Book cover of Bright Young Women

Book description

A Richard & Judy Book Club pick
New York Times Bestseller
A Goodreads Choice Award Finalist


Bright Young Women is an unflinching thriller based on Ted Bundy's heinous crimes, as two women search for justice in the wake of his brutal murders. From Jessica Knoll, author of the New York…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Bright Young Women as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Biright Young Women was not an easy read, and it's a tribute to the writer that I got through a harrowing tale. The author, Jessica Knoll is so clear, sharp, and vivid with her storytelling. Her word choices and descriptions are like diamond cutting diamond. Remarkable and searing. I'm grateful that I read her book.

I found this novel to be emotionally gripping and suspenseful. It is a historical thriller rooted in truth. It follows women affected by a serial killer in the seventies.

The killer is a depiction of Ted Bundy, though he’s only referred to as “the defendant”—a purposeful choice on behalf of Knoll, who succeeds in taking away his notoriety while giving a name to the women he affected. I appreciate that by focusing on the victims and survivors, it flips the narrative on its head, veering away from the predictable or sensational.

Knoll's writing is, as always, superb. I applaud Knoll…

From Kate's list on thrillers inspired by real events.

If you love Bright Young Women...

Ad

Book cover of The High House

The High House by James Stoddard,

The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.

The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.

Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…

Want books like Bright Young Women?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 63 books like Bright Young Women.

Browse books like Bright Young Women

Book cover of Room
Book cover of We Need to Talk about Kevin
Book cover of The Silence of the Lambs

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,210

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Bright Young Women, you might also like...

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Book cover of December on 5C4

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Living On Purpose by Amy Wong,

Book cover of Living On Purpose: Five Deliberate Choices to Realize Fulfillment and Joy

Many people from all walks of life, even after many accomplishments and experiences, are often plagued by dissatisfaction, pervasive longing, and deep questioning. These feelings may make them wonder if they are living the life they were meant to lead.

Living on Purpose is the guidebook these people have been…

5 book lists we think you will like!