The Stager: A Novel

A New York Times Book Review and Chicago Tribune Editors' Choice

As a stager, Eve Brenner orchestrates the quick cosmetic fixes that make a house desirable to a prospective buyer. But when she steps into the home of an investment banker and her tennis-star husband, the Stager realizes that she knows too much about one of the house's occupants: The wife, beautiful and brilliant Bella, was once her best friend.

While Bella's life has followed a steady upward trajectory, Eve's has unraveled-and she isn't the only one struggling with Bella's success. Lars Jorgenson was a handsome Wimbledon finalist when he first met his wife. Now he is depressed, obese, and slowly coming undone on prescription medications. Their ten-year-old daughter, Elsa, is dealing with multiple losses: her parents are preparing to move the family overseas, her rabbit has run away, and she soon will be separated from her beloved nanny. Lonely and vulnerable, she bonds with the Stager while her parents are away assessing the family's next home-and forges a new friendship that gives everyone cause for concern. A dark comedy of real estate and rabbits, The Stager questions matters of friendship, family, and loyalty to hilarious effect.