The Photographer: an addictive and gripping new psychological thriller that you won't want to put down for 2021

Delta Dawn is a photographer who has been photographing children's parties for Manhattan's elite for several years. When she is hired to photograph Natalie Straub's 11th birthday party, she finds herself irresistibly attracted to the family. She begins by babysitting for Natalie, slowly befriending Amelia, and finding opportunities to listen to Fritz. Eventually, she discovers the one thing Amelia wants most is also the perfect way to ensure she will always stay part of the family. The Photographer is a brilliant new crime writer for fans of Caroline Kepnes and Gillian Flynn.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2022
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Delta Dawn, a talented photographer, has been capturing the lavish parties of Manhattan's elite for years. She moves unnoticed through their luxurious homes, observing their exquisite belongings and artwork. While the parties themselves can be chaotic, Delta uses her skills to edit the images to present only the perfect version to the parents. However, when Delta is hired to photograph Natalie Straub's 11th birthday party, she finds herself drawn to the family in a way she never expected.

As she spends more time with Natalie, Amelia, and Fritz, Delta begins to infiltrate their lives. She babysits for Natalie, befriends Amelia, and even finds ways to listen to Fritz's private conversations. She immerses herself in their luxurious lifestyle, bathing in the master bathtub, reading private documents, and enjoying their expensive wine. Delta even starts to eye the beautifully finished garden apartment, hoping that the current occupant would leave so that she could claim it as her own.

But Delta's obsession with the Straub family takes a dark turn when she discovers the one thing Amelia wants most is also the perfect way to ensure she will always stay part of the family. As Delta delves deeper into Amelia's desires, she becomes increasingly aware of the dangers lurking around every corner. The Photographer is a gripping and suspenseful tale that combines pin-sharp storytelling with a tantalising build of menace. It is a debut novel from a brilliant new crime writer that will captivate fans of Caroline Kepnes and Gillian Flynn.

The characters in The Photographer are well-developed and relatable. Delta is a complex character who is driven by her desire for success and recognition but is also vulnerable and fragile. Amelia Straub is a fascinating character who is both seductive and dangerous. Fritz is a mysterious figure who is hiding something, and his presence adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story.

The writing in The Photographer is exceptional. The author's prose is sharp and concise, and the story flows effortlessly from beginning to end. The descriptions of the luxurious homes and the intricate details of the parties are vivid and vivid, and the reader can feel the tension and suspense building as Delta gets closer to the truth.

One of the standout aspects of The Photographer is its ability to create a sense of claustrophobia and tension. The reader is constantly aware of Delta's presence in the Straub family's lives, and the sense of danger grows as she becomes more involved. The author uses subtle clues and foreshadowing to hint at the dark secrets that lie behind the seemingly perfect facade of the family.

The ending of The Photographer is both surprising and satisfying. It leaves the reader with a sense of ambiguity and leaves room for interpretation, which is a hallmark of great crime writing. The author has managed to keep the reader guessing until the very end, and the final twist is both unexpected and chilling.

In conclusion, The Photographer is an outstanding debut novel that heralds the arrival of a brilliant new crime writer. It combines pin-sharp storytelling with a tantalising build of menace, and a dangerously magnetic lead character. The characters are well-developed, and the writing is exceptional. The book creates a sense of claustrophobia and tension, and the ending is both surprising and satisfying. If you are a fan of crime fiction, then this book is a must-read.

Weight: 216g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529350951