interested.

I almost withdrew my request for this one today 😭😭 and it just landed in my inbox. Yee! I’m excited for this one!

And now I have to crack on like nobody’s business bc I have way too many arcs due in Aug and Sept. 😅

Expected pub date - 08/12/25

Thank you, William Morrow and NetGalley - all thoughts are my own.

[Court Zierk · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Wow. I’m nearly at a loss for words. This is a tour de force creation for an author, who in my opinion, already defines the crime fiction sub-genre. This is a masterpiece…

This story is so intricately told. Every detail is carefully crafted and vividly depicted. I felt like I was in some magical, vicarious voyeur machine that catapulted me into every scene in this book and allowed me to observe with my own eyes. And because I watched each scene firsthand, I also experienced every resulting emotion on a very personal, profound level.

I love that we only got one side of the story, and we were just as in the dark as our protagonist was. It amplified the tension and ratcheted up the suspense significantly as a storytelling mechanism.

The characters were flawed and believable. Their motivations and actions all made perfect sense. Emmy and Jude amazing and I hope they become the centerpiece of many more novels. I will be reading every single one.

I feel very lucky to have been gifted this advanced copy, and I appreciate being able to be part of the hype machine leading up to its release…

Thank you to William Morrow Books for the ARC!

[Norma ~ The Sisters · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter
Happy Book Birthday, August 12, 2025!
Genre: Fiction / Thrillers / Suspense
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Format: Digital ARC

Dark secrets, gritty suspense, and fast-paced small-town drama—this was one unputdownable ride!

Set in the tightly woven community of North Falls, this gripping series opener introduces Officer Emmy Clifton, a woman burdened by guilt after turning away from her best friend’s daughter when she needed help most. When two teenage girls vanish on the night of the town’s fireworks, Emmy’s personal and professional lives collide. As the investigation unfolds, long-buried truths emerge, and it becomes clear that no one in North Falls is as they seem.

It had been a little while since I read a Karin Slaughter novel, and I forgot just how intensely shocking her books can be. She doesn’t hold back from hard-hitting topics or raw, emotional scenes, and while this one felt a little less graphic than some of her previous work, the subject matter was still heavy and, at times, deeply unsettling. It took me a moment to find the right headspace, but once I did, I was completely hooked. I flew through it, even with its longer chapters, which felt layered, deliberate, and absolutely worth the time.

This was such an addictive and emotional police procedural, but also a devastating family tragedy. I really enjoyed the character dynamics and the depth of the investigation. The town itself becomes a character—claustrophobic, secretive, and brimming with tension. North Falls may seem close-knit on the surface, but it is fractured underneath, and no one escapes untouched. The story pulses with secrets, trauma, lies, and loss, while also weaving in moments of strength, courage, and fierce determination.

Some characters carry their guilt quietly. Others wear it like armour. In North Falls, guilt spreads like wildfire—and no one gets away clean.

This was a buddy read that I had the pleasure of reading with Brenda, Carolyn, and Debra from Witches Words, and it was such a thrilling and emotional experience to unravel this mystery together. Please be sure to check out all of their reviews!

Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. Highly recommend.

[Tara ~ trying to catch up ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now Available Happy Publication Day!✨

New Series by Karin Slaughter North Falls Book 1

We Are All Guilty Here is my favourite Karin Slaughter book yet! It is brilliant, compelling, and incredibly tense. The suspense builds steadily until the breathless conclusion. The story is utterly enthralling from start to finish. The town is filled with intrigue and dark secrets, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere. This haunting, confined feeling enhances the tension throughout the narrative. It is undoubtedly one of those captivating reads that completely engaged me from beginning to end, drawing me into its depths with every page.


This gripping police procedural weaves a tale of tragedy that envelops several families in North Falls. Secrets lurk around every corner, and the weight of trauma, lies, and loss hangs heavily over the community. It seems that the residents of North Falls truly don't know their neighbours after all. They are good at fooling their neighbours by wearing masks to hide their true selves.


North Falls is a small town where everyone knows each other. It is a close-knit community. Miranda, one of the missing teenage girls, is Emmy's best friend's daughter. And the other girl, Cheyanne Baker, is Madison’s best friend. As Emmy pieces together clues, she realizes she never truly knew the girls, and neither did anyone else in the town. Every teenage girl has her own secrets that blend into her life. But the frightening question remains: who would go so far as to kill to keep those secrets? As Emmy investigates deeper, she feels the town is hiding darker truths than she ever thought possible. The girls' disappearance affects everyone, and in a small town where everyone knows your name, the pain is shared.

12 Years later, Paisley Walker, another teenage girl, is taken—the crime scene eerily the same, leaving Emmy and the rest of the police force shaken to their core with fear while investigating the latest missing girl. Emmy and the police are puzzled while trying to find this new missing girl. The town is still struggling from the earlier cases, and now, with another girl missing, tempers flare, leading to a tragic event that leaves the community heartbroken. The situation is critical.

In California, Jude, a retired criminal psychologist and FBI agent known for finding missing children, sees the alert for Paisley Walker and flies to the town to offer her expertise. Will the town welcome her, or will they keep her out?


As the plot unfolds, characters grapple with profound loss, while others seek the redemptive power of forgiveness. Each page is infused with raw tension and heartache, pushing the boundaries of grief. Yet, amidst the sorrow, a powerful undercurrent of courage, resilience, and love shines through. This story is not just about anguish; it’s also a testament to the human spirit's strength in the face of adversity.

Karin Slaughter's stories have a remarkable ability to dive beyond the surface, drawing readers into the depths of human depravity. In her latest book, she confronts us with the ugly truths of the world, showcasing the full spectrum of humanity's darker side. Once again, Slaughter delivers a gripping and gut-wrenching narrative that will undoubtedly leave readers reeling long after they’ve turned the final page. I highly recommend you grab a copy!

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

RTC—I’m packing for my vacation and couldn't be more excited! This Friday night, I’ll be attending Carlie Fortune’s book tour for “One Golden Summer.” I know this experience will be just what I need to boost my spirits during this challenging time. ❤️‍🩹 Plus, getting out of the city will help improve Harley’s and Mr. Beasley's health and mindset. 🐕

[TheConnieFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small town thriller mystery novel was one that I absolutely loved! It was extremely emotional, dark and tense. I found the plot to be well executed, it came with a clear thesis and I really enjoyed the dual timelines! It is deep, well written and full of twists that really shocked me! The world building of this small town really caught my attention and drew me in. It kept me guessing the entire time I was reading it! I really liked all of the characters in the story, especially Emmy! I really loved how Emmy became so involved and really had a personal connection with these two girls. It came with strong characters, that change and grew in the story. This is a medium to fast paced read, where the flaws of the characters are the main focus. This is a small town community that is full of betrayals and past traumas! I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end! I definitely recommend this one! I cannot wait till the second book in this series comes out!

“We Are All Guilty Here” centers around officer Emmy. She investigates two girls that went missing in a small town. Emmy deals with a past trauma as she is searching for these two girls. This book really shows you how far people will go to keep secrets and how they will protect the ones they love! I give this book a rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars!

Any fan of the author Karin Slaughter and fans of thrillers that are full of secrets and twists would really enjoy this one! Content warnings include violence, child abuse, murder, death and grief.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Karin Slaughter and William Morrow for this electronic ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is expected to be published on August 12, 2025!

[NZLisaM · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up to 3, a.k.a pretty average!

While the residents of North Falls, Georgia, are all occupied enjoying the 4th of July fireworks, two local teenage girls – Madison Dalrymple and Cheyenne Baker – are being abducted from the carpark.

Deputy Emmy Clifton-Lang (the official Amazon blurb lists Emmy’s surname as ‘Clifford’, so it’s either a typo, was altered for the published version, or differs depending on edition), along with her Sheriff father Gerald Clifton, are first on the scene where all that remains are two mangled bicycles, a smashed cellphone, and blood. Emmy feels guilty, because when Madison tried to reach out to her earlier in the night, Emmy was too preoccupied with her crumbling marriage to listen. The hunt is on to find Madison and Cheyenne alive. But as the hours pass – hope fades.

Unfortunately, We Are All Guilty Here suffered from the same issues I had with another crime novel I read earlier in the month in that the characters were the standout. I really enjoyed Emmy, and all the supporting and peripheral characters. Her family drama and revealed secrets were another highlight. Also, the crime was emotionally affecting, and the character of Emmy did a superb job of conveying this.

There were some clever, surprising twists throughout the novel, but the resolution to the crime was pretty anticlimactic, didn’t bring anything new to the table, and contained a lot of telling rather than showing. There were disturbing moments but We Are All Guilty Here was pretty tame for a Karin Slaughter novel, which I have to admit, I was kind of disappointed by. The first 30% was a five-star read for me – however, I struggled with the twist that occurred soon after that point, and from then onwards I thought the excitement and urgency of the investigation tapered off. Speaking of the investigation, there was far too much time spent on interviewing suspects and the discussions of evidence grew repetitive. If you’re not a fan of police procedures, then I doubt you would enjoy this one. Finally, it was overly long, and there just wasn’t enough happening to sustain its length.

In conclusion, We Are All Guilty Here was underwhelming overall, and as much as I liked the characters, I’m not sure I’m curious enough to continue this series. Hopefully I’m in the minority, and other reviewers/readers will enjoy it more.

I’d like to thank Netgalley UK, Harper Collins UK, and Karin Slaughter for the e-ARC.

Publication Date: 19th June 2025.

[Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay. Okay. I get why there’s so much hype around Karin Slaughter now. I mean, We Are All Guilty Here delivered quite the sucker punch of serious thrills and chills, but that feeling was paired with a poignancy that quite literally brought me to tears more than once. From the believably flawed characters to the “WTF?!” twists, my mind was blown by the immersive storytelling of this dark, gritty, and downright twisted tale. A deft mix of police procedural and family drama, I’m already waiting with bated breath to see where Ms. Slaughter takes these characters next. That’s right. It’s just book one in a brand-spanking-new series. A masterclass of fine-tuned suspense, it had everything I could want in a truly addictive novel plus a little bit more.

Thanks to the dual POVs and the tight-knit tinderbox of a small town, which only felt like yet another character, the past and the present came together with utter precision. On top of that, though, no matter how hard I tried, I simply could not predict even one of these blind twists and turns. And while the events that took place were both intense and disturbing, I had to actually stop myself from skimming just to find out the whos, whats, and whys. Hard-hitting and raw in terms of both the missing persons cases and the drama within these characters’ personal lives, I found myself getting choked up more than once as I put myself in their shoes. After all, not only was the plot filled with plenty of intrigue and shocking secrets, but it all had a realistic feel.

All said and done, I was blown away by Slaughter’s ability to dive into the dark heart of humanity. Bringing to life the monsters who live in our midst, this spine-chilling story was both gut-wrenching and riveting. Exploring life-altering trauma and loss, it’s one book that I guarantee not to forget anytime soon. After all, the layers of secrets and lies intertwined with an underlying serial killer premise just unsettling enough to make you quake in your boots. From what I’ve heard, though, it was decidedly less graphic than any of her prior novels. So if I’ve piqued your interest at all, be sure to run out and grab this book ASAP. After all, this messy, dysfunctional family will capture your heart as you watch their lives implode right before your very eyes. Bravo, Ms. Slaughter, it was a stunner! Rating of 5 stars.

SYNOPSIS:

Welcome to North Falls—a small town where everyone knows everyone. Or so they think.

Until the night of the fireworks. When two teenage girls vanish, and the town ignites.

For Officer Emmy Clifton, it’s personal. She turned away when her best friend's daughter needed help—and now she must bring her home.

But as Emmy combs through the puzzle the girls left behind, she realizes she never really knew them. Nobody did.

Every teenage girl has secrets. But who would kill for them? And what else is the town hiding?

Thank you to Karin Slaughter and William Morrow Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: August 12, 2025

Content warning: abduction, violence, alcohol abuse, pedophilia, murder, dementia, gun violence, death of a parent, grief, cancer, torture, mention of: violence, rape, grooming

[luv2read · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first part of this book takes us back 12 years, to the disappearance of Madison and Cheyenne. Honestly, it felt like I was right there in the moment, heart racing, completely tense, almost overwhelming at times. Emmy, our deputy sheriff (and total star of the story), throws herself into the search with the help of her dad, the sheriff. No spoilers, you’ll have to read it to see how that plays out!

Fast forward 12 years, and another girl goes missing. That’s when things really start heating up again. I thought the story was fantastic, well told, with phenomenal characters. My only whim is that there is too much retelling of details. I kept thinking, I’ve already read this bit twice. If it had been tightened by about 100 pages, it would’ve been punchier and even more gripping.

I was still hooked the whole way through, and the ending completely blindsided me. As a die hard Karin Slaughter fan, I’m here for every book she writes, and this one was no exception. Huge thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishers for letting me read and review this ARC from one of my favorite authors!

[L.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thrilling mystery in the new North Falls series!! This will be on my top list of thrillers this year. It is a must read!! "Welcome to North Falls—a small town where everyone knows everyone. Or so they think. Until the night of the fireworks. When two teenage girls vanish, the town ignites...."
"Every teenage girl has secrets. But who would kill for them? And what else is the town hiding?"
This tense police procedural is addictive yet devastatingly tragic. When two girls go missing, Officer Emmy and her police chief dad Gerald Clifton search for answers in their own Clifton County. Emmy has a personal reason since one of the girls is her best friend's daughter who had tried to call her but she blew her off as too busy to answer. What they did find were two bikes, cell phones and blood, as well as the town hiding information. Unveiling disturbing info and a moral gray covering of people the town trusted, to hide what? When relationships are revealed and some shocking twists, some deep secrets crumble the walls of this small town. So many puzzle pieces gripped me and showed what the town was hiding. It is a psychological thriller you will not forget. I can't wait to read the next one in the series!!
Thank you Edelweiss and William Morrow for this ARC in exchange for my review!

[Michael Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

What You Don’t Know…

With “We Are All Guilty Here” Karin Slaughter introduces her new North Falls mystery series. The series takes place in the seemingly idyllic small town of North Falls, a close-knit community where everyone seems to know everything about everyone– until their dark secrets come to light.

When two young girls vanish during the Fourth of July festivities, Sheriff Gerald Clifton and his daughter, Deputy Emmy Clifton, launch an immediate investigation. Their chances of finding the girls alive dwindle with every passing hour. Emmy is particularly burdened by guilt, as one of the missing girls had attempted to reach out to her just before disappearing.

Twelve years later, another young girl vanishes in a similar manner. A recently retired FBI agent, Jude Archer is compelled to arrive on the scene, revealing her secret ties to both the town and the Clifton family. Her methodical approach clashes with Emmy's emotional struggle to control her feelings.

Emmy is a wonderfully flawed heroine. She is driven to physical and emotional exhaustion by her powerful sense of justice and overwhelming guilt. This guilt, however, is not hers alone, as the title implies, every character harbors a secret. At one point, the Andy Griffith show is referenced– but this is not Mayberry.

Despite occasional slowdowns due to police procedural explorations, the narrative gains momentum through unexpected twists. The North Falls locale is stocked with well-crafted characters, establishing a solid foundation for a compelling series. Going forward, the two women look to work well together, with Jude’s analytical skills complimenting Emmy’s passionate approach.

This highly suspenseful and entertaining book comes with a warning: some readers may find the depictions of violence and abuse disturbing.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #WeAreAllGuiltyHere #NetGalley

[Dutchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Well done Karin Slaughter, well done!👏👏👏 This deserves all the stars!

I’ll be the first to admit I went into this unsure of how I would feel about a new series and a new set of characters. Both the Will Trent and the Grant County series leave very big shoes to fill. I did not need to worry as the small town of North Falls brought with it a whole new set of characters that make us feel right at home.

Emmy’s family is well known throughout Clifton County as it was founded by her ancestors. We meet just about all of them that it was hard to keep them straight, but I’m sure it’ll be easier the more we get to know them. During a Fourth of July celebration two teenage girls go missing and Emmy is front and center trying to find the girls. I almost felt like I was riding shotgun with Emmy throughout the investigation. You never know which way the book is going and are following the investigation real time with her. Just when you think you know what’s happening and are settling into the case Slaughter has a way of mentally knocking you down. I’m pretty sure I felt every emotion possible as the case evolved and relationships were revealed.

This is one of those books that I wish I could experience reading it for the first time again. Slaughter excels at writing small town intricacies amongst family and the local townspeople. It was very reminiscent of the Grant County series that I love so much except with its own new flare. I absolutely cannot wait to see where this new series goes.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

[LIsa Noell "Rocking the chutzpah!"]

Well, I'm tossing in the towel @ 35%. I'm just not feeling this one at all. The father/daughter duo is just too damned annoying! Maybe I'll pick it up somewhere down the road, but I'm not holding my breath.
No rating.

[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Diggity Dang!! What a killer start to a series—I’m already hooked. Karin Slaughter usually scares the daylights out of me, and I’m one dark, twisted sister myself. She can be overly graphic, but this one struck the right chord: twisted enough to keep me on edge, without me wanting to close my eyes and not read anymore because I myself am traumatized.

Slaughter weaves in some great family drama that completely cast a spell on me. And as always, it’s the characters that pull me in. She’s known for writing broken women and throwing trauma after trauma at them, but this time? These women are strong, grounded, and bring a whole new dynamic to the case.

Can’t wait to see where this series goes next!

A witches Words buddy read with Norma, Debra, Mary Beth and Carolyn. Did it cast a spell on all of us?....

I received a copy from the publisher through Edelweiss

[Mahsa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too slow, even for someone like me who loves the police procedural kind of details in novels. About 60% was filled with unnecessary, repetitive explanations. I kept thinking about putting it down, but I pushed myself because it was my first Slaughter book, and I wanted to read it completely. I just don’t get what some writers think ;what’s the point of sharing groundbreaking insights when I’m struggling through pages that don’t really move the story along?

Trigger Warning: This book contains themes of violence, child abduction, child molestation (pedophilia), sexual assault, complicated family dilemmas, and drug use.

The reason this book has caught so many readers' attention is twofold:

1. Uncommon POV: It’s narrated from the investigator’s perspective, Emmy, and the author has embodied her beautifully. Readers are drawn into her journey of piecing together the puzzle, establishing a strong logical backbone for the story.

2. Clear Psychological Depth:Each character’s psychological movements are depicted vividly ~their motivations, subtle emotions, deep desires, and unique perspectives. Whether it’s a teenager with a girlish worldview, a seasoned FBI agent, or a reprehensible pedophile, every character has their own distinct voice. It feels like you’ve lifted the lid on their minds and are watching the events unfold directly, a rarity in today’s literature.


So yeah, there’s a lot of great stuff here, but the slow pace can be a total snooze-fest. 🥱🤨

Recommendation: If you’ve found yourself zoning out in the middle but want to know how it ends, just read the last 100 pages. You might find it worth it!

[Christy fictional_traits · Rating 5 out of 5]

'If you don't know what to do, start at the beginning'.

Emmy works hard to be as well-respected, as a cop, as her dad, the chief. However, when the small town of North Falls is rocked by a rare double abduction, her police procedural skills, as well as personal involvement, are put to the test. As her investigation delves deeper, it's not only case clues that come to light, but a whole spool of secrets and lies about many of the town residents unravels.

This was my first Slaughter book and I was kept on the hook from page one. Although dealing with the grim crimes of psychopaths doesn’t make for light reading, I was fully invested in the police procedural and criminal psychology. I’d definitely pick up another Slaughter book in the future and look forward to seeing where this new series goes next.

'Some people think serial killers make mistakes because they want to get caught, but the real reason is they're as desperate as any other addict...They chase the euphoria'.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new mystery series from the brilliant Karin Slaughter -- a magnificently dysfunctional family of sheriffs in a rural Georgia county are the center of the story -- and already I'm excited for whatever comes next for the Clifton family. In a brief first act, two teenage girls disappear the night of the fireworks in North Falls (a town a lot like the Boston bar, Cheers, in that everybody knows your name), and Officer Emmy Clifton and her father Gerald -- the sheriff -- work the clock hard to find them, knowing that if the girls aren't rescued within hours, the odds they'll be found alive sink to almost zero. Flash forward twelve years later to the second and third acts of this Shakespearean drama (with precise, page-turning, police procedural details), and another girl disappears, and once more the clock is ticking. And Emmy is haunted by the mistakes she feels she made over a decade earlier. But what makes WE ARE ALL GUILTY HERE such a treasure are the Cliftons themselves, especially Emmy and her estranged older sister, Jude, who returns from California to help with the investigation, and their ageless aunt, whose cantankerousness grows ever more charming in a weird and wonderful way. How much did I love this novel? Already I can't wait for the next one. (No pressure, Karin, no pressure.)

[Casey Reads 🌸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two girls disappear & the race against time begins as the cops realize they were abducted. Then another girl goes missing years later under similar circumstances.

The beginning of this book was 5 stars, then it just dragged on and became so long. Then it got good again. Overall, it is really hard for me to rate this book. I personally feel it should have been condensed about 100 pages or split into 2 books. It felt like it dragged on. But the story itself was interesting and at times very dark.

I would give this one a 3.5 rounded up. If I was this author I would have cut out quite a bit of unnecessary stuff to not destroy the impact of the wild beginning 1/3 of the book.

Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic read from one of my favourite authors.I look forward to her books coming out.can be read as a standalone as a start of a new crime read.. Two friends vanish on fireworks night,are they alive or dead? Officer Emmy Clifton knows the girls and wants to find them safe.. Will she uncover the truth about the girls' lives? Are they hiding secrets? Another thrilling read from Karin..she loves to write gritty storylines which I enjoy reading..looking forward to reading more of her books....

[Shantha (ShanthasBookEra) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The first thrilling mystery in the new North Falls series from Karin Slaughter. Welcome to North Falls—a small town where everyone knows everyone. Or so they think."

On the Fourth of July, two teenage girls go missing from a grassy field next to the fireworks show. Only their bikes and blood remain. for Officer Emmy Clifton, the loss is personal as one of the girls is her best friend's stepdaughter. As she and her father investigate, Emmy realizes that everyone in the town has secrets, including the girls.

As the queen of crime, it's no surprise that this had perfect pacing, tension, character development, and plot twists. Slaughter has brilliantly set up the universe for her next series of books.I loved the focus on female characters, their strength, resilience, and how they protect themselves. Slaughter is honest and sensitive about different themes revolving around women. This is gritty at times but never graphic. I am a sensitive reader to violence and found it to be a propulsive page-turner that is well-researched. This is a winner that I highly recommend! I will be first in line for her next book in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Karin Slaughter for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

⚠️CW: kidnapping, rape, torture, murder

[The Book Review Café · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve long been a fan of Karin Slaughter’s crime novels, known for their gripping blend of suspense, unflinching realism, and well-developed characters. We Are All Guilty Here marks the beginning of a brand-new crime thriller series featuring Officer Emmy Clifton. One of Slaughter’s greatest strengths is her ability to craft compelling characters, and Emmy is no exception. Her flaws and vulnerabilities add depth and make her incredibly relatable.

Set in the small town of North Falls, the disappearance of two teenage girls during a Fourth of July fireworks celebration shatters the community’s fragile sense of security. As Officer Emmy Clifton delves into the case, she uncovers shocking truths about the missing girls—secrets that reveal how much people can hide, even in a seemingly close-knit town. With every step of the investigation, Emmy is forced to confront the unsettling realization that no one is as innocent as they seem.

Karin Slaughter doesn’t shy away from difficult topics. While the subject matter is intense, it’s handled with sensitivity and care. The setting of North Falls, with its undercurrent of small-town secrets and gossip, creates a palpable sense of claustrophobia. Slaughter masterfully explores the hidden lives of a tight-knit community, peeling back layers of guilt, deception, and complex relationships. The novel delves into the lengths people will go to protect their secrets—and the devastating fallout when those secrets are exposed.

What sets Slaughter apart is her meticulous attention to detail, especially in forensic and procedural elements, which lend authenticity to her crime scenes. The plot is gritty, fast-paced, and packed with suspense. If you enjoy stories steeped in small-town intrigue, dark twists, and a relentless narrative, We Are All Guilty Here is a must-read. Highly recommended!

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[Beth Morvant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot wait for the next one. This was fantastic

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.5⭐️ In North Falls, where everyone knows everyone, a shocking crime will rock the community. When two teenage girls suddenly vanish during the town’s fireworks show, officer Emmy Clifton will stop at nothing to bring them home.

You know those types of books that, as soon as you glimpse the title and author, you can almost guarantee are going to be fantastic? This is most definitely one of those books. From the eerie, picturesque cover to the horrific crime that rocks the quintessential small town, this book is a winner both inside and out. And while the first book in the series is often a heavy lift, having to establish so much of the foundation, including the setting, characters, and relationships, Karin Slaughter does a seemingly effortless job setting the North Falls stage.

What makes We Are All Guilty Here so chilling is how realistic it is— this is a story that can happen in any small town, anywhere. Because of the way Slaughter writes such real, multi-faceted, and dynamic characters, it is impossible not to feel an almost instant connection, particularly to our central character, in this case, Emmy Clifton. As the story unfolds, and we are witness to her navigating such complex emotions around what happened and any part she may have inadvertently played, my heart broke for her over and over again. She is a character made of grit and guts, and it’s that intensity combined with her flaws that make her such an outstanding character. I love the fact that it is her son who will work alongside her as we continue the series, as well as a continuation of the backstory of Emmy’s upbringing and relationships with both her mother and father, the town sheriff.

If I have any feedback that leans negative, it is only that I wish the book were just a bit shorter. As I neared the third of the book, I felt as though the pacing slowed down quite a bit as we focused in on individual characters and their backstories. Then again, I feel hard-pressed as to what I would even omit given that this story must lay the foundation for a multi-book series.

🎧 Narrator Kathleen Early does an impeccable job at bringing this story to life. While stories told in third person can sometimes keep the characters at a distance, I never felt anything less than connected while listening to her narration. I did end up pairing the ebook with the audiobook, given the larger cast of characters, and I think this was the way to go to be able to experience Slaughter’s cinematic-like storytelling, without missing the nuance and detail.

Read if you like:
▪️true crime
▪️thrillers with emotional depth
▪️police families
▪️small town settings
▪️complex family dynamics
▪️vivid storytelling

Thank you William Morrow and Harper Audio for the advanced copies.

[Jonetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

the setup…
It’s the Fourth of July and most of the town has assembled at the park to watch the fireworks. Newly fifteen year old Madison Dalrymple is supposed to be meeting best friend Cheyenne Baker who had a wicked plan for the two of them that night. When she’s late, Madison goes looking for her and sees what she believes to be the Baker car but as she approaches it’s clear that something is very, very wrong. Later, Deputy Sheriff Emmy Lou Clifton goes looking for Madison who is her best friend’s stepdaughter and gets that unique tingle that this is serious when she finds Madison’s mangled bicycle at the edge of the park. It sets off a series of events that change North Falls forever.

the heart of the story…
The Clifton family is North Falls royalty, the county bearing the family name. Gerald Clifton, Emmy’s father, is the police chief and they make an impressive team. But this is much more than the search for Madison and Cheyenne, it laying bare the underbelly of the town in the process. The layers are peeled back to expose buried secrets and some not so private. It has Slaughter’s gritty style and messy characters who are both admirable and seriously flawed at the same time. Madison and Cheyenne led secret lives despite having attentive and loving parents who were ill prepared for modern issues.

the narration…
Kathleen Early has always seemed, at least to me, to be umbilically connected to the author, mastering how to tell these stories just the way it was intended. I will always listen to them because of her and she was outstanding (again) in her performance.

the bottom line…
It’s a hard story and delivers a strong sense of the characters, the town and the driving forces and issues and Emmy leads the narrative. It does a hard transition to twelve years later and the twists and revelations had my head spinning at times. I did guess two of them but all that did was keep me glued to the story. This is classic Slaughter and she’s not only created a fascinating story but laid a heck of a foundation for the series. It is reminiscent of Grant County and that alone has me excited.

Posted on Blue Mood Café

[♡❀Caroline❀♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love small-town drama, dark secrets, and an author who pulls the rug out from under you just when you think you’ve figured it all out. This dark, suspenseful mystery is for you.

Karin continues to exceed my expectations with her writing. Her storytelling is so captivating. Never once did I find myself thinking, “Okay… but why do I need to know this?” Every detail felt intentional and relevant.

The storyline was emotional, shocking, and full of tension. She masterfully weaves the past and present together, giving real depth and emotional weight to the characters. The crime thriller elements, paired with the psychological breakdowns, were incredibly compelling and had me on edge the entire time.

But what sets this book apart is how she balances that suspense with raw, emotional honesty. We see what the families are enduring, the cracks in each character’s facade, and the personal flaws that make them feel real. And at the heart of it all is Emmy..torn between her heart and her sense of duty.

I want to thank Netgalley and Karin Slaughter for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Kelly • Kell of a Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ Karin Slaughter is, hands down, my favorite author in the world and if you don’t know this about me by now I’ve failed at bookstagram.

WE ARE ALL GUILTY HERE is the start of a new series set in small town Georgia and follows Officer Emmy Clifton who can’t sneeze in North Falls without hitting someone she’s related to. When two teenage girls vanish, Emmy finds herself thrown into the case both professionally and personally.

Like all of Slaughter’s books this has a pretty dark storyline and isn’t for the faint of heart. I don’t think her books are the type of scary that has you nervous about your house making sounds in the middle of the night but they might keep you awake worrying about all the evil people in the world.

I do think this might have been one of Slaughter’s slower-paced books, at least in the first half, which shouldn’t really be a surprise considering she’s always been fond of taking the scenic route. Maybe the very detailed writing stood out to me more with this book because I’m so invested in the Will Trent characters that I’d happily read 100 pages about them eating Cheerios or walking a dog. The writing is wonderful (and even made me cry at one point), but it’s very thorough and perhaps a little repetitive at times.

As much as I love Will Trent (and love is probably an understatement) I truly think Slaughter shines when writing about small towns. This book reminded me a little bit of the Grant County series in that you can clearly tell how intimately she knows these places and the people who live there.

Now, I do have a pretty big bone to pick with this woman I love so dearly - why oh why did she have to call Elijah Walker, a thirty-seven-year old, an “angry, middle-aged man”?! Call him every name in the book, just skip over middle-aged, please and thank you.

This wasn’t my favorite KS read solely because she has SO many phenomenal books and the bar has been set really high. I do think this new series has a lot of potential and after getting to know all the characters so well in book one, I’m really excited to see where there next installment goes. I have a feeling North Falls could be up there with Will Trent and Grant County as some of my very favorite crime series.

🏆The Will Trent series is my all time favorite by KS. Don’t be intimidated by the number of books (I’ve read them all twice, some 3x). THE GOOD DAUGHTER is my favorite standalone!

[Sandra Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Karin Slaughter returns with a new crime thriller series set in a small town where everyone knows everyone, or do they? We Are All Guilty Here is a highly addictive, well-crafted suspense thriller that's impossible to put down, featuring flawed characters with a ton of baggage that bears a closer look. Slaughter draws readers in from page one and doesn't turn them loose until the final shocking revelation slaps them in the face. Take care of business and find some alone time before settling in with this masterpiece.

We Are All Guilty Here explores the many layers of life in a typical small town in the south. On the surface, everyone's life is an open book. No secrets, right? Peel back a layer or two and you'll find almost everyone has nasty little secrets, something they'd do anything to keep hidden. These dark secrets begin unraveling after two teenagers disappear on the night of the town's annual Fourth of July celebration. Police Officer Emmy Clifton and her father Chief Gerald Clifton are on the scene working the case from the start, and they follow the evidence eventually putting the bad guy in prison despite Emmy's lingering doubts. Over a decade later, another girl disappears under similar circumstances. Emmy is now Chief of Police and faced with the possibility they may have put the wrong guy away. To uncover the truth, Emmy and Jude Archer, a retired FBI agent and psychologist, work together in a race against time. It's soon clear the small-town neighbors Emmy thought she knew are hiding secrets that could destroy them if revealed. How far would they go to keep them hidden? With a few skeletons rattling around in her own closet, Emmy is forced to face her own demons and the complexity of relationships within her own family when her personal and professional lives clash.

Author Karin Slaughter slays it with this gripping, tension laden, tautly written thriller balancing smalltown dynamics with compelling, richly developed characterizations led by a flawed, yet likable protagonist burdened with guilt and regret. The dual timeline connects past crimes with the present setting a chilling tone of malice throughout. As the story unfolds, characters and readers are sent reeling with each shocking revelation until it becomes clear no one in North Falls is as blameless as they may seem . . . even Emmy.

We Are All Guilty Here is an emotional, gripping thriller that highlights how the past can dictate the path of the future while throwing open all the doors in a tightly knit town. As always, Slaughter excels at turning small-town settings into vivid, living elements that shape the story and drive the pace. Guilt, secrets, and family dynamics all collide and explode across the pages of this suspense thriller. No one does it better than Karin Slaughter. I can’t wait for the second book in this series. Highly recommended for readers who love a challenging whodunit and fans of mysteries and psychological thrillers.
Many thanks to William Morrow Publ. and Author Karin Slaughter for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own. US publication of this book is set for Aug. 12, 2025. This review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is now available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.

[Bruce Hatton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karin Slaughter’s latest novel takes place in the small town of North Falls in south-west Georgia. Emmy Clifton has lived in the town all her life and has so many relatives throughout the surrounding county it is named Clifton County. She works as deputy to her father Sheriff Gerald Clifton.
During a Fourth of July parade in the local park, Emmy encounters Madison Dalrymple, the 15 year old daughter of her best friend Hannah. It seems as if Madison wishes to talk to Emmy, but Emmy is still reeling from an argument with her useless husband Jonah. A few hours later, both Madison and her best friend Cheyenne Baker are declared missing. Their bodies are later found in a pond belonging to Emmy’s aunt Millie. A local man, Adam Huntsinger, also known as The Perv, is found guilty of their murder and sent to the state prison.
However, 12 years later, following a campaign by dentist’s son, Jack Whitlock, doubts are cast on the conviction and Huntsinger is released from prison. Soon after his release, another teenage girl, Paisley Walker goes missing. Then, out of the blue, an FBI profiler turns up who seems to know much more about the case, the town and the Cliftons than any usual outsider should know.
Once again, Karin Slaughter has managed to deliver a complex but coherent story with surprises right until the end. Her usual themes of large dysfunctional families and women’s struggles to prove themselves in a misogynist culture and often finding their biggest enemies are women who have succumbed to a life of subservience.

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why do I do this to myself? I hated the last Slaughter book I read, and here we are again.

Many mystery enthusiasts rave about Slaughter's writing style, but I find it dry and heavy-handed. So many random, gratuitous details!

I made it to 39% before giving up and skimming. The chapters are way too long for a thriller; there were numerous unnecessary, repetitive scenes. The story didn't grab or keep my interest. I figured out the perp (one of them anyway) in chapter 3 and found the twists easy to guess.

I had zero respect for Emmy, the police officer on the case, who pandered to her dickwad of a husband. The family drama went on and on.

Everything Slaughter writes is dark and bleak. What's the point of reading a story about two missing teenagers when you know the girls are dead?

Other authors in the crime/suspense genre shake up their endings, so the reader can hope against hope because sometimes the outcome is positive. Not Slaughter. Heaven forbid the victim lived for once.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A. new crime series from Karin Slaughter..umm yes please!,

This book is fantastic. It took me almost a week to read but that is no slight in the book at all. It is one of those books, like all Karin Slaughter books, that needs to be savoured. Yes it is long but it is so worth it. Her books are always very detailed and a lot of character development and this one is no different. Bri g the first in a new series there is so much to learn about the people and the place. I already cannot wait to get back to North Falls in Georgia for more of the Clifton Family.

A hard book to read at times due to the subject matter of missing teenagers and sex crimes., again, most of this authors books are. It is dark, it is intense and it is brutal. At the same time it is emotional and painful.i did shed a tear reading it. I love it when a book makes you feel all of the emotions.

We aAre All Gulity Here is amazing and needs to be on every crime readers TBR. Just read it.

A massive thanks to Harper Collins UK for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on June 19th.