What is Look Closer about?

Look Closer is a psychological thriller about Simon and Vicky, a wealthy Chicago couple whose seemingly stable marriage conceals a complex web of secrets. When a beautiful socialite is found hanging in a nearby mansion, their hidden lives begin to unravel. The novel explores obsession, revenge, and greed through alternating perspectives and timelines, revealing a whirlwind affair, a twenty-million-dollar trust fund, and decades-long grudges. Both characters are liars, leaving readers to question who is conning whom in this wickedly clever exploration of deception and possibly the perfect murder.

Who is David Ellis, the author of Look Closer?

David Ellis is an Illinois Appellate Court Justice and Edgar Award-winning author who has written over 11 solo novels and 9 books co-authored with James Patterson. Born in 1967 in Downers Grove, Illinois, Ellis won the prestigious Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best First Novel for Line of Vision in 2002. Before becoming the youngest-serving justice of the Illinois Appellate Court in 2014, he prosecuted and convicted Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich in the impeachment trial. Ellis balances his judicial career with writing, waking at 3:30 AM to craft his legal thrillers.

Who should read Look Closer?

Look Closer is perfect for psychological thriller enthusiasts who enjoy complex plot twists and morally ambiguous characters. Readers who appreciate authors like Gillian Flynn, B.A. Paris, or those who enjoyed David Ellis's previous work will find this compelling. The novel suits anyone interested in stories about marriage secrets, obsession, and revenge told through multiple perspectives and timelines. Fans of legal thrillers and crime fiction with intricate plotting will particularly appreciate Ellis's sharp, precise prose and the carefully constructed atmosphere of unease.

Is Look Closer worth reading?

Look Closer is considered one of the best psychological thrillers of 2022 and is absolutely worth reading. Critics praise it as "smart, thoroughly engaging, and enjoyable," with Simon and Vicky being among David Ellis's favorite characters he has ever created. The novel masterfully combines suspense with unexpected revelations, maintaining tension through alternating timelines and perspectives. Ellis's background as both a bestselling author and appellate court justice brings authenticity to the legal elements while his crackling dialogue and crisp writing keep the story moving at an unrelenting pace.

What are the main themes in Look Closer by David Ellis?

Look Closer explores trust, betrayal, and the facades people maintain in relationships and society. The novel delves into obsession and revenge, particularly through Simon's inability to let go of his past with Lauren despite his marriage to Vicky. Greed plays a central role with the twenty-million-dollar trust fund motivating characters' actions. David Ellis examines the ruthless quest for justice, asking whether the ends justify the means. The psychological depth reveals how people construct false identities and the devastating consequences when those carefully built illusions collapse.

Who are Simon and Vicky in Look Closer?

Simon is an associate law professor whose article was quoted by the U.S. Supreme Court, though his career ambitions are thwarted by his dean. He becomes obsessed with Lauren, a woman from his past, and begins an affair while married to Vicky. Simon longs for children but Vicky refuses, creating tension in their marriage. Vicky appears to be Simon's stable partner in a wealthy but unexciting marriage, yet both characters are revealed to be liars with their own hidden agendas. David Ellis crafted them as complex, flawed individuals whose dual natures keep readers constantly guessing their true intentions and motivations.

What is the significance of the burner phones in Look Closer?

The burner phones in Look Closer symbolize secrecy and deception in Simon and Lauren's affair. Simon uses a green burner phone that matches his green journal where he documents their relationship, while Lauren uses the pink one Simon purchased for her. These phones allow them to communicate only at agreed-upon times when Lauren's husband is away, establishing strict boundaries to hide their relationship. The color coordination between Simon's phone and journal suggests his meticulous planning and obsessive nature. These devices become crucial plot elements representing the hidden channels through which characters conduct their secret lives.

How does Look Closer use multiple perspectives and timelines?

David Ellis employs alternating perspectives and timelines throughout Look Closer to maintain suspense and gradually reveal secrets. The narrative structure ensures that just when readers think they understand the plot, new twists shatter their expectations. Simon's story is told through first-person narrative and his green journal entries to Lauren, documenting their affair and his inner thoughts. This complexity requires close attention to detail but ultimately pays off as puzzle pieces come together in a satisfying and unexpected conclusion. The multiple viewpoints add depth to characters, making their motives and actions more intriguing while slowly revealing how Simon, Vicky, Lauren, and Christian are all connected.

Look Closer Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Look Closer

David Ellis

Thriller Mystery Psychology

Overview

Key Takeaways

Author

FAQs

In "Look Closer," David Ellis weaves a mind-bending thriller that outshines "Gone Girl" with its labyrinthine plot twists. Written by an actual judge, this 4.15-rated Goodreads sensation leaves readers asking: How well do you really know the person sleeping beside you?

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Explore Your Way of Learning

Look Closer isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Thriller. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

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@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

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Look Closer

David Ellis

Thriller Mystery Psychology

Overview

Key Takeaways

Author

FAQs

Explore Your Way of Learning

Quick Summary8min

Feel the book through the author's voice

Deep Dive42min

Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights

Flash Card10 insights

Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning

Fun16min

Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way

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Key Takeaways

The Perfect Deception: When Nothing Is As It Seems

00:00

Simon Dobias appears to be your average law professor-brilliant but unassuming, preferring casual clothes to sport coats and irreverent blog posts to academic footnotes. His life takes a dramatic turn when he spots Lauren on Michigan Avenue-a woman from his past who once worked as a paralegal at his father's law firm. Their paths cross again at the Grace Country Club's Fourth of July festivities, and what begins as innocent coffee meetings quickly escalates into a passionate affair. But beneath this seemingly straightforward tale of infidelity lies a labyrinth of deception so intricate that even the most astute reader will be blindsided by its twists. What makes this story so compelling isn't just the affair-it's the hidden motives driving every character's actions. Simon harbors dark secrets about his past: his brilliant law professor mother suffered a stroke, his father began an affair with Lauren, who eventually stole six million dollars from the family, leaving them financially ruined. This led to his mother's suicide by overdose. Later, Simon's father was found murdered in his swimming pool, and though Simon was the primary suspect, he was never charged. "Sometimes I let things bother me more than they should," Simon admits-a phrase that takes on increasingly sinister meaning as the story unfolds.

The Woman Who Never Was

The Perfect Wife's Perfect Plan

The Con Man Who Got Conned

Halloween Night: The Perfect Murder

When Justice Fails, Revenge Steps In

Living with What We've Done

Explore Your Way of Learning

Quick Summary

Look Closer Summary in 8 Minutes

Break down key ideas from Look Closer into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.

00:00

Flash Card

Top 10 Insights from Look Closer in a Nutshell

Distill Look Closer into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight key principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

Fun

Look Closer Lessons Told Through 16-Min Stories

Experience Look Closer through vivid storytelling that turns innovation lessons into moments you'll remember and apply.

00:00

Personalize

Experience Look Closer in your own way.

Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

See more on how BeFreed is discussed across the web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Start your learning journey, now

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Similar books to Look Closer

More Like This

Key Takeaways

The Perfect Deception: When Nothing Is As It Seems

The Woman Who Never Was

The Perfect Wife's Perfect Plan

The Con Man Who Got Conned

Halloween Night: The Perfect Murder

When Justice Fails, Revenge Steps In

Living with What We've Done

Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to Look Closer Summary in 8 Minutes

Flash Card Mode - Top 10 Insights from Look Closer in a Nutshell

Fun Mode - Look Closer Lessons Told Through 16-Min Stories

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More Like This

Key Takeaways

The Perfect Deception: When Nothing Is As It Seems

The Woman Who Never Was

The Perfect Wife's Perfect Plan

The Con Man Who Got Conned

Halloween Night: The Perfect Murder

When Justice Fails, Revenge Steps In

Living with What We've Done