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Bright Young Women

By: Jessica Knoll
Narrated by: Sutton Foster, Imani Jade Powers, Corey Brill, Chris Henry Coffey
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Publisher's summary

Don’t miss this “breakneck thriller” examining “our culture’s obsession with serial killers and true crime” (Harper’s Bazaar) following 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—author of the bestselling novel Luckiest Girl Alive and the writer behind the Netflix adaption starring Mila Kunis—delivers a new and exhilarating 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 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 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.

Blisteringly paced, Bright Young Women is “Jessica Knoll at her best—an unflinching and evocative novel about the tabloid fascination with evil and the dynamic and brilliant women who have the real stories to tell” (Laura Dave, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Thing He Told Me); and “a compelling, almost hypnotic read and I loved it with a passion” (Lisa Jewell, New York Times bestselling author of None of This Is True).

©2023 Jessica Knoll (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

Editorial Review

A serial killer retelling defined by smart narrative choices
The true crime boom—which began roughly after Serial released in 2014 and ended with the social and cultural upheavals of 2020—left behind a feeling of collective queasiness about our former fixation. This year, fiction writers are helping us process with novels that interrogate the genre, including Rebecca Makkai’s I Have Some Questions for You, Eliza Clark’s Penance (also out this month), and now, this new release from Luckiest Girl Alive author Jessica Knoll. Bright Young Women redefines one of America’s most infamous serial killer stories—trust me, you know which one—with a multi-perspective, multi-timeline narrative that explores the case through its central women, from a sorority president called to lead in the face of tragedy to a fearless victim’s advocate pursuing justice amid incompetence and indifference. This a gripping and provocative novel defined by the myriad smart decisions, from the choice to not name the perpetrator to the full-cast audio performance, that ensure the voices of these bright young women shine through. —Kat J., Audible Editor

What listeners say about Bright Young Women

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Different perspective of a well known story

This book was written in a way that I have not seen before and it was PERFECT. The life and story they give to the victims rather than the perpetrator is a welcomed change of pace. If you love true crime, you will LOVE this book.

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Heartbreaking and amazing

I love how they told this story in the victims point of view! It never mentioned the killer’s name, how appropriate! Honoring the victim’s memory, such a great way to tell this story!

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Absolutely Loved at his Book!

I put off listening to the last 15 minutes for three days because I just didn’t want for it to end. Sometimes I think to myself that I’d like to write a novel, but then I read an author whose talent leaves me speechless and I realize that writing a book should be left to the gifted. This is one of those.

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Excellent!

Excellent all the way to the end. You will not want to stop listening. Very well written.

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Dang! Super powerful!

Books rarely gives me nightmares. This book did, literally. Definitely made me more aware of my surroundings!

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Wonderful book

This is such an interesting perspective on the current obsession with true crime and those last few chapters really got to me

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Just, WOW!

What an amazing story of resilient women! I loved every second of this story and the new perspective on the story we have all heard.

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Addicting

I found myself going back to listen during any free time. Sad story, but captivating.

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Loved it.

I didn’t really know what to expect … it was a super enjoyable crime thriller that was well read

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Great and creative storytelling

I was blown away with the writing and the way the author created the complexly flawed characters. It made me think about how glorified the media has made serial killers and true crime. The stories of Pamela and Ruth gave a voice to the victims and humanized them and all that they endured. Truly one of my favorite books.

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