The Temp

December 1, 2018

Emma has long dreamed of being a screenwriter, so when a temp job to cover for Carrie Kennedy, one of London's most sought-after producers, who's on maternity leave, comes up, Emma makes a few résumé tweaks and lands the position. With Carrie out of the office, Emma charms the staff, offering her ideas and notes as everyone works through the newest production, written by Carrie's husband, Adrian. Amid the diaper changing, Carrie is kept in the loop by Adrian and quickly learns that she needs to get back to the office before Emma takes over. Frances (The Girlfriend) returns with a mesmerizing novel that is part thriller, part domestic suspense. With chapters denoted by days and dates and of varying length, the story moves at a rapid pace. VERDICT The push and pull of characters who work to succeed from different angles create a story abounding with mysteries, revelations, and lies, making this novel one of a kind.--Erin Holt, Williamson Cty. P.L., Franklin, TN

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2018
It seems at first that this contemporary thriller will follow a predictable path. Unstable young intern eagerly steps into the producer role when the handsome screenwriter's pregnant wife goes on leave. But wait. Emma is freakishly familiar with the couple's work and is definitely hiding something. New mum Carrie is not wrong to think that Emma is spending too much time trying to make herself indispensable. And reluctant dad Adrian's not wrong to acknowledge that Emma's script doctoring is making his work much better. What's behind Emma's desire to get close to the power couple? Another solid psychological thriller from Frances, herself a former script editor and producer.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)