By a Spider's Thread
Worth buying if: You savor procedural detail that reveals character as much as plot.
Skip it if: You prefer puzzle-focused thrillers with fast, twisty pacing over slow-burn atmosphere.
Exact edition: Paperback · ISBN-13 9780060506711. The Amazon link uses this ISBN, so the product page should open to the edition shown here.
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Summary
When an 11-year-old vanishes after a convenience-store transaction, Tess Monaghan must untangle lies, local politics, and long-buried grudges to find her — and survive the truth waiting at the center of town.
Why this book now
Lippman's precise plotting and moral complexity make this a rewarding revisit for readers who crave character-driven crime fiction with emotional stakes.
30-second preview
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Best for readers who...
Good fit if you want...
- You savor procedural detail that reveals character as much as plot.
- You enjoy morally messy detectives and small-town secrets.
- You prefer puzzle-focused thrillers with fast, twisty pacing over slow-burn atmosphere.
- You avoid stories that linger on grief, community tensions, and the costs of investigation.
Decided it fits?
Exact edition: Paperback · ISBN-13 9780060506711
Worth buying if: You savor procedural detail that reveals character as much as plot.
Skip it if: You prefer puzzle-focused thrillers with fast, twisty pacing over slow-burn atmosphere.
Check Amazon for the current price and availability of this exact edition.
Reader guide
Cues to help you decide faster.
Reading commitment
Steady Needs some room
At 367 pages, this is a mid-length psychological procedural that rewards steady reading and attention to nuance rather than non-stop action.
What stands out here
This Avon Books edition preserves Lippman's crisp prose and layered characterization—ideal for readers who appreciate atmosphere and moral complexity in crime fiction.
Best way to approach it
Read it steadily to let character revelations accumulate; pause after key scenes to absorb how choices ripple through the community.
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Paperback: ISBN-13 9780060506711
Check Amazon for the current price and availability of this exact edition.