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)

So good!

One of the best books I have listened to in a long time! Highly recommend!!

Beautifully done

I can’t say enough about how beautifully and articulate this book is. This is a new favorite for me.

Excellent representation of 1970’s

It weaved in the culture of the 70’s around women and men. It also represented the psychological power that the times to influence law and society. Very well written and narrated by someone who has a genuine perspective of the times.

Fascinating story!

I have studied and read a lot about Ted Bundy (he killed a girl from my school). My question is why did the author use some of the victims real names and substituted others? This book is amazingly well written. I found it fascinating. Thank you!

The Book We Needed

This book was everything I hoped it could be. I absolutely love that Thai author never said his name. That she called out exactly what he was… a small man with below average intelligence. I cried. I raged, and I cried tears of not happiness, but satisfaction knowing that these survivors and the victims’ families got justice. Also, fuck the judge that sentenced that POS.