Bright and Tender Dark by Joanna Pearson

"Bright and Tender Dark" is a wire-taut literary debut that delves into the aftermath of a murder on a college campus, entwining the lives of those affected by the crime twenty years later.

In the aftermath of Y2K, the brutal murder of nineteen-year-old Karlie Richards shakes a college campus to its core. Two decades later, the echoes of her death continue to reverberate through the lives of those who knew her and those who were merely touched by her story. Joy, Karlie's freshman-year roommate, now middle-aged and seeking a fresh start amidst a divorce, becomes fixated on uncovering the truth behind Karlie's murder after discovering a twenty-year-old letter hinting at a wrongful conviction.

As Joy delves into the dark world of internet conspiracy theories and amateur sleuth blogs, she encounters a cast of characters connected to Karlie's life and death. From KC, the trans night manager at the building where Karlie was killed, to Sheri, the mother of the man serving time for the murder, and Jacob Hendrix, the charming professor entangled in Karlie's romantic affairs, each holds a piece of the puzzle.

Through a narrative that jumps between 2019 and 1999, "Bright and Tender Dark" explores the evolution of societal obsession and the power of urban legend in unraveling the truth behind Karlie's demise. With compelling prose and intricate storytelling, this debut novel navigates themes of mythology, the nature of truth, and the complexities of human connection in the face of tragedy. ❤️📚❤️