Such a disturbing, yet oddly compelling psychological thriller! This was one of those stay-up-all-night reads!

Delta Dawn is a photographer hired to take pictures of a child's birthday party. She insinuates herself into the life of the family who hired her, first as a volunteer babysitter, and then so much more. Other readers have described this novel as a slow burn, and I agree. There were many glimpses into the twisted mind of Delta Dawn, with various twists and turns along the way.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

My thoughts:
This book started off a little slow for me but about a third of the way in I was so invested and flew through it! Delta was a very interesting character — attempting to manipulate herself into what others needed her to be to have her way. Although I didn’t experience any mind-blowing twists, I enjoyed the anticipation build up. I had to see what Delta had up her sleeves! Looking back, I would have liked to have known a little more of Delta’s backstory. If more details were added, it would have probably made her actions and obsession more believable.

I did NOT see the ending coming and it really sticked the landing, in my opinion! Very clever.🙌

I recommend this one if enjoy slow burn psychological suspense and getting into the mind of a crazy and disturbed main character.

Memorable quote:
“In life, sometimes we have an opportunity to choose our family… It was a certain kind of ecstasy to know where I belonged.”

I want to thank @Netgalley @stmartinspress and @minotaur_books for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. I also swapped between a final, physical copy and the audiobook (narrated by the author!) for this review.

I enjoyed this so much, it was the first book I’ve read that really was well paced and while the genre of psychological fiction is getting
a bit over the top for suspension of disbelief this was not like that at all. A great read for times when it seems literary fiction is nonexistent.
Speaks well to the loneliness and alienation of the modern age and the imagination and solace of family life even if a self constructed
tale.

The Photographer by Mary Dixie Carter Published by Minotaur Books/Macmillan Audio May 25, 2021 Narrated by the author. I was the luckies person to receive an E Galley and audio advanced copy via Netgalley and a finished copy of this book from the generous people at Minotaur Books. These gifted copies are send in exchange for an honest review

Delta Dawn is a photographer to the elite. Having a children’s birthday party? She’s who you call. Delta is a young woman who has always wanted it all. After she photograph’s the Straub family’s birthday celebration for Natalie, Delta befriends mom Amelia in a very different way. She offers to help babysit, to be more available to them when they should need help with their daughter. She really wants their life. Delta becomes privy to all of Amelia’s dreams, and this is where things become deeper and more confusing. Be careful who you share all your private details with.

I mostly listened to the audio of this book and while the narration by the author was fine it wasn’t great. It lacked enough variables in the characters and the pacing was off. What I read in print I enjoyed more, so I’d recommend reading vs listening to this one.
The story was very interesting and I was eager to learn what Delta was up to, but none of the characters were likable so it make it difficult to invest in any one character. This is a debut novel and I believe the author has the potential to write more good books. I gave this 3.5 stars. Thank you again Minotaur Books.

I am sorry for not reviewing fully but I don’t have the time to read this at the moment. I believe that it wouldn't benefit you as a publisher or your book if I only skimmed it and wrote a rushed review. Again, I am sorry for not fully reviewing!

Unsettling and creepy, but ultimately fell flat for me. I just never really felt connected to the story and it felt like it could have been *great* but just wasn't quite there. I think it's because we never really learn anything about Delta- her heart, her background, her motivation, her *why*. She just stays one dimensional.

For fans of Tarryn Fisher’s ‘The Wrong Family.”

Delta Dawn is the children’s photographer to New York City’s elite. She specializes in children’s birthday parties. She is magic behind the camera, thanks in part to a boatload of editing software. She can make the most disastrous party look like fun was had by all. For the most part, she is just a fly on the wall, unseen and unnoticed.

Then Delta is hired by Amelia and Fritz Straub to shoot eleven-year-old Natalie’s party. It’s there that she realizes this is the perfect family and longs to be noticed, to play an important role in their lives.
She develops a plan that will integrate her into their lives and becomes indispensable to the Straub’s. The plan begins with Delta taking an interest in the neglected little girl. She begins babysitting on Friday nights when Amelia and Fritz have to go out. The Straub’s are famous architects who have clients around the world. Delta tries to seem like a friend who can help. She runs errands for Amelia; talks with Fritz about a myriad of subjects.
When Delta isn’t at the Straub family home, she is in her apartment, manipulating photos to include herself. The pictures are of her and Fritz…in bed and naked; of her and Amelia…laughing and drinking wine, standing extremely close together…photos of her and Natalie having fun.

Delta learns Amelia deepest desire, and how that desire has been thwarted over the years. But Delta knows how to help make her dream come true.

Carter, a first-time novelist, has created a super-duper creepy thriller that will have readers looking twice at anyone who comes into their homes. I read it in one day! There was only one problem in this page-turner. There is no explanation as to why Delta needs this family so much. What triggered this obsessive need to fit in with the Straub’s. Not that it impedes the creep factor, but as I read the last page, I wondered what was Delta’s motive?

I was going to give “The Photographer” 6 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world. However, due to the lack of motive, “The Photographer” received 5 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

This book made me feel icky. As the reader, you are following the story from Delta's point of view. She is clearly unbalanced as she tries to insert herself into a family. I didn't really buy her immediate obsession with getting into the family, nor did I understand how the family trusted this stranger right away. You learn about Delta's poor upbringing, and her lack of family, but I am a bit tired of seeing that trope for the "villain" of a psychological thriller. If anything, I felt bad for Delta and her unfortunate life, so it was hard to necessarily root against her. For me, the villain in this book was very clearly the mother of the family, Amelia. This book just seemed to be very messy and all over the place, so it was a let down for me. 2.5 stars

A fun, campy read perfect for the beach. Few surprises here, but a fun dive into upper class NYC and the perils of staying "in."

This was a huge disappointment to me. I was expecting a thriller, and while there were some psychological twists, I would not classify this as a thriller. It was basically just about a woman who becomes obsessed with a family she works for. She ends up finding ways to spend more and more time with them, worming her way into their life. But her own life is full of lies, and what exactly are her intentions for getting close to this family? This alone did not keep me interested. Her obsession was cringe-y and while I usually enjoy an unreliable narrator, I was not interested in her ramblings.

Total dud for me that I considered DNF’ing. #ThePhotographer #NetGalley

This is definitely a thriller that’s going to make you sit there and go 😟😟😟

Delta is a photographer, working mainly with upper crust families. Having such intimacy into the lives of the rich gives her a good idea of how these families live. Does she want to achieve that for herself? Sure. Are her methods conventional? No. We see Delta attach herself to each family she works with, going so far as to photoshop herself into images with these happy families, just for her own pleasure. When Delta gets too close to a family, she starts being unable to live her life without them. But how far will she take it to achieve what she wants?

I have mixed feelings with this one. It was definitely creepy, but not in the serial-killer-gonna-get-you-at-every-turn sort of way. More in the wow-is-this-girl-for-real? sort of way. Having been a photographer in a past life, reading about her methods and work in photoshop was rather nostalgic for me. I could see where the story was going to end up, but it was still enjoyable. The writing was good, the details with the settings and characters was good, but I wasn’t entirely blown away. I think I need more doom, gloom and danger in my reads. Overall, I would recommend if you’re into family drama/psychological thrillers!

Unfortunately, this one didn't live up to the hype for me. I mean it wasn't bad, but it was such a slow burn. Things escalated quickly, but it was predictable. I still was curious about how far Delta would go to get what she wants.
This book was neither thrilling nor exciting for me...I hoped for a twist in the end, something I couldn't see coming, but nothing like that. We actually get a proper, believable end, but the story concluded like it started, in a pretty bland way.

I was so excited to get approved for this on NetGalley because it was marketed as a thriller. I was hoping there would be some fun element in it. An unreliable narrator, because the photographer manipulates people as well as photographs. Can we trust what she says? Or I thought, maybe she manipulated herself into a relationship, to exploit cracks that were already forming. Or what about if she’s much more deranged then I thought and there’s some crazy twist at the end?! But unfortunately, my thoughts on what could possibly happen were crazier than the actual book.

I don’t know if I would consider this a thriller. As far as thrillers go, at least, it was very very tame. While I was intrigued enough to keep reading, that was because I thought, “surely something exciting is bound to happen, right?!” But unfortunately, I felt the story went nowhere. There was no twist, which I feel is essential to a thriller, and the whole book was completely predictable. As we learn things about Delta, the title character, I was immediately able to discern which of her story was true and what wasn’t. I also wanted some explanations and reasoning for her behavior, but we were never given any answers.

It was fast paced, and an easy read, but I felt the whole time that the book was building up to something… and then the climax just fizzled out. I might have enjoyed it better if I went into it with different expectations, but as it was, I was letdown.

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. When Delta is hired for Natalie Straub’s eleventh birthday, she finds herself wishing she was out from behind the lens and a part of the Straub family. 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 plotting how to move into the beautiful garden apartment behind their townhouse. Delta has found she can manipulate more than just photos to get what she wants.

Holy batshit crazy alert! Delta Dawn is completely off her rocker! Mary Dixie Carter has created a fun read centering on just how extreme Delta’s actions can get to obtain what she wants within THE PHOTOGRAPHER. Have you ever desired the life that someone else has? Wished to live in their stunning home or have their perfect marriage? Delta has and she’s looking to take what she lusts for and make it her own. I had such a fun time guessing what new and cringey thing Delta would be up to next!

This book is perfect for an easy, breezy, and weird read! While there’s nothing too complicated about the plot or the subject, I think it works well for this book. There are a few twists, but as an avid crime fiction reader I was able to easily guess them. I’m not personally someone who hates this, as it gives me a sense of satisfaction for guessing correctly. I would recommend this one to anyone looking for a lighter suspense read.

Delta Dawn, is a brilliant photographer for the upper class. She has a particular knack for photographing children and most commonly shoots children’s birthday parties. While shooting 11-year-old Natalie Straub’s birthday, Delta can’t help but wish she was a part of this family. She becomes infatuated with her parents, Amelia and Fritz, who are well-established architects. In order to intertwine herself in their lives, she starts babysitting their daughter and learning everything about the family. She also begins casually “dating” one of the Straub’s employees in order to keep a close eye on the family. While at their home, she searches for anything she can use to make herself indispensable and goes as far as offering to be their surrogate. In her free time, Delta likes to photoshop her pictures into creepy and unsettling scenarios that she can pretend have actually happened. Delta is a completely unreliable narrator and this is what keeps you on your toes. Overall I thought it was a good, quick-paced read. I thought the author did a good job of keeping it entertaining. This book was a whole other level of cray cray! I wish there was a little more backstory on Delta and what made her the way that she is. 3.5/5 stars

Review also on Instagram
handle: sarah_clark_reads

4.5 stars for me.

This is a fast and easy read a real page turner. Delta Dawns obsession with the families she photographs gave me chills! You truly never know who you bring in your house. I do wish the ending was a bit different but overall great book. Thank you to minotaur for this gifted copy.

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a review copy of the Photographer in exchange for an honest review.

Read this one if you like...
⭐️Stalker plots
⭐️Domestic thriller/suspense novels
⭐️Unreliable narrators

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars for me! I found this book entertaining, but at times some of the plot was predictable.

This book was very interesting as I sit back a few days from writing my 1st Review. I Thank you NetGalley , Minotaur Books an imprint of St. Martins and we can forget about the writer Mary Dixie Carter. I enjoyed every character’s personality. Delta is a divorced single mother living in New York and works as a professional photographer. Her child lives in California with his Dad in California. Delta meets very interesting people while she works. This one family stands out to her and she try’s whatever she can to get closer and more involved with this particular family. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did. I must add this is of my own opinion.

This book has been high up on my TBR list for the better part of a year. I have been so excited to read it since I was part of the cover reveal last year and since then I received the coolest book package for this one and it only brought my eagerness to a fever pitch! One of the things that appealed to me so much about this one was its relevance and relatability especially for me as a mom.

Thanks to social media and over the top reality tv, the desire to create the ‘perfect photo op’ is at an all time high. When I had my son, I spent many a midnight hour scrolling mindlessly through Instagram and Facebook at all the perfectly curated baby boutique ads and of course all the tediously arranged and carefully coordinated nurseries and first birthday shoots. To be perfectly honest, I had a massive Pinterest board going for my son’s first birthday party before he was even six months old.

While I loved seeing all the perfect pictures of all the baby and family things, there was a large part of me that was aware that a snapshot isn’t a true picture of all going on. So, after reading this summary, I knew that I would find something I could relate to in some way. Plus I was eager to read a fresh new thriller!

Summary
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. (summary from Goodreads)

Review
Since this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, I had high expectations. This is the authors debut novel and as far as debuts go, it’s not bad! For me it ran a little on the short side (just under 300 pages) which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but I would have liked a little bit more length to fully explore the characters and what makes them tick. There were times when I felt that the characters could have been more explored by readers if we really got into their minds rather than just their lives if that makes sense. I am not sure if fifty or so more pages would have made a difference or not, but I would have liked the opportunity to really dive into their psyche more than we did.

I did like how this one got it’s hooks into readers early on. I found myself eager to read and curious to find out what happens next. It had a great creepy vibe and was a disturbing novel. For the most part the book kept its pace but there was a time later in the book where I felt the momentum started to fade which is perhaps why it ended up being shorter. The mood and obsession in the book was really captivating and enjoyable though and it did hold my interest throughout. I liked the twists and the ending was satisfying if not slightly predictable.

Collectively this book had a lot of good points but there were things I had hoped would have been a little more developed so this one became a mixed bag of feelings for me. I did feel very conflicted about this one upon reflecting at the end. On one hand it was enjoyable and I liked how it generally moved along and held my interest, plus the obsessive vibe made it suspenseful. But on the other hand, I had a hard time understanding some of the characters choices and decisions which I think could have been rectified had there been a little more time for character development. When I pick up a psychological thriller, I expect there to be some serious character mental exploration—otherwise for me it’s just a thriller. All that said, I think fans of suspense and thrillers will enjoy this debut novel as it is really relevant in many ways, but if you are looking for a darker character driven novel you might feel a little disappointed.

Book Info and Rating
Format 288 pages, Hardcover

Published May 25, 2021 by Minotaur

ISBN9781250790330 (ISBN10: 1250790336)

Free review copy provided by publisher, Minotaur Books, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.

Rating: 3 stars

Genre: thriller, suspense

Have you ever wished another family was your own? Photographer Delta Dawn falls in love with the Straubs and their seemingly perfect, enchanted life after being hired to shoot daughter Natalie’s birthday party. When the Straubs have a babysitter cancel last minute, Delta sees her opportunity to become closer to them. Soon, she’s a regular part of their daily lives, but her almost insatiable need for more drives her to further and further extremes.
The drama accelerates once Delta learns Amelia is desperate for another child. In a way, each of them is willing to bend societal and moral boundaries to get what they want. However, due to Amelia’s status and wealth, her behavior is overlooked or explained away. Delta knows her position is precarious and she works diligently to maintain the balance she’s fought for.
This is a book I've been eagerly looking forward to since its cover reveal. I was hooked from page one and had a hard time putting it down, but I would have liked to see more of Delta’s past and what shaped her. We’re offered a few hazy and vague glimpses, but nothing to explain or really hint at her current state and motivations. Since the book is told from Delta’s POV, it could be the character isn’t self-aware enough to recount these edifying events and experiences, but it felt like there was something missing for me in understanding her character.
This book felt like a cross between Single White Female and the movie One Hour Photo with Robin Williams. Apart from being an engrossing thriller, it also provided a look into how easily we can use photography and borrowed stories to manipulate our own narrative. In an age when sometimes images alone are enough to serve as proof, it was unsettling to read about what all can be accomplished with only a few photos and some easily purchased software.
Thank you to Minotaur for a complimentary advance copy. This did not impact my review.