Are You Sara?: A Novel

Two women named Sara get into a rideshare, but only one makes it home alive. Which Sara was the real target? Lalli is a fresh voice in the thriller genre.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Called One of the Best Books of the Year by NPR, this twisty mystery delves into the lives of dynamic women with complicated circumstances. The story revolves around a rideshare mix-up that leads to a murder. Lalli, a fresh voice in the thriller genre, is a writer to watch.

Two women named Sara, each pursuing different paths in life, find themselves in a rideshare on a Tuesday night. Little do they know that this ordinary encounter will turn into a life-changing event.

Saraswati "Sara" Bhaduri, a law student struggling to make ends meet, is working two jobs to support herself. Despite her hard work, she feels like she is constantly fighting an uphill battle. On this particular night, her boss asks her to deal with a drunk girl in the bathroom of the local dive bar.

To her surprise, Sara and the drunk girl strike up a conversation and quickly become fast friends. They bond over their shared name, despite their vastly different circumstances. Despite their differences, they connect on a deeper level, finding common ground in their struggles and aspirations.

As the night progresses, both Sara and the drunk girl order rideshares to take them home. However, in the back of the cars, they accidentally switch cars, leaving Sara on the wrong side of town. She realizes that she and Sarah have taken the wrong cars home.

With no money and no way to get back to her apartment, Sara walks back to her shady side of town, where she is met with a shocking sight. Police lights flash, and a body crumpled on her doorstep: Sarah.

Now, Sara must navigate a web of lies and deceit to uncover the truth behind Sarah's murder. Was Sarah Ellis or Sara Bhaduri the target? And why would anyone want either of them dead?

This smart, twisty novel delves into the themes of ambition, wealth, and dangerous longing. It explores the lives of two young women, Sara and Sarah, who are desperate to break free from the expectations placed on them by society. Their journey leads them down a path of destruction, with devastating consequences.

Through the alternating perspectives of Sara and Sarah, the reader is given a deeper understanding of their characters and their motivations. The story is filled with suspense, surprises, and unexpected turns, keeping the reader engaged until the very end.

Lalli's writing is crisp and compelling, with a vivid portrayal of the characters and their surroundings. The dialogue is realistic and relatable, adding depth to the characters and their relationships.

"The Wrong Side of Town" is a must-read for fans of mystery, thriller, and women's fiction. It is a powerful exploration of the human condition, filled with empathy, suspense, and unexpected twists. Lalli's debut novel is a testament to her talent as a writer, and I eagerly anticipate her future works.

In conclusion, "The Wrong Side of Town" is a captivating and suspenseful novel that delves into the lives of two young women, Sara and Sarah, who find themselves in a rideshare mix-up that leads to a murder. Through the alternating perspectives of Sara and Sarah, the reader is given a deeper understanding of their characters and their motivations. Lalli's writing is crisp and compelling, with a vivid portrayal of the characters and their surroundings. This is a must-read for fans of mystery, thriller, and women's fiction, and I eagerly anticipate her future works.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 134 x 203 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780063226272