The Unraveling of Julia by Lisa Scottoline (July 15, 2025) Huge thanks to @grandcentralpub and @hachetteaudio for the #gifted print and audiobook of this haunting and twisty thriller! #hachetteaudioinfluencer
Julia Pritzker has endured more loss than most: her adoptive parents are gone, her husband was murdered in front of her, and the killer was never found. She’s isolated, gripped by fear, and increasingly obsessed with astrology – convinced her daily horoscope has the power to predict disaster.
Then comes a letter that upends her world: Julia has inherited millions of euros, a Tuscan villa, and a vineyard from a stranger named Emilia Rossi. The only problem? Julia has no idea who Emilia is. When she arrives in Italy, the mystery deepens – her resemblance to Emilia is uncanny, the villa is filled with unsettling clues, and like Julia, Emilia was a paranoid recluse who believed the stars ruled her fate.
Is someone watching Julia? Are the dreams she’s having trying to tell her something? And is it too soon to be feeling something for someone new, so soon after tragedy?
I love a “is she being hunted or is she unraveling” thriller, and this one delivered in truly unique and eerie ways. The Italian countryside adds a lush, cinematic atmosphere while the villa itself is a haunting character all its own. Julia is a layered protagonist – vulnerable yet determined – and Scottoline gives her real emotional depth as she works through trauma, grief, and identity.
Without giving anything away, there are some wild reveals in this book that take it far beyond your average psychological thriller. Scottoline’s writing balances suspense with real introspection, making this a standout in the genre.
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: Maria Marquis gives a beautifully nuanced performance. Her mastery of both American and Italian accents adds richness to the setting, and she captures Julia’s tension and vulnerability so well. A perfect solo narration. (10h 28m)
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
🎧 Audio: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Book Smart Kate 