3.5 stars

I kinda felt giddy while reading this psychological thriller because the author found a great balance of fun and creepy. Popcorn thriller is a good way to describe it. I was really into the story as it had a bit of a trainwreck appeal in that you can't look away even though you something bad is going to happen. The problem is there is a lot of good build up and anticipation but in the end I can't say I walked away feeling completely satisfied.

When it comes to these types of stories, I personally think less is more and it's best not to know too much ahead of time. Basically the lead character, Delta Dawn, is a photographer. After being hired for Natalie Straub's 11 birthday party, she develops an interest in the Straub family. In fact she is bound and determined to spend time getting to know this family better. Hmm....

Delta Dawn, yeah that's really her name, is a fascinating character as there is an air of mystery to her. I kept wondering, what is her deal? And that desire to learn more about her is what drove the story. Trying to figure out what exactly was in store for the Straubs was another reason I was hooked on this story.

Unfortunately, I wasn't impressed with the last few chapters of the book. I try not to place a huge emphasis on endings when it comes to rating a book but the conclusion is the weak spot by far. It just doesn't mesh well with what was really an enjoyable read up until that point. I just wish we would have gotten a meatier ending.

Maybe not a perfect read but it did hold my interest which counts for a lot these days.

The Photographer is a twisted thriller about a photographer that will do anything to be part of the perfect family she is photographing. As a photographer, Delta edits pictures to make perfect memories, until one day she wants to be part of these perfect pictures. Delta babysits for the Straubs in hopes of becoming a permanent part of their family. I enjoyed getting into the twisted head of Delta. Delta soon realizes that the Straub family isn’t as picture perfect as they seem. The story is interesting and kept me engaged throughout the book. I recommend The Photographer to fans of thrillers with manipulative characters.

Thank you Minotaur and Macmillan Audio for The Photographer.

I received a free ARC of The Photographer by Mary Dixie Carter from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.

A psychological thriller that focuses on Delta Dawn (yes really), a photographer from a lowly background who becomes obsessed with a family that she photographs. She insinuates herself into their lives, offering to help, befriending the daughter, and being available whenever they need her.

She secretly edits photographs of the family to include herself, imagining their life as her life. She covets their home, and decides that when they need help to conceive another child, she will become their surrogate.

It was an interesting premise, and a quick read. However, I didn't find it as twisty as I expected it would be, and I found some of the characters, especially the family's mother, Amelia, to be very unbelievable. The ending wasn't the big surprise I expected it to be, and so it fell a little flat for me.

For a debut novel, it was good - the author shows a lot of promise.