What do you think?
Rate this book
Prom Mom
New York Times bestseller Laura Lippman tells the story of Amber Glass, desperately trying to get away from her tabloid past but compulsively drawn back to the city of her youth and the prom date who destroyed everything she was reaching for.
Amber Glass has spent her entire adult life putting as much distance as possible between her and her hometown of Baltimore, where she fears she will forever be known as "Prom Mom"--the girl who allegedly killed her baby on the night of the prom after her date, Joe Simpson, abandoned her to pursue the girl he really liked. But when circumstances bring Amber back to the city, she realizes she can have a second chance--as long as she stays away from Joe, now a successful commercial real estate developer, married to a plastic surgeon, Meredith, to whom he is devoted.
The problem is, Amber can't stay away from Joe. And Joe finds that it's increasingly hard for him to ignore Amber, if only because she remembers the boy he was and the man he said he was going to be. Against the surreal backdrop of 2020 and early 2021, the two are slowly drawn to each other and eventually cross the line they've been trying not to cross.
And then Joe asks Amber to help him do the unthinkable...
Amber Glass has spent her entire adult life putting as much distance as possible between her and her hometown of Baltimore, where she fears she will forever be known as "Prom Mom"--the girl who allegedly killed her baby on the night of the prom after her date, Joe Simpson, abandoned her to pursue the girl he really liked. But when circumstances bring Amber back to the city, she realizes she can have a second chance--as long as she stays away from Joe, now a successful commercial real estate developer, married to a plastic surgeon, Meredith, to whom he is devoted.
The problem is, Amber can't stay away from Joe. And Joe finds that it's increasingly hard for him to ignore Amber, if only because she remembers the boy he was and the man he said he was going to be. Against the surreal backdrop of 2020 and early 2021, the two are slowly drawn to each other and eventually cross the line they've been trying not to cross.
And then Joe asks Amber to help him do the unthinkable...
312 pages, ebook
First published July 24, 2023
669 people are currently reading
23842 people want to read
About the author
Laura Lippman
114 books6,388 followersSince Laura Lippman’s debut, she has been recognized as a distinctive voice in mystery fiction and named one of the “essential” crime writers of the last 100 years. Stephen King called her “special, even extraordinary,” and Gillian Flynn wrote, “She is simply a brilliant novelist.” Her books have won most of the major awards in her field and been translated into more than twenty-five languages. She lives in Baltimore and New Orleans with her teenager.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,115 reviews
January 16, 2023
This book is weird--in a good way.
This is what I can share about the plot without getting into spoiler territory: On prom night in 1997, 16-year-old Amber gives birth in her date, Joe's hotel room, and kills the baby. Amber and Joe become media sensations known as Prom Mom and Cad Dad.
Fast forward to 2019, Amber is back in Baltimore. She soon finds herself entangled in Joe’s life once again.
The chapters alternate between Amber, Joe, and Joe's wife, Meredith. A good portion of the novel focuses on Joe and Meredith, with Amber taking more of a background role--this shifts as the story progresses. All of the characters are cold and calculating in their own ways. Amber was probably the most sympathetic.
There is a subtle game of cat and mouse going on, but it is not clear who is playing and who is playing whom until the very end.
The timeline alternates between 1997 and 201/2020, through the beginnings of COVID. The setting also alternates between Baltimore and New Orleans. Both cities come alive, and each plays a central role in the plot.
Similar to Lippman’s last book, I think readers will either love or hate Prom Mom. It worked for me in the best ways, and I found it oddly addicting. I had no idea where the plot was headed--and I enjoyed where it landed.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and William Morrow in exchange for an honest review.
This is what I can share about the plot without getting into spoiler territory: On prom night in 1997, 16-year-old Amber gives birth in her date, Joe's hotel room, and kills the baby. Amber and Joe become media sensations known as Prom Mom and Cad Dad.
Fast forward to 2019, Amber is back in Baltimore. She soon finds herself entangled in Joe’s life once again.
The chapters alternate between Amber, Joe, and Joe's wife, Meredith. A good portion of the novel focuses on Joe and Meredith, with Amber taking more of a background role--this shifts as the story progresses. All of the characters are cold and calculating in their own ways. Amber was probably the most sympathetic.
There is a subtle game of cat and mouse going on, but it is not clear who is playing and who is playing whom until the very end.
The timeline alternates between 1997 and 201/2020, through the beginnings of COVID. The setting also alternates between Baltimore and New Orleans. Both cities come alive, and each plays a central role in the plot.
Similar to Lippman’s last book, I think readers will either love or hate Prom Mom. It worked for me in the best ways, and I found it oddly addicting. I had no idea where the plot was headed--and I enjoyed where it landed.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and William Morrow in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2024
Dark, sinister, intelligent, and absolutely jaw-dropping, Laura Lippman's signature slow-burn, detail-oriented, character-driven, twisty writing style will leave you lost in a mystery of betrayal, backstabbing, lies, and mind games. The cat-and-mouse game between unreliable, flawed characters is breathtaking, especially when you reach the end and feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you. Get ready for an outcome you won't expect.
This book is unique, with a concept that alternates between the 1997 tragedy and the COVID era (2019-2021). Your blood runs cold as you read about the tragic death of a baby at a high school prom and the tarnished reputation of the "prom mom" Amber Glass and her date/presumed father of the baby, "cad dad" Joe Simpson.
Amber left town after the incident, while Joe stayed, marrying a beautiful and accomplished plastic surgeon named Meredith. They don't have children as agreed.
Twenty-two years later, Amber returns to town, inherits her stepfather's home, and decides to rent an office to open an art gallery while waiting for the house to sell. Her path crosses with Joe's, and long-buried secrets begin to come to light. The pressure escalates, with blackmailing, seduction, secrets, and more lies appearing. Someone will have to pay for their sins, but who will it be?
You can't choose sides in this book. Meredith may seem innocent and naive, but her polished, perfect, and generous demeanor leaves her living in oblivion. Amber is odd, cold, calculating, and unique, and I found myself liking her the most, despite knowing from the start that she would ruin lives. Joe, on the other hand, is trying too hard to be someone he's not, and seems spineless, lost, and a little pathetic.
The effects of COVID, the adjustment to the new normal, and the political climate are skillfully woven into the mystery, making it even more thrilling.
Overall, this book is a winner. I agree with Mandy Kalling that Laura Lippman is one of the most brilliant thriller authors and the queen of slow-burn mysteries.
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with an amazing digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
instagram
facebook
twitter
This book is unique, with a concept that alternates between the 1997 tragedy and the COVID era (2019-2021). Your blood runs cold as you read about the tragic death of a baby at a high school prom and the tarnished reputation of the "prom mom" Amber Glass and her date/presumed father of the baby, "cad dad" Joe Simpson.
Amber left town after the incident, while Joe stayed, marrying a beautiful and accomplished plastic surgeon named Meredith. They don't have children as agreed.
Twenty-two years later, Amber returns to town, inherits her stepfather's home, and decides to rent an office to open an art gallery while waiting for the house to sell. Her path crosses with Joe's, and long-buried secrets begin to come to light. The pressure escalates, with blackmailing, seduction, secrets, and more lies appearing. Someone will have to pay for their sins, but who will it be?
You can't choose sides in this book. Meredith may seem innocent and naive, but her polished, perfect, and generous demeanor leaves her living in oblivion. Amber is odd, cold, calculating, and unique, and I found myself liking her the most, despite knowing from the start that she would ruin lives. Joe, on the other hand, is trying too hard to be someone he's not, and seems spineless, lost, and a little pathetic.
The effects of COVID, the adjustment to the new normal, and the political climate are skillfully woven into the mystery, making it even more thrilling.
Overall, this book is a winner. I agree with Mandy Kalling that Laura Lippman is one of the most brilliant thriller authors and the queen of slow-burn mysteries.
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with an amazing digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
August 12, 2023
Eeks! Did I read a book different than everyone else?
The author was trying so hard to be relevant that the actual storyline only appeared in the first and last chapter. This book was 10% mystery and 90% commentary. I was just wanted to read a mystery/thriller about a prom mom!😫
I’ve been a long-time fan of this author since releasing her first series. Dark, gritty Baltimore private-eye books. They were great! Even her more recent stand-alone books gripped me. This was a complete departure from her style.
Oh well, que sera, sera!
I’m very much alone sipping my cocktail on Outlier Island!😎🏝️
So if this book is on your list make sure to check out all the positive reviews!
The author was trying so hard to be relevant that the actual storyline only appeared in the first and last chapter. This book was 10% mystery and 90% commentary. I was just wanted to read a mystery/thriller about a prom mom!😫
I’ve been a long-time fan of this author since releasing her first series. Dark, gritty Baltimore private-eye books. They were great! Even her more recent stand-alone books gripped me. This was a complete departure from her style.
Oh well, que sera, sera!
I’m very much alone sipping my cocktail on Outlier Island!😎🏝️
So if this book is on your list make sure to check out all the positive reviews!
July 31, 2023
completely addictive, I finished the audio in one day. A well-written character-driven mystery, my favorite kind!
The background: Amber Glass is “Prom mom”, forever known as the girl who gave birth to a premature infant in 1997 on Prom night. The infant died and there were questions that were never answered. Did she kill her baby? Did she truly black out and have no memory of what happened? Joe was her boyfriend and the presumed father of the baby, but he ditched Amber the night of the prom. He claimed to have no knowledge of Amber’s pregnancy or what happened to the baby.
The present, 2020: After many years away, Amber moves back to Baltimore and opens an art gallery. Joe is a successful commercial real estate developer now married to a plastic surgeon.
Their paths cross and what follows is a twisty tale of obsession, cross, and double cross, and murder. Be aware no one is likable but your sympathies may change throughout the book. This is a coldly calculating bunch and the shocker of an ending is a jaw-dropper.
The story unfolds during the early days of Covid but it was more of a backdrop than the focus. I intensely dislike Covid books and this one didn’t bother me in the least.
I didn’t root for any of the characters, but the reader has a front row seat into their thoughts, morally bankrupt as they were, and I couldn’t stop watching the train wreck I knew was coming. And did it ever!
What makes this slow burn story different than other mystery/thrillers is the author’s razor-sharp writing, characterizations, and plotting. The tension is palpable and I could not stop listening, finishing it in one day.
I love character-driven suspense, and this book seals the deal for me: Laura Lippmann is one of, if not the most, brilliant suspense authors of our times. A favorite of 2023
The background: Amber Glass is “Prom mom”, forever known as the girl who gave birth to a premature infant in 1997 on Prom night. The infant died and there were questions that were never answered. Did she kill her baby? Did she truly black out and have no memory of what happened? Joe was her boyfriend and the presumed father of the baby, but he ditched Amber the night of the prom. He claimed to have no knowledge of Amber’s pregnancy or what happened to the baby.
The present, 2020: After many years away, Amber moves back to Baltimore and opens an art gallery. Joe is a successful commercial real estate developer now married to a plastic surgeon.
Their paths cross and what follows is a twisty tale of obsession, cross, and double cross, and murder. Be aware no one is likable but your sympathies may change throughout the book. This is a coldly calculating bunch and the shocker of an ending is a jaw-dropper.
The story unfolds during the early days of Covid but it was more of a backdrop than the focus. I intensely dislike Covid books and this one didn’t bother me in the least.
I didn’t root for any of the characters, but the reader has a front row seat into their thoughts, morally bankrupt as they were, and I couldn’t stop watching the train wreck I knew was coming. And did it ever!
What makes this slow burn story different than other mystery/thrillers is the author’s razor-sharp writing, characterizations, and plotting. The tension is palpable and I could not stop listening, finishing it in one day.
I love character-driven suspense, and this book seals the deal for me: Laura Lippmann is one of, if not the most, brilliant suspense authors of our times. A favorite of 2023
August 24, 2023
I think my expectations were too high! The title sounds like a juicy page-turner, but wasn't at all. IMHO 🤷♀️
The further I read, the more the expectations balloon 🎈deflated.
A very slow burn that dragged with every character's uninspiring background story and flat characterization (nothing redeeming). There was also just too much COVID/Pandemic talk (ugh) and other political commentary that made the journey even more tedious (I don't care who the character voted for). I wasn't thrilled or in suspense until the last 15% when something shocking happens. And yes, it does!
This was my third by the author. Ratings have been 5, 3, and 3
Rounded up for the last twist, but nope, the end was not worth the effort I put into this one sadly. It left me feeling even more annoyed with this bunch of unpleasant characters.
I'm on the 🏝️with my opinion, so if this is on your TBR, read some more positive reviews!
Library loan
The further I read, the more the expectations balloon 🎈deflated.
A very slow burn that dragged with every character's uninspiring background story and flat characterization (nothing redeeming). There was also just too much COVID/Pandemic talk (ugh) and other political commentary that made the journey even more tedious (I don't care who the character voted for). I wasn't thrilled or in suspense until the last 15% when something shocking happens. And yes, it does!
This was my third by the author. Ratings have been 5, 3, and 3
Rounded up for the last twist, but nope, the end was not worth the effort I put into this one sadly. It left me feeling even more annoyed with this bunch of unpleasant characters.
I'm on the 🏝️with my opinion, so if this is on your TBR, read some more positive reviews!
Library loan
April 9, 2023
3.5 rounded up
Baltimore. In May 1997, Amber Glass is taken ill at her prom, her memory is a blur since waking up on the sticky hotel bathroom floor. She returns home but then it becomes seriously messed up when the police arrive, stating they believe Amber has given birth to a baby the previous night and that it is dead. Amber becomes the infamous Prom Mom. Fast forward to 2019 and she has inherited a house and money from her stepfather and she decides to return to Baltimore from New Orleans hoping to put the past behind her. ‘Cad Dad’ Joe Simpson, Ambers prom date, is now happily married to Meredith, a plastic surgeon and life is good. He is horrified to discover Amber is back and what’s more. she has opened an art gallery. Will their paths re-cross? If so, how and what will be the outcome? The narrative alternates between 1997 and 2019 to 2021 and is mostly set in Baltimore.
This is a character driven, slow burner with the central protagonists not being especially likeable as they play a game of cat and mouse with each other. Who will emerge the winner? All of them are certainly calculating maybe even cold, perhaps a bit bad ass, definitely selfish, some are full of excuses, occasionally honest, but often not. As for the mothers, frankly, they’re in a league of their own. Out of all of them, Amber is probably the most likeable and I do root for her, especially after what she’s been through.
The plot is good, you never quite know what’s going to happen and there’s an off kilter sensation as nothing is what it seems but regret and revenge are definite maybes! Although it is clever and creative, you do have to have some patience as not a huge amount happens for quite a long time. Much is set within the restrictions of Covid and this is well used especially within the dynamics of a character triangle or is that a square? However, this is Laura Lipman, so you bide your time and you can always rely on her to sock you with something that will make your jaw ache as it hits the deck with a resounding thud in shock. The unpredictable ending is very good and well worth waiting for. Overall, I don’t think this is her best novel, but it’s still blooming good!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Faber and Faber for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Baltimore. In May 1997, Amber Glass is taken ill at her prom, her memory is a blur since waking up on the sticky hotel bathroom floor. She returns home but then it becomes seriously messed up when the police arrive, stating they believe Amber has given birth to a baby the previous night and that it is dead. Amber becomes the infamous Prom Mom. Fast forward to 2019 and she has inherited a house and money from her stepfather and she decides to return to Baltimore from New Orleans hoping to put the past behind her. ‘Cad Dad’ Joe Simpson, Ambers prom date, is now happily married to Meredith, a plastic surgeon and life is good. He is horrified to discover Amber is back and what’s more. she has opened an art gallery. Will their paths re-cross? If so, how and what will be the outcome? The narrative alternates between 1997 and 2019 to 2021 and is mostly set in Baltimore.
This is a character driven, slow burner with the central protagonists not being especially likeable as they play a game of cat and mouse with each other. Who will emerge the winner? All of them are certainly calculating maybe even cold, perhaps a bit bad ass, definitely selfish, some are full of excuses, occasionally honest, but often not. As for the mothers, frankly, they’re in a league of their own. Out of all of them, Amber is probably the most likeable and I do root for her, especially after what she’s been through.
The plot is good, you never quite know what’s going to happen and there’s an off kilter sensation as nothing is what it seems but regret and revenge are definite maybes! Although it is clever and creative, you do have to have some patience as not a huge amount happens for quite a long time. Much is set within the restrictions of Covid and this is well used especially within the dynamics of a character triangle or is that a square? However, this is Laura Lipman, so you bide your time and you can always rely on her to sock you with something that will make your jaw ache as it hits the deck with a resounding thud in shock. The unpredictable ending is very good and well worth waiting for. Overall, I don’t think this is her best novel, but it’s still blooming good!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Faber and Faber for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
July 27, 2023
Prom Mom is Laura Lippman’s latest, a stand-alone about a woman trying to live down her past. As a 17 year old who allegedly killed her baby on the night of the prom, after her date ditched her to be with his old girlfriend. Now, twenty years later, she returns to Baltimore. Joe, her date that night, is now a commercial real estate developer and is now married to a plastic surgeon. As you would expect from a psychological thriller, they seem drawn to each other.
The story starts at the very beginning of Covid and moves on from there. It’s not a fast paced story (quite the opposite) and Lippman takes her time giving us in depth views of their lives. I’m not one of those readers who has a problem reading about Covid. But if that describes you, best to steer clear of this one.
The book switches between the POVs of Amber, Joe and his wife Meredith. It was hard for me to like any of the main characters. .
There were several big reveals at the end, only one of which I didn’t see coming. The ending was actually a pretty big disappointment.
It’s always fun for me to read Lippman’s books, representing a return to my hometown. And she always makes a point of really laying out the territory, giving a true feel for the area.
I am a big fan of Laura Lippman, but this was just meh in my book.
I listened to this and wasn’t enthralled by the narrator, Andi Arendt, especially how she portrayed Joe’s voice.
The story starts at the very beginning of Covid and moves on from there. It’s not a fast paced story (quite the opposite) and Lippman takes her time giving us in depth views of their lives. I’m not one of those readers who has a problem reading about Covid. But if that describes you, best to steer clear of this one.
The book switches between the POVs of Amber, Joe and his wife Meredith. It was hard for me to like any of the main characters. .
There were several big reveals at the end, only one of which I didn’t see coming. The ending was actually a pretty big disappointment.
It’s always fun for me to read Lippman’s books, representing a return to my hometown. And she always makes a point of really laying out the territory, giving a true feel for the area.
I am a big fan of Laura Lippman, but this was just meh in my book.
I listened to this and wasn’t enthralled by the narrator, Andi Arendt, especially how she portrayed Joe’s voice.
August 12, 2023
EXCERPT: Joe Simpson, denuded of words that linked him to Amber Glass, was simply a successful real estate salesman. All Amber wanted for herself was what had been granted to Joe. was that so much to ask?
Probably. Apparently. But if that's what she wanted, the smart thing to do would be to stay away from Joe, avoid him at all costs.
Amber was tired of doing the smart thing. She had usually done the smart thing, most of her life, and where had that gotten her?
She would not try to meet Joe or cross his path. But this was Smalltimore, after all, and it was probably only a matter of time before they encountered each other. She couldn't help being curious about that moment, fantasizing about it, even. She loved that she had no idea how he would respond to her, or how he felt about her. For the first time in a long time, maybe twenty years, her life held the promise of an exciting story.
ABOUT 'PROM MOM': When I was seventeen, I gave birth to a baby in a hotel bathroom while attending the prom...'
Two decades ago, Amber Glass’s life changed forever. No-one had even known she was pregnant – including Joe, her date.
Afterwards, she left town for good – and hasn’t seen Joe since. But she knows he hasn’t left, that he’s working for his father’s real estate company, married to a cosmetic surgeon. Child free.
Now Amber is back, and as the two of them tentatively start to renew their once unlikely relationship, will their secrets and motivations finally destroy everyone around them?
MY THOUGHTS: If you're looking for a character to dislike - I nominate Joe Simpson. He comes across as an all-round good guy. But he's not. Nope. Underneath, he is a sleazebag. A whiny, 'it's not my fault', sleazebag. He doesn't like to be around sick or poor people. He is duplicitous. He makes the story what it is. And I enjoyed it.
I liked Meredith and really couldn't understand what she saw in Joe. But then Jordan also loves/wants him. And Amber, despite their history. Everyone loves Joe.
The story is told over two timelines - 1997 when the 'Prom Mom' tragedy occurs, and twenty years later when Amber reappears in Joe's life - and is told from the points of view of Joe, Amber and Meredith.
Prom Mom is very much a character-driven novel. The characters all have secrets, tell lies, and are manipulative. Everyone has their own agendas, not all of them apparent.
Prom Mom is a slow burn, but please stick with it - the ending is superb, with a twist that had never entered my head. But it is so fitting . . . talk about 'just desserts'!
Lippman has based this book on a series of unconnected incidents she uncovered while doing research into an idea she had for this book after listening to a podcast. Read her acknowledgements; they are enlightening.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#PromMom #NetGalley
I: @lauramlippman @faberbooks
X: @LauraMLippman @FaberBooks
THE AUTHOR: Since Laura Lippman’s debut, she has been recognized as a distinctive voice in mystery fiction and named one of the “essential” crime writers of the last 100 years. Stephen King called her “special, even extraordinary,” and Gillian Flynn wrote, “She is simply a brilliant novelist.”
She lives in Baltimore and New Orleans with her teenager.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Faber and Faber via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Prom Mom for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Probably. Apparently. But if that's what she wanted, the smart thing to do would be to stay away from Joe, avoid him at all costs.
Amber was tired of doing the smart thing. She had usually done the smart thing, most of her life, and where had that gotten her?
She would not try to meet Joe or cross his path. But this was Smalltimore, after all, and it was probably only a matter of time before they encountered each other. She couldn't help being curious about that moment, fantasizing about it, even. She loved that she had no idea how he would respond to her, or how he felt about her. For the first time in a long time, maybe twenty years, her life held the promise of an exciting story.
ABOUT 'PROM MOM': When I was seventeen, I gave birth to a baby in a hotel bathroom while attending the prom...'
Two decades ago, Amber Glass’s life changed forever. No-one had even known she was pregnant – including Joe, her date.
Afterwards, she left town for good – and hasn’t seen Joe since. But she knows he hasn’t left, that he’s working for his father’s real estate company, married to a cosmetic surgeon. Child free.
Now Amber is back, and as the two of them tentatively start to renew their once unlikely relationship, will their secrets and motivations finally destroy everyone around them?
MY THOUGHTS: If you're looking for a character to dislike - I nominate Joe Simpson. He comes across as an all-round good guy. But he's not. Nope. Underneath, he is a sleazebag. A whiny, 'it's not my fault', sleazebag. He doesn't like to be around sick or poor people. He is duplicitous. He makes the story what it is. And I enjoyed it.
I liked Meredith and really couldn't understand what she saw in Joe. But then Jordan also loves/wants him. And Amber, despite their history. Everyone loves Joe.
The story is told over two timelines - 1997 when the 'Prom Mom' tragedy occurs, and twenty years later when Amber reappears in Joe's life - and is told from the points of view of Joe, Amber and Meredith.
Prom Mom is very much a character-driven novel. The characters all have secrets, tell lies, and are manipulative. Everyone has their own agendas, not all of them apparent.
Prom Mom is a slow burn, but please stick with it - the ending is superb, with a twist that had never entered my head. But it is so fitting . . . talk about 'just desserts'!
Lippman has based this book on a series of unconnected incidents she uncovered while doing research into an idea she had for this book after listening to a podcast. Read her acknowledgements; they are enlightening.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#PromMom #NetGalley
I: @lauramlippman @faberbooks
X: @LauraMLippman @FaberBooks
THE AUTHOR: Since Laura Lippman’s debut, she has been recognized as a distinctive voice in mystery fiction and named one of the “essential” crime writers of the last 100 years. Stephen King called her “special, even extraordinary,” and Gillian Flynn wrote, “She is simply a brilliant novelist.”
She lives in Baltimore and New Orleans with her teenager.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Faber and Faber via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Prom Mom for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
July 27, 2023
TL;DR: I mean…if the title hasn’t already sold you, maybe my glowing review of the latest from Laura Lippman will. Because I really loved #PromMom, the story of a woman who returns to the town to reclaim her identity and confront the prom date from her youth who destroyed her life. It’s part STRANGERS ON A TRAIN, part NORMAL PEOPLE, and if you’ve read Lippman before, you know exactly what you’re goin to get: morally grey characters, razor-sharp writing, slow-burn drama, and in the case of Prom Mom, an ending that will break your neck from “twistlash” (my new term for twist whiplash, and in this instance I found myself clamoring to reread this one from the beginning).
July 25, 2023
Ummm, WTF?!?!? The ending of this book surprised me in a way that no other book has in the last...I don't know even know how many years!!!! I really did not see that twist coming! (Two twists, really!!!!) Wow wow wow! It made me close the book and then immediately turn to the beginning to re-read with this new lens. Very satisfying!!!!
August 5, 2023
Extra, Extra, Read All About it!
We don’t know much about Amber Glass and the infamy causing her to escape her hometown the second she turned eighteen.
Dubbed ‘The Prom Mom’ for giving birth in a bathroom during a high school dance, the scandalous title dominated media headlines some twenty years prior.
Now a successful adult with more confidence, she moves back wondering if she could blend in and exist without the teenage moniker.
We discover more about Amber and the people surrounding her as the outline fills. Several voices are depicted with one person especially nuanced as casual entitlement gives way to a deeper understanding. A fascinating journey.
As a domestic suspense novel, this was dense with information. A slow burn with no empty words and a sinister gloss.
I love Laura Lippman as an author. I became a fan after reading To the Power of Three many years ago and each book since had sophisticated literary elements within my reach without being magniloquent.
Purchased at Barnes and Noble.
We don’t know much about Amber Glass and the infamy causing her to escape her hometown the second she turned eighteen.
Dubbed ‘The Prom Mom’ for giving birth in a bathroom during a high school dance, the scandalous title dominated media headlines some twenty years prior.
Now a successful adult with more confidence, she moves back wondering if she could blend in and exist without the teenage moniker.
We discover more about Amber and the people surrounding her as the outline fills. Several voices are depicted with one person especially nuanced as casual entitlement gives way to a deeper understanding. A fascinating journey.
As a domestic suspense novel, this was dense with information. A slow burn with no empty words and a sinister gloss.
I love Laura Lippman as an author. I became a fan after reading To the Power of Three many years ago and each book since had sophisticated literary elements within my reach without being magniloquent.
Purchased at Barnes and Noble.
May 22, 2023
2.5 STARS
I'm truly unsure of how many stars to give this book. On the one hand, it is a very good (if slow) thriller; I guess you would call it. It was a very slow read, with a lot of emphasis in the last half of the book on COVID and the politics of the time.
I could not connect with the characters-none of them, but I will say I disliked all of them and was glad most of them got their comeuppance.
The last 10% or so of the book had me a bit confused. Who really did it? I wasn't sure that I could really believe anything that came out of Meridith's mouth. I would have loved a little more in-depth ending.
I'd love to give this a 2.5 rating, but when all know, we can't do that here!
*ARC was supplied by the publisher William Morrow, the author, and NetGalley.
I'm truly unsure of how many stars to give this book. On the one hand, it is a very good (if slow) thriller; I guess you would call it. It was a very slow read, with a lot of emphasis in the last half of the book on COVID and the politics of the time.
I could not connect with the characters-none of them, but I will say I disliked all of them and was glad most of them got their comeuppance.
The last 10% or so of the book had me a bit confused. Who really did it? I wasn't sure that I could really believe anything that came out of Meridith's mouth. I would have loved a little more in-depth ending.
I'd love to give this a 2.5 rating, but when all know, we can't do that here!
*ARC was supplied by the publisher William Morrow, the author, and NetGalley.
August 5, 2023
Bestselling author Laura Lippman (favorite) returns following Seasonal Work: Stories, Sunburn, Lady in the Lake, and Dream Girl, with her latest slow-burn psychological thriller sizzler, PROM MOM —a chilling dangerous twisty game of cat-and-mouse, and a web of secrets and lies collide, with a jaw-dropping final twist!
Top Thrillers of 2023!
Amber Glass has spent her entire adult life trying to escape her past. In her hometown of Baltimore, MD, Amber was known as the "Prom Mom" who allegedly killed her baby the night of the prom (1997).
However, she blacked out and did not know what had happened. At the hotel, she changed clothes and walked home. Joe never showed up at the hotel to change clothes (or so he says). The premature baby was found dead.
Her date, Joe Simpson, left her to dance with his ex-girlfriend. Amber gets the key to the hotel from him as she has stomach cramps and returns to the hotel they had reserved for the night's events. Joe was dubbed "Cad Dad" and claimed to be innocent.
(2020) Now, twenty-some years later, Amber's stepdad, Ron, dies, and she inherits his house and estate, which is quite large for Amber. She must return to Baltimore to sort out all the details.
(1997) Amber was once a math tutor for Joe (he was suspended from the lacrosse team), the hunky athlete at the high school. He was bummed when his girlfriend broke up with him. Amber and Joe do more than homework, and she becomes pregnant. Her parents nor Joe knows about the pregnancy. They have a deal he will attend prom with Amber.
Things do not go as planned, and before the night is over, Amber has a baby, is charged with manslaughter, and serves time in prison. She was a victim used by a careless boy who wanted only sex and then left to deal with the consequences on her own; her life was destroyed, and his barely disrupted.
Afterward, she attains her education in Florida. She resides in New Orleans and works for Upperline and Miss Margaret at a gallery where she runs an Etsy online store for artists (outsider art and artists from prison). When she returns to Baltimore to prepare Ron's house for sale (her mom died years ago), she sees a commercial real estate space and thinks could she move back and open a gallery here? Is she crazy?
Joe is now a successful commercial real estate developer married to a prominent plastic surgeon, Meredith. They own a huge mansion, but due to the pandemic, his business is failing, and a giant balloon note is coming due on the house. He is desperate and once again turns to Amber to help out. There is also more to Meredith than you know. Will Amber fall for Joe's tricks again?
To further complicate things, Joe is having an affair with Jordan, a real estate agent. Jordan is putting on the pressure.
Amber and Joe reconnect. She opens Amber Glass Gallery. Amber is more sophisticated than in high school (and more calculating). Joe is on the verge of losing his wife, house, and reputation. What comes next is mind-blowing!
From Part I BEFORE: 1997-2020, to Part II AFTER 2020-2021 with a final 1997. Told from Joe, Meredith, and Amber's POV, the three will collide for an explosive ending where nothing is as it appears, and everyone has their respective agenda. Mix in Jordan, a dangerous scheme, a murder, and secrets from the past are unraveled —EXPLOSIVE.
UNPUTDOWNABLE —I read in two sittings. I could not wait to see how this one played out. My nerves were shot. Nothing is as it appears. After a book like this—no sleep. Your mind will be racing. You have no idea where the author is taking you but hang on the wild ride. Totally unexpected!
I LOVED Amber. Joe, Meredith, and Jordan are the bad guys. You will question every character, and your loyalties may change throughout the book. There is blackmail, scheming, secrets, lies, seduction, betrayal, greed, and murder.
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE A SCORNED WOMAN.
Trust me, when you get to 89% (more than one twist) through the END, all the questions will be answered, taking you to the ultimate wickedly satisfying, delicious conclusion. Thank goodness! I was worried there for a while.
In addition, the author sprinkles in the COVID-19 pandemic, masks, vaccines, politics, literary references, class, privilege, and social commentary, among other topics from these periods.
The most intelligent, clever, gripping, twisty, sinister, character-driven, and creative prom crime story you will read! It is jaw-dropping and brilliant. You will be shocked and delighted! Readers, be patient while reading because you will be shaking your head—it is worth the wait! Get this knockout cat-and-mouse psychological thriller on your TBR list now.
As always, Laura is at the TOP OF HER GAME. A huge fan, and this is one of my favorites!
PS. You may have seen the movie Prom Mom and the true-crime story of Prom Mom, Melissa Drexler in New Jersey; however, Lippman's Prom Mom is so much better! If you love well-written, character-driven intelligent thrillers with a twist, PROM MOM is for you—Lippman fans will devour!
Special thanks to #WilliamMorrow and #NetGalley for a digital advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: July 25, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars ++
July 2023 Must-Read Books
Top Thrillers of 2023!
Amber Glass has spent her entire adult life trying to escape her past. In her hometown of Baltimore, MD, Amber was known as the "Prom Mom" who allegedly killed her baby the night of the prom (1997).
However, she blacked out and did not know what had happened. At the hotel, she changed clothes and walked home. Joe never showed up at the hotel to change clothes (or so he says). The premature baby was found dead.
Her date, Joe Simpson, left her to dance with his ex-girlfriend. Amber gets the key to the hotel from him as she has stomach cramps and returns to the hotel they had reserved for the night's events. Joe was dubbed "Cad Dad" and claimed to be innocent.
(2020) Now, twenty-some years later, Amber's stepdad, Ron, dies, and she inherits his house and estate, which is quite large for Amber. She must return to Baltimore to sort out all the details.
(1997) Amber was once a math tutor for Joe (he was suspended from the lacrosse team), the hunky athlete at the high school. He was bummed when his girlfriend broke up with him. Amber and Joe do more than homework, and she becomes pregnant. Her parents nor Joe knows about the pregnancy. They have a deal he will attend prom with Amber.
Things do not go as planned, and before the night is over, Amber has a baby, is charged with manslaughter, and serves time in prison. She was a victim used by a careless boy who wanted only sex and then left to deal with the consequences on her own; her life was destroyed, and his barely disrupted.
Afterward, she attains her education in Florida. She resides in New Orleans and works for Upperline and Miss Margaret at a gallery where she runs an Etsy online store for artists (outsider art and artists from prison). When she returns to Baltimore to prepare Ron's house for sale (her mom died years ago), she sees a commercial real estate space and thinks could she move back and open a gallery here? Is she crazy?
Joe is now a successful commercial real estate developer married to a prominent plastic surgeon, Meredith. They own a huge mansion, but due to the pandemic, his business is failing, and a giant balloon note is coming due on the house. He is desperate and once again turns to Amber to help out. There is also more to Meredith than you know. Will Amber fall for Joe's tricks again?
To further complicate things, Joe is having an affair with Jordan, a real estate agent. Jordan is putting on the pressure.
Amber and Joe reconnect. She opens Amber Glass Gallery. Amber is more sophisticated than in high school (and more calculating). Joe is on the verge of losing his wife, house, and reputation. What comes next is mind-blowing!
From Part I BEFORE: 1997-2020, to Part II AFTER 2020-2021 with a final 1997. Told from Joe, Meredith, and Amber's POV, the three will collide for an explosive ending where nothing is as it appears, and everyone has their respective agenda. Mix in Jordan, a dangerous scheme, a murder, and secrets from the past are unraveled —EXPLOSIVE.
UNPUTDOWNABLE —I read in two sittings. I could not wait to see how this one played out. My nerves were shot. Nothing is as it appears. After a book like this—no sleep. Your mind will be racing. You have no idea where the author is taking you but hang on the wild ride. Totally unexpected!
I LOVED Amber. Joe, Meredith, and Jordan are the bad guys. You will question every character, and your loyalties may change throughout the book. There is blackmail, scheming, secrets, lies, seduction, betrayal, greed, and murder.
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE A SCORNED WOMAN.
Trust me, when you get to 89% (more than one twist) through the END, all the questions will be answered, taking you to the ultimate wickedly satisfying, delicious conclusion. Thank goodness! I was worried there for a while.
In addition, the author sprinkles in the COVID-19 pandemic, masks, vaccines, politics, literary references, class, privilege, and social commentary, among other topics from these periods.
The most intelligent, clever, gripping, twisty, sinister, character-driven, and creative prom crime story you will read! It is jaw-dropping and brilliant. You will be shocked and delighted! Readers, be patient while reading because you will be shaking your head—it is worth the wait! Get this knockout cat-and-mouse psychological thriller on your TBR list now.
As always, Laura is at the TOP OF HER GAME. A huge fan, and this is one of my favorites!
PS. You may have seen the movie Prom Mom and the true-crime story of Prom Mom, Melissa Drexler in New Jersey; however, Lippman's Prom Mom is so much better! If you love well-written, character-driven intelligent thrillers with a twist, PROM MOM is for you—Lippman fans will devour!
Special thanks to #WilliamMorrow and #NetGalley for a digital advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: July 25, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars ++
July 2023 Must-Read Books
August 30, 2023
As the old saying goes, it takes all kinds to make a world… And the wide disparity of reviews on this book can testify to that.
First of all, I’m a Laura Lippman fan. I lived in Baltimore or its environs for many years, and it’s always been fun to read a book that references people, places, and things that I am very familiar with. I’ve read many of Lippman’s books and have always enjoyed them.
Until now. This is probably one of the least entertaining books I have ever read.
The basic story is contained in the first 35 pages of the book, and what resolution there is occurs in the last 35 pages of the book. The “In between”— nearly 300 pages worth— does very little to create conflict, develop characters, or provide motivation for them.
Instead, most of this book, in a misplaced desire to be relevant, goes down dozens of rabbit holes about pandemic life. Entire chapters are devoted entirely to what one of the female protagonists bought at Wegmans in anticipation of the shelter in place order, how her book club met virtually/outside, and most annoyingly of all, and how she used her Peleton exercise bike to stave off pandemic weight gain—in so much laborious detail I hope she got a product placement fee. And then there was a chapter where we had the male protagonist spending an hour at the local zoo.
Believe me, this is only the tip of the iceberg.
Slow burn? If that means boring AF, that’s a great description.
I think Laura Lippman is a good writer, but at least in this book, she struggles with the art of storytelling.
First of all, I’m a Laura Lippman fan. I lived in Baltimore or its environs for many years, and it’s always been fun to read a book that references people, places, and things that I am very familiar with. I’ve read many of Lippman’s books and have always enjoyed them.
Until now. This is probably one of the least entertaining books I have ever read.
The basic story is contained in the first 35 pages of the book, and what resolution there is occurs in the last 35 pages of the book. The “In between”— nearly 300 pages worth— does very little to create conflict, develop characters, or provide motivation for them.
Instead, most of this book, in a misplaced desire to be relevant, goes down dozens of rabbit holes about pandemic life. Entire chapters are devoted entirely to what one of the female protagonists bought at Wegmans in anticipation of the shelter in place order, how her book club met virtually/outside, and most annoyingly of all, and how she used her Peleton exercise bike to stave off pandemic weight gain—in so much laborious detail I hope she got a product placement fee. And then there was a chapter where we had the male protagonist spending an hour at the local zoo.
Believe me, this is only the tip of the iceberg.
Slow burn? If that means boring AF, that’s a great description.
I think Laura Lippman is a good writer, but at least in this book, she struggles with the art of storytelling.
June 4, 2023
Started fine, though it wasn't clear at all what kind of book it was. But by the end it has been about three or four different books, including becoming something else entirely at the very end. While I think it does a good job with one of its primary goals--drawing in detail the character of this man who is a good, normal guy and also the actual worst--nothing else about it made much sense to me. And nothing that Amber does makes all that much sense either, which was frustrating since the portraits of her younger self in flashback felt like there was a lot to dig into with her.
The one-two punch of the ending was half utterly predictable from the very beginning and half groan-inducing. Lippman and I go hot and cold, but lately I've had more misses than hits from her.
The one-two punch of the ending was half utterly predictable from the very beginning and half groan-inducing. Lippman and I go hot and cold, but lately I've had more misses than hits from her.
November 30, 2023
I thought I was getting a creepy quarantine thriller when I borrowed this book from the local library. Turns out I got a weird love triangle romance smashed inside of a toxic bizarre love triangle. I pushed through because, well, once your into a book it’s hard to turn back 🤣🤣. There were some good twists but most were predictable. If your into romance but need something a little thrilling then this book may be for you!
September 12, 2023
Rating 4.5
Good character driven, slow burn of a story. Those are the kind I liked. No one was likable, just some loathsome, sometimes creepy people but you just wanted to hear more. I had to knock it a bit for the political and Covid talk, could have done without that and I didn't feel it added to the story. This one was a buddy read with Dana and we both enjoyed it. Our second Lippman but not our last.
Good character driven, slow burn of a story. Those are the kind I liked. No one was likable, just some loathsome, sometimes creepy people but you just wanted to hear more. I had to knock it a bit for the political and Covid talk, could have done without that and I didn't feel it added to the story. This one was a buddy read with Dana and we both enjoyed it. Our second Lippman but not our last.
September 1, 2023
A superbly written book.
I listened to this instead of reading it physically. The narration was very good and had good pitch and power.
Amber and Joe.
Only young, but Amber gives birth the night of the Prom, then subsequently kills her baby.
I had to read this from start to finish in one day, woe betide who tried to get my attention as I was fully focused on this and what twisty tale was unraveling in front of me.
I can’t say any more as I’d be taking away your enjoyment if you decide to read this.
I listened to this instead of reading it physically. The narration was very good and had good pitch and power.
Amber and Joe.
Only young, but Amber gives birth the night of the Prom, then subsequently kills her baby.
I had to read this from start to finish in one day, woe betide who tried to get my attention as I was fully focused on this and what twisty tale was unraveling in front of me.
I can’t say any more as I’d be taking away your enjoyment if you decide to read this.
August 3, 2023
It’s May 1997, and Amber Glass is at the prom with her date, Joe Simpson, who she tutors in French (and does other things with, too, if you get my drift). She starts feeling sick, so she heads back to their hotel room early – without Joe, who decides to stay at the prom with the girl he really likes. By morning, Amber will have given birth, and will be accused of killing the premature infant – and Amber and Joe will be dubbed “Prom Mom” and “Cad Dad” by the Baltimore press.
It’s January 2020, and Amber Glass has just returned to Baltimore to settle her stepfather’s estate. She has no intentions of reconnecting with Joe, who is now married to a beautiful and successful plastic surgeon named Meredith, but she can’t seem to stay away – and Joe can’t stay away from her, either.
Told from the alternating perspectives of Amber, Joe, and Meredith, Prom Mom is a slow-burning, sinuous story of obsession and shifting loyalties, a devious game of cat and mouse unfolding against the backdrop of Covid-era Baltimore. Laura Lippman’s books are always full of tension and keep me riveted, even when they are slower-paced, which this one definitely is. Lippman takes her time weaving the threads of her plot together before blasting readers with a shocker of an ending, and I was engaged the entire time. I had no idea what everything was leading up to, but I couldn’t wait to find out, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Prom Mom has a strong sense of place, transporting the reader to Baltimore with all its sights and sounds, and Lippman really captures the surreal, downright weirdness of Covid times. Her writing is so sharp, and she crafts the best characters – the morally gray, psychologically intense ones that you don’t like, but are completely fascinated by. She writes in the noir style, in prose that is straightforward and unemotional, but there is still so much depth to her stories and her characters.
Prom Mom is a tense, character-driven noir thriller, and it reconfirmed for me why I’ll continue to seek out Lippman’s new books as soon as they’re released. Her books are so different from others in the genre, in a really good way.
It’s January 2020, and Amber Glass has just returned to Baltimore to settle her stepfather’s estate. She has no intentions of reconnecting with Joe, who is now married to a beautiful and successful plastic surgeon named Meredith, but she can’t seem to stay away – and Joe can’t stay away from her, either.
Told from the alternating perspectives of Amber, Joe, and Meredith, Prom Mom is a slow-burning, sinuous story of obsession and shifting loyalties, a devious game of cat and mouse unfolding against the backdrop of Covid-era Baltimore. Laura Lippman’s books are always full of tension and keep me riveted, even when they are slower-paced, which this one definitely is. Lippman takes her time weaving the threads of her plot together before blasting readers with a shocker of an ending, and I was engaged the entire time. I had no idea what everything was leading up to, but I couldn’t wait to find out, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Prom Mom has a strong sense of place, transporting the reader to Baltimore with all its sights and sounds, and Lippman really captures the surreal, downright weirdness of Covid times. Her writing is so sharp, and she crafts the best characters – the morally gray, psychologically intense ones that you don’t like, but are completely fascinated by. She writes in the noir style, in prose that is straightforward and unemotional, but there is still so much depth to her stories and her characters.
Prom Mom is a tense, character-driven noir thriller, and it reconfirmed for me why I’ll continue to seek out Lippman’s new books as soon as they’re released. Her books are so different from others in the genre, in a really good way.
June 29, 2023
Prom Mom is a slow burning story that had me intrigued. After an eventful opening where our main character, Amber, gives birth in a hotel room bathroom at the age of 17, we then jump forward 20 years. There is a small cast of characters and multiple timelines that give us the story of Amber and Joe.
After the Prom, Amber left Baltimore and vowed never to return. But her step father has passed away and she has inherited it all. She wants to start a new life, one with money now. And she has never stopped thinking about Joe, the father of the baby that died in the bathroom. Joe has now married and is a successful businessman. A chance meeting and old feelings come back. Joe really can’t keep his hands to himself and things get complicated, especially when 2020 arrives and the world shuts down.
While for the most part the story was slowly drawn out, I felt that the ending was way too rushed. So much happened so quickly and then it always all over. It could have been fleshed out a bit more.
Thanks to Faber and Faber for the advanced reading copy. Publishes on August 10th.
After the Prom, Amber left Baltimore and vowed never to return. But her step father has passed away and she has inherited it all. She wants to start a new life, one with money now. And she has never stopped thinking about Joe, the father of the baby that died in the bathroom. Joe has now married and is a successful businessman. A chance meeting and old feelings come back. Joe really can’t keep his hands to himself and things get complicated, especially when 2020 arrives and the world shuts down.
While for the most part the story was slowly drawn out, I felt that the ending was way too rushed. So much happened so quickly and then it always all over. It could have been fleshed out a bit more.
Thanks to Faber and Faber for the advanced reading copy. Publishes on August 10th.
July 31, 2023
ᴀs ᴀ ᴛʀᴜᴇ ᴄʀɪᴍᴇ ғᴀɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴏʜ ʀᴇsɪᴅᴇɴᴛ - ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴍɪɴᴅᴇᴅ ᴍᴇ sᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴀsᴇ ᴏғ ʙʀᴏᴏᴋᴇ sᴋʏʟᴀʀ ʀɪᴄʜᴀʀᴅsᴏɴ. ᴛʜɪs ɪs ᴀ sʟᴏᴡ ʙᴜʀɴ ғᴏʀ sᴜʀᴇ. ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴏғ ᴀ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴍᴏʀᴀʟɪᴛʏ ɪssᴜᴇs, ʙᴜᴛ ɪᴛ ᴀʟʟ ᴘᴀʏs ᴏғғ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇɴᴅ. ɪ ʜᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴊᴏᴇ ᴡʜɪᴄʜ ɪ ᴀᴍ sᴜʀᴇ ᴡᴀs ɪɴᴛᴇɴᴅᴇᴅ. ɪ ᴀʟsᴏ ғᴇʟᴛ ᴇxᴛʀᴇᴍᴇ ᴇᴍᴘᴀᴛʜʏ ғᴏʀ ᴀᴍʙᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴡᴀs ʀᴏᴏᴛɪɴɢ ғᴏʀ ʜᴇʀ ᴇᴠᴇɴ ᴡʜᴇɴ sʜᴇ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ᴍɪsᴛᴀᴋᴇs. ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪsɴ’ᴛ ᴀs sᴜsᴘᴇɴsᴇғᴜʟ ᴀs ɪᴛ ᴜɴғᴏʟᴅs, ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ᴜʀɢᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ɢᴇᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ғɪɴɪsʜ ʟɪɴᴇ. ᴛʜᴇ ᴇɴᴅɪɴɢ ᴡᴀs ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ.
ɪ ᴀʟsᴏ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇғᴇʀᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴄɪʀᴄᴇ ᴀs ɪ ᴡᴀs ᴀ ʙɪɢ ғᴀɴ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴏɴᴇ! ɪ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴅᴏɴᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴠɪᴅ ᴘʟᴏᴛ ᴘᴏɪɴᴛs, ʙᴜᴛ ᴜɴᴅᴇʀsᴛᴀɴᴅ ɪᴛs ʀᴇʟᴇᴠᴀɴᴄᴇ.
📖 ʜᴜɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ @williammorrowbooks @customhousebooks ᴀɴᴅ @netgalley ғᴏʀ ᴛʜɪs ᴀʀᴄ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ɪɴ ᴇxᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ғᴏʀ ᴀɴ ʜᴏɴᴇsᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ 📖
ɪ ᴀʟsᴏ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇғᴇʀᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴄɪʀᴄᴇ ᴀs ɪ ᴡᴀs ᴀ ʙɪɢ ғᴀɴ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴏɴᴇ! ɪ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴅᴏɴᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴠɪᴅ ᴘʟᴏᴛ ᴘᴏɪɴᴛs, ʙᴜᴛ ᴜɴᴅᴇʀsᴛᴀɴᴅ ɪᴛs ʀᴇʟᴇᴠᴀɴᴄᴇ.
📖 ʜᴜɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ @williammorrowbooks @customhousebooks ᴀɴᴅ @netgalley ғᴏʀ ᴛʜɪs ᴀʀᴄ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ɪɴ ᴇxᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ғᴏʀ ᴀɴ ʜᴏɴᴇsᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ 📖
July 20, 2023
Prom Mom is a difficult book to categorise - I suppose it’s a thriller - except it isn’t remotely thrilling, there’s little in the way of suspense, or mystery. Maybe a dark relationship drama? I’m new to this author, but was intrigued by the idea of a story set against the backdrop of the pandemic, and seduced by all the high-star reviews. Unfortunately, yet again I find myself the outlier - it was too slow, the characters contemptible and the plot - such as it was - failed to hold my interest: an art dealer returns to her home town to continue her immature obsession with the ex who unintentionally ruined her youth. The three central POV characters, Amber, Joe and Meredith, are selfish, cowardly and coldly calculating, rather than overtly wicked, but reading about the plight of wealthy Americans inconvenienced by Covid— they can’t go to restaurants and have to hold Book Club outside, while others were dying by the thousand, left a sour taste in my mouth. 2.5 rounded down for the ending.
As mentioned, others have enjoyed this much more than I did, so I recommend reading a range of reviews to decide whether this one may be for you.
I received a complimentary ARC from Faber & Faber via NetGalley. Prom Mom is published on August 10th.
As mentioned, others have enjoyed this much more than I did, so I recommend reading a range of reviews to decide whether this one may be for you.
I received a complimentary ARC from Faber & Faber via NetGalley. Prom Mom is published on August 10th.
August 6, 2023
“Pandemic shopping and Starbucks runs on the outskirts of Baltimore, plus some differently bad stuff before and after.” I love Laura Lippman and I also lived in Bmore for a time, so I am here for her writing pretty much whatever. I would read her dramatization of the Pennysaver (anyone?). That said, I feel like the true plot of this book is how we all got so boring and dull and messed up during the pandemic, plus some of these characters also got a bit murdery too.
October 25, 2023
amber's bad obsession
with her prom sweetheart
makes her revisit the past:
a monochromatic storyline
matching its covid vibes. :x
with her prom sweetheart
makes her revisit the past:
a monochromatic storyline
matching its covid vibes. :x
April 17, 2023
This was only my second novel by Laura Lippman. I read Sunburn last year and loved it. I thought it stood out among other (psychological) thrillers. I can't say the same about the Prom Mom, sadly. It was an OK read and I enjoyed getting to know the characters, but something felt off. I didn't believe the decisions the characters made and actions they took. I suppose this meant there were 'unexpected twists' in the book, but they didn't quite fit in with how the characters were portrayed initially.
Overall, it's still a good read with unpredictable twists and I found myself absorbed by the book a few times.
Thank you to the publisher and NG for my review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, it's still a good read with unpredictable twists and I found myself absorbed by the book a few times.
Thank you to the publisher and NG for my review copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2023
I loved Dream Girl by Laura Lippman, but this one not so much. A very slow burn with unlikeable, unreliable narrators whose actions were hard to believe most of the time, I was also pretty much sure what the "twist" was going to be quite early on. Set against the backdrop of the COVID pandemic, there were umpteen unnecessary details about going to the store for toilet paper, and one of the character's tedious obsession with her Peloton. I think I understand what the author was trying to do with these characters but I felt it was too obvious and just didn't work for me, 3 stars though as it was weirdly entertaining in a strange sort of way.
May 22, 2023
A teen is charged for killing her baby at prom. Years later she encounters her prom date, who abandoned her that night, and a relationship ensues. The premise of this was unique and the ending well-executed.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, William Morrow and Laura Lippman for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, William Morrow and Laura Lippman for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 10, 2023
This book was extremely boring. I didn't think it was a thriller at all! It was more like a bad story telling, I found myself skim reading it and it was a chore. Would not recommended, and maybe not read anything else from this author.
August 5, 2023
This story, revolving around just a small group of characters, failed to enthral me as other books by Laura Lippman did. I like the way the author presents us with a story that eventually seems to have layer upon layer and it’s always interesting to see the layers exposed slowly.
This time however, too slow to my liking. About halfway through I was still nowhere near understanding what was the point. A young girl getting pregnant because they do not take precautions? Very careless, even in the nineties. I can understand, however, that Amber falls in love with Joe, because she is just so desperately longing for it. She certainly doesn’t get enough love at home. When she returns to her home town, we slowly discover what happened and how their lives went on in those twenty years they didn’t see each other. And here starts the part that didn’t keep my interest. I’m not from the US and I have absolutely no idea what all the cultural habits are in the different cities Amber and Joe lived in. It is very hard to understand characters that have absolutely nothing in common with yourself. It’s even harder to understand because they moved up and down and left and right over the country and I had to look up where they actually were at certain times in the story. Of course I could relate to Amber being over the moon having an actual date for the prom. Proms take place all over the world, in different form maybe, but with the same importance.
On the other hand, I went in search of an answer to the question why Meredith is having a Mardi Gras shoe on her desk, and I found a lot of interesting answers! Great, I learned a lot. But I don’t want a book where I have to stop every time to go to Wikipedia for answers. And you cannot find an answer to the question why people are ‘different’ when born or raised in different parts of the country. Not even in a tiny country as the Netherlands, let a lone a big one as the US.
So, three stars because there is a story there, but not the four or five I hoped for.
Thanks to Netgalley and Faber and Faber for this review copy.
This time however, too slow to my liking. About halfway through I was still nowhere near understanding what was the point. A young girl getting pregnant because they do not take precautions? Very careless, even in the nineties. I can understand, however, that Amber falls in love with Joe, because she is just so desperately longing for it. She certainly doesn’t get enough love at home. When she returns to her home town, we slowly discover what happened and how their lives went on in those twenty years they didn’t see each other. And here starts the part that didn’t keep my interest. I’m not from the US and I have absolutely no idea what all the cultural habits are in the different cities Amber and Joe lived in. It is very hard to understand characters that have absolutely nothing in common with yourself. It’s even harder to understand because they moved up and down and left and right over the country and I had to look up where they actually were at certain times in the story. Of course I could relate to Amber being over the moon having an actual date for the prom. Proms take place all over the world, in different form maybe, but with the same importance.
On the other hand, I went in search of an answer to the question why Meredith is having a Mardi Gras shoe on her desk, and I found a lot of interesting answers! Great, I learned a lot. But I don’t want a book where I have to stop every time to go to Wikipedia for answers. And you cannot find an answer to the question why people are ‘different’ when born or raised in different parts of the country. Not even in a tiny country as the Netherlands, let a lone a big one as the US.
So, three stars because there is a story there, but not the four or five I hoped for.
Thanks to Netgalley and Faber and Faber for this review copy.
December 18, 2023
This had an excellent start with a crazy mystery. Unfortunately, it quickly fizzled from there.
This starts with the hotel room mystery and then goes to the present and then back and forth as to the lead-up in the past to prom. This resulted in three different timelines, and it didn't work very well. especially since we already know from the title and current conversations that Amber is the Prom Mom.
Then there is a weird three-woman in a relationship with Joe in the current timeline, all during Covid. It honestly just became a book trying to hit too many different ideas and not doing any of them super well.
All in all, it was enough, just barely, to continue reading, but I don't see myself ever picking it back up again.
2 Stars
This starts with the hotel room mystery and then goes to the present and then back and forth as to the lead-up in the past to prom. This resulted in three different timelines, and it didn't work very well. especially since we already know from the title and current conversations that Amber is the Prom Mom.
Then there is a weird three-woman in a relationship with Joe in the current timeline, all during Covid. It honestly just became a book trying to hit too many different ideas and not doing any of them super well.
All in all, it was enough, just barely, to continue reading, but I don't see myself ever picking it back up again.
2 Stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,115 reviews