The Photographer: A Novel

Written by Mary Dixie Carter

Narrated by Mary Dixie Carter

This program includes a bonus conversation between Mary Dixie Carter and Jennifer Hillier.

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.

A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books

“The sense of impending disaster is palpable, as the suspense and tension grow, and what happens at the end is unexpected and odd. Creepy, dark, and suspenseful...A gripping read.” -- Booklist

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: May 25, 2021
• ISBN: 9781250804426

Mary Dixie Carter

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. The Photographer is her first novel.

Reviews for The Photographer

[Dolores Weiss · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book. It held my attention. Trying to figure out what was real and what was not. I really got involved with a couple of the characters. I give it 5 states

[Yanina Vazquez · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The photographer a suspense store of envy and obsession. I had a hard time putting it down, and what an ending! Delta, the main character is a photographer for New York City's elite. She was hired as a photographer for Natalie's 11th birthday. Delta starts to imagine herself living an elegant life and befriends Natalie'smother, Amelia. Delta becomes obsessed with wanting to be a part of the Straub's lives. When Amelia stated that she's desperate to conceive a second child, she can never carry into full term, and Delta takes this as an opportunity to position herself in her adoptive family.
The book is a fast read, and you quickly start to understand the motives behind Delta's every move. Delta seems obsessive at times and manipulates things for her benefit. Her life is full of lies, and it made me dislike Delta. The Photographer is an entertaining psychological thriller.