Book Review: The Two Lila Bennetts | Lisa Steinke & Liz Fenton

Lisa Steinke and Liz Fenton are one of my favorite writing duos. Not only do I love their books, but they are an absolute delight to follow on social media and I’ve actually met them in person at a book launch event. They couldn’t be more down to earth and kind to readers and fans of their work. In The Two Lila Bennetts, they delivered what I would say is my current favorite of their books. Sliding Doors meets legal thriller, this is honestly a must-read for any thriller fan who wants to experience something a bit different and refreshing in the genre.

About the Book

Lila Bennett’s bad choices have finally caught up with her. And one of those decisions has split her life in two. Literally.

In one life, she’s taken hostage by someone who appears to be a stranger but knows too much. As she’s trapped in a concrete cell, her kidnapper forces her to face what she’s done or be killed. In an alternate life, she eludes her captor but is hunted by someone who is dismantling her happiness, exposing one secret at a time.

Lila’s decorated career as a criminal defense attorney, her marriage, and her life are on the line. She must make a list of those she’s wronged—both in and out of the courtroom—to determine who is out to get her before it’s too late. But even if she can pinpoint her assailant, will she survive? And if she does, which parts of her life are worth saving, and which parts must die? Because one thing’s for certain—life as Lila Bennett knew it is over.

My Thoughts

Oh boy, where to even start with this review! I have so much I want to say, but I also want to be vague enough that readers can enjoy this without spoilers. Lila Bennett is not quite a villain, but she is a very flawed character, and that is a huge part of why this book is so great. She is a successful criminal defense attorney who is known for being able to get even the most heinous, guilty criminals off.

Career aside, Lila really treats those closest to her in life—namely her husband Ethan and her best friend Carrie—horribly. Her sins vary in degree, but her most redeeming quality is how self-aware she is. Lila is someone who can’t seem to get off of her self-destructive path, until Lila arrives at a night where a decision literally splits her future in two.

In one narrative, Lila is taken hostage by who she thinks is a stranger until it becomes clear this person knows a bit too much about her. Trapped in a concrete cell, Lila is forced to face her own actions head on, and her captor doesn’t want to let her go unless she atones for her sins. In the other narrative, Lila doesn’t get kidnapped, but someone is set to destroy her life by making all of her misdeeds public.

Lila has wronged so many people, how does she even begin to figure out who is behind it all? Ultimately this is a book about a flawed woman who is facing up to her misconduct. It is a book of redemption, if Lila can get there. Can Lila change enough to get her life on the right path?

I was so curious how on earth Lisa and Liz would manage to wrap up the dual narrative structure. The last 20% of the book was absolutely unputdownable. I loved the twists and turns along the way, and I loved the ending. The book was absolutely addicting for me!