You Can Trust Me

"With its sizzling wit, flash-bang plot, and scorching social commentary, Wendy Heard’s You Can Trust Me is THE hot thriller of summer 2023."—Layne Fargo, author of They Never Learn

"A blazingly sharp, sexy, feminist thriller for those who wished The White Lotus season two was told from the POV of Mia and Lucia." —Halley Sutton, author of The Hurricane Blonde

In this gripping, stylish thriller, two best friends grift their way through the California elite, until a scam goes awry…with devastating consequences.

Summer and Leo would do anything for each other. Inspired by the way each has had to carve her place in a hostile and unforgiving world, and united by the call of the open road, they travel around sunny California in Summer’s tricked-out Land Cruiser. It’s not a glamorous life, but it gives them the freedom they crave—from family, expectations, and the painful pasts they’ve left behind. But even free spirits have bills to pay. Luckily, Summer is a skilled pickpocket, a small-time thief, and a con artist—and Leo, determined to pay her own way, has learned a trick or two from Summer.

Eager for a big score, Leo sets her crosshairs on Michael Forrester, a self-made billionaire and philanthropist. When her charm wins him over, Leo’s rewarded with an invite to his private island off the coast of Los Angeles for a night of fabulous excess. She eagerly anticipates returning with photos that can be sold to the paparazzi, jewelry that can be liquidated, and endless stories to share with Summer.

Instead, Leo disappears.

The police assure Summer that her friend probably just ditched her. After all, who would believe a philanthropic billionaire could be up to no good? On her own for the first time in years, Summer decides to infiltrate Michael’s island and find out what really happened. But as Summer searches for Leo, she discovers heavily guarded secrets—ones worth killing for. Could Summer have met her match?

Story Locale:Los Angeles, California

About the Author

Wendy Heard is the author of suspense and thrillers for adults and teens, including You Can Trust Me, The Kill Club, She’s Too Pretty to Burn, and Dead End Girls. Heard has spent most of her life in Los Angeles, which is on fire more than she would prefer, and she can often be found haunting local hiking trails and bookstores. She loves all things vintage and has a collection of thrillers and adventure books from the ’80s. You can hear more from Heard through her newsletter.

Author Residence: Los Angeles, California

Author Hometown: Born in San Francisco, raised in Los Angeles