Upstanding Young Man by Sharon Doering

Book Review – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Upstanding Young Man” by Sharon Doering Sharon Doering does it again. Upstanding Young Man is a sharp, suspenseful, and surprisingly funny ride through the minefield of family expectations, reputation, and the terrifying gap between who we think we are and what we’re capable of. From page one, I was hooked. The main character, a charming high schooler with a clean-cut image and everything going for him, is suddenly wrapped up in a mystery that threatens to blow apart not just his future—but his identity. It’s not your average whodunit. This is psychological suspense at its finest, with moments so painfully relatable you almost want to look away. Doering masterfully explores themes of pressure, privilege, morality, and those tiny decisions that spiral into huge consequences. What I loved most? The voice. There’s a wicked wit running through the narrative that balances out the darker material. It’s deeply human, with characters who feel authentic—flawed, confused, trying to do the right thing but not always sure what that is. You’ll root for the protagonist even when you’re not sure if you should. It’s that tension that kept me turning pages late into the night. Doering doesn’t spoon-feed the reader. She trusts us to sit with discomfort, with uncertainty—and that makes the payoff all the more satisfying. The twists are smart, not gimmicky, and the emotional core hits hard. If you're into thrillers that make you think, question, and feel, this one's for you. Upstanding Young Man isn’t just a great book—it’s the kind that lingers. Highly recommend. 5 stars. Absolutely gripping.