Severance Star Britt Lower Reads Exclusive Excerpt from Debut Novel 'The Plunge'

The psychological thriller from playwright Lila Raicek explores trauma, female desire, and self-discovery after loss.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up image of shattered glass and sparkling gemstones, captured in dramatic studio lighting to create a sense of high-end glamour and underlying tension.The luxurious textures and hidden dangers at the core of Lila Raicek's debut novel 'The Plunge' are evoked in this glamorous, high-contrast macro photograph.NYC Today

Lila Raicek's debut novel 'The Plunge' follows Liv, a grieving woman caught in a love triangle with secrets and deception. PEOPLE has an exclusive first listen of 'Severance' star Britt Lower reading from the book's prologue.

Why it matters

As a multi-hyphenate creative, Raicek aims to 'crack open a dialogue around female desire' with this 'searing suspense' novel that explores the 'unseen aftermath of trauma' and the 'complexities of female sexuality.' The book has already earned praise from acclaimed authors.

The details

The Plunge follows a grieving young woman named Liv as she gets pulled into a seductive love triangle. 'As secrets from her past begin to resurface, she is forced to question who's lying, who she can trust — and whether, in the end, she can trust herself,' the publisher teases. The novel is described as perfect for readers of Emma Cline's The Guest and Raven Leilani's Luster.

  • The Plunge will be released on April 21, 2026.
  • The audiobook version will feature narration by Dylan Moore.

The players

Lila Raicek

The author of The Plunge, a multi-hyphenate creative who previously worked in New York theater.

Britt Lower

The star of the TV series Severance, who narrates an exclusive excerpt from The Plunge's prologue.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've known Lila as a playwright since our early days in New York theatre, and she's always created such complex, provocative female characters. I'm thrilled for her to share her gorgeous words with the world in this brilliant and hypnotic debut novel.”

— Britt Lower

“A first novel always feels deeply personal, but I am excited for the book to crack open a dialogue around female desire. Starting over after loss is rarely a linear path; it's often turbulent and chaotic, even self-destructive. I hope readers will come away from the book, like Liv, unafraid to plunge into dark emotional depths, with the belief that there is a next chapter. (And I hope it's a tantalizing summer read in the process!)”

— Lila Raicek, Author

What’s next

The Plunge will hit shelves on April 21, 2026 and is available for preorder now.

The takeaway

This debut novel from playwright Lila Raicek promises to explore complex themes of trauma, female desire, and self-discovery, with the added intrigue of a psychological thriller plot. The book has already earned praise from acclaimed authors, and the exclusive audiobook excerpt read by Severance star Britt Lower offers a tantalizing preview.