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

In the follow-up to the critically acclaimed The Golden Spoon, the author presents a thrilling new mystery centered on Alex Marks, a reclusive copywriter whose life is upended by a brutal murder. Alex, who fled to New York City years ago for a fresh start, lives a quiet and solitary existence, with her only regular routine involving coffee at a local diner. Her world changes dramatically when her childhood hero, Francis Keen, the beloved advice columnist behind Dear Constance, is found murdered.

Deeply affected by Francis’s death, Alex is surprised to find herself applying for, and unexpectedly landing, Francis’s old job. As she steps into the role, she discovers a talent for solving others' problems but soon becomes the target of ominous and threatening letters. With the murderer still at large and no clear suspects, Alex is forced to confront the unsettling possibility that those around her— including her boss, the enigmatic and often inebriated editor-in-chief Howard Dimitri—might be involved.

As Alex delves deeper into the investigation, she unearths unsettling truths about her predecessor’s life and death. Her own hidden past begins to surface, leading her into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The pursuit of answers takes her from the bustling streets of Manhattan to the secluded summer house where Francis was found, and where the killer might be lying in wait.

This novel combines sharp suspense with psychological depth, offering readers a compelling and atmospheric mystery that keeps them guessing until the very end.