The Penthouse by Catherine Cooper @HarperFiction #NetGalley #crime #thriller #suspense #bookreview
I am delighted to share my review today for The Penthouse by Catherine Cooper. I have read a few of this author’s books, and I definitely enjoy them. This one is the latest, and it is fabulous.
My huge thanks to Harper Collins for accepting my request to read this title via NetGalley.
Beneath the glamour dark secrets lurk.
World famous singer Enola had it all – fame, fortune, and a breathtaking penthouse view. Then she vanished without a trace, leaving the band’s careers in ruins.
Fifteen years on, the remaining members are reuniting for a series of concerts in Las Vegas. But when mysterious accidents plague them, some start to wonder if Enola is back for revenge.
What happened all those years ago – and who really knows the truth?
MY REVIEW
I have read a few of this author’s books, and I think this one is her best to date. For me, she really captured the toxic world of the media, rising stars, and so many other things that I won’t mention for fear of spoiling the book for others.
Think of an “X Factor” style of TV show. A pair come on to audition, one is selected and the other isn’t. This is what happens to Enola. She was selected, even though she wasn’t that bothered about auditioning; she did it for her friend. Fast forward to after the show has ended. Enola is given a chance to join a new girl band called Breathe, and they make an impact on the music world. They join with the already established boy band. Together they make music, sell papers, pictures and all that comes with being a star.
With the success of the band, Enola is able to buy a penthouse flat. Luxury and opulent, but when the after-award-ceremony party finishes, Enola is not to be found. No one knows why she has left, her passport gone, no sign of her for 2 decades. A tribute show is arranged, is this to finally lay the memory of Enola to rest, or will she suddenly appear out of the woodwork?
Jealousy is a huge vibe through this story and from so many characters, some I sort of expected but others… well, I will let you discover that for yourself! But, to be fair, when you look at how celebrities are often portrayed or act, this is an understandable, if not very desirable, trait. The author does use it to great effect within this story.
I enjoyed the flitting back and forth between the main characters and an unknown one. These go back and forth in time as the author gives different perspectives, thoughts, opinions and how events play out. There is a threat, and this becomes more and more obvious as the reunion tour starts.
In a world where egos are as big as the billboards and record sales, there is going to be some strain in the professional relationship, and the author manages to portray this through the story. This is something that occurs throughout the story, after all, where there is jealousy, then its friend’s ego is sure to be in close company.
The story was an amazing read, I liked how the author charts the life before and during the life in a band as well as the experiences from fellow bandmates, family and others. The timeline does flit, but it is easy to understand the dynamics between the characters changing and opinions dividing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, it is very engaging, quite complex as I think about it now, writing this review, but it didn’t feel so at the time. A mix of mystery, suspense, crime and thriller that would appeal to many readers, and one I would definitely recommend.
Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx
