The Paper Wasp

By Lauren Acampora,

Book cover of The Paper Wasp

Book description

'Acampora is an original' Jay McInerney, author of Bright Lights, Big City

An electrifying debut novel of two women's friendship, a haunting obsession and twisted ambition, set against the feverish backdrop of contemporary Hollywood.

Abby Graven is a dreamer. She dreams her way through her small, lonely life - hiding…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked The Paper Wasp as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is a beautifully written psychological thriller.

At a high school reunion, a polite invitation between old friends—Elise, a successful actor, invites Abby, who is floundering, to visit her in LA—spirals into Abby’s attempt to infiltrate the star’s life. The novel fearlessly plumbs the mysteries and complications of friendship and shows how misguided impulses can gradually take over our psyches.

I’m a fan of big endings, and this novel’s final paragraphs, which cap Abby’s disturbed yet compelling emotional journey, are stunners. 

Want books like The Paper Wasp?

Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 81 books like The Paper Wasp.

Browse books like The Paper Wasp

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Europe, presidential biography, and World War 1?

Europe 954 books
World War 1 926 books