“There were many moments when I wondered if I was making Margo too despicable. But I hoped that building out her backstory and giving her a wicked sense of humor would generate some empathy and induce readers to stick around. Because yeah, she does some horrible things and has some appalling views, but funny people are usually at least a solid hang! She’s also self-made, having come from humble, somewhat tragic beginnings, which I personally admire about her and hoped others would, too.
The other thing — maybe the most important thing — is that she harbors a constant, boiling rage as a result of the immense pressure she feels as a late-30s woman trying her damnedest to have it all. Creating that part of her character was incredibly cathartic for me”
― Marisa Kashino, Interview, Bookweb
What booksellers are saying about Best Offer Wins
- The fact that I was as stressed as Margo was about getting the house of her dreams in this thriller of a novel is telling! Her obsession is off the charts and her determination to get what she wants will stun you.
― Barb Rascon, Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina | BUY
-
This takes “cutthroat real estate market” to a whole other level! I can’t believe this is a debut novel- it was expertly executed and alarmingly realistic. Given the right person, you can see how this could all play out, which was maybe the most disturbing part of this psychological thriller!
― Allyn Oliver, The Bluffton Bookshop in Bluffton , South Carolina | BUY
-
Margo is stuck, struggling with this phase of her life. She has goals: get pregnant, buy a house, fall back in love with her husband. These significant life events are intertwined. Her inner dialogue is hilarious and edgy. I admired Margo’s intelligence. She is a serial liar and is devoted to none, other than Fritter, the neighbor’s dog. I am so pleased to recommend this exceptional debut thriller.
― Liz Tietsworth, Copperfish Books in Punta Gorda, Florida | BUY
-
Meet your new favorite anti-hero, Margot. She’s smart, she’s accomplished, she’s driven … but she’s also stressed and desperate for a forever home, which seems truly impossible in today’s cutthroat housing market in DC. Margot’s monomaniacal for all the trappings of a normal life…maybe because she’s far from normal herself. If you like stories that make you laugh and cringe in equal measure, this is the perfect appalling tale for you!
― Maggie Robe, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina | BUY
About Marisa Kashino
Marisa Kashino was a journalist for 17 years, most recently at The Washington Post. She spent the bulk of her career at Washingtonian magazine, writing long-form features and overseeing the real estate and home design coverage. She grew up near Seattle, graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in journalism and political science. She lives in the DC area with her husband, two dogs, and two cats. Best Offer Wins is her first novel.
