You Can Trust Me

A Novel

By: Wendy Heard

Narrated by: Kelsey Navarro Foster, Natalie Naudus

In a “thriller with a sharp take on wealth and privilege” (People, Book of the Week), two best friends grift their way through the California elite—until one scam goes awry.

“A propulsive, sun-drenched adventure with smart, sharp commentary on wealth and power.”—Grace D. Li, New York Times bestselling author of Portrait of a Thief

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: PopSugar, Harper’s Bazaar, CrimeReads

Summer and Leo would do anything for each other. Inspired by the way each has had to carve her place in a hostile and unforgiving world, and united by the call of the open road, they travel around sunny California in Summer’s tricked-out Land Cruiser. It’s not a glamorous life, but it gives them the freedom they crave from the painful pasts they’ve left behind. But even free spirits have bills to pay. Luckily, Summer is a skilled pickpocket, a small-time thief, and a con artist—and Leo, determined to pay her own way, has learned a trick or two.

Eager for a big score, Leo catches in her crosshairs Michael Forrester, a self-made billionaire and philanthropist. When her charm wins him over, Leo is rewarded with an invitation to his private island off the California coastline for a night of fabulous excess. She eagerly anticipates returning with photos that can be sold to the paparazzi, jewelry that can be liquidated, and endless stories to share with Summer.

Instead, Leo disappears.

On her own for the first time in years, Summer decides to infiltrate Michael’s island and find out what really happened. But when she arrives, no one has seen Leo—she’s not on the island as far as they know. Plus, there was only one way on the island—and no way off—for the coming days. Trapped in a scheme she helped initiate, could Summer have met her match?

©2023 Wendy Heard (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“[A] thrilling beach read with a bite.”—Glamour

“A blazingly sharp, sexy, feminist thriller for those who wished The White Lotus season two was told from the POV of Mia and Lucia.”—Halley Sutton, author of The Hurricane Blonde

“With hell-for-leather pacing and anchored by a pair of con artists with genuine love for each other, You Can Trust Me is as addictive as it is original.”—Eliza Jane Brazier, author of Good Rich People

Very captivating

Definitely kept my attention, great story, great characters, and a little smut. A few more curse words than needed but overall great.

Entertaining

A few explicit scenes, easy enough to skip through.
Story was interesting and engaging. However, could’ve gone with out the male patriarchy messaging.

Very imaginative story

I thought the story was very compelling and creative. I know some people thought the ending wasn't believable but I loved the ending. Great story about female friendship. It is a thriller and you don't want to put it down. My only problem was with the narration of Leo, the narrator sounded as if she might fall asleep during the reading. But I got over that and really enjoyed the book.

Awesome!

Couldn’t stop listening. I like books that catch you early. I get a little impatient sometimes. This book I didn’t!

Loved this audio book!

Enjoyed the storyline and the friendship between the main characters. I highly recommend this book.

Thriller

I would definitely recommend this book. I wasn’t expecting this twists that came forth. Four out of five stars.

Interesting characters

I enjoy Wendy Heard books very much. Her crisp, clear writing always sounds fresh on audio. The characters she creates, flawed yet sympathetic made me root for them, despite their imperfections even though I’m not usually a “bad girl” fan.

Of Summer and Leo, I identified more with Leo and appreciated Summer’s protectiveness.

The plot of YOU CAN TRUST ME isn’t an audiobook I would have preordered if not for being a Heard fan. I enjoyed the story, though I’m not sure it’s one I’d revisit. I preferred the narrator voicing Summer to Leo.

Good audio

Pretty good but not spectacular. I was hoping for more but the story was just average.

Likeable main characters

Loved it! Predicted part of the plot but it was still so enjoyable and thrilling. Finished it in two sittings 🫶🏼
Fresh atmosphere fast paced and truly enjoyable

Very good

Great performance and narration. This story of a devoted couple of female friends explored the dynamics of wealth, power, youth and gender. Loved the remote island setting. Compelling story!