Laura Lippman crafts compelling narratives that delve into the intricate layers of human nature and societal dynamics. Her writing is characterized by sharp psychological insight and a gripping plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Lippman often explores the darker facets of relationships, questioning justice and morality in ambiguous circumstances. Her works are celebrated for their intelligence and ability to render vivid characters and believable settings.
Muriel Blossom, a former private investigator and middle-aged widow, embarks on a vacation on a Parisian river cruise that quickly transforms into a gripping international mystery. As the situation escalates, she finds herself uniquely positioned to unravel the deadly events unfolding around her. This highly acclaimed mystery showcases Lippman's signature storytelling and complex character development, making it a captivating read for fans of the genre.
Fierce women take center stage in this acclaimed collection of suspenseful stories by Laura Lippman, a New York Times bestseller recognized as a leading figure in crime writing. The anthology includes a never-before-published novella, showcasing Lippman's talent for weaving gripping narratives that explore complex female characters and their experiences. Each story promises to deliver tension and intrigue, highlighting the strength and resilience of women in various situations.
New York Times bestseller Laura Lippman tells the story of Amber Glass, desperately trying to get away from her tabloid past but compulsively drawn back to the city of her youth and the prom date who destroyed everything she was reaching for. Amber Glass has spent her entire adult life putting as much distance as possible between her and her hometown of Baltimore, where she fears she will forever be known as "Prom Mom"--the girl who allegedly killed her baby on the night of the prom after her date, Joe Simpson, abandoned her to pursue the girl he really liked. But when circumstances bring Amber back to the city, she realizes she can have a second chance--as long as she stays away from Joe, now a successful commercial real estate developer, married to a plastic surgeon, Meredith, to whom he is devoted. The problem is, Amber can't stay away from Joe. And Joe finds that it's increasingly hard for him to ignore Amber, if only because she remembers the boy he was and the man he said he was going to be. Against the surreal backdrop of 2020 and early 2021, the two are slowly drawn to each other and eventually cross the line they've been trying not to cross. And then Joe asks Amber to help him do the unthinkable...
New York Times bestseller Laura Lippman's latest mesmerizing thriller tells the story of Amber Glass, desperately trying to escape her tabloid past but compulsively drawn back into a game of cat-and-mouse with the prom date who destroyed everything she was reaching for. Amber Glass has spent her entire adult life putting as much distance as possible between her and her hometown of Baltimore, where she fears she will forever be known as "Prom Mom"--the girl accused of killing her own baby on the night of the prom after her date, Joe Simpson, abandoned her to pursue the girl he really liked. But when circumstances bring Amber back to the city, she realizes she can have a second chance--as long as she stays away from Joe, now a successful real estate developer, married to a plastic surgeon, Meredith, to whom he is devoted. The problem is, Amber can't stay away from Joe. And Joe finds that it's increasingly hard for him to ignore Amber. Against the surreal backdrop of 2020 and early 2021, the two are slowly drawn to each other and eventually cross the line they've been trying not to cross. And then Joe asks Amber to help him do the unthinkable . . . and she must decide if she is willing to let their toxic and dangerous past repeat itself in this fresh, transgressive take on classic noir.
Secrets play a pivotal role in this gripping narrative, where the weight of hidden truths threatens to unravel lives and relationships. Characters are faced with the challenge of confronting their pasts, leading to unexpected revelations that change everything. As the story unfolds, the tension builds, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of human connection. The author skillfully weaves a tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover how far people will go to protect or reveal their secrets.
Exploring the complexities of memory and the shifting perceptions of heroism and villainy, this novel delves into the myths and stories that define family dynamics. As characters confront their pasts, they grapple with the impact of evolving societal standards on their understanding of truth and identity. Lippman intricately weaves a narrative that challenges readers to reconsider the narratives they've accepted and the legacies they inherit.
The story follows Bernadette "Bambi" Gottschalk, whose life of luxury with her charming husband Felix Brewer takes a dramatic turn in 1976 when he disappears to escape prison. Set against the backdrop of Felix's questionable business dealings, the narrative explores Bambi's struggle to maintain her life and care for their three daughters amidst the chaos of his sudden absence. Themes of betrayal, resilience, and the complexities of family dynamics emerge as Bambi confronts her new reality.
Heloise navigates life under her father's harsh words, particularly his remark about her "nothing face," which she now views as a blessing in disguise. Embracing her role as a mother and a lobbyist, she strives for meaningful change despite a lackluster career. The story explores themes of self-acceptance and the impact of parental relationships on personal identity, highlighting Heloise's journey toward finding her voice and purpose in a world that often overlooks her.
Following up on her acclaimed and wildly successful New York Times bestseller Lady in the Lake, Laura Lippman returns with a dark, complex tale of psychological suspense with echoes of Misery involving a novelist, incapacitated by injury, who is plagued by mysterious phone calls. After being injured in a freak accident, novelist Gerry Andersen lies in a hospital bed in his glamorous but sterile apartment, isolated from the busy world he can see through his windows, utterly dependent on two women he barely knows: his young assistant and a night nurse whose competency he questions. But Gerry is also beginning to question his own competency. As he moves in and out of dreamlike memories and seemingly random appearances of a persistent ex-girlfriend at his bedside, he fears he may be losing his grip on reality, much like his mother who recently passed away from dementia. Most distressing, he believes he's being plagued by strange telephone calls, in which a woman claiming to be the titular character of his hit novel Dream Girl swears she will be coming to see him soon. The character is completely fictitious, but no one has ever believed Gerry when he makes that claim. Is he the victim of a cruel prank--or is he actually losing his mind? There is no record of the calls according to the log on his phone. Could there be someone he has wronged? Is someone coming to do him harm as he lies helplessly in bed? Then comes the morning he wakes up next to a dead body--and realizes his nightmare is just beginning...
