Bright Young Women - Jessica Knoll

Bright Young Women

By Jessica Knoll

  • Release Date: 2023-09-19
  • Genre: Mysteries & Thrillers
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 791 Ratings

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).

Reviews

  • Amazing

    5
    By Gaga74828
    I could not put this book down. What an important perspective. Every true crime lover needs to read this book immediately.
  • Exceptional

    5
    By kaykaybean13
    I read this book in one sitting unable to put it down. It speaks of the devotion and the importance of a sisterhood that remained close and strong during a harrowing ordeal refusing to be the victim in a chauvinistic society and judicial system
  • I read it in one 12 hour sitting

    5
    By Elizabeth Tudor
    Thank you for refusing to normalize the mythology of The Defendant.
  • Fantastic!

    5
    By Abby1931
    Loved this book!
  • Intriguing and relatable

    5
    By celiacsattack
    I have felt these things before, not in the tragically awful sense that the victims in the story had to feel, but in my jobs and daily life. The creepy men that I’ve reported but ultimately pushed me out of my jobs. The ex-boyfriends that wouldn’t leave me alone when I said no. I am never going to look at the system the same again.
  • Boring

    1
    By Love dividends
    Boring, unrealistic and devoid of a plot that is interesting.
  • Gripping

    5
    By Chapaj35
    This text is already quite clear and concise, but here's a slightly revised version: "Jessica's compelling perspective on the victims in the brutal murder case and her exposure of the defendant's true ugliness make this book an absolutely gripping read. Truly brilliant."
  • Not for me

    2
    By Colorado girl.
    Tbh this wasn’t really a mystery thriller…
  • Brilliantly written

    5
    By sophiamontanaknnnox
    SO GOOD I could not put this down. Jessica brings a much needed perspective of the victims in the viscous murder and shines light on the just how ugly the defendant is. Brilliant
  • Great book

    4
    By brock_zahler
    A fantastic book. I really loved that this was a different take on a crime novel and one that seems to take the current opinions about true crime culture into account. I liked the characters and I thought they felt real jn ways that characters in these books sometimes do not. Would definitely recommend to anyone into true crime or thrillers.