Pretty Girls

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter is a gripping standalone thriller that plunges deep into the heart of family secrets and unresolved tragedy. The story revolves around the lives of two estranged sisters, Claire and Lydia, who are drawn back together after two decades of separation by a hauntingly familiar event.

Twenty years ago, their older sister Julia vanished without a trace, leaving an indelible scar on their family. Claire and Lydia's lives took very different paths following Julia's disappearance, with Claire marrying a millionaire and living a seemingly perfect life, while Lydia struggled with addiction and works hard to make ends meet. Their worlds collide once again when another young girl goes missing under eerily similar circumstances to Julia's case.

As Claire and Lydia re-examine the past and confront their shared grief, they find themselves unearthing dark secrets that could finally shed light on what happened to Julia. However, the truths they uncover are more terrifying and explosive than they ever could have imagined, leading them into a dangerous game that could cost them everything.

Karin Slaughter, a master of the crime and thriller genre, crafts an unforgettable narrative in Pretty Girls, full of twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The novel explores themes of loss, betrayal, and the enduring strength of familial bonds, making it a deeply emotional as well as a heart-racing read.

Critics and bestselling authors alike have sung high praises for Slaughter's work. Tess Gerritsen hails her as "one of the boldest thriller writers working today," while Michael Connelly admires her unrivalled skill in character, plot, and pacing. Gillian Flynn, Jeffery Deaver, and Lee Child count themselves among her ardent fans, with Flynn stating, "I'd follow her anywhere," and Child lauding her for "passion, intensity, and humanity."

If you are a fan of crime fiction that weaves together intense suspense with rich emotional depth, then Pretty Girls is a must-read. It’s no wonder that Slaughter is placed among the world's greatest and finest crime writers.

Other reviewers have shared glowing commendations:

“Raw, powerful, and utterly gripping” - Kathryn Stockett

“With heart and skill, Karin Slaughter keeps you hooked from the first page until the last” - Camilla Läckberg

“A great writer at the peak of her powers” - Peter James