Bright Young Women

A Novel

By: Jessica Knoll

Narrated by: Sutton Foster, Imani Jade Powers, Corey Brill, Chris Henry Coffey

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).

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)

Absolutely Loved at his Book!

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.

Different perspective of a well known story

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.

Excellent!

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

Heartbreaking and amazing

I love how they told this story in the victims point of view! It never mentioned the killer’s name, how appropriate! Honoring the victim’s memory, such a great way to tell this story!

Dang! Super powerful!

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