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Bright Young Women  By  cover art

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 Nominee 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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So good!

One of the best books I have listened to in a long time! Highly recommend!!

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Beautifully done

I can’t say enough about how beautifully and articulate this book is. This is a new favorite for me.

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Excellent representation of 1970’s

It weaved in the culture of the 70’s around women and men. It also represented the psychological power that the times to influence law and society. Very well written and narrated by someone who has a genuine perspective of the times.

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Fascinating story!

I have studied and read a lot about Ted Bundy (he killed a girl from my school). My question is why did the author use some of the victims real names and substituted others? This book is amazingly well written. I found it fascinating. Thank you!

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The Book We Needed

This book was everything I hoped it could be. I absolutely love that Thai author never said his name. That she called out exactly what he was… a small man with below average intelligence. I cried. I raged, and I cried tears of not happiness, but satisfaction knowing that these survivors and the victims’ families got justice. Also, fuck the judge that sentenced that POS.

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So Glad I Listened

I thought this book was much better than the author’s first. And much more complex. I was worried that hearing Sutton Foster as the reader would lessen the experience but she was truly the PERFECT person to give me a picture of Pamela in my mind. Very sad it’s over!

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Hauntingly Beautiful

There was so much to love about this story even though at times it was hard to listen to. The intertwined timelines and characters were so well done. The audio performance was perfect as well. A great read through and through.

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Listened to in a day

Extremely well done. I love how they didn’t mention it’s name. Need more of the stories to honor the victims

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Friendship

This is the best book I have listened to in the past 12 months! The story line is dramatic at times but the love these women show for each other is to be desired. And the lengths that two women go to bring justice to the murdered is an inspiration to give 100 % in your life!

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Chills

This book changed me. She gives the voice to those who have been overshadowed by the perpetrator.

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