I really wanted to like this book. I love the author and have done right from my childhood, through Spandau Ballet, The Krays, Eastenders and to the present day. I enjoyed the beginning, meeting Johnny Klein, a once-was 80’s rock star who has now lost everything. His downfall was sad but interesting and I wondered how he was going to get back on his feet...if he ever would? The author has obviously drawn up his knowledge with his vast pop lifestyle to write Klein’s character and this added a genuine reality to him. However, after a good start, I found the storyline slowed up and I struggled to keep my interest in the story. There were parts where it sprang back and I was caught in the storyline again, but then it dipped and I lost it again. Unfortunately, this happened too many times for me to fully enjoy the book.

Started off ok but I didn’t finish the book,, couldn’t get into it, story and characters seemed slow , not my cup of tea.

Martin Kemp, musician and actor, and best known as a founding member and bassist in Spandau Ballet, now turns his many talents to writing, in this London underworld thriller.

Former pop star Johnny Klein was an icon in his time, but he’s hit the hard times, years of drinking, drugs and generally abusing people’s care and kindness has finally caught up with him. His marriage is over, he barely sees his daughter Chelsea, well let’s face it, he was never there for her when it mattered anyway, and now he’s homeless, his beautiful mansion in Mill Hill a luxury he can no longer afford.

Enter Mona, music journalist and friend who gives Johnny a roof over his head in her uncle Rishi’s Indian restaurant ‘Graceland’, it’s a tiny attic room but beggars can’t be choosers. Rishi’s cousin Ravi performs there as an Elvis impersonator, hoping to hit the big time, and he hopes Johnny will help in his quest. Ravi is a wonderful personality, but this is a performer who isn’t keen on an audience!

The whole sorry mess then begins when musician Pete Slater offers Johnny some work, nothing in the music world like Johnny was hoping for, but it’s a decent one off payment and a lifeline he can’t afford to turn down.

Johnny’s made poor decisions all his life, but this one might just be the worst ever, dragging him as it does, into East London’s criminal underbelly.

Well, just because author Martin Kemp has had a very successful career with Spandau Ballet doesn’t necessarily mean that he will be a great writer, but guess what, I think he’s done a great job. This thriller was well written, with some terrific characters, not least Ravi who was a delight. It was a gritty and well paced story and very enjoyable. Recommended.

I wasn't sure what to expect from singer and actor to author but I was pleasantly surprised. A fast paced novel which gripped from the beginning with a great storyline that seems to me to be based on Martin himself in another life. You couldn't help but feel sorry for Johnny even though he brought things on himself. I hope there's a follow up book as I for one will definitely read it.

I imagine this is like being in a room with Martin Kemp and hearing his entertaining narration about a fantasy world [possibly with underlying currents of truth] told through the eyes of his lifelong imaginary friend Johnny Klein. I read it in a couple of sittings as it was so gripping, absorbing and interesting.
As I am based in London and familiar with Top of the Pops studios, Brick Lane and Chelsea it all seemed very real and credible.
Highly recommended, you won't be disappointed!

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. Is there nothing that this man cannot do, fast paced and edge of the seat thriller that had me hooked from the beginning.

80s pop legend Johnny Klein is washed up, he's lost his house, his marriage and his career is over. Handing over the keys to his mansion the only thing keeping him off the streets is the offer of a room above an East End Indian restaurant called 'Graceland' courtesy of music journalist Mona's Uncle Rishi.

There was so much to like about this novel, its got humour, its got community and beyond the banter its also got heart. Graceland, with its resident Elvis impersonator Ravi is a great setting with wonderful characters. And speaking of characters there's Johnny, he's done bad things, he's hurt people, he's made poor decisions, he's trusted the wrong people but there was something immensely likeable about this character.

The forward by Kemp regarding the origin of fictional rockstar Johnny Klein was interesting reading as was his insight into life behind the glamour and the spotlights. I'll admit to idle curiosity/nostalgia being my main reason for wanting to read this. I wasn't exactly a fan but I do recall the pretty boys of Spandau Ballet being 'there' during my younger days and 'True' was always playing in the background for that last fumble on the dancefloor before everyone went home.

I was pleasantly surprised, this novel was well written, descriptive and whilst the plot sometimes descends into comedy caper its got heart, its got community and its got some great characters.

My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read an advance copy, I was under no obligation and all opinions expressed are my own.

With many strings to his bow singer,actor,tv star and all round Nice guy and now first time fiction author with a book that is really well written with likable main characters and a few rouges along the way.
A good gritty storyline that also pulled at the heartstrings at times.
I'd love to find out more about Johhny Klein in hopefully a follow up book.
A brilliant debut book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC.

A book that stays with you after you’ve finished it!

I loved this story, it felt very real and had a few unexpected twists and turns, I defy anyone not to have a little cry right at the end, it really triggered at my heart strings.

I’m always a little cautious when a “celebrity “ turns to writing novels however Martin has nailed this one. Thrilling, heartfelt and thought provoking- I hope there will be more!

Thank you to Netgalley the author and publishers for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review

Martin Kemp - bass guitarist with Spandau Ballet, actor, multiple TV appearances and now a fiction author!

Former popstar, Johnny Klein, an 80s idol, has hit the skids, he’s bone weary, washed up, his marriage is on the rocks and now he’s homeless. The booze, drugs, rumours, truths, half truths have done their worst and he’s a tattered rumpled sight for sore eyes. He’s hit rock bottom and the only way is up. How the mighty have fallen.

Thirty five year-old Mona is a music journalist. She came to the United Kingdom from Bangladesh to live with her uncle Rishi, who owns the restaurant “Graceland“ in Brick Lane, East London. Much to Johnny’s surprise Mona invites Johnny to live with them at Graceland. When musician Pete Slater offers him work, it’s not quite what Johnny has in mind……

I admit to curiosity about this one as I really like Martin Kemp but I also admit to having no expectations especially as he’s never written a novel before but actually it’s good and he’s certainly got a future as an author if that’s on the cards. He can certainly write well, it’s vivid, expressive, colourful and his descriptions bring places, and characters alive - a case in point being Graceland. What a terrific setting and it lends itself to some very creative scenes and one wonderful character both of which are very enjoyable.

The characterisation is very good, especially of Johnny and you do see aspects of him in the author, the ice blue eyes for instance. I really like how the name comes about!! Whilst Johnny does do things that make you wince, he is extremely likeable and you genuinely want things to turn around for him. Mona is lovely, as is Rishi and their friendship and kindness is just what he needs. They’re an excellent counterbalance to the less likeable characters that grace the pages.

For a while, I wonder where the plot is heading as there are several separate strands but it does start to connect and a gritty storyline emerges with just the right amount of entertaining chaos. Johnny is right up against it as an ‘old friend’ reappears. It’s a well paced and never a dull moment read and is engaging right to the dramatic end which does make me smile and rather pleases me.

Overall, I would like to see how Johnny gets on and so a follow-up would be great.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, HarperFiction for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Post to Goodreads and X on 25/8

Post to Amazon and Waterstones on 9/11.

A good read that is well paced. Very authentic characters but I just couldn't help placing Martin Kemp as Johnny Klein!

For reasons everyone knows why I was looking forward to reading this.
And Mr kemp didn't disappoint. The story was great and I hope it's going to follow on to another few books.

Absolutely loved this story. You can't help but feel there is quite a lot of Martin Kemp in the main character Johnny Klein.. I'm always skeptical when a famous face dives into the world of fiction but Martin delivered a brilliant debut. I can't wait to see what his mind writes next.

I have to hold my hands up and say I love Martin, he’s such a decent bloke for someone in the showbiz world and I’m delighted that this novel is such a fun read, I wish him every success

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this Arc

Wow what can I say what a brilliant book by a new author. Loved him as a singer but wow his book was just as good.

Thriller page turner loved it