I Need You to Read This: A Novel By Jessa Maxwell

In her latest gripping mystery, the author of The Golden Spoon delivers a thrilling tale of intrigue and suspense. The story centers on Alex Marks, a woman who has sought refuge in the anonymity of New York City after a troubled past. Her quiet life, marked by routine visits to a local diner and a mundane copywriting job, is upended when she learns of the brutal murder of her childhood idol, Francis Keen. Francis, the beloved writer behind the advice column Dear Constance, had been a beacon of guidance for Alex during her darkest times.

When an advertisement seeks a replacement for Francis, Alex impulsively applies and, to her surprise, secures the position. As the new advice columnist, she initially thrives in her role, adeptly solving the dilemmas of others. However, her newfound job brings unexpected dangers. Alex begins receiving unsettling and potentially threatening letters at the office, and with Francis's killer still at large, she becomes increasingly paranoid about those around her—including her boss, Howard Dimitri, whose late-night habits and excessive drinking raise suspicions.

As Alex delves deeper into the mystery of Francis’s murder, she uncovers unsettling truths about her predecessor and confronts her own buried secrets. The investigation leads her from the bustling streets of Manhattan to the isolated summer house where Francis was found dead. Caught in a perilous game of cat and mouse, Alex must navigate a treacherous path to uncover the killer before she becomes the next victim.

Dear Constance is a taut, atmospheric thriller that explores the consequences of past traumas and the dangers of seeking the truth.