Pretty Things

A Novel

By: Janelle Brown

Narrated by: Julia Whelan, Lauren Fortgang, Hillary Huber

Length: 16 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times Best Seller

Who’s really following you on social media? The scam of a lifetime brings together two wildly different women in this page-turning thriller about greed, legacy, and betrayal from the New York Times bestselling author of Watch Me Disappear.

An ID Book Club Selection • “It’s Dynasty meets Patricia Highsmith.” (The Washington Post)

Nina once bought into the idea that her fancy liberal arts degree would lead to a fulfilling career. When that dream crashed, she turned to stealing from rich kids in LA alongside her wily Irish boyfriend, Lachlan. Nina learned from the best: Her mother was the original con artist, hustling to give her daughter a decent childhood despite their wayward life. But when her mom gets sick, Nina puts everything on the line to help her, even if it means running her most audacious, dangerous scam yet.

Vanessa is a privileged young heiress who wanted to make her mark in the world. Instead she becomes an Instagram influencer - traveling the globe, receiving free clothes and products, and posing for pictures in exotic locales. But behind the covetable façade is a life marked by tragedy. After a broken engagement, Vanessa retreats to her family’s sprawling mountain estate, Stonehaven: a mansion of dark secrets not just from Vanessa’s past, but from that of a lost and troubled girl named Nina.

Nina’s, Vanessa’s, and Lachlan’s paths collide here, on the cold shores of Lake Tahoe, where their intertwined lives give way to a winter of aspiration and desire, duplicity and revenge.

This dazzling, twisty, mesmerizing novel showcases acclaimed author Janelle Brown at her best, as two brilliant, damaged women try to survive the greatest game of deceit and destruction they will ever play.

©2020 Janelle Brown (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Brown offers a glittering, high-stakes drama, stacking childhood nostalgia against the power to reinvent oneself in the age of social media.... Packed with plot twists." (Booklist, starred review)

"Fiendishly clever." (Kirkus Reviews)

"Pretty Things is awesome. Simple as that. I loved every page. Janelle Brown is your new must-read author." (Harlan Coben, New York Times best-selling author of Run Away)

Loved!

I listen to so many mystery/suspense novels while I’m doing normal daily activities and this one was fantastic! Since I am typically multitasking it’s important for a book to have a manageable character load and a thought provoking plot without too many crazy lines to follow. This book ticked all the boxes for me and was such a pleasure to listen to! Well worth the credit!

Hoping for a sequel

I really would love a sequel to this as there is still so much storyline to tell. The narration from both ladies was nice however their Irish male accents were a bit off putting. Other than my personal preference on the accents I enjoyed the characters and storyline, and look forward to more from Janelle Brown.

Slow burn...

This was a slow burn but so worth it!!
Stay with it the entire way it will blow your mind!!

Loved!

Loved everything about this book and the women reading it brought it to life in the best way!

Amazing narration!!!

Story is somewhat slow and too detailed but narration is just AMAZING! Already a fan of Julia Whelan but First time listening to Lauren Fortgang! Absolutely stunning

Twister from start to finish.

This a great story for anyone who loves twists and turns. I dont think characters figured it out themselves until the end. Super read.

Lots of twists.

Worth the read for sure. Enjoyed seeing things from the different perspectives. Would recommend to a friend.

Easy listen

I’m a very picky audible reader and this book surprised me. I was a afraid with the length of the book that it would become slow and redundant in places but it did not! 16 hours flew by in a flash. A great combo of intriguing writing and wonderful narration.

Both main characters are endearing while simultaneously feeling like they deserve the bad luck that’s fallen them. I loved the ending as well.

Oh my!

So many twists and turns. Thought I knew where it was heading but was always surprised. Worth a credit and then some.

Loved it!

I enjoy a good twisty turny book, and this one delivers wholeheartedly. The plot, setting and subjects are amazing, characters well developed, and the book is actually very well written. A+++
I’m off to find something else from Janelle Brown....