The Unraveling of Julia

An international bestselling author crafts a "compelling thriller with excellent twists!" (Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author) in which a young widow inherits a mysterious Tuscan estate and finds herself thrust into the crosshairs of a dangerous conspiracy--twisty and transportive, this is suspense with a passport.

One awful night, Julia Pritzker witnesses the murder of her beloved husband during a mugging on a Philadelphia street. Later, while grieving him, she's suddenly fearful that her fate is written in the stars, not held in her own hands.

Her luck seems to change when stunning news arrives from Italy, informing her that she's inherited a fortune, a Tuscan villa, and a vineyard. But she's mystified by her Italian benefactor, a total stranger named Emilia Rossi. She flies to Tuscany for answers.

There, Julia learns that Rossi suffered from delusions of grandeur, believing herself to be a descendant of Caterina Sforza, a powerful Renaissance duchess. Julia doubts that is true, but she can't deny the uncanny resemblance between her, Caterina, and Rossi. She starts to unearth eerie parallels between them--and disturbing secrets.

Before long, Julia suspects she's being followed and experiences disorienting delusions of her own. Even meeting a romantic Florentine doesn't quiet her unease. Then events turn deadly, and Julia finds herself in a harrowing struggle for sanity and survival.

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Published Jul 15, 2025

400 pages

Average rating: 6.77

22 RATINGS

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Margie Pettersen

Oct 27, 2025

6/10 stars

I usually like books by Scottoline, but this one did not appeal to me. There was the emphasis on astrology and the supernatural elements. The visions, the sense of foreboding, the crazy nightmares. Julia witnessed her husband being murdered on the streets. About a year later, she receives a letter claiming she inherited an estate in Tuscany and a substantial sum of money from an Italian woman, Emilia Rossi. Julia was adopted so it is possible that this woman is related to her birth family. There are far-fetched suggestions of conspiracy, baby-trafficking, child abuse, and more. Once in Italy, Julia and those close to her become targets. The resolution does help to make sense of some of this, but it is still pretty wacky. Not recommended.

CuriousSal

Sep 22, 2025

9/10 stars

Enjoyed the book, but wish there was a second book 😊

Dreeder24

Aug 13, 2025

8/10 stars

I really enjoy her storytelling and characters

datewithathriller

Jul 14, 2025

8/10 stars

Okay now I want to go visit Italy!! 🍝🇮🇹😅 I would not necessarily consider this a psychological thriller - I would say it’s more mystery with a bit of paranormal added in. That said, I did enjoy it! Did have to suspend belief a little bit, but it wasn’t too bad. I was hooked throughout, so the pacing was good! I’d recommend checking it out - just maybe eat before you do, otherwise your stomach is going to growl at the mentions of food in this one! 😋 Thank you to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and Lisa Scottoline for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️

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