Setting

Set in contemporary Atlanta, Georgia, Pretty Girls unfolds against the backdrop of a bustling Southern metropolis. The story spans over two decades, with the main narrative taking place in the present day while delving into events from more than twenty years prior.

The novel's action alternates between the affluent neighborhoods of Atlanta, where Claire leads a life of luxury as the wife of a millionaire, and the city's less prosperous areas, where her estranged sister Lydia struggles to make ends meet. This stark contrast in settings reflects the divergent paths the sisters' lives have taken since their shared tragedy.

While primarily centered in Atlanta, the story's reach extends beyond the city limits as the characters uncover long-buried secrets. The author skillfully uses these varied locations to create a sense of unease and highlight the socioeconomic divisions that exist within the same geographical area, adding depth to the thriller's atmospheric tension.

Characters

• Claire Scott: Claire is one of the main protagonists and the youngest of three sisters. She is the glamorous trophy wife of an Atlanta millionaire named Paul. Claire's life is upended when Paul is murdered, leading her to reconnect with her estranged sister Lydia and investigate their older sister Julia's disappearance from decades ago.

• Lydia Delgado: Lydia is Claire's older sister and the other main protagonist. A single mother struggling to make ends meet, Lydia has been estranged from Claire for years. She becomes involved in the investigation of Paul's murder and Julia's disappearance, forcing her to confront painful family secrets.

• Paul Scott: Claire's wealthy husband who is murdered at the beginning of the novel. His death sets off the chain of events that drive the plot.

• Julia Carroll: The oldest of the three sisters who disappeared over 20 years ago. Her unsolved disappearance has haunted the family and is central to the mystery of the novel.

• Sam Delgado: Lydia's teenage daughter. She becomes involved in the investigation alongside her mother and aunt.

• Rick Kilpatrick: Lydia's ex-con boyfriend who helps with the investigation.

• Helen Carroll: Claire and Lydia's mother, still grieving the loss of Julia.

• FBI Agent Fred Nolan: An investigator who becomes involved in the case.

Quick facts

• Author Karin Slaughter has said of Pretty Girls “I think this might be my twistiest, turniest book yet.”

• Author Karin Slaughter identifies most with the character Claire, since she is also the youngest daughter in her family

• The events in the book stem from a “cold-case crime” which is a very real issue in today’s society. 

• Karin Slaughter has written more than 24 novels

• The novel has faced criticism for being “overly violent”

About the Author

Karin Slaughter is a prolific and bestselling American author known for her gripping crime novels. With more than twenty books to her name, Slaughter has become a dominant force in the thriller genre, consistently landing on the New York Times bestseller list. Her works, including the Edgar-nominated Cop Town and standalone novels like The Good Daughter and Pretty Girls, have captivated readers worldwide.

Slaughter's global impact is evident in her impressive sales figures and international reach. Published in 120 countries, her books have sold over 40 million copies across the globe. This widespread popularity has led to adaptations of her work for the screen, with Pieces of Her becoming a #1 Netflix original series starring Toni Collette, and the Will Trent Series airing on ABC and streaming platforms.

Beyond her writing career, Slaughter is committed to supporting literacy and education. She founded the Save the Libraries project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting libraries and their programming. This initiative reflects her belief in the importance of accessible literature and community resources.

A native of Georgia, Slaughter continues to reside in Atlanta, drawing inspiration from her Southern roots. Her connection to her home state often influences her writing, providing authentic settings and characters that resonate with readers. Fans can engage with Slaughter through various social media platforms, where she maintains an active presence, sharing updates and interacting with her audience.