This type of book is my absolute favorite read. I love all the stalker creepiness. I had seen lots of good reviews for this title on goodreads and was so excited to receive this early copy. I was throughly entertained and it met all my expectations. Don’t want to give too much away, but don’t hesitate in grabbing this one quick. Fun read.

2.5 stars
This was a perfectly fine, short, pretty entertaining read, but I think it’s being mismarketed as a thriller when it’s really more of a suspense at best. We follow the titular photographer, Dixie, as she attempts to infiltrate the lives of her rich clients and decides to get close enough to convince them to let her be a surrogate for their child. We soon learn that Dixie’s entire life is made up of fabrications and photoshopped images - I feel like this was such a great premise and I wish it was taken a bit further into thriller territory. I could see this being a great netflix series.

Photographer Delta Dawn spends her day snapping photos of children’s birthday parties in New York , most of her jobs are wealthy clients children, when the pictures aren’t perfect she spends hours editing them to make sure her clients will love them and there perfect .
When she accepts the job of being the photographer at the birthday party of eleven year old Nathalie Straub, she immediately falls in love with her family. The mother Amelie is sophisticated and they own an architecture company, she brings in most of the customers. Her Husband Fritz is handsome and a bit resentful of Amelie since she works long hours and makes it clear she’s the breadwinner, plus she makes sure they have a full social life. Nathalie doesn’t get a lot of attention and it shows in her behavior. When Delta gets asked to babysit Nathalie after the party she feels like it’s her ticket into the family. Delta is a chameleon she can change herself into whomever she needs to so the family will love her and need her. Watching the Straubs closely and learning every intimate detail she slowly inserts herself into their lives, including dating one of Fritzs coworkers and getting close to Amelia. She has a plan so they will be connected forever but will she be able to pull it off? This was a quick read and held my attention three stars

Like the main character in Mary Dixie Carter's debut novel, The Photographer, I love taking pictures, which is why I selected this propulsive novel as my pick for the 2021 PopSugar Reading Challenge's "Subject You are Passionate About" prompt. This novel ended up being a great selection for the prompt as it combines interesting elements of photography technique and style with a story that is downright creepy ... yet very, very good.

Delta Dawn is a New York photographer who spends her days taking pictures of the lives of the city's upper crust denizens. She finds herself capturing birthday parties more than anything else, and knows that it is her job to deliver happy memories to these elite families to cherish forever ... which is why her nights are spent manipulating pictures in Photoshop to create smiling faces, joyful moments, and close-knit families. But she also spends her evenings focused on her obsessions, which lately include the Straub family.

After photographing eleven year old Natalie Straub's birthday party, Delta has become obsessed with the family, Amelia, Fritz, & Natalie; their enviable home; and their seemingly perfect life. Delta wants something that the Straubs have, and she is shamelessly ruthless in her attempts to get it. From finagling her way in as Natalie's new babysitter, to making friends with Amelia, Delta ensures that she becomes someone that the Straubs need in their life. But how close is too close and just what does Delta hope to gain from this newfound relationship?

Going into The Photographer, I expected it to be much like the other women's domestic suspense novels on the market - a verifiably unhinged woman supplants the matriarch of a powerful and well-connected family only to get her just desserts in the end. However, from the very first page of this unsettling novel, I was hooked on Carter's writing style and tone, and soon realized that this wasn't the same worn out suspense plot that has been recycled over and over again throughout the years in this genre. Carter brings something dark, disturbing, and fresh to her character of Delta Dawn. While Delta seems "almost normal," readers know that something is off with this woman ... the question is just how deranged is she? That's the fun of this book - I raced through the pages, finding myself absorbed in Delta's relationship with the Straubs, and anticipating how it would all play out in the end. I enjoyed the intimation of closeness and confidentiality Carter creates between readers and Delta, letting them peek into the corners of Delta's life that she keeps hidden from the world, yet also not letting readers in on the full story. If you are paying attention, you will catch Delta's slips, recognize her tells, but only if you are very observant - she is one crafty manipulator.

This fast-paced, intimate, yet unnerving novel is not to be missed by fans of the genre. Recommended to readers who would love to read a "You-esque" novel of the female variety.

I enjoyed reading “The Photographer” and will remember it whenever I listen to the song “Delta Dawn.”

What I enjoyed about this story are the characters. Surprisingly, this is one of those books where I was not empathetic towards any of the members. All of them felt volatile and imbalanced. Yet, that is probably the same reason why they intrigued me. From the get-go, you sense that Delta is wrong with how she superimposes herself in the photos. Yet, you want to see how far she would go to get what she wants.

On the other hand, Amelia is another volatile character. She is obsessed with having a baby and neglects the feelings of the family. It was interesting to watch the dynamic between these two play out. The only person I could somewhat feel sorry for was Natalie, as we know the reason for her behavior.

Also, I enjoyed the author’s style of writing. The author writes the storyline in an eerie and suspenseful manner. The pacing is a bit slow but leads to a gradual buildup and takes a turn where you don’t know what to expect.

However, I felt there were some questions unanswered, like who was Gwen? Why did Itzhak attack Delta? It felt strange to have these scenes come up but not have any reason or resolution behind it. It would also have been nice to have a bit of background on Delta’s character for why she behaves in this manner. I’m also surprised that an affluent family like the Straubs did not do a background check on Delta nor had security cameras to monitor the house.

Overall, “The Photographer” is an entertaining suspense thriller worth checking out if you are a fan of the genre.

This story really gets to you, makes you think, and freaks you out all at the same time! I can't wait to read more by this author!!

Hooooooly cow. This is an addictive domestic suspense novel surrounding the theme of letting someone into your home who isn't what they seem... Our narrator is clever, observant, obsessive - even bordering on sociopathic at times. And even with all of that, I couldn't put this book down. I felt myself getting chills when she described photography, especially with regards to some of the more nefarious deeds she performs. If you're looking for a stalkeresque suspense novel, this may be the one for you.

I was so excited to read this book. The synopsis gave me 'One Hour Photo' vibes, which is my favorite Robin Williams movie.
Well, this book isn't 'One Hour Photo.' Not even close. And the problem is with the characterization more than with the story itself.

As far as psycho stalkers go, Ms. Delta Dawn was pretty tame. I was hoping for a character who was over-the-top. I'm talking 'Fatal Attraction' or ' Single White Female' level crazy. Delta never did anything all that terrible, which made her come off more desperate and pathetic than psychotic. As far as the other characters, they were pretty wooden and one-dimensional. Well, except for the pet dog, Itzhak. He was amazing!

Overall, this was an okay story. It flowed nicely, held my interest and was a quick read. Was it the best story of obsession and stalking? Not by a long shot. But if you enjoying reading that particular trope, by all means give this one a read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

A true page turner.A young photographer in New York envies the life of the wealthy people she photographs.When she becomes involved with one of the families the creepy chilling story takes off.Coukd not put down.#netgalley #st.martins books

Well done. Carter did a really nice job of creating suspense, some of it subtle and some not. I liked the story including the main character, and the writing style. I stayed mostly engaged, and like the author's imagination. Recommended for fans of suspense.

I really appreciate the ARC for review!!

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Delta Dawn who is a photographer dreams of living the life of some of families she photographs. Delta befriends one such family. This book dragged a little bit.

Thank you Net Galley and St. Martin press for the early copy of The Photographer by Mary Dixie Carter.

I went to bed last night planning on reading a few chapters but ended up finishing the book. Fast paced and engaging. I had such anxiety in a good way through the whole book wondering what was going to happen next.

The main character photographer Delta Dawn becomes obsessed with a family that she was hired to photograph. She finds anyway possible to engrain herself into their lives including babysitting their young daughter Natalie. She bonds with mother Amelia and fantasizes about husband Fritz.

I think overall Delta was harmless and I ended up feeling sorry for her. I def recommend this fun, nerve wracking, quick read!!

Special thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur Books/St. Martin's Press for providing me with an eARC of The Photographer in exchange for an honest review.

I've always had an interest in photography and when I saw this title, it immediately piqued my interest. Everything about was right up my alley.

While it was a quick page-turner, purely because I was curious when it was going to get suspenseful, I have to admit I was let down. I can’t get into what’s without giving major plot aspects away, but I have to say I didn’t find any of the aspects surprising. The ending definitely didn't do it for me and I felt like things were still left hanging.

It certainly is creepy to think of a photographer out there doing the things she does (I won’t get into details because it’s a major part of the plot!).

Overall, it was fine. It wasn’t a boring read and it kept me engaged, it just wasn’t what I expected it to be. I'll certainly be on the lookout for more by May Dixie Carter though!

The Photographer is about photographer Delta Dawn and her obsession with the Straub family. She has dreams of living with the Straub family. Delta was hired by the Straub family to photograph Natalie’s birthday party. Delta used this opportunity to get close to them and form a bond with both Amelia and Natalie. Delta captures happy moments turning them into long lasting memories by manipulating the images. Everything Delta believes comes from the images of the pictures she creates. She created a life around the images.
The reader gets a birds eye view into the mind of Delta and her envy for the extravagant lifestyle the Straubs’ have achieved. With exquisite detail of the glorious nature of the rooms and the immaculate view from the windows paints a beautiful picture of a wealthy opulent life.
Delta Dawn wasn’t exposed to the same privileged lifestyle as Natalie growing up. Growing up for Delta held an entirely different meaning.
I learned a great deal about pictures and photography in this book. It was very informative. The illustrated way she expressed her pictures gave the reader a vivid image of art.
Delta’s character is a calculated character having spent quality time studying the Straubs’. She is meticulous and crafty with her artistic talent in photography using it not only as a means of financial gain but as a means to alter reality. Delta is brazen in the way she infiltrates the house with a comfortable ease. She works hard to create memories with her photos. She creates a world with her pictures.
Amelia and Fritz are both architects. Essentially these three characters are artists. It’s interesting how well they fit into each other’s lives. There’s a great amount of respect for their work.
Capturing that intuitive nature through the lens of a camera was fascinating. With the photoshop aspect of her craft and building a clientele I was in awe of the magnitude Mary could reach with her characters. The house itself was like an entity itself. Then add in the features of light and I was blown away by its splendor.
I was impressed with how many original unique ways Mary could manipulate the word photographer to capture more than just an image. It became an essential component to every aspect of these characters relationships.
Mary’s creative imagination was kind of freaky. I’m a little scared by her ability to create this concept and orchestrate the words in such a convincing way.
This is Mary’s debut novel and I must say for a first release I’m impressed. With an honor degree in English Literature it’s apparent where her expertise strives from.
I found the one sided perspective of Delta intriguing and clever on Mary’s part. This form of delivery allowed many possibilities to enter my train of thoughts questioning not only Amelia’s state of mind but that of Delta’s as well.
I was impressed with Mary’s observations regarding her characters behaviors and mannerisms. Every detail was carefully plotted. One things for sure it’s a clever mindf@ckery.

The Photographer was a pretty quick yet kind of creepy read. Photographer Delta Dawn is hired by a wealthy family to take their daughter's birthday party photos and becomes obsessed and wants to insert herself into their lives. She begins by babysitting last minute when their sitter bails, and increasingly involves herself with their daily lives. Honestly, this one freaked me out a bit. Like, makes me hesitant to ever hire a photographer again! Although I'm not rich and doubt anybody would want to live where I do.
I had a hard time putting this one down, but I was cringing the whole time. Delta was a piece of work! One thing that I was disappointed by was how quickly everything was wrapped up. It was too fast and I didn't find it very believable. I would have liked more of Delta's backstory as well. Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC!

Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an early copy of The Photographer. Very disturbing. I didn’t really like the main characters. I couldn’t finish it fast enough.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Minotaur books for the arc.

I'll be honest, for me this was a pure entertainment book. If I didn't look at it as pure entertainment, I may have stopped reading because Delta Dawn (yes, that is REALLY her name) made some crazy illogical choices, like just so silly that they almost came off as unbelievable. I was able to look past that though because Carter has a way of really catching you hook, line and sinker to the point where you just can't put the book down. I'm really surprised this is her first book. While Delta Dawn makes some bad choices (like unbelievably bad) and is sort of a twisted woman, I still felt a lot of sympathy for her and in the same breath sort of wanting to hate her. Its a truly unbelievable book but it was still entertaining a very fun to read.

Just finished reading this and left a little confused about my feelings regarding the book. The story was interesting and easy to read, but the characters were not very likable. There was no pull to relate to any of them, except maybe the dog. The main character could have been delved into so much more to make sense of her issues. I’m confused about the ending. I figured it would end that way, but not sure how to interpret it. Either way the ending was a bit abrupt. Sounds like I didn’t like it, but I’m glad I read it. Not a waste of time and I’m thankful to NetGalley for pre release copy for honest review.

You realize right off the bat that the title character (and protagonist) is thoroughly creepy and completely disturbed. And that’s what keeps you hanging on to The Photographer. Delta Dawn (really) is a high-end photographer, mainly hired by upscale parents for their kids parties, etc. Her latest client has piqued her interest, however, and she soon becomes obsessed with their lives. I loved the premise and the character, and the author builds the tension as the creepiness factor keeps increasing as you’re unsure exactly where this is going, which makes for a good read. Enjoyed it. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What a debut novel! Such a disturbing read that I seriously couldn't put it down.

As a compulsive thriller reader, I really appreciated the obsession and young family tropes in this book. It was perfectly creepy, intimate and entertaining, making it a sure 5-star read for me.

The title character in The Photographer, Delta Dawn, is a taken family photographer in New York City. She loves her job and the job loves her, but then... she is hired to photograph an 1--year-old Natalie's birthday party. That is when she realizes that she wishes she could become part of this family. First she becomes Natalie's babysitter, then becomes closer with the mom, and her last step is to become the surrogate mother for the family's second child. It becomes a dark obsession Dawn will do anything to succeed with.

The plot pulled me in immediately, but I stayed for Delta's narration, which is dark, obsessive and unreliable. She definitely reminded me of Jane Doe and Joe Goldberg. Delusional and unpredictable, this was definitely a huge hit.

*Thank you to the Publisher for a free advance copies of this book in exchange for an honest review.