In this post, I am introducing you to Look Closer by David Ellis, a gripping thriller filled with twists, deception, and morally complex characters. First, we will explore the intricately woven story, recounting the events that led to its shocking conclusion. Then, we’ll take a closer look at the key characters that bring the narrative to life. Finally, I’ll share a set of thought-provoking book club questions to spark meaningful discussions about the novel’s themes and mysteries.
David Ellis Look Closer Summary
Simon Dobias, a respected Chicago law professor, and his wife, Vicky, a social worker at Safe Haven, appear to lead a normal, stable life. Their marriage, approaching a decade, seems solid on the surface but lacks passion. Beneath this veneer lies a tangled web of deceit, betrayal, and long-held grudges.
Simon, while striving for tenure, rekindles an affair with Lauren Betancourt, a woman from his past, after a chance encounter on Michigan Avenue. Their relationship begins with secret burner phones and clandestine meetings, but it spirals into a dangerous obsession.
Lauren, a socialite trapped in her own unhappy marriage, becomes the focus of Simon’s longing for a different life. Meanwhile, Vicky harbors her own secrets, waiting for the anniversary that will unlock a twenty-million-dollar trust fund. She has plans of her own, ones that don’t involve Simon.
The story takes a dark turn on Halloween night, culminating in Lauren’s brutal murder. Found hanging in a suburban mansion, her death sends shockwaves through the upscale community. Simon, the obvious suspect, and Vicky, equally dubious in her actions, become entangled in a criminal investigation led by Sgt. Jane Burke. The case reveals that neither Simon nor Vicky is innocent, and both have been playing their own dangerous games.
As the narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives—including an unexpected surprise narrator—the layers of deception begin to unravel. Simon and Vicky’s shared grief over past losses, their calculated schemes, and their ultimate betrayals come to light. Their marriage, once a source of mutual support during difficult times, now serves as a battleground for manipulation and revenge.
The story crescendos with a series of shocking twists, exposing the full extent of the lies and crimes that have defined their lives. In the end, it’s clear that in this tangled web of greed, obsession, and revenge, nothing is as it initially seemed.
Look Closer Characters
Here’s a list of key characters in Look Closer by David Ellis:
- Simon Dobias
- A Chicago law professor aiming for tenure. He appears to be a devoted husband but is entangled in an obsessive affair with Lauren Betancourt. Simon’s complex motivations and actions drive much of the story.
- Vicky Dobias
- Simon’s wife and a social worker at Safe Haven, an advocacy group for domestic violence victims. Vicky is calculating and harbors her own agenda, tied to a twenty-million-dollar trust fund.
- Lauren Betancourt
- Simon’s former lover and the woman at the center of his affair. A beautiful socialite with her own unhappy marriage, Lauren’s life takes a fatal turn that sets the story’s murder investigation into motion.
- Sgt. Jane Burke
- A police officer leading the investigation into Lauren’s murder. She pieces together the clues surrounding the case, unraveling Simon and Vicky’s secrets.
- Christian Newsom
- A shady money manager involved in Vicky’s plans. His role complicates the web of schemes and deceptions tied to the trust fund.
- Simon’s Father
- Mentioned in the narrative as a source of Simon’s unresolved grief and anger. Simon blames his father for his mother’s suicide.
- Vicky’s Sister
- A significant figure in Vicky’s backstory. Her suicide leaves Vicky with lingering guilt and grief that shapes her actions.
- Surprise Narrator
- Without revealing spoilers, an unexpected narrator emerges to provide critical insights and add complexity to the unfolding story.
Related: None of This is True Summary
Look Closer Book Club Questions
Here’s a thought-provoking list of book club questions to dive deeper into the twists and themes of Look Closer.
- How does the structure of the book, with its multiple timelines and narrators, impact your understanding of the story?
- Do you think Simon and Vicky are equally culpable in the events that unfold? Why or why not?
- What are your thoughts on the theme of obsession and how it shapes the characters’ decisions?
- How does grief play a role in the motivations of Simon and Vicky?
- Did you find any of the characters sympathetic, or were they all equally flawed?
- How did the twists in the story affect your perception of what was happening? Were you able to predict any of them?
- In what ways does the novel explore the concept of trust in relationships?
- How does the novel challenge the idea of a “perfect marriage”?
- Were you satisfied with the conclusion of the story? Why or why not?
- How does the book compare to other thrillers you’ve read, such as Gone Girl or Strangers on a Train?
- Which character’s perspective did you find the most compelling or reliable, if any?
- How did the theme of revenge drive the plot, and do you think it was justified for any of the characters?
- What role did secrets and lies play in the unraveling of the story?
- How does the setting of Chicago and its suburban backdrop contribute to the novel’s atmosphere?
- How does the book handle the concept of morality and justice?
- If you could ask the author one question about the story or the characters, what would it be?
- What lessons, if any, do you think the characters learned by the end of the novel?
- How did the relationship dynamics between Simon, Vicky, and Lauren shape the course of the narrative?
- Do you think the novel’s portrayal of wealth and privilege influenced the characters’ actions?
- How did the surprise narrator add to the story, and were you shocked by their identity?
For similar works, check out our Thriller section!
Final thoughts
I hope you have enjoyed this deep dive into Look Closer by David Ellis. If you haven’t yet read this clever and fast-paced thriller, I highly recommend adding it to your reading list. Its intricate plot and compelling characters will keep you hooked until the very last page.