The Photographer

 The Photographer by Mary Dixie Carter.  296 pages.  ARC read - book is on sale 5/25/2021

Summary from Goodreads: 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. 

And here's what I thought: It's clear from the beginning that something is completely off about the main character, Delta Dawn. What's not quite clear is just how completely off she is and as the story continues, more and more becomes revealed. What I really liked was that although I was picking up on clues and making my own assumptions, Delta would make an offhand comment in the story that would really open something up. I thought it was interesting that the way the story is set up in the summary, you might expect one thing --- but Delta's manipulations don't always play out as expected. Kind of a disturbing main character, but I found the story to be a page-turner.