Scarlet in Blue

A Novel

By: Jennifer Murphy

Narrated by: Justis Bolding, Stephen Graybill, Rebecca Lowman, Jennifer Van Dyck

Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

A 2023 MICHIGAN NOTABLE BOOK

A beautiful and gripping psychological novel about a mother and daughter who, after a lifetime on the run from a dark and dangerous past, land in a small Michigan town that may hold the key to ending their fugitive lifestyle.

For Blue Lake’s entire life, she and her mother, Scarlet, have been on the run from HIM—the man who Scarlet, a talented and enigmatic painter, insists is chasing them. But now, at fifteen years old, Blue has begun to resent the nomadic life that once seemed like an adventure, increasingly unsure what to make of the phantom pursuer she’s never seen. She only yearns to settle down in one place, to live a normal life.

When Scarlet and Blue arrive in the beachfront town of South Haven, Michigan, it seems that Blue’s wishes might finally come true. She makes a good friend, is falling in love for the first time, and has found a piano teacher who recognizes her budding talent. But even as Blue thrives, she cannot shake her worry about her mother, whose eccentricities and art are only becoming increasingly difficult to understand. Scarlet, meanwhile, has very different intentions for their stay in South Haven. It was no accident that she brought them there and, with the help of the psychoanalyst she’s sought out, Henry, she is determined to find a way to finally escape the shadow of her traumatic past, no matter the cost.

Told through the alternating voices of Blue, Scarlet, and Henry, Scarlet in Blue is a page-turning story about the ramifications of past trauma, the way art can hold our lives together, and, most of all, the enduring bond between mother and child.

©2022 Jennifer Murphy (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Murphy dazzles.... This novel will leave readers questioning what is real and how mental health can affect generations in kaleidoscopic ways.... Luminous writing... while those who enjoy a plot-driven mystery will also find what they are looking for.” —Booklist (starred)

“This engrossing book’s latter half delivers surprises all the way to the end . . . A riveting story of family and the unease of harboring dark secrets.” —Kirkus

“The characters of mother and daughter and the bonds between them are beautifully drawn… The author’s lovely prose flows effortlessly, flavored by her wide knowledge of art and her ability to engage the reader in the techniques of the artist. This is a psychological drama that is unique and captivating, making it both an impressive and engrossing novel.” —Mystery & Suspense

Scarlet In Blue

Spell binding. You won’t be able to put this one down. I can highly recommend this one.

Great production of a good and interesting book

Very enjoyable to listen to this book. Very much enjoyed the story and the production of the audio book was superb

Enjoyable read!

The book kept me engaged the entire time. The voices for the characters were excellent. I liked having different voices. It made the characters more realistic. The plot twists kept me very involved in the story.

Great story! Great narrators!

I really liked the flow of this story and the end will make you listen to it again just to make sure what happens really happens! Awesome book!