Dream Girl: A Novel

Dive into a chilling labyrinth of reality and illusion with Laura Lippman's "Dream Girl: A Novel," a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Following the acclaimed "Lady in the Lake," Lippman delivers a suspenseful and darkly humorous exploration of memory, guilt, and the blurred lines between creation and obsession. Gerry Andersen, a celebrated novelist, finds himself virtually imprisoned in his luxurious penthouse after a debilitating fall. Bedridden and reliant on a young, seemingly detached assistant and a somewhat slow-witted night nurse, Gerry's world shrinks to the confines of his opulent prison. Just as his isolation deepens, a series of mysterious phone calls begin, shattering the fragile peace he clings to. The caller identifies herself as Aubrey, the titular character from Gerry's most successful novel, "Dream Girl." But Aubrey is a figment of Gerry's imagination, a character brought to life only through his words. How can she be calling him, demanding what he owes her? Is this a cruel prank orchestrated by one of his three ex-wives, each with their own reasons for resentment? Could it be Margot, a persistent ex-girlfriend desperate to re-enter his life? Or is something far more sinister at play? As Gerry grapples with the baffling calls, no one seems to believe they're even happening, fueling his growing paranoia and blurring the line between reality and drug-induced hallucinations. Lippman expertly weaves a tapestry of unreliable narration, forcing the reader to question everything Gerry perceives. Drowsy from medication and haunted by fragmented memories of his past his complicated relationship with his father, the unwavering devotion of his mother, and the string of women who have loved and left him Gerry struggles to discern truth from delusion. Aubrey's looming threat hangs heavy in the air, leaving Gerry to question whether he's facing a tangible danger or succumbing to the early stages of dementia. Then, the nightmare escalates: Gerry awakens to find a woman's lifeless body beside him. Is he responsible? Has his fictional creation manifested into a real-life threat, or is he the architect of his own destruction? "Dream Girl" is a twisty, suspenseful read that has been praised for its sharp wit, compelling characters, and its unsettling exploration of the #MeToo movement through the lens of psychological suspense. Readers have noted the Stephen King's *Misery* vibe, and some even describe the book as a locked-room mystery with a modern and psychological edge. This novel is a powerful exploration of fame, accountability, and the dark side of the creative process. Prepare to be captivated by Lippman's compelling prose and the haunting mystery of "Dream Girl". A highly recommended read for fans of Gillian Flynn, Ruth Ware, and Tana French.