Four years ago, a beautiful young heiress survived an attack that claimed the lives of both of her parents. When Melia returns to Los Angeles and moves back into her family home, someone begins sending her increasingly violent messages that allude to the killing of her parents. She hires a private investigator — Rainey Hall — to track down the culprit and find her missing brother. Touched by the similarities between their lives, Rainey feels compelled to protect Melia, even when it becomes clear that their relationship has become more than professional.

Soon, Rainey finds herself falling down the rabbit hole of Melia’s life. Her quest to find Melia’s stalker will bring her in contact with disgraced royals, seedy neighbors, violent ex-boyfriends and former staff, each one with their own set of secrets. As the threats against Melia escalate and the two women are drawn together, it’s only a matter of time before another victim turns up.

REVIEWS

"I was absorbed in the world Ava Barry concocted in Double Exposure to the point where I found myself irritated when I had to do other tasks that took me away from reading. The writing is evocative."

– Sara Weinman, The New York Times Book Review

“Double Exposure contains many evocative passages on Hollywood old and new—on the culture and personalities of a region whose mix of fact and contrivance creates a unique atmosphere."

– Tom Nolan, The Wall Street Journal

"Years after the murder of her parents, heiress Melia van Aust hires P.I. Rainey Hall to find the culprit and the root out Melia's stalker. But Rainey has a dark history of her own. Chilling."

– People Magazine, Best Books Fall 2022

“This provocative, character-driven drama manages to keep its surprising twists in focus while also giving readers a lyrical look at Los Angeles. A stupendous turn adds an intense level of terror to Double Exposure.”

– Shelf Awareness

“The plot of this exhilarating and intricate novel ebbs and flows between fast-paced action and relaxed moments of narrative exposition.”

– Booklist

“[A] seductive neo-noir…This evocative novel demonstrates that both the city [Los Angeles] and its magic remain very much alive.”

– Publishers Weekly (Starred)

"Barry parallels the cutthroat natures of journalism and film, skillfully blending a nuanced millennial perspective with noir shadings and a haunted-house atmosphere."

– Booklist, STARRED REVIEW