The Ends of Things

A New York City lawyer gets mixed up with an enigmatic stranger during a Bahamian getaway in Chwialkowska’s hit-or-miss debut. Laura Phillips checks into the island resort with her boyfriend and colleague, Dave Mitchell, for a romantic getaway. There, Laura notices fellow guest Diana, who “seem[s] to buck convention” by vacationing solo. With Dave preoccupied by work, the two women meet at a clothing store where Diana encourages Laura to shed her conservative attire in favor of a more flamboyant outfit. Over drinks and lunch, the two strike up a friendship and decide to go for a hike. Throughout the day, Laura tells Diana about Chloe Shipman, her estranged high school friend. Their friendship ended after Chloe started dating a boy Laura was interested in, who is now Chloe’s husband. On the hike, Laura and Diana fight after the latter posts a picture on Facebook without Laura’s permission. Shortly thereafter, Diana disappears. When Laura can’t find her, she contacts the police, triggering unforeseen consequences in her relationship with Dave and at work. While many of Laura’s and Diana’s actions feel unmotivated, Chwialkowska manages to deliver a satisfying conclusion that upends the conventions of a thriller plot. Unfortunately, many readers will be too frustrated to stick around for the good stuff. Agent: Emily Westcott, CAA. (Jan.)