Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter
Last month, I reviewed Verity, a book that completely messed with my head. After that psychological rollercoaster, I desperately needed a palate cleanser—something light, something comforting, perhaps a literary hug filled with rainbows and fluffy bunnies.
Well, that didn’t happen.
Instead, I dove headfirst into Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter, a decision that was, in hindsight, like following up a ghost pepper with a shot of hot sauce. If you’ve read Slaughter before, you know she doesn’t hold back. And if you haven’t—consider this your warning.
I’ve long been a fan of Slaughter’s work, particularly her Will Trent series (which has been wonderfully adapted into a TV show starring the fabulous Ramon Rodriguez). But Pretty Girls is a standalone novel, first published in 2015, and let me tell you—it’s dark, it’s disturbing, and it’s the kind of book that burrows into your brain and refuses to leave.
The story centers on Claire and Lydia, two estranged sisters who have spent decades apart after the disappearance of their older sister, Julia. Claire is now married to a successful businessman, living a seemingly picture-perfect life. Lydia, on the other hand, is a single mother who has had her share of struggles, including addiction. While their lives have taken wildly different paths, they remain haunted by the same unanswered question: What happened to Julia?
When another teenage girl goes missing under eerily similar circumstances, Claire and Lydia are forced to confront their past, their fractured relationship, and some truly horrifying discoveries. What follows is a relentless, twist-filled ride that had me flipping pages at a ridiculous pace while simultaneously questioning my ability to sleep soundly ever again.
Slaughter’s writing is gripping, her character work impeccable, and her ability to craft tension—almost unbearable. This book is as much about survival, family bonds, and deep-seated trauma as it is about uncovering the truth. But be warned: Pretty Girls does not shy away from graphic content. It’s brutal. It’s unsettling. And it’s utterly addictive.
If you love twisty, high-stakes thrillers that will keep you up way past your bedtime, this is one to pick up. Just make sure you have a cozy, feel-good book (or perhaps a Friends marathon) lined up afterward to recalibrate your brain. Trust me, you’ll need it.
