Review: What We Did to Survive - Megan Lally

Review: What We Did To Survive - Megan Lally - March 2026

There's something about returning to an author whose debut completely swept you off your feet, isn't there? That hopeful anticipation mixed with just a touch of nervousness that maybe lightning won't strike twice. After falling hard for Megan Lally's first novel, I eagerly cracked open What We Did to Survive, her latest thriller and while I genuinely enjoyed the ride, I have to admit it didn't quite capture the same magic.

This is my third Megan Lally book now, and I'm beginning to recognize her signature style: sun-soaked settings that turn sinister, the claustrophobia of being trapped with people who aren't what they seem. Here, we follow Hannah on what should be an idyllic spring break in Mexico with her best friend Emmy's family. Senior year stress? Gone. Pristine beaches? Check. Awkward proximity to Emmy's gorgeous older brother Jackson, Hannah's long-time crush? Well, that's complicated.

The setup is deliciously tense from the start. When Emmy falls for Bennett, a charming stranger they meet in the surf, Hannah suddenly becomes the third wheel she never wanted to be. Bennett's grand gesture chartering a private sailboat for their final day seems romantic until you realize they're the only boat leaving the marina as storm clouds gather. What follows is a pressure-cooker thriller where the real danger might not be the weather at all.

So why only three Ps?  The twists, while entertaining, felt slightly more predictable this time around.

That said, this remains a solid beach read with genuine suspense. If you're new to Megan Lally, you'll likely be thoroughly entertained. For longtime fans like me? It's worth the read, though I'm still holding out hope her next book will recapture that debut magic.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4pgokfP