I enjoyed this book. Light fun reading. The story moved at a great pace and even though a bit predictable, very enjoyable and I can't wait to read more from this author

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this e-arc!

This book was interesting enough to hold my attention while I was reading but I didn’t immediately want to keep picking it up!

Overall it was a good read

Excellent, well written debut with a fast pace. I enjoyed the mix of mystery and commentary on the (lack of) 'reality' in reality tv and social media. Chapters alternated focus giving a good insight into the main female characters. Can't say any of them were especially likeable but they seemed pretty real, and as self obsessed as would be expected. I sped through this book and I will definitely be picking up Catriona Stewart's next book.

Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC of #PeoplePleaser

This book is Love Island meets true crime which is the ideal intersection of my interests so I loved it.

People Pleaser is the story of Maggie, a wealthy, uber popular influencer who rose to fame on a reality dating show a few years ago. She won the show alongside Theo and the pair are now married and living the dream, until Maggie is found dead.

The book follows Emma, who is Maggie’s sister as she desperately searches for answers alongside her best friend and flatmate Jill and Jill’s boss Amanda.

The narrative also features flashbacks of Maggie’s time on the reality show that shot her to fame. Slowly the pieces of the story come together and we found out what really happened to Maggie, and why.

This was a fun, fast paced read that I raced through. It seems quite light hearted and frothy (despite the subject matter) but really it was a sharp look at influencer culture and how reality shows can destroy people’s lives. As someone who personally works in the media industry I recognised a lot of what goes on and it made it really interesting read on top of a pacy whodunnit.

I found the story line quite interesting, plot wise, I found it quite predictable.

After her sister's, Maggie, murder, Emma can't move on, this only gets worse when after only 3 months, the police considers the case cold. With the help of her roommate and her boss, the girls start digging to discover what the police might have missed, which was a lot!

Even though Emma and Maggie were very close, it turns out that Maggie hid a lot of her life from Emma. Being an influencer, with most of her life in display, Maggie's life was basically fake, and her sister had no idea.

I liked the representation of social media and "influencers", I think is quite relevant in this day and age. The deals made for "fame and fortune" seemed to me very close to reality.

The chatacters themselves were quite shallow, not much development or depth in their actions, some weirds actions and reactions, but some bits were entertaining enough that the story carried forward.

Honestly, the most interesting bits were Maggie's perspective and timeline, in the past, her experience through a reality tv and the aftermath. And she's the epitome of what some fame and money can do to your morals. I'm not team "murderer" but have to say I sympathise with their feelings, even though another course of action would have been more suitable (like disclosing the info online!).

Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

People Pleaser is written from the perspective of three women—Emma, Jill, and Amanda—follows them as they investigate the unsolved murder of Emma’s sister, Maggie, a dating show star and influencer. The story is a wild mix of dark comedy and suspense, whilst shining a light on what might happen behind the scenes in staging a reality show. If you’re into Love Island with a side of murder mystery, this one’s for you!

I was one of ten people chosen to receive the travelling ARC of People Pleaser! Before me it was Loz’s turn and we got to meet up at Bay Tales for a snap with the book!

When I had the book it came with me on a camping trip to the Lake District and after my time was up it was on its way to Keira.

People Pleaser is the debut murder mystery thriller from Catriona Stewart. Described as Love Island meets White Locus. Emma is devastated after the murder of her reality TV star-turned-influencer sister, Maggie. With no leads, it is written off as a cold-case just three and a half months into the investigation. Together with her housemate, Jill, and Jill’s TV boss Amanda – the three launch their own investigation into Maggie’s death.

The book fluctuates between passages from the three – mixed in with a timeline of events from Maggie’s point of view as she appeared on Loveshack, the reality show she starred in.

This was a compelling story that will make you think about true crime and influencer culture. “HBO is already slated to make a documentary about the murder, even though we know almost nothing about its circumstances. It will continue to be fictionalized and retold in TV shows and movies.”

Thank you to Catriona for sending me me the travelling ARC. I also received a digital copy via NetGalley.

Wow this was a page turner, I wasn't expecting it to be quite as gripping and dark but I loved every second of this, the world of reality TV and fame - I would recommend this if you like a good gripping dark read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)
Empowering, relatable, and refreshingly blunt. Catriona Stewart addresses the inner people pleaser with warmth and practical strategies for reclaiming boundaries. A great resource for readers looking to untangle emotional habits and step into healthier self-worth.

This was such a fun page turning thriller that I just couldn’t get enough of. I read half of it in one sitting and the rest the next day. I do love a look at the dark side of celebrity and this one was so juicy..and a murder!

Now I am. It a big reality TV fan but this book was so addictive. I can see the appeal of these kinds of shows but I just don’t watch them. It was fun to have a behind the scenes look at adapting TV show and how it changed the lives of its contestants. All the make up and fake news, I was there for it. The murder mystery was fun and twisty and I certainly did not pick whodunnit. Not all the characters were likeable and that makes it even more fun to read.

This was a great debut and I can’t wait to see what comes next for this author. Thanks so much to Random House UK, Cornerstone on NetGalley for my early copy to read. Publishes on May 22nd.

It took me a while to get into this book, and to keep up with the amount of different characters at the beginning. Definitely a slow burn with the last quarter of the book picking up the pace (for me). It did keep me on my toes, especially trying to figure out the killer so I appreciated the depth and having to think through who it might have been. Not sure the title matches the story aside from one line about the murder victim.

Overall I did enjoy it.


Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC :)

People Pleaser by Catriona Stewart is a thrilling mystery that takes a close look at the dark side of fame. The story starts with Maggie Lathrop, the popular winner of a dating show called LoveShack. Her life seems perfect until she's found murdered in an LA warehouse. Her sister Emma tries to uncover the truth behind Maggie's death, leading readers through a journey that exposes the complexities of Maggie's seemingly perfect life.

The characters are interesting and complex. Maggie is both charming and tragic as we see her rise to fame in flashback chapters. These parts are filled with dramatic irony since Maggie unknowingly contributes to her tragic fate. Emma is a determined protagonist dealing with grief and the shocking secrets about her sister. Other characters like Jill, Emma’s roommate, and Amanda, the show creator, add depth and bring their own motives to the plot. Some characters are unlikable, but they help highlight the toxic side of fame and social media.

One of the book's biggest strengths is its deep themes. Stewart examines how fame, reality TV, and social media can harm personal identity. Maggie's role as a “people pleaser” is relevant in today’s society, where appearances and social media validation matter so much. The book also touches on other important issues like misogyny, Hollywood exploitation, and the emotional toll of keeping up a public image.

Stewart’s writing style is sharp and engaging, switching smoothly between multiple perspectives to build suspense. The story moves between Maggie’s life before her death and Emma’s investigation afterward, creating a dynamic narrative that keeps readers engaged. The tone balances mystery with emotional depth, showing both the glamour and darkness of Maggie’s world. Some twists may be predictable for experienced mystery readers, but the overall impact remains strong.

The setting is vivid and immersive, taking readers into the glamorous yet empty world of LA celebrity culture. Stewart creates a stark contrast between perfect appearances and hidden despair, which enhances the emotional weight of the story.

Some minor drawbacks include underdeveloped subplots and a resolution that may leave some readers wanting more justice for Maggie. However, these don't take away from the book's many strengths.

What makes People Pleaser stand out is its blend of a gripping mystery with insightful social commentary. Stewart not only delivers an exciting story but also makes readers think about how fame can distort reality and relationships. This debut novel is an unforgettable read for fans of contemporary thrillers, especially those interested in the impact of reality TV.

3.5/5

The style, tone & pace of this book were good, as was the plot idea & description of characters but unfortunately it felt like nothing happened for most of the book - it was too slow & became repetitive.
It was obvious part way through 'whodunit' & by the time it got to that part I found I didn't care. Certain aspects were too laboured & the 'happy ever after' ending felt like a rushed afterthought with no care put into it.

"People Pleaser" by Catriona Stewart is an engaging novel that takes readers on a journey through the fascinating world of reality television and social media influencing.

The novel begins with the shocking murder of Maggie, a well loved figure in the reality TV and social media world. Emma, Maggie's sister, is devastated by the loss but determined to find justice after the police close the case after a few months, without finding the murderer.

Told in 2 timelines and several POVs the reader discovers the contrived nature of reality television and the sinister side of social media influencing, where appearances can be deceiving and totally untrue.

Emma is a relatable and resilient and is determined to uncover the truth.

Maggie's character, though deceased, plays a significant role in the story. Through flashbacks and Emma's investigation, we get glimpses of Maggie's life, her struggles, and the pressures she faced as a public figure, and the reason she went onto the Loveshack show.

For me one of the novel's most striking aspects is its exploration of the artificiality of reality television. The author tries to expose how much of what viewers see is orchestrated and manipulated for entertainment. This theme resonates throughout the book, prompting readers to question the authenticity of the media they consume.

The novel portrays a world where influencers must maintain perfect facades, often at great personal cost. The pressure to keep up appearances can lead to dangerous situations, as evidenced by Maggie's fate.

The twists were not too hard to see but overall a very enjoyable read.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley UK for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this addition to the murder mystery contemporary genre, the mix of reality tv with the mystery created an additional layer to the narrative. I was intrigued to see where the story would go and was not disappointed, although the pace was slow to start with, once it picked up I found myself desperate to keep reading. With engaging characters this was a really good read.

🕶️ People pleaser - Catriona Stewart 🕶️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Release date - 22nd May 2025

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this one.

Blurb - When Kansas sweetheart Maggie Lathrop is crowned the winner of America’s most popular dating show, her life is transformed overnight.

Suddenly, Maggie has it all: a gorgeous husband, an immaculate Los Angeles mansion, and an entourage of glamorous friends.

Despite picture-perfect appearances, the world Maggie has created is shattered after she’s found murdered in a desolate warehouse.

As her sister, Emma, attempts to uncover the truth about Maggie’s life, a deadlier side to Hollywood is revealed.

My thoughts 💭- I found this a good book, I was gripped it had a good pace and a good story line and was a real page turner. I really enjoyed the multiple points of view it made me want to continue reading and it kept me guessing until the end. What I will say though for me there were to many characters and storylines going on along side the main so I was a little confused at points 😂 however I would still recommend this one as I rated 4* and I am keen to read more from the author.

A really good and well written story but there was too many sideline stories going on along with it that in my opinion didn't add anything to it. Did we really need the Trevor segway? Or half of the Amanda story? Probably not because it added nothing to it, she could've been left with being Jill's influential boss. Emma our MFC was infuriating at times, yes her sister was brutally murdered so she's allowed to be selfish at times but I wanted to jump into the book and shake the girl by her shoulders. But all in all a pleasant read but if you pay close attention, you can figure out who murdered Maggie.

I couldn’t put this down!!! There were lots of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and the reveal of whodunnit at the end was very satisfying. Loved how Maggie’s chapters showed the darker side of fame and reality tv, along with the commentary on how social media can change who we are and take over our lives. Overall a very interesting take on the murder mystery genre!

Thank you NetGalley for the early copy!

Not to judge a book by its cover or anything but this one? LOVE. Is ABSOLUTELY the sort of thing I’d instinctively reach for in a book shop.
I really loved the idea behind this book and thought that basing it around a reality dating TV show was a really fun and unique idea, one I’ve not come across before. I particularly loved Maggies chapters and how they showed a more sordid and less glamorous side and this definitely gave the book some extra grit.
There were maybe too many characters for me, some felt a bit unnecessary and it got a bit complicated along the way. That being said, the dynamics between some of the characters were really clever and I enjoyed how the story developed as a result.

Solid book that was paced well. The characters were not the most lovable but the dual timeline kept things interesting. 3.5 stars and I would recommend this book to lovers of reality tv. Kept me guessing until the end, perhaps wrapped up a tad too neatly and a bit rushed but overall a good story