Publisher: Macmillan Audio via Netgalley / Minotaur Books
Published: May 25, 2021
Source: Audio: ALC via Macmillan Audio / Print: ARC Paperback via Minotaur Books
Summary:
Mary Dixie Carter’s The Photographer is a slyly observed, suspenseful story of envy and obsession, told in the mesmerizing, irresistible voice of a character who will make you doubt that seeing is ever believing.
WHEN PERFECT IMAGES
As a photographer, Delta Dawn observes the seemingly perfect lives of New York City’s elite: snapping photos of their children’s birthday parties, transforming images of stiff hugs and tearstained faces into visions of pure joy, and creating moments these parents long for.
ARE MADE OF BEAUTIFUL LIES
But when Delta is hired for Natalie Straub’s eleventh birthday, she finds herself wishing she wasn’t behind the lens but a part of the scene―in the Straub family’s gorgeous home and elegant life.
THE TRUTH WILL BE EXPOSED
That’s when Delta puts her plan in place, by babysitting for Natalie; befriending her mother, Amelia; finding chances to listen to her father, Fritz. Soon she’s bathing in the master bathtub, drinking their expensive wine, and eyeing the beautifully finished garden apartment in their townhouse. It seems she can never get close enough, until she discovers that photos aren’t all she can manipulate.
My thoughts:
I was lucky to be part of the cover reveal for this book back in November and have been excited about this book ever since. And then when the book landed, it came with such a fun marketing package – not only the book, but a viewfinder as well! How fun is that? And what a great clue as to what we were in store for once we started reading this book!
I am such a fan of obsession tales and this one is definitely one crazy tale! It reminds me a little of Joe from Caroline Kepnes’ You series, though Delta Dawn isn’t quite as psycho as Joe. A photographer that not only uses the photo editor programs a little too much, she also has this weird ability to learn way too much about the families she works for. She clearly has no boundaries when it comes to other people’s lives and can be quite manipulative when she needs to be.
It was interesting that we are given just enough about Delta’s character that she still remains a bit of a mystery throughout the book. I would have liked a deeper dive into her psyche. What was it that made her the way she is because her behaviors are border on creepy and are definitely out of control at times.
This book is not a super twisty book, but it did keep me engaged as I was so eager to find out just how far Delta was willing to go. It had some little surprises that I was not expecting and the ending was satisfying. This is definitely an addicting, entertaining read for sure. I will certainly be keeping an eye out for what comes next from this author!
Audio thoughts:
I had the opportunity to listen to this one and it translates really well on audio. The author herself narrates it and she does a good job with it. She really brought the crazy to Delta, which considering she wrote the character, she knew just how to bring out all the right nuances for the character.
