What do you think?
Rate this book
Intersections
For fans of Emma Straub and Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeny, a debut contemporary women’s fiction novel about obsession, forgiveness, and friendship between two unlikely people.
Style-guru Charlotte Oakes sells beautiful lifestyles, but her mentally ill daughter is an addict, her long marriage is dead, and she is pregnant with her ex-lover’s baby. Stunned after witnessing a hit-and-run in Chicago that leaves a child dead, Charlotte thinks she sees her Prius fleeing the scene. Her troubled daughter, Libby, is the only one who could have been driving.
His partner and best friend killed in a drug bust, police officer Ed Kelly learns that forensics has found that the fatal bullet came from Ed’s gun. Under internal investigation, Ed copes by filming cars at the site of the recent hit-and-run, hoping to catch the child’s killer. There, he notices Charlotte’s pilgrimages to the makeshift memorial, and over the weeks, the two become unlikely friends sharing intimate stories. But Charlotte won’t trust him with her most vulnerable secret of her suspicions about her daughter’s involvement in the accident.
When Ed finally learns the truth about, he struggles with his beliefs and duties. If he keeps quiet, he has breached his commitment to the law. But if he does the right thing as an officer, he may send Libby to jail—and lose Charlotte.
Style-guru Charlotte Oakes sells beautiful lifestyles, but her mentally ill daughter is an addict, her long marriage is dead, and she is pregnant with her ex-lover’s baby. Stunned after witnessing a hit-and-run in Chicago that leaves a child dead, Charlotte thinks she sees her Prius fleeing the scene. Her troubled daughter, Libby, is the only one who could have been driving.
His partner and best friend killed in a drug bust, police officer Ed Kelly learns that forensics has found that the fatal bullet came from Ed’s gun. Under internal investigation, Ed copes by filming cars at the site of the recent hit-and-run, hoping to catch the child’s killer. There, he notices Charlotte’s pilgrimages to the makeshift memorial, and over the weeks, the two become unlikely friends sharing intimate stories. But Charlotte won’t trust him with her most vulnerable secret of her suspicions about her daughter’s involvement in the accident.
When Ed finally learns the truth about, he struggles with his beliefs and duties. If he keeps quiet, he has breached his commitment to the law. But if he does the right thing as an officer, he may send Libby to jail—and lose Charlotte.
- GenresFiction
296 pages, Paperback
Published May 6, 2025
6 people are currently reading
3418 people want to read
About the author
Karen F. Uhlmann
1 book9 followersKaren received her MFA in fiction from Bennington in 2010 and has published short stories and book reviews in Southern Indiana Review, Story, Whitefish Review, and The Common among others. She won the 2016 Rick Bass/Montana Fiction Award, and the 2012 Northern Colorado Writers Award judged by Antonya Nelson. She was recently shortlisted for the Lascaux Prize in Short Fiction and longlisted for a collection of short stories by The Santa Fe Writers Project. A long-time Chicago resident, she now lives in Los Angeles.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 13, 2025
Wow. Just finished "Intersections" by Karen Uhlman and I'm emotionally drained in the best possible way.
This book explores what happens when people's lives collide in unexpected ways. Charlotte Oakes projects the perfect image as a style guru, but behind closed doors, she's dealing with a mentally ill daughter with addiction issues, a failed marriage, and a pregnancy from an affair. When she witnesses a hit-and-run and suspects her own daughter was driving her car during the incident, the story takes off.
Then there's Ed Kelly, a police officer whose partner was killed by a bullet from Ed's own gun. He's drawn to the hit-and-run site where he notices Charlotte making regular visits to the memorial. Their unlikely friendship develops into something deeper, but both are hiding devastating secrets.
Things I loved:
The complex, flawed characters who felt utterly real
How Uhlman explores moral gray areas without preaching
The tension that builds naturally as secrets threaten to surface
The relationship between Charlotte and Ed, which develops slowly and believably
The story raises powerful questions: How far would you go to protect someone you love? What happens when duty conflicts with emotion? When does protecting someone become enabling them?
This isn't a straightforward thriller or romance - it's richer and more nuanced than either. The ending left me thinking about these characters long after I closed the book.
If you enjoy character-driven stories with moral complexity like Jodi Picoult or Liane Moriarty, you'll find yourself completely absorbed in "Intersections." One of my favorite reads this year
Thank you, NetGalley/Karen F. Uhlmann/For this amazing eARC in advance, for my honest review. All opinions are of my own volition.
This book explores what happens when people's lives collide in unexpected ways. Charlotte Oakes projects the perfect image as a style guru, but behind closed doors, she's dealing with a mentally ill daughter with addiction issues, a failed marriage, and a pregnancy from an affair. When she witnesses a hit-and-run and suspects her own daughter was driving her car during the incident, the story takes off.
Then there's Ed Kelly, a police officer whose partner was killed by a bullet from Ed's own gun. He's drawn to the hit-and-run site where he notices Charlotte making regular visits to the memorial. Their unlikely friendship develops into something deeper, but both are hiding devastating secrets.
Things I loved:
The complex, flawed characters who felt utterly real
How Uhlman explores moral gray areas without preaching
The tension that builds naturally as secrets threaten to surface
The relationship between Charlotte and Ed, which develops slowly and believably
The story raises powerful questions: How far would you go to protect someone you love? What happens when duty conflicts with emotion? When does protecting someone become enabling them?
This isn't a straightforward thriller or romance - it's richer and more nuanced than either. The ending left me thinking about these characters long after I closed the book.
If you enjoy character-driven stories with moral complexity like Jodi Picoult or Liane Moriarty, you'll find yourself completely absorbed in "Intersections." One of my favorite reads this year
Thank you, NetGalley/Karen F. Uhlmann/For this amazing eARC in advance, for my honest review. All opinions are of my own volition.
May 3, 2025
Thank's friends at Books Forward for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.
With a gripping start, Intersections had my full attention from the very first page. The emotional weight is palpable as Charlotte navigates her way to the intersetction where a tragic accident occurs. The arrival of a cop at the scene triggers Charlotte's fear that her vehicle and he daughter are involved in the hit-and-run. The second chapter introduces Ed, the cop, and delves into his motivations to aprehend the drivier. The narrative unfolds through alteranting POVs, allowing the reader to unravel the layers of these characters who form an unexpected bond in the face of adversity.
While the story is anchored in a tragic accident, it delves deeply into the personal struggles of its characters. Charlotte and Ed's lives intersect at various points, from the accident that brings them together to their shared experiences of navigating late-age pregnacies. The narrative skillfuly explores themes of pregnacies, fertility issues, and the challenges of parenthood, making these characters and their stories remarkably relatable. Uhlmann's characters are perfectly crafted to bring theses themes to life, creating a compelling and engaging read.
The protagonist's sudden friendship lends itself to a safe space where they both offer each other a listening ear free from judgement, but can it survive the truth Charlotte has been keeping about her daughter Libby? This youn woman struggles with severe OCD and her sobriety, and Charlotte is put in a challenging position to protect her daughter and be honest. On the other hand, Ed, who knows what it is like to feel responsible for an accidental death, is put in a challenging positions as well. He must choose between the oath he took as a polic office and forgiving for the sake of a frienship. Charlotte and Ed are likable yet contradicting; sometimes, their heart is in the right place, but they are flawed. The characters weaknesses will leave readers with strong feelings about their actions and the resolution of this story.
A good page-turner with secrets and lots of drama. It has some unlikable secondary characters that add more spice to the already messy plot. This is a great weekend or summer read. Don't keep it a secret, share it with a friend. Will make an excellet book club or buddy read, lotss to disucss.
With a gripping start, Intersections had my full attention from the very first page. The emotional weight is palpable as Charlotte navigates her way to the intersetction where a tragic accident occurs. The arrival of a cop at the scene triggers Charlotte's fear that her vehicle and he daughter are involved in the hit-and-run. The second chapter introduces Ed, the cop, and delves into his motivations to aprehend the drivier. The narrative unfolds through alteranting POVs, allowing the reader to unravel the layers of these characters who form an unexpected bond in the face of adversity.
While the story is anchored in a tragic accident, it delves deeply into the personal struggles of its characters. Charlotte and Ed's lives intersect at various points, from the accident that brings them together to their shared experiences of navigating late-age pregnacies. The narrative skillfuly explores themes of pregnacies, fertility issues, and the challenges of parenthood, making these characters and their stories remarkably relatable. Uhlmann's characters are perfectly crafted to bring theses themes to life, creating a compelling and engaging read.
The protagonist's sudden friendship lends itself to a safe space where they both offer each other a listening ear free from judgement, but can it survive the truth Charlotte has been keeping about her daughter Libby? This youn woman struggles with severe OCD and her sobriety, and Charlotte is put in a challenging position to protect her daughter and be honest. On the other hand, Ed, who knows what it is like to feel responsible for an accidental death, is put in a challenging positions as well. He must choose between the oath he took as a polic office and forgiving for the sake of a frienship. Charlotte and Ed are likable yet contradicting; sometimes, their heart is in the right place, but they are flawed. The characters weaknesses will leave readers with strong feelings about their actions and the resolution of this story.
A good page-turner with secrets and lots of drama. It has some unlikable secondary characters that add more spice to the already messy plot. This is a great weekend or summer read. Don't keep it a secret, share it with a friend. Will make an excellet book club or buddy read, lotss to disucss.
October 13, 2025
I won this book in a Library Thing giveaway. I have to say I really enjoyed it overall, even though it tapered off a bit for me toward the very end. The storyline was really interesting and kept me wanting to read…and I liked the alternating perspectives. But I started to realize our main female character really doesn’t have any affect, which made her feel a bit flat. I don’t know how anyone could keep it together like that, given how many major things she was dealing with. But it’s a unique novel that held my attention.
July 8, 2025
4.5. Great character development and a story based off a real event-two of my favorite things. Loved it! Sean “works”with Karen’s husband -so that was fun too.
April 25, 2025
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
Intersections is told in an honest way. I love the direct, open dialogue that happens between characters, particularly Charlotte and Ed. They form a unique friendship that isn’t conventional and not accepted by their inner circle, but despite what others think, they still pursue the friendship because they need to rely and depend on one another. Charlotte feels as though she has no one else in her corner, and Ed feels misunderstood.
The dynamic between Charlotte and her daughter Libby is heartbreaking to read. Charlotte tries incessantly to do all she can to help Libby, but given Libby’s mental health struggles, the help feels far outside the realm of truth and reality for her. It doesn’t help that Charlotte’s ex– Libby’s father–isn’t much of a presence or support. Often, Charlotte takes on everything, but at a huge detriment to herself.
The hit-and-run site, despite its dark beginnings, becomes a type of sanctuary and meeting ground for Charlotte and Ed. There, they both work towards a common goal of solving the hit-and-run, even with Charlotte already suspecting that her daughter might have been the culprit. There are deep conversations that take root there, too, allowing Charlotte a means of dealing with her grief over her broken home and the impending birth of a child she carries who has no real safe paternal lineage, while trying to work through the tough relationship she has with Libby.
For Ed, the talks he has with Charlotte remind him that there is life beyond the police force, even while dealing with the loss of his partner. There is a lot of change and transition happening in his world, too, and he feels lost and desperate at times. There were a lot of interesting scenarios that I don’t often get to read about, like parental surrogacy, and it was told from a very real perspective. In the end, I hoped for the best for everyone involved, even Libby, who could be difficult to understand and relate to. I love reading about unconventional friendships and really, familial structures that don’t meet the one-size-fits-all standard, and I felt Intersections really gave insight into both subjects and it was written well. It was a definite five-star experience!
Intersections is told in an honest way. I love the direct, open dialogue that happens between characters, particularly Charlotte and Ed. They form a unique friendship that isn’t conventional and not accepted by their inner circle, but despite what others think, they still pursue the friendship because they need to rely and depend on one another. Charlotte feels as though she has no one else in her corner, and Ed feels misunderstood.
The dynamic between Charlotte and her daughter Libby is heartbreaking to read. Charlotte tries incessantly to do all she can to help Libby, but given Libby’s mental health struggles, the help feels far outside the realm of truth and reality for her. It doesn’t help that Charlotte’s ex– Libby’s father–isn’t much of a presence or support. Often, Charlotte takes on everything, but at a huge detriment to herself.
The hit-and-run site, despite its dark beginnings, becomes a type of sanctuary and meeting ground for Charlotte and Ed. There, they both work towards a common goal of solving the hit-and-run, even with Charlotte already suspecting that her daughter might have been the culprit. There are deep conversations that take root there, too, allowing Charlotte a means of dealing with her grief over her broken home and the impending birth of a child she carries who has no real safe paternal lineage, while trying to work through the tough relationship she has with Libby.
For Ed, the talks he has with Charlotte remind him that there is life beyond the police force, even while dealing with the loss of his partner. There is a lot of change and transition happening in his world, too, and he feels lost and desperate at times. There were a lot of interesting scenarios that I don’t often get to read about, like parental surrogacy, and it was told from a very real perspective. In the end, I hoped for the best for everyone involved, even Libby, who could be difficult to understand and relate to. I love reading about unconventional friendships and really, familial structures that don’t meet the one-size-fits-all standard, and I felt Intersections really gave insight into both subjects and it was written well. It was a definite five-star experience!
July 5, 2025
A tragic twist of fate brought them together. Friendship binds them together. But one person’s secrets might just tear them apart. Will these two unlikely strangers turned friends be able to navigate the chaos and lies and find their way through it all?
To have a child die so early in a book really shook me, especially since I wasn’t reading one of my usual police procedurals. However, the hit and run aspect drew me in, made me want to know the truth – was it Charlotte’s Prius or was it just a similar car? These are things I had to know and fast.
Charlotte Oakes is an interesting character in that she’s not a great person, but you root for her anyway. She loves her daughter, fights to give her the chances she deserves, but she’s also cheating on her husband. Despite that, she shows over and over how loyal and dedicated she is to her daughter, Libby, and later to her new friend, Ed.
I hate to admit it, but for the majority of the book, I did not like Libby at all. This makes me cringe because the poor girl had issues, things that were actually compounded by her father’s actions – or lack thereof. But I still had a hard time whenever she was in Chicago with Charlotte. However, she does get some major character growth, which made me happy.
Ed Kelly I liked immediately. He reminded me of the police officers you’d find in older TV shows – a bit chubby, genial, and focused on just doing the best job he could do, given any set of circumstances. He’s also struggling since his partner was killed. He and Charlotte make an odd pair, but they definitely work. They both bring something unique to the situation to help the other.
Intersections is more a story about families and friends than it is about discovering who was driving the car. While I hadn’t been expecting that, it still worked and made for an engaging and enjoyable novel. I did feel like the conclusion to the hit and run was a bit anti-climactic, but the end results were reasonable and understandable. Overall, this was a well-written story with complex and likable characters. I’d highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys domestic fiction or stories about complicated families and how they interact.
To have a child die so early in a book really shook me, especially since I wasn’t reading one of my usual police procedurals. However, the hit and run aspect drew me in, made me want to know the truth – was it Charlotte’s Prius or was it just a similar car? These are things I had to know and fast.
Charlotte Oakes is an interesting character in that she’s not a great person, but you root for her anyway. She loves her daughter, fights to give her the chances she deserves, but she’s also cheating on her husband. Despite that, she shows over and over how loyal and dedicated she is to her daughter, Libby, and later to her new friend, Ed.
I hate to admit it, but for the majority of the book, I did not like Libby at all. This makes me cringe because the poor girl had issues, things that were actually compounded by her father’s actions – or lack thereof. But I still had a hard time whenever she was in Chicago with Charlotte. However, she does get some major character growth, which made me happy.
Ed Kelly I liked immediately. He reminded me of the police officers you’d find in older TV shows – a bit chubby, genial, and focused on just doing the best job he could do, given any set of circumstances. He’s also struggling since his partner was killed. He and Charlotte make an odd pair, but they definitely work. They both bring something unique to the situation to help the other.
Intersections is more a story about families and friends than it is about discovering who was driving the car. While I hadn’t been expecting that, it still worked and made for an engaging and enjoyable novel. I did feel like the conclusion to the hit and run was a bit anti-climactic, but the end results were reasonable and understandable. Overall, this was a well-written story with complex and likable characters. I’d highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys domestic fiction or stories about complicated families and how they interact.
May 9, 2025
Intersections by Karen F. Uhlmann is a book about two people. Ed is a Chicago Police officer and Charlotte is a lifestyle person who both are haunted by a shared experience. Charlotte is involved in an accident between a father and child in an intersection. A young girl is killed at the scene of the accident and doesn't make it after that. Charlotte has her own grown daughter who has some problems of her own and disappears after the accident involving the young girl. Charlotte doesn't want to frighten her husband as Charlotte abuses alcohol and it may be a bit much for Daniel to take.
The story is interesting as the reader is left trying to figure out what happened to this young girl who killed in the accident. Charlotte also has a secret, a hidden lover named Emory. It seems like Charlotte is the overprotective mom and wants to coddle Libby, her daughter, who is old enough to live on her own as an adult. Ed did see Charlotte at the scene as a witness but Charlotte ran off and didn't want to be involved in the investigation. Ed is trying to clear his name on leave from the force after the incident with the young girl for the rest of the book. The writing is paced well and the characters are relatable. I would recommend this book to fans of thrillers and mysteries who want to see what really happens when people become obsessed and maybe forgiven!
The story is interesting as the reader is left trying to figure out what happened to this young girl who killed in the accident. Charlotte also has a secret, a hidden lover named Emory. It seems like Charlotte is the overprotective mom and wants to coddle Libby, her daughter, who is old enough to live on her own as an adult. Ed did see Charlotte at the scene as a witness but Charlotte ran off and didn't want to be involved in the investigation. Ed is trying to clear his name on leave from the force after the incident with the young girl for the rest of the book. The writing is paced well and the characters are relatable. I would recommend this book to fans of thrillers and mysteries who want to see what really happens when people become obsessed and maybe forgiven!
July 16, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The title is SO fitting for this book. A story of several lives that intersect. A friendship is formed and the bond between Ed and Charlotte helps them both navigate through the hard times in their personal lives. But when a secret is discovered it could throw things off and everyone will have to make a decision that could affect their futures. I got to know the characters so well in this book and I absolutely loved them all. I could feel tensions build up inside me as a I read and felt worried what the secret could do to all of them. This was an endearing book that despite some serious parts, has a heart warming feeling in much of the pages. I wish this story never ended because I already miss the characters so much.
October 6, 2025
"Intersections" by Karen F. Uhlmann was an interesting, well-written, and thought-provoking read. Even though this is a fictional novel, the characters are believable. They all have their flaws, as well as their likeable side. As a reader, the plot makes you think and have compassion for the complexity of human nature. Without divulging any of the plot, I feel that the ending can be controversial. Some readers will like it, and others will have issues with it. Based on this, I believe that "Intersections" would make a great book club read.
I look forward to reading additional novels by Ms. Uhlmann!
I look forward to reading additional novels by Ms. Uhlmann!
February 8, 2026
Intersections by Karen F. Uhlmann is a gripping debut in contemporary women’s fiction, weaving together suspense, emotional complexity, and unlikely friendships. Through Charlotte Oakes and police officer Ed Kelly, Uhlmann explores themes of obsession, forgiveness, and moral ambiguity, creating characters whose vulnerabilities and secrets resonate deeply.
The novel balances tense drama with intimate emotional storytelling, keeping readers invested in the mysteries and moral dilemmas that drive the plot. Uhlmann’s deft handling of contemporary social issues, relationships, and internal conflict makes this a standout read for fans of emotionally charged, character driven fiction.
The novel balances tense drama with intimate emotional storytelling, keeping readers invested in the mysteries and moral dilemmas that drive the plot. Uhlmann’s deft handling of contemporary social issues, relationships, and internal conflict makes this a standout read for fans of emotionally charged, character driven fiction.
February 13, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC!
A woman discontented with life has an affair and happens to watch her daughter hit and run a little girl. She tries to do right by her daughter and in the process, strikes up a friendship with the cop who was there on the day.
To be honest, I don't see the point of this book. It comes off as justifying infidelity and covering up of crimes. Addiction is real, but when there are victims in this equation who lost their lives, attributing these coverups to motherly love and making it out to be some great equalizer is icky on multiple levels.
It's a quick read, sure, but not something I am comfortable recommending.
A woman discontented with life has an affair and happens to watch her daughter hit and run a little girl. She tries to do right by her daughter and in the process, strikes up a friendship with the cop who was there on the day.
To be honest, I don't see the point of this book. It comes off as justifying infidelity and covering up of crimes. Addiction is real, but when there are victims in this equation who lost their lives, attributing these coverups to motherly love and making it out to be some great equalizer is icky on multiple levels.
It's a quick read, sure, but not something I am comfortable recommending.
February 22, 2025
I enjoyed this read. I felt that the author did well with character development, even for the characters that aren't in the book a lot, like Charlotte's mother. As a mom, Charlotte was relatable and I found myself emotional during some of her tribulations. Ed was also likeable and I enjoyed his side as well. I felt the plot was tied up nicely at the end, and also enjoyed Charlotte's run-in with a certain someone in the last chapter. Would recommend this book to others.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
July 25, 2025
When fate collides at a single intersection, two unlikely souls find themselves bound by tragedy. Uhlmann masterfully weaves a spellbinding narrative that pulls readers deep into the fractured yet resilient hearts of these characters. As these wounded strangers evolve into unlikely allies, their raw confessions and moral reckonings with infidelity, fertility, and the behavior of a mentally ill child create an addictive page-turner that explores the complex beauty of human connection forged in the aftermath of loss.
April 25, 2025
This book follows Charlotte and Ed who meet while they continue returning to the intersection of a hit and run, they both witnessed. I enjoyed this book and thought the plot flowed nicely and the ending was satisfying. There was great character development for all the characters, including some of the side ones as well. My favorite character growth is Libby who really found herself by the end of the book. Thank you to BFF and the author for my advanced copy!
July 2, 2025
Karen Uhlmann's Intersections is a quiet masterpiece. This book explores how lives touch and change each other- sometimes by design and sometimes by chance. Intersections is a beautifully written, and an emotionally resonant debut. Karen Uhlmann weaves together seemingly ordinary lives in extraordinary ways reminding us of how interconnected we all are. A moving and memorable read-I couldn't put it down.
March 1, 2025
A Wattpad novel for the premenopause crowd. You know that trend of making fun of how men write women? Well, the way the author described Emory had the same energy and honestly made me gag. It’ll definitely find its audience with Colleen Hoover fans and certain corners of BookTok, but it’s just not for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
June 1, 2025
Intersections is an exquisitely written novel that is also a page turner. Karen Uhlman’s characters are complex: both flawed and well meaning, they are like all of us human. The prose is direct and easy to read. Intersections is a novel about love, loss, grief and possibility of finding redemption. A gripping story-I couldn’t put it down and I am thinking about it still.
May 30, 2025
I loved this book! Charlotte, the main character, experiences life changing struggles, but is able to find a path through them .The other characters, family and a new friend, are well developd and add to the enjoyment.
June 28, 2025
I love how Karen Uhlmann took a haunting real life event and spun around it a story rife with vivid imagery, unusual characters and plot twists. Couldn't put it down. Bravo!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews