Knoll's novel was inspired by real events; Bright Young Women traces a serial killer targeting young women and in the character of Pamela, offers a no-nonsense, brilliant nemesis who won't let up until she brings the criminal to justice.
Jessica Knoll's novel Bright Young Women is inspired by real-life events: the targeting of a sorority by the first "celebrity serial killer" in his final killing spree.
In 1978 Tallahassee, Florida, the serial disappearances and deaths of young women in the Pacific Northwest couldn't feel farther from the carefree, fun-loving sorority life president Pamela Schumacher's capable, savvy sisters are enjoying.
But when the studious, responsible Pamela stays home from a party and investigates a strange noise in the sorority house, she discovers a horrible tragedy--two of her sisters (one, her best friend) are dead and two others are maimed. And in her shock and horror, Pamela spied the culprit as he skulked away.
In Seattle, Tina Cannon is trying to figure out what happened to her dear friend Ruth, who disappeared from a nearby state park. When she hears about the horrifying events in Tallahassee, she becomes convinced that what happened to Ruth is linked to the Florida sorority attack, and she travels to Florida, determined to get to the bottom of the crimes.
The abductions and deaths at the hands of the Defendant (as he is called throughout) are so disturbing, I welcomed the breaks from the immediate aftermath of the heinous crimes and time spent in the Tina-Ruth storyline--which later ties into Pamela's storyline.
It was horrifying that the sorority girls in the story received so little guidance and support after their trauma--I chose to believe that the events were so unprecedented, everyone was in shock. The capable Pamela yet again must take charge despite her fear and rage and pain.
When the police forces of multiple states seem unable to contain or prosecute the diminutive, self-aggrandizing, not-so-clever killer who seems to often stumble across his victims and also luck into an unlikely escape, Pamela takes on what is eventually a central role in trying to take down The Defendant. (At multiple points I imagined Pamela grumbling and shaking her head as she has to do the dirty work and do EVERYONE'S JOBS, UGH.)
I expected the novel to feel more salacious, and I was thankful that it did not. I found it satisfying to read about Pamela's growing contempt for The Defendant, her long-term commitment to prosecuting him, and her mission to find peace for his victims. The friendships and love interests--which were powerful enough to overshadow the book's dysfunctional families and painful relationships--were welcome distractions from the horror at the heart of this story.
I read Bright Young Women for my book club.
I'd love to hear your Bossy thoughts about this book!
Jessica Knoll is also the author of Luckiest Girl Alive, The Favorite Sister, and American Girl.
Comments