Bye, Baby

Bye, Baby (2024) is a domestic thriller by American author Carola Lovering. The story centers on the dramatic unraveling of the once-close friendship between Billie West and Cassie Barnwell, set against a backdrop of jealousy, betrayal, and high society in New York City. The tension reaches a peak when Cassie's baby disappears, revealing the dark undercurrents of a toxic relationship. Against this background, Lovering explores Class and Social Mobility, The Shifting Dynamics of Friendship, and The Consequences of Concealing the Truth.

This guide refers to the 2024 St. Martin’s Press eBook edition.

Content Warning: The source material includes depictions of toxic relationships, mental health conditions, sexual abuse, and psychological abuse.

Plot Summary

In the story’s Prologue, Billie sits in an apartment with Ella, her friend Cassie’s baby. Cassie screams from the apartment above and calls Billie’s cell phone.

The novel features two timelines: the weeks preceding Billie’s abduction of Ella and the backstory of Billie and Cassie’s childhood friendship. The narrative viewpoint alternates between the protagonists, Billie and Cassie.

In the more recent timeline, Billie feels increasingly shunned by Cassie, who rarely responds to her messages. Cassie is an Instagram influencer with her own boutique clothing store, and Billie is addicted to following her content.