Author: Karin Slaughter
Publisher: William Morrow
Published: September 29th, 2015
Purchase: Amazon | B&N
Summary: #1 internationally bestselling author Karin Slaughter returns with a sophisticated and chilling psychological thriller of dangerous secrets, cold vengeance, and unexpected absolution, in which two estranged sisters must come together to find truth about two harrowing tragedies, twenty years apart, that devastate their lives.
Sisters. Strangers. Survivors.
More than twenty years ago, Claire and Lydia's teenaged sister Julia vanished without a trace. The two women have not spoken since, and now their lives could not be more different. Claire is the glamorous trophy wife of an Atlanta millionaire. Lydia, a single mother, dates an ex-con and struggles to make ends meet. But neither has recovered from the horror and heartbreak of their shared loss—a devastating wound that's cruelly ripped open when Claire's husband is killed.
The disappearance of a teenage girl and the murder of a middle-aged man, almost a quarter-century apart: what could connect them? Forming a wary truce, the surviving sisters look to the past to find the truth, unearthing the secrets that destroyed their family all those years ago . . . and uncovering the possibility of redemption, and revenge, where they least expect it.
Powerful, poignant, and utterly gripping, packed with indelible characters and unforgettable twists, Pretty Girls is a masterful thriller from one of the finest suspense writers working today.

It’s been over twenty years since nineteen-year-old Julia disappeared. What happened to her has never been discovered. The impact it had on her family has never been reconciled. And the secrets and lies that are about to be exposed will change both of those things, for better or for worse. Cleverly told through Claire’s POV, Lydia’s POV, and letters from a father to a missing daughter, these stories that at first appear to have nothing to do with one another soon intersect in the most fascinating way.
One of my favorite parts of a thriller is the distrust factor; and in Pretty Girls, one main character realizes she can’t trust anyone. Absolutely anyone. Not the people who protect others for a living, not her so-called friends, and certainly not her own judgment. Not after the secrets she’s uncovered. It’s this doubt that has her confiding in an unexpected ally.
I realize I’m not divulging much about the story itself, and I don’t want to sound like a broken record in my reviews; but the best part of a mystery is the mystery. The things that take place in this novel must be discovered by the reader. This was an electrifying and exciting story that truly kept me on edge. I absolutely could not stop reading until I knew the outcome of this story, and I’m happy to say it was worth missing a night’s sleep. It was an outstanding conclusion. This book is a terrific thriller; but I warn you, it is graphic at times and it is a chilling storyline. But wow, can Karin Slaughter tell a story. I loved her writing, and she has landed herself on my must-read author’s list. If you’re a thriller lover, this is one book you don’t want to miss.
Oh my! This sounds like a really good read Michele. I haven't tried any Thriller books for a long time now, and I think this one would be great.
ReplyDeleteIt's captivating, and I think you will really enjoy it, Vanessa! :)
DeleteIts always awesome when you cant trust anyone! I love it when a book really makes you guess. So glad you enjoyed this one wifey. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThank you, love! I love when a book keeps me up all night.
DeleteI stopped by your blog today.
ReplyDeleteAnn
I see that! Thank you! :)
DeleteOh this sounds riveting. I hate though that it gets graphic. I have a hard time with that. Still, I can't resist a good, strong mystery.
ReplyDeleteRiveting is the perfect word to describe this book. It does, but it's necessary considering the subject matter; and it could've been far worse. I only mention it because I know some readers are very sensitive to those particular details. I would hate for anyone to miss out on this book, so I suggest skimming those descriptions. Claire and Lydia both inject humor that really helps the dark storyline.
DeleteI love the not trusting. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a mystery I will love. Sounds so intriguing. I loved your review and can't wait to check it out. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Oh so glad to hear you enjoyed this one. I just read The Kept Woman by her and wow oh wow, her writing and development and the way the story flows just blows your mind. This is next on my list in a not so distant future from her so I AM STOKED
ReplyDelete