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THE PHOTOGRAPHER
by Mary Dixie Carter

THE PHOTOGRAPHER by Mary Dixie Carter

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

Delta Dawn comes from humble beginnings, but in her work photographing children’s parties for New York’s elite she is used to moving, unnoticed, through their luxurious homes. As she observes their seemingly perfect lives, she adds to this veneer, by transforming the images of their crying children, stiff hugs and unsmiling faces, editing the images to make sure the parents see the party they want. The party they may later, looking at the pictures, believe really happened that way.

When Delta is hired to take pictures of Natalie Straub’s 11th birthday, she finds herself wishing she wasn’t behind the lens. She would fit so well in the pictures with the Straub family, wouldn’t she, in their gorgeous home, their elegant life? This time editing the pictures isn’t enough. Delta begins 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—and currently occupied—garden apartment in their townhouse. It seems like she can never get close enough. Until Delta discovers the one thing Amelia Straub wants most is also the perfect way for Delta to become permanently a part of the picture.

MARY DIXIE CARTER’s writing has appeared in TIME, The Economist, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Chicago Tribune, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The New York Sun, The New York Observer and other print and online publications. She worked at The Observer for five years, where she served as the publishing director. In addition to writing, she also has a background as a professional actor. Mary Dixie graduated from Harvard College with an honors degree in English Literature and holds an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two young children.

Rights have already sold to Hodder in the UK, AST in Russia, Pascal in Poland, and Dobrovsky in the Czech Republic!

Early praise for The Photographer:

*One of Frolic’s “2021 Debuts You Should Add to Your TBR Pile”*

*One of Bookish’s “Debut Novels to Have on Your 2021 TBR”*

“As sharply focused and mesmerizing as a magic trick and a good deal creepier than most.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A twisted, dark, psychological thriller, The Photographer by Mary Dixie Carter is a riveting and unsettling read. I couldn’t put it down.” —Lisa Lutz, New York Times bestselling author of The Passenger

“Why create the perfect life when you can just insert yourself into someone else’s? Mary Dixie Carter’s The Photographer is You meets Parasite, and I inhaled every dark, twisted moment of this brilliant thriller. Sharply observant, tense, and totally hypnotic, The Photographer is the most addictive suspense novel I’ve read in years.” —Jennifer Hillier, award-winning author of Jar of Hearts and Little Secrets

“The tension simmers brilliantly in this addictive and intricately constructed story of beauty, longing and the shadow side of desire. By holding up a mirror to our modern-day obsessions, Mary Dixie Carter shows us the futility of chasing greener grass and the madness that begins with picture-perfection. After reading The Photographer, the phrase ‘living the dream’ takes on a whole new and chilling meaning.” —Anna Downes, international bestselling author of The Safe Place

“Unsettling from page one, Mary Dixie Carter’s The Photographer follows an insidious photographer as she wheedles her way into the home of the clients she idolizes, permanently altering the course of all of their lives. Masterful storytelling in a unique voice…this remarkable debut is sure to keep you riveted!” —Katherine St. John, author of The Lion’s Den