Bright Young Women (Unabridged)
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4.1 • 300 Ratings
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- $22.99
Publisher Description
Don’t miss this “breakneck thriller” that examines “our culture’s obsession with serial killers and true crime” (Harper’s Bazaar) as it follows two women on the pursuit of justice against all odds. “A fascinating look at true crime and tabloid culture that’s as thoughtful as it is gripping” (People).
A New York Times Notable Book of 2023
New York Times Editors’ Choice
Instant New York Times Bestseller
A Goodreads Choice Award Finalist
Named a Best Book of the Year by NPR, The Washington Post, Harper’s Bazaar, Kirkus Reviews, CrimeReads, Booklist, and more!
An Edgar Award Finalist for Best Novel
Masterfully blending elements of psychological suspense and true crime, Jessica Knoll—bestselling author of Luckiest Girl Alive and the writer behind the Netflix adaptation starring Mila Kunis—delivers an “unflinching and evocative” (Laura Dave, New York Times bestselling author) thriller in Bright Young Women.
The book opens on a Saturday night in 1978, hours before a soon-to-be-infamous murderer descends upon a Florida sorority house with deadly results. The lives of those who survive, including a sorority president and key witness, Pamela Schumacher, are forever changed. Across the country, Tina Cannon is convinced her missing friend was targeted by the man the papers refer to as the All-American Sex Killer—and that he’s struck again. Determined to find justice, the two join forces as their search for answers leads to a final, shocking confrontation.
With award-winning storytelling, “Bright Young Women doesn’t put its focus on the murderer. It’s more interested in his victims—and the survivors who are on a mission to catch him before he kills again” (Time). Blisteringly paced, it is a “compelling, almost hypnotic read and I loved it with a passion” (Lisa Jewell, New York Times bestselling author).
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
If you’re fascinated by serial killer Ted Bundy—or bothered by the way pop culture portrays him almost as a celebrity—this novel inspired by his crimes is definitely for you. In 1978, Pamela is an industrious student at Florida State and Tina is a young widow living in Seattle. When they each experience a horrific and eerily similar tragedy, they forge a connection built on the shared purpose of bringing one terrible man to justice. In her brilliant, fictionalized take on real events, Jessica Knoll kicks the killer out of the spotlight (seriously, she doesn’t even give him a name) and focuses entirely on the intellect and resilience of the women forced into his orbit. Actress Sutton Foster (of Younger fame) narrates, capturing the characters’ pain and determination, not to mention the ocean of frustration that women live with every day, knowing they can be the target of male violence for no reason at all. This is a radical new take on crime fiction.
Customer Reviews
Bright Read
Interesting perspectives from a few female viewpoints.
Potential
DNFed. This book started strong then went rogue.
Overwhelmingly, disappointing
One of my most favorite books that always shocks me is The Favorite Sister, by Jessica Knoll. I think it is 10 times better than the luckiest girl alive. I have been waiting for years to have another novel of hers; however, this truly disappointed. Not sure I want to keep her as a favorite author anymore. It is slow, dull, and the back-and-forth is just monotonous. What a shame.