She Treads Softly: No One Would Do What the Lamberts

Friday, December 12, 2025

No One Would Do What the Lamberts

No One Would Do What the Lamberts Have Done Book Cover

No One Would Do What the Lamberts Have Done by Sophie Hannah
1/20/26; 416 pages
Sourcebooks

No One Would Do What the Lamberts Have Done by Sophie Hannah is a recommended absurd, farcical tale, that borders on the ridiculous, told through a manuscript found after the events occurred.

In the English town of Swaffham Tilney a policeman comes to the residence of Mark and Sally Lambert and their children Ree and Toby. The constable informs Sally that the Gavey family has accused Champ, the Lambert's loyal and beloved Welsh Terrier, of biting their daughter. The Lamberts know that Champ did not do it and the Gavey's are horrible liars. Sally, who is afraid that Champ will be euthanized because of this accusation, looks for help. Corrine Sullivan, a local wealthy woman comes to her aid and Sally goes on the run with Champ and her family in order to keep Champ safe.

There is no question that No One Would Do What the Lamberts Have Done is one of those entertaining novels that people will either love or not. You will definitely have to set disbelief aside. Many, including me, will enjoy it at first and appreciate the various characters and the dynamics of the town denizens. Then, as the narrative continues, the enjoyment lessens as more happens and is revealed. There are plenty of twists and a surprising one that left me shaking my head. It certainly shows the devotion of dog lovers and the power of social media.

No One Would Do What the Lamberts Have Done might be a good choice for those who enjoy odd, quirky novels and love dogs. Thanks to Sourcebooks for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

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John Updike's six rules for reviewing:

1. Try to understand what the author wished to do, and do not blame him for not achieving what he did not attempt.

2. Give him enough direct quotation--at least one extended passage--of the book's prose so the review's reader can form his own impression, can get his own taste.

3. Confirm your description of the book with quotation from the book, if only phrase-long, rather than proceeding by fuzzy precis.

4. Go easy on plot summary, and do not give away the ending.

5. If the book is judged deficient, cite a successful example along the same lines, from the author's oeuvre or elsewhere. Try to understand the failure. Sure it's his and not yours?

To these concrete five might be added a vaguer sixth, having to do with maintaining a chemical purity in the reaction between product and appraiser.....Review the book, not the reputation.... Better to praise and share than blame and ban. The communion between reviewer and his public is based upon the presumption of certain possible joys in reading, and all our discriminations should curve toward that end.