by Shari Lapena
First published 2026
Jill and Ted have poured their hearts and fortune into their New York brownstone. The mahogany staircase gleams. The kitchen sparkles with professional grade appliances. Every room reflects their careful taste and substantial wealth. Then Ted's inheritance vanishes and his investment fails spectacularly. They face losing everything they've built together. The brownstone that defines them might slip away. One solution presents itself. A wealthy family member stands between them and millions in inheritance money. Jill and Ted make their choice. They will commit murder to protect their home and status. The plan seems foolproof. They trust each other completely. They've thought through every detail. But murder demands perfect execution. One mistake could destroy them both. Success depends on their partnership holding firm when everything falls apart.
Genres: suspense, mystery, crime, contemporary
Vibes: dark, emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, unreliable-narrator
Setting: New York, Brownstone
329 pages · Hardcover · Pamela Dorman Books
Content warnings: murder