January 1978. A serial killer has terrorized women across the Pacific Northwest, but his existence couldn’t be further from the minds of the vibrant young women at the top sorority on Florida State University’s campus in Tallahassee. Tonight is a night of promise, excitement, and desire, but Pamela Schumacher, president of the sorority, makes the unpopular decision to stay home—a decision that unwittingly saves her life. Startled awake at 3 a.m. by a strange sound, she makes the fateful decision to investigate. What she finds behind the door is a scene of implausible violence—two of her sisters dead; two others, maimed. Over the next few days, Pamela is thrust into a terrifying mystery inspired by the crime that’s captivated public interest for more than four decades.
On the other side of the country, Tina Cannon has found peace in Seattle after years of hardship. A chance encounter brings twenty-five-year-old Ruth Wachowsky into her life, a young woman with painful secrets of her own, and the two form an instant connection. When Ruth goes missing from Lake Sammamish State Park in broad daylight, surrounded by thousands of beachgoers on a beautiful summer day, Tina devotes herself to finding out what happened to her. When she hears about the tragedy in Tallahassee, she knows it’s the man the papers refer to as the All-American Sex Killer. Determined to make him answer for what he did to Ruth, she travels to Florida on a collision course with Pamela—and one last impending tragedy.
*****
Thank you Simon & Schuster for my copy of Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll, in exchange for my honest review. This title publishes September 19, 2023.
The story revolves around the experiences of the two survivors of Ted Bundy’s brutality. Knoll expertly crafts their individual narratives, allowing readers to intimately connect with their pain, fear, and ultimately, their determination. The women’s journeys are not only a testament to their inner strength but also an eye-opening portrayal of the long-lasting trauma that survivors of such horrors must endure.
What sets this book apart from other true crime narratives is its emphasis on the survivors rather than the criminal. The book becomes a manifesto for these two women, a platform for them to share their stories, confront their past, and seek the closure they so desperately need. Knoll’s writing captures their voices with authenticity, making their emotions and motivations tangible to the reader.
As the narrative unfolds, readers are taken on a roller-coaster ride through the darkest corners of human depravity and the enduring hope that can emerge from it. Jessica Knoll’s meticulous research and compelling storytelling skills create a palpable tension throughout the book, making it impossible to put down. The pages are filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Bright Young Women is not just a recounting of past horrors but a tribute to the strength of the human spirit. It’s a story of survival, friendship, and the unwavering pursuit of justice. This book is perfect for readers seeking a gripping, thought-provoking, and ultimately empowering true crime narrative.
My rating: 4/5
Happy Reading,
The Reading Beauty
The Reading Beauty 