I Don’t Forgive You

Professional photographer Allie Ross, the narrator of Thompson’s strong debut, has recently moved to an upscale D.C. suburb with her lawyer husband and their kindergarten-age son. During a neighborhood party, Allie casually flirts with Rob Avery, who sexually assaults her and calls her Lexi, an old nickname associated with her statutory rape secret from her high school years. The next day, Rob is found dead after ingesting a lethal dose of liquid Ambien. The police suspect foul play and accuse Allie of murder, especially since she apparently had a Tinder relationship with the victim. But Allie insists she never created a Tinder account and claims someone is posing as her online. The hacker soon posts Facebook photos that expose Allie’s secret, and the police discover that a package of liquid Ambien was delivered to her house. She realizes someone is trying to frame her, but flounders to prove her innocence, creating wedges between her family and neighbors. Some readers will be frustrated with the choices Allie makes that add to her peril, but they won’t be able to put down the book until they discover the culprit. Thompson is off to a solid start. (June)