Harmless - by Miranda Shulman (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Chilling, twisty, and surprisingly tender, Harmless explores the confusion and messiness of growing up--and asks if we can ever really outrun what haunts us most.

Two years ago, Bea's life was upended when her beloved twin sister died. Audrey was captivating, an extrovert, their mother's golden child. Bea was "different," too intense, and chronically lonely.

Now, in her late twenties, Bea is back home in Park Slope, Brooklyn, her spirits finally buoyed by her plan to start a dog kennel. Inspired by the childhood dream she once shared with Audrey and old, now-estranged friends Tatum and Layla, she's sure this will be the perfect ode to her sister's life.

But as they reintegrate into one another's lives, simmering tensions--and attractions--emerge, and a sinister darkness breaks through to the surface. What do they really want? What happens when buried secrets come to light? And when is the right time to abandon an outdated dream--or a lifelong friendship?

Review Quotes

"At once an astute social novel of the Brooklyn bourgeoisie and a twisty tale of obsession, Harmless swept me up and surprised me with every page. This examination of the dark sides of female friendship and sisterly love will keep you guessing until the very end."
--Anna North, author of Bog Queen

"Miranda Shulman's glorious, original debut Harmless is a beautifully observed zeitgeist novel set in Park Slope; it's also a hilarious, painful look at young adulthood, sibling rivalry, friendship, competition, love, and loss--with a shocking twist. The young women in Shulman's world are the vivid, messy, unforgettable characters everyone will be talking about. This is a fantastic debut you don't want to miss."
--Karen E. Bender, author of the National Book Award finalist Refund

About the Author

Miranda Shulman attended Bard College, where she majored in human rights. Before pursuing a career in publishing, she worked at Planned Parenthood. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and still lives there. Harmless is her first novel.