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About the Book
A USA TODAY BESTSELLER!
From the New York Times bestselling author of Luckiest Girl Alive and Bright Young Women comes a "smart thriller" (The New York Times) full of shameless sex and page-turning twists about a woman kidnapped by the man who once knew her best—and the devastating secret that could destroy them both.
Faye Heron has an enviable life. Her work on an acclaimed television show built professional bridges and burned personal ones. Now, she’s one half of a power-producing duo with her Hollywood husband. Beautiful, rich, and successful, Faye has spent years believing her version of the past and using it as material for her writing.
Then, her former film professor passes away, and the funeral brings her back to her college campus and face to face with the man she she barely escaped.
Henry Spalding was Faye’s first love, whose presence still looms large in her mind. Their connection was obsessive, intoxicating, impossible to replicate. Because Henry is one of a kind.
The kind who delivers a hypnotic apology for the way things ended. The kind who suggests they go back to the hotel for a drink. The kind who drugs and kidnaps her.
When Faye wakes up bound and imprisoned in Henry’s isolated mountain cabin, she’s forced to confront a terrifying possibility: this may not be about revenge. As the days pass, Faye begins to chip away at the truth. What was the real cause of her professor’s death? And could it have something to do with why Henry has brought her here? Most jarring of all—what really happened all those years ago with Henry? Is it possible her version of the past cannot be trusted?
With every revelation, the walls close in. As Faye and Henry are pulled back into the toxic, magnetic bond that nearly destroyed them once before, a sprawling, years-old mystery begins to take shape, rewriting history as Faye remembers it and forcing her to reckon with her most complicated and thrilling desires.
From the New York Times bestselling author of Luckiest Girl Alive and Bright Young Women comes a "smart thriller" (The New York Times) full of shameless sex and page-turning twists about a woman kidnapped by the man who once knew her best—and the devastating secret that could destroy them both.
Faye Heron has an enviable life. Her work on an acclaimed television show built professional bridges and burned personal ones. Now, she’s one half of a power-producing duo with her Hollywood husband. Beautiful, rich, and successful, Faye has spent years believing her version of the past and using it as material for her writing.
Then, her former film professor passes away, and the funeral brings her back to her college campus and face to face with the man she she barely escaped.
Henry Spalding was Faye’s first love, whose presence still looms large in her mind. Their connection was obsessive, intoxicating, impossible to replicate. Because Henry is one of a kind.
The kind who delivers a hypnotic apology for the way things ended. The kind who suggests they go back to the hotel for a drink. The kind who drugs and kidnaps her.
When Faye wakes up bound and imprisoned in Henry’s isolated mountain cabin, she’s forced to confront a terrifying possibility: this may not be about revenge. As the days pass, Faye begins to chip away at the truth. What was the real cause of her professor’s death? And could it have something to do with why Henry has brought her here? Most jarring of all—what really happened all those years ago with Henry? Is it possible her version of the past cannot be trusted?
With every revelation, the walls close in. As Faye and Henry are pulled back into the toxic, magnetic bond that nearly destroyed them once before, a sprawling, years-old mystery begins to take shape, rewriting history as Faye remembers it and forcing her to reckon with her most complicated and thrilling desires.
Reading Group Guide
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This reading group guide for HELPLESS includes an introduction, discussion questions, and ideas for enhancing your book club. The suggested questions are intended to help your reading group find new and interesting angles and topics for your discussion. We hope that these ideas will enrich your conversation and increase your enjoyment of the book.
Introduction
It’s been twelve years since Faye Heron broke Henry Spalding’s heart. Henry was her college boyfriend, her first love, but Faye was in danger of being subsumed by him and the intensity of their connection. Now, Faye is one half of a Hollywood power producing duo. Henry is a married father running the family business. On the surface, both of their lives have essentially gone to plan.
When a former beloved college professor suddenly passes away, Faye and Henry find themselves back on campus for the funeral, circling something old and dangerous. But when Henry drugs and kidnaps Faye, all bets are off. As Henry’s wanton demands intensify, Faye finds herself pulled back into his irresistible gravity. Faye and Henry spiral into their old dynamic and a sprawling, years-old mystery begins to take shape—one that will rewrite history as Faye remembers it and reveal an astounding, cataclysmic truth.
Topics and Questions for Discussion
How has Faye and Henry’s relationship evolved over time? How is their relationship now different from how it was in college?
Despite their time apart, Henry and Faye quickly fall back into their old dynamics, even though they are married to other people. What do their relationships with their current spouses tell us about their characters?
When PT picks up Faye to take her to the airport after Henry breaks down, he tells her “Don’t be afraid to write about this one day” (page 144). How did his mentorship shape her career? In what ways did it impact her relationship with Henry?
Faye is extremely successful and driven in her career. How does her success impact her relationships? How does it shape her interactions with Emma?
On page 129, Faye stabs Campbell in order to escape. How does this impact your perception of her character?
Do Henry and Faye’s power dynamics ever flip? Where do you see this happen?
There are a lot of twists and turns in this story. Which was the most surprising, and why?
We learn that Henry struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. How does this affect your view of him? Does it excuse or explain any of his behavior? Why or why not?
What was your understanding of the ending? Did Faye’s experiences in the book happen as written, or were they all part of her script?
Enhance Your Book Club
Write out one of your own fantasies as a screenplay and read it back. What felt rewarding about it? Why were you drawn to what you wrote about?
Plan a trip to the Finger Lakes region of New York. Virtually explore the scenery and activities in the area.
Explore Jessica Knoll’s earlier works, such as Luckiest Girl Alice and Bright Young Women. Can you pinpoint any common themes in her books?
Introduction
It’s been twelve years since Faye Heron broke Henry Spalding’s heart. Henry was her college boyfriend, her first love, but Faye was in danger of being subsumed by him and the intensity of their connection. Now, Faye is one half of a Hollywood power producing duo. Henry is a married father running the family business. On the surface, both of their lives have essentially gone to plan.
When a former beloved college professor suddenly passes away, Faye and Henry find themselves back on campus for the funeral, circling something old and dangerous. But when Henry drugs and kidnaps Faye, all bets are off. As Henry’s wanton demands intensify, Faye finds herself pulled back into his irresistible gravity. Faye and Henry spiral into their old dynamic and a sprawling, years-old mystery begins to take shape—one that will rewrite history as Faye remembers it and reveal an astounding, cataclysmic truth.
Topics and Questions for Discussion
How has Faye and Henry’s relationship evolved over time? How is their relationship now different from how it was in college?
Despite their time apart, Henry and Faye quickly fall back into their old dynamics, even though they are married to other people. What do their relationships with their current spouses tell us about their characters?
When PT picks up Faye to take her to the airport after Henry breaks down, he tells her “Don’t be afraid to write about this one day” (page 144). How did his mentorship shape her career? In what ways did it impact her relationship with Henry?
Faye is extremely successful and driven in her career. How does her success impact her relationships? How does it shape her interactions with Emma?
On page 129, Faye stabs Campbell in order to escape. How does this impact your perception of her character?
Do Henry and Faye’s power dynamics ever flip? Where do you see this happen?
There are a lot of twists and turns in this story. Which was the most surprising, and why?
We learn that Henry struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. How does this affect your view of him? Does it excuse or explain any of his behavior? Why or why not?
What was your understanding of the ending? Did Faye’s experiences in the book happen as written, or were they all part of her script?
Enhance Your Book Club
Write out one of your own fantasies as a screenplay and read it back. What felt rewarding about it? Why were you drawn to what you wrote about?
Plan a trip to the Finger Lakes region of New York. Virtually explore the scenery and activities in the area.
Explore Jessica Knoll’s earlier works, such as Luckiest Girl Alice and Bright Young Women. Can you pinpoint any common themes in her books?
About the Author
Sabrina Lantos
Jessica Knoll is the New York Times bestselling author of Bright Young Women, The Favorite Sister, and Luckiest Girl Alive—now a major motion picture from Netflix starring Mila Kunis. She has been a senior editor at Cosmopolitan and the articles editor at Self. She lives in New York City with her family.
About the Reader
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio (July 7, 2026)
- Runtime: 8 hours and 21 minutes
- ISBN13: 9781668110751
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