The Note

A Novel

By: Alafair Burke

Narrated by: Catherine Ho

A vacation in the Hamptons goes terribly wrong for three friends with a complicated history.

“I absolutely loved The Note. Trust no one in this irresistible page-turner.” —Ashley Elston, #1 New York Times best-selling author of First Lie Wins

It was meant to be a harmless prank.

Growing up, May Hanover was a good girl, always. Well-behaved, top of her class, a compulsive rule-follower. Raised by a first-generation Chinese single mother with high expectations, May didn’t have room to slip up, let alone fail. Her friends didn’t call her the Little Sheriff for nothing.

But even good girls have secrets. And regrets. When it comes to her friendship with Lauren and Kelsey, she's had her fair share of both. Their bond—forged when May was just twelve years old—has withstood a tragic accident, individual scandals, heartbreak and loss. Now the three friends have reunited for the first time in years for a few days of sun and fun in the Hamptons. But a chance encounter with a pair of strangers leads to a drunken prank that goes horribly awry.

When she finds herself at the center of an urgent police investigation, May begins to wonder whether Lauren and Kelsey are keeping secrets from her, testing the limits of her loyalty to lifelong friends.

What had they gone and done?

The Note is a thriller of the highest order from one of our greatest contemporary suspense writers.

©2025 Alafair Burke (P)2025 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Engrossing. . . . Burke builds an intricate structure of secrets layered within secrets, revealed for maximum suspense. The complex friendship among three flawed but engaging characters anchors this satisfying psychological thriller.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"When a girls' weekend away goes wrong, everyone looks to the past for answers. A twisty, fast-paced thriller about friendships, betrayal, and loyalty." —Nita Prose, #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Maid and The Mystery Guest

“With The Note, Alafair Burke ups her already strong game of deviously smart plotting and strong, believable female characters to deliver her most thrilling and entertaining novel.” —Karin Slaughter, New York Times best-selling author of After That Night

Girls trip gone wrong!

The plot, characters, story- all fantastic! All the friends had their own “crazy” flair and I loved that! I literally hated the narrator but the story was too good to stop listening!!!

Better than expected!

I didn't have high expectations about this one, as this was the first of Ms. Burke's books that I've read. While there is a bit of fluff factor here, it was a good story. Some of the characters weren't realistic and were a bit stereotypical but that's why it's a work of fiction. Anyway, I finished it, which shows that it's well written and entertaining. It's not something that will stay with me, but that's quite all right!

kept my attention

I love this author! this book did not disappoint. highly recommend! kept my attention the whole time and even wish it was longer

Irritating Narration

The story is good, entertaining, and overall enjoyable. There narration however was irritating due to awkward moments that made the whole thing seem stiff and AI sounding.

Beach Read

What starts out as a seemingly girly story of three old friends getting together at a beach house turns into a convoluted multi-murder mystery. First one person and then another is accused of multiple murders. At the end the culprit is settled upon And everyone else lives happily ever after.
I kept thinking: "Nancy Drew."

Distracting Narration

The narration is strangely robotic, inconsistent and awkward, initially wondered if it was computer generated??? I think the story has great potential, but wish I had read it instead of purchasing on audible. Very disappointing.

Many twists to unravel the murder

Many twists to unravel the murder. Four women who have been close friends since meeting at summer camp. Their lives have gone in different ways but they get together each year. Then at this years reunion a man they had met tangentially is murdered. They get caught up in the police investigation. One falls under suspicion, and it becomes complicated because her ex husband was also murdered. Is she a killer?

Dirty little secrets

Amazing book! Twist and turns you don’t see coming. A book that’s impossible to put down!

Fun read!

This was a fun read! A little predictable but enjoyed the story. The narration was good and it was an easy listen.

Narrator ruined it

The narrator really ruined this book for me. The story bogged down with too many characters and jumping back and forth in time. Only got 60% thru, just could NOT listen anymore