The Photographer by Mary Dixie Carter

  

Title: The Photographer

Author: Mary Dixie Carter

Publisher: Minotaur

Release Date: Published May 25, 2021

Mary Dixie Carter's The Photographer is a slyly observed, suspenseful story of envy and obsession, told in the mesmerizing, irresistible voice of a character who will make you doubt that seeing is ever believing.

WHEN PERFECT IMAGES

As a photographer, Delta Dawn observes the seemingly perfect lives of New York City’s elite: snapping photos of their children’s birthday parties, transforming images of stiff hugs and tearstained faces into visions of pure joy, and creating moments these parents long for.

ARE MADE OF BEAUTIFUL LIES

But when Delta is hired for Natalie Straub’s eleventh birthday, she finds herself wishing she wasn’t behind the lens but a part of the scene―in the Straub family’s gorgeous home and elegant life.

THE TRUTH WILL BE EXPOSED

That’s when Delta puts her plan in place, by babysitting for Natalie; befriending her mother, Amelia; finding chances to listen to her father, Fritz. Soon she’s bathing in the master bathtub, drinking their expensive wine, and eyeing the beautifully finished garden apartment in their townhouse. It seems she can never get close enough, until she discovers that photos aren’t all she can manipulate.

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This is one instance when the cover sells a book. It's gorgeous!

So what's the story about?

Delta is a gifted photographer. She loves to look at life through the lens of her camera. She works as a photographer for children's parties. Her fees are high and she is sought for her talent. 

Her next job brings her to the Straubs. She is to take pictures of Natalie's 11th birthday party at the Straub's home. The Straubs are renowned architects and their home is gorgeous. Delta is fascinated by them and she does everything possible to enwrap herself into their life from babysitting Natalie to picking up their dry cleaning. Soon, she wants more...

The premise was a good one. A younger beautiful woman immersing herself in the nook of the family she envies. She wants what this family portrays. A home, a beautiful child, a handsome husband, an elegant wife. Delta can already imagine herself as part of their family. She just needs an opportunity.

The Photographer is a quick and fast-paced story that you can read in just a few hours. Some parts of the book felt flat to me maybe because of a lack of character development or the unbelievable aspects of some of it (Who leaves their child with a stranger on the day they meet?). 

Despite the ending being a  little rushed, overall I was entertained and found myself turning the pages one after the other one.

Cliffhanger: No

3/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Minotaur via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.