Bright Young Women Audiobook By Jessica Knoll cover art

Bright Young Women

A Novel

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Bright Young Women

By: Jessica Knoll
Narrated by: Sutton Foster, Imani Jade Powers, Corey Brill, Chris Henry Coffey
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About this listen

Don’t miss this “breakneck thriller” that examines “our culture’s obsession with serial killers and true crime” (Harper’s Bazaar) as it follows 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 Finalist for Best Novel

Masterfully blending elements of psychological suspense and true crime, Jessica Knoll—bestselling author of Luckiest Girl Alive and the writer behind the Netflix adaptation starring Mila Kunis—delivers an “unflinching and evocative” (Laura Dave, New York Times bestselling author) 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 a 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 the 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.

With award-winning storytelling, “Bright Young Women doesn’t put its focus on the murderer. It’s more interested in his victims—and the survivors who are on a mission to catch him before he kills again” (Time). Blisteringly paced, it is a “compelling, almost hypnotic read and I loved it with a passion” (Lisa Jewell, New York Times bestselling author).

©2023 Jessica Knoll (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio
Crime Thrillers Suspense Thriller Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction Fiction Scary
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Critic reviews

"Led by Tony Award-winning actor Sutton Foster, a group of narrators (Imani Jade Powers, Corey Brill, and Chris Henry Coffey) share duties narrating the fictionalized story of two women whose lives intersect via their brush with serial killer Ted Bundy. Pamela, a Florida State sorority president, escapes his attack on her house, while Ruth, a troubled young woman in Washington state, may have been one of his victims...Foster is the star here, but the whole production underscores Knoll’s insistence that victims, not perpetrators, should be remembered." (Connie Ogle)

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

Victim-centered Narrative • Compelling Storytelling • Powerful Female Perspectives • Emotional Depth
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This book was written in a way that I have not seen before and it was PERFECT. The life and story they give to the victims rather than the perpetrator is a welcomed change of pace. If you love true crime, you will LOVE this book.

Different perspective of a well known story

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I put off listening to the last 15 minutes for three days because I just didn’t want for it to end. Sometimes I think to myself that I’d like to write a novel, but then I read an author whose talent leaves me speechless and I realize that writing a book should be left to the gifted. This is one of those.

Absolutely Loved at his Book!

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Excellent all the way to the end. You will not want to stop listening. Very well written.

Excellent!

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Books rarely gives me nightmares. This book did, literally. Definitely made me more aware of my surroundings!

Dang! Super powerful!

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What an amazing story of resilient women! I loved every second of this story and the new perspective on the story we have all heard.

Just, WOW!

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I didn’t really know what to expect … it was a super enjoyable crime thriller that was well read

Loved it.

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This is such an interesting perspective on the current obsession with true crime and those last few chapters really got to me

Wonderful book

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I found myself going back to listen during any free time. Sad story, but captivating.

Addicting

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Perfection. One of my top books of 2023. I have told so many people to either read or listen to this incredible, unforgettable book. The narration was the best I’ve heard in a while.

Riveting

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I was blown away with the writing and the way the author created the complexly flawed characters. It made me think about how glorified the media has made serial killers and true crime. The stories of Pamela and Ruth gave a voice to the victims and humanized them and all that they endured. Truly one of my favorite books.

Great and creative storytelling

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