I’ve been slacking on staying caught up on posting anything lately, but hopefully that’s passed!
Thanks to Minotaur Books for the free early copy in exchange for my honest review
THE PHOTOGRAPHER – Mary Dixie Carter (Released May 25th, 2021)
Book Description:
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: 3.5/5 stars
This was one crazy ride! THE PHOTOGRAPHER was a compulsive and quick read that you’ll find yourself flying through. This definitely falls into the “popcorn thriller” category and will be a fun one for your summer TBR. However, please know going into it that you’ll have to suspend some reality here. I saw another reviewer compare this to a Lifetime movie and I completely agree when it comes to some aspects of this.
Delta Dawn, yes that is her actual name, is a talented photographer and is very popular for family portraits and family events. She finds herself at the birthday party of eleven year old Natalie Straub. She quickly finds herself completely enamored with this family to where she goes far beyond her typical photoshopping herself in some of the photos for herself. That alone is weird enough. The initial idea for this, keeping some of the photos for herself and editing into them, gave me One Hour Photo vibes (but Delta isn’t as unnerving as Robin Williams’s character).
I think obsessed isn’t strong enough of a word to describe how she is with the Straub family. She slowly infiltrates every aspect of their lives in order to get closer to them. Babysitting Natalie, developing a friendship with the mom, and crossing even more lines to solidify herself in their family for good. Again, suspend some reality with this one. Everyone involved makes some questionable decisions and you just can’t help getting sucked into this insane and disturbing ride.
Jessicamap Reviews 