Lisa Scottoline's What Happened to the Bennetts has been praised for its gripping and fast-paced narrative, drawing readers into a family's harrowing ordeal. However, some critics noted an overreliance on clichés and predictability in the plot. Overall, the novel is well-received for its emotional depth and suspenseful storytelling, despite minor criticisms of its formulaic elements.

Readers who enjoy gripping family dramas and legal thrillers, akin to those by Jodi Picoult or John Grisham, will find What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline captivating. This novel appeals to those who appreciate intense emotional narratives intertwined with suspenseful courtroom plots.

What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline follows Jason Bennett, a suburban dad who, after witnessing the murder of his daughter during a carjacking, enters the Witness Protection Program with his family to escape retaliation from a drug-trafficking organization. As Jason delves into the conspiracy that endangers his family, he confronts corruption within the FBI, ultimately risking everything to protect his loved ones. The novel depicts murder and torture.

Suspenseful / Emotional / Dark / Unnerving / Gritty

**Jason Bennett**  
The protagonist and narrator, a 47-year-old Pennsylvania native who built a successful court reporting business and struggles with balancing safety and risk in his life.

**Lucinda Bennett**  
Jason's wife, a dedicated mother and owner of a photography business, who struggles with family obligations and personal desires.

**Ethan Bennett**  
The 13-year-old son of Jason and Lucinda, who enjoys video games and has difficulty coping with his sister’s death and the family’s relocation.

**Special Agent Dom Kingston**  
An FBI agent assigned to protect the Bennetts under the witness protection program, who becomes a mentor and friend to Jason.

**John Milo**  
The novel's antagonist, a dangerous and unpredictable figure with a background involving criminal activities.

**Allison Bennett**  
Jason and Lucinda's teenage daughter known for her competitive nature and close relationship with her mother, whose death impacts the family profoundly.

**Special Agent "Wiki" Hallman**  
Dom's FBI partner with a knack for facts, who tries to connect with Ethan but has his own personal agenda.

**Paul Hart**  
A high-powered lawyer with connections and a history with Lucinda, known for his ambition and manipulation.

**Big George Veria**  
The former head of a large criminal organization, noted for his power and family loyalty despite his criminal activities.

**Bryan Krieger**  
A true crime blogger and podcaster whose investigations provide pivotal information to the characters.

**Collins Consolidated**  
A trucking company whose drivers show notable loyalty and play a role in the unfolding events.

**Three Musketeers**  
A trio of Vietnam veterans and poker buddies, who aid Jason with their calm presence and experience.

**Senator Mike Ricks**  
A senator with a military background and connections to past interrogations, whose ambitions trigger key events in the story.

**Melissa DeLuca**  
Lucinda’s best friend who uses her social media resources to investigate the Bennetts' disappearance.

**George Veria Jr.**  
Big George’s son, involved in the criminal organization with Milo, who creates tension during the carjacking incident.

**Phil Nerone**  
A low-level drug trafficker in the criminal organization, playing a role as a typical underling involved in the Bennetts' case.

**Special Agent Reilly**  
The FBI agent responsible for overseeing the Bennett case, representing corrupt elements within the bureau.

**Claire Romarin**  
Lucinda’s mother, a former CEO now residing in assisted living due to Alzheimer’s disease.

**Mr. Thatcher**  
A neighbor in the Delaware safehouse area who provides Jason with assistance in the form of a vehicle.

**Contessa Burroughs**  
A paralegal at Lattimore & Finch with connections to Hart, involved in his professional and personal life.

**Rohan Doha**  
An innocent victim sold to the US government post-9/11, with a backstory involving Guantanamo Bay and interrogation.

Lisa Scottoline

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Overview

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What Happened to the Bennetts Summary and Study Guide

Background

What Happened to the Bennetts Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-10

What Happened to the Bennetts Chapters 1-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-20

What Happened to the Bennetts Chapters 11-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-32

What Happened to the Bennetts Chapters 21-32 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 33-46

What Happened to the Bennetts Chapters 33-46 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 47-60

What Happened to the Bennetts Chapters 47-60 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 61-Epilogue

What Happened to the Bennetts Chapter 61-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

What Happened to the Bennetts Character Analysis

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Themes

What Happened to the Bennetts Themes

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Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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What Happened to the Bennetts

Before You Read

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