The Lightning Bottles
A Novel
By Marissa Stapley
Table of Contents
About The Book
From the author of New York Times bestseller and Reese’s Book Club pick Lucky—a “fiercely visceral and exquisitely written” (People) story of rock ‘n’ roll and star-crossed love—comes a captivating novel about grunge-era musician Jane Pyre’s journey to unravel the secrets behind her husband’s mysterious disappearance.
He was the troubled face of rock ‘n’ roll…until he suddenly disappeared without a trace.
Jane Pyre was once half of the famous rock ‘n’ roll duo, the Lightning Bottles. Years later, she’s perhaps the most hated—and least understood—woman in music. She was never as popular with fans as her bandmate (and soulmate), Elijah Hart—even if Jane was the one who wrote the songs that catapulted the Lightning Bottles to instant, dizzying fame, first in the Seattle grunge scene, then around the world.
But ever since Elijah disappeared five years earlier and the band’s meteoric rise to fame came crashing down, the public hatred of Jane has taken on new levels, and all she wants to do is retreat. What she doesn’t anticipate is the bombshell that awaits her at her new home in the German countryside: the sullen teenaged girl next door—a Lightning Bottles superfan—who claims to have proof that not only is Elijah alive, he’s also been leaving secret messages for Jane. And they need to find him right away.
A cross-continent road trip about two misunderstood outsiders brought together by their shared love of music, The Lightning Bottles is “both a page-turning mystery and a love letter to the grunge era” (LitHub) that captures a searing portrait of the cost of fame.
He was the troubled face of rock ‘n’ roll…until he suddenly disappeared without a trace.
Jane Pyre was once half of the famous rock ‘n’ roll duo, the Lightning Bottles. Years later, she’s perhaps the most hated—and least understood—woman in music. She was never as popular with fans as her bandmate (and soulmate), Elijah Hart—even if Jane was the one who wrote the songs that catapulted the Lightning Bottles to instant, dizzying fame, first in the Seattle grunge scene, then around the world.
But ever since Elijah disappeared five years earlier and the band’s meteoric rise to fame came crashing down, the public hatred of Jane has taken on new levels, and all she wants to do is retreat. What she doesn’t anticipate is the bombshell that awaits her at her new home in the German countryside: the sullen teenaged girl next door—a Lightning Bottles superfan—who claims to have proof that not only is Elijah alive, he’s also been leaving secret messages for Jane. And they need to find him right away.
A cross-continent road trip about two misunderstood outsiders brought together by their shared love of music, The Lightning Bottles is “both a page-turning mystery and a love letter to the grunge era” (LitHub) that captures a searing portrait of the cost of fame.
Appearances
JUL 11
4:00PM
In Person
Bestselling author Marissa Stapley in conversation with LUCKY showrunner Cassie Pappas.
Learn MoreZibby's Bookshop
1113 Montana Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
JUL 21
5:30PM
In Person
Mark your calendar for STORYfest with Reese Witherspoon's Book Club, coming to Hudson Yards from 5:30–8:30 PM. This interactive series will feature author conversations, community gatherings, and exclusive surprises. For July, we’ll be celebrating t
Learn MoreNew York City at Hudson Yards
20 Hudson Yards
New York, NY 10001
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster (September 2, 2025)
- Length: 304 pages
- ISBN13: 9781668015773
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): The Lightning Bottles
Trade Paperback 9781668015773
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Author Photo (jpg): Marissa Stapley Photograph © Phillipa Croft(0.1 MB)
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