"A beautuful way to die" is, in fictional form, an exposé of the darker side of the Hollywood fame game and the studios who controlled the images, and lives, of the stars, and would be stars, under contract to them set in the mid 1950s. Sadly, as the scandals hitting the news these days mount up, it is all too apparent that , perhaps,not that much has changed in the industry in the last few decades!
The story concerns young Ginny who arrives in Hollywood from London, courtesy of a winning ticket ...a one way ticket.. from a beauty pageant. Taken on by a studio, she becomes their property and her name and her image is completely changed to fit in with their requirements.
In a dual storyline, one of the studio's major stars, Stella Hope, has been sent to Ealing studios in London, almost as a punishment for stepping out of line and it takes some time in the novel before Ginny's and Stella's lives cross and connect.
While occasionally feeling a little too contrived, for the most part this is a very readable look behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood in the fifties.
I would take issue with the strap line on the front cover, suggesting a murder on the way to stardom as that is not all the point of Eleni Kyriacou's story!
The back of the book highlights some real scandals from Hollywood's past, which is interesting to see having finished reading the fictional ones.
Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus for an Earc of this title.

"A Beautiful Way to Die" is a haunting and evocative read. This dark, film noir-style book delves into the dark world of the 1950s film studios in the UK and USA. And it addresses themes such sexism, grief, memory, the often murky waters of human relationships. It particularly focuses on the treatment of women in 1950s Hollywood and how they used and abused. Eleni Kyriacou has crafted a story that is both beautifully written and deeply unsettling, exploring the darker corners of the human psyche with a delicate touch. She touches on true crime paying homage to some of Hollywoods darker histories and she expertly explores the abusive and toxic men who populated the Hollywood star system of the era, and the world they created for the women within it.

While the female characters are complex and compelling, the male characters, with the exception of Brosky, are largely unlikeable. Their treatment of women is frequently appalling, ranging from casual misogyny to outright abuse, adding a layer of uncomfortable realism to the narrative. It highlights the power dynamics of the era and the challenges women faced.

I particularly loved the inclusion of the Greek Cypriot character, bringing a rich cultural dimension to the story, reflecting Kyriacou's own background. It's refreshing to see this community represented in fiction, and their experiences added a unique layer to the narrative.

Kyriacou's ability to evoke the atmosphere of the 1950s is truly remarkable, something I also admired in her previous book, "Zinia Pavlou". She paints a vivid picture of the era, making it feel both familiar and distant. The mystery itself unfolds at a measured pace, allowing the reader to become fully immersed in the settings and to get to know the characters and form a bond with them.

As someone from Ealing, I particularly appreciated the setting, at Ealing Studios and Ealing village. It's always fascinating to see familiar locations brought to life in fiction, and Kyriacou captured the unique atmosphere of the area perfectly. I also enjoyed the subtle nods to true crime Hollywood cases woven throughout the narrative – a clever touch that added another layer of intrigue for someone like me who enjoys the genre.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with "A Beautiful Way to Die" and highly recommend it to readers who enjoy thought-provoking and atmospheric mysteries with a touch of the macabre, a fondness for the 1950s, and perhaps a penchant for true crime. I especially admire Kyriacou's writing style; it's both elegant and captivating.

While the resolution is satisfying, it's not tied up in a neat bow, which I appreciated. It leaves you pondering the themes of the book long after you finish reading. I can't wait for Kyriacou's next book!


My sincere thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Eleni Kyriacou for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for this honest review.

This book is set in Hollywood in 1953, this alone was enough to attract me to the book. I love books set in this era and this did not disappoint.

Stella Hope is the darling of the movie world, married to the dashing Max Whitman, they are a powerful superstar couple who many envy. Ginny Watkins is a new aspiring actress, trying to build a career of her own, but this is a tough gig. Soon as often in the celebrity world, partners stray, and Ginny becomes involved with Max. But also, as these relationships often go, things can turn sour and none of these three lives will ever be the same.

It is also a story of friendship, and unlikely friends. This was a strong theme throughout the book, and it demonstrates how these encompassing relationships can be our saviors in times of need. But it is also a story of tragedy, how some lives can also be destroyed when searching for a life of glitz and glamour.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; the characters were well developed and you really get to know them as the story progresses. All the way through I found myself hoping that Stella and Ginny’s stories would end well. I am not going to say anymore except that if you like books set in old Hollywood, this is the book for you. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.

My sincere thanks to NetGalley, the author Eleni Kyriacou, Head of Zeus and Aria & Aries for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Middle 1950s. Stella Hope was a big name in Hollywood, but at 41 her star – nomen omen – is slowly fading. Virginia Rose (born Ginny Atkins), on contrary, is rising and thriving. They are both connected to one Max Whitman, Stella's former husband., Virginia's current suitor and mentor of sorts. He still has his big name and fame, as everything in the industry is always easier for men than women. Something dark is lurking in the shadows though. Someone may reveal to the public Stella's most shameful secret. Who wants her destroyed and why?

This is the story. Or... is it?

The golden glamour of the Old Hollywood goes hand in hand with its ugly, barely concealed shadow. The reality of desperate starlets, casting couches, unfair contracts, drugs to stay awake and drugs to get some sleep and more drugs to stay slim, shattered dreams and fixed scandals. And here we can observe this awful underbelly up close and personal. Nothing is exactly what it seems. An egocentric spoiled diva slipping slowly into obscurity may be actually someone else entirely. The same stands for the helpful, kind producer, same for the biggest hero of the screen, so handsome and desirable. Sometimes staying true to oneself, as Ginny tries so hard to do, may be deadly.

This is a wonderful book. Full of emotions, twists, surprises and suspense, with strong, interesting characters. A depiction of shameful secrets behind the enormous Hollywood sign, behind stardom and fame. How hard it is to rise and how easy to be crushed. Especially being a woman. Even if this woman is Stella Hope.
Eleni Kyriacou mentions a lot of true Hollywood stories from the past, like the case of Frances Farmer, the sad death of Peg Entwistle or the mystery of Jean Spangler's disappearance. These are listed at the end of the book. But in truth there are many, many more, snippets of stories and inspirations from the lives of Howard Hughes, Shelley Winters, Betty Grable, Jean Peters, Irene Papas and others. Looking for them is a delight in itself for any movie geek.

My only doubt is in regards to Stella Hope's age. We are told she is 41, and actually she pretends to be even younger, but the way she is presented and written, how she talks and acts, I was constantly picturing an older star, closer in age to Gloria Swanson during the shooting of “Sunset Boulevard”. Plus some minor mistakes or anachronisms, like Ava “Gardener” or a 911 call, as the emergency number 911 wasn't a thing in US til the late sixties I believe.

Last but not least, I'm not sure if the obvious comparisons between “A Beautiful Way to Die” and “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” are fair for either book. Yes, both are inspired by Hollywood, but the vibe is very different. “The Seven Husbands...” is a more intimate, personal portrait of a single character from their unique perspective. In “A Beautiful Way...” the picture is larger and more, so to speak, socially oriented.
Overall, I highly recommend this book and I will surely buy a paperback.

#ABeautifulWayToDie #NetGalley

I received an ARC in return for an honest review.

An enjoyable noir-ish thriller set in the Hollywood of the early 1950s. Atmospheric and tense with a cast of colourful characters that are strongly drawn. The author has clearly done her research but the details never bog down the fast-paced story which really grips the reader until the climax of the book. The book opens with an unidentified woman being held against her will in an asylum. From there we learn of the sleaze and corruption behind the glamourous façade of the Hollywood film factory with a detour to London via the Ealing studios.

It's also a timely story in the wake of the MeToo movement with an examination of how female workers in the entertainment industry are cynically exploited and abused.

The quality of the writing is good and adds to the enjoyment. Highly recommended.

Women in the movies have certainly suffered for their art. A Beautiful Way to Die exposes the dark side of Hollywood, where men facilitated each other in treating female "talent" like commodities.

Set in the early 50s, the novel focuses on two women at different stages in their career. Ginny has arrived in Hollywood from London with a one-way ticket after winning a beauty contest. She turns the head of an established male star - who happens to be married to top actress Stella Hope. While Ginny is undergoing "improvements" at the studio's request, Stella is being forced to star in mediocre films in Ealing after being sent to London. Her stardom is no deterrent to male actors who grope and humiliate her.

Without giving spoilers, the plot has many twists and turns and involves a private investigator and police. The drama builds and comes to a head at a glitzy party where anything goes.

The book has been meticulously researched and true life incidences of female stars abused by their studios and directors are mentioned: Frances Farmer, for example, who was committed to an asylum.

Thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the advance digital copy.

Stella Hope, the beautiful & talented Oscar nominated movie star is reluctantly working on loan from Hollywood’s Star Studios at Ealing in London. She begins to realise that she has enemies who are out to destroy her.
Maggie is a struggling make up artist at Ealing Studios. She befriends Stella and becomes her assistant and confidante. But she has a secret that could break her friendship with Stella.
Ginny is a young English actress desperate to make it big in Hollywood and is looking for a contract with Star Studios. She meets someone influential who may be able to help her get on that first rung of the stardom ladder.
But there’s also another unknown voice ; a woman has woken up to find herself a prisoner.
Why is she there? Why can’t she remember anything? What will become of her?

This book was so totally absorbing that I couldn’t put it down and I was hooked from page one.

Told with a dual timeline and from multiple perspectives, the story was entertaining, engaging and transportive and took me right to the heart of 1950’s Hollywood, with all the glitz and glamour and also its underbelly of sleaze and corruption and the shocking patriarchy that dominated those women working in the industry.

There were lots of unexpected twists and turns in the story that at times had me gasping and I went on a rollercoaster of emotions which I thoroughly enjoyed as I love being surprised by a book. I became heavily invested in the women’s stories and as I loved them all, was rooting for them too.

An outstanding second book which I know will go down as one of my favourite books this year. A proper Hollywood Blockbuster!

Thank you very much to Head of Zeus for sending me this advanced digital copy.

A page turner - on the surface all the glamour of Hollywood, and the exposure of its dark underbelly. Good characters and engaging plot - I read in a few sittings. 3.5 stars, sized up to 4. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reader copy.

This was clever and utterly compulsive. I loved the glimpse at the dark underbelly of the glitzy 50s Hollywwod scene and many of the twists I did not see coming - unusual for me. Still thinking about this book several days after finishing it.

Wow. Okay. What can I say? This book is GOOD.

I didn’t expect to feel the way I was left feeling when I closed the book but after the twist near the end, I felt all kinds of ways. OUTRAGE & ANGER mainly, firstly with the author 😂 because I didn’t want ‘THAT’ to happen 😭

But then … with those in power in Hollywood throughout history.

The author poignantly brings it to the reader’s attention the heinously corrupt nature behind the glitz and glam of the film industry. Whilst fictional, this story is based on TRUTHS that needed to be written about. An exposè if you will, that’s also a thoroughly researched historical fiction novel and a deliciously yet dark twisty mystery/thriller. What’s not to like?

What to expect from, ‘A Beautiful Way To Die’

- An unexpected ending with twists and turns toward the end (that WILL stir emotion)
- Extremely interesting author’s notes at the end of the book that shine the light on true stories that her character’s stories were based on/inspired by.
- Good pace throughout
- Connections easily made with the characters
- Based on/Inspired by true stories
- Historical fiction novel based on the Hollywood film industry
- Mystery/Thriller elements
- Reinvention, making a comeback, resilience and determination
- The dark side of chasing fame

The bar is pretty high for me to give a 5 star rating to a book so I have given it a 4 but I would definitely say that this was a GOOD read and well worth giving it a look. A special thanks to the author @elenikwriter for writing about this topic, I believe this book is an important one to read for women particularly to feel SEEN. Women that have experienced abuse from those in positions of power in all walks of life, not just in Hollywood. It’s still RIFE and oftentimes it’s at the hands of a man, there are ‘Stan Fishers’ and ‘Fixers’ everywhere, we just don’t hear about it.

Thanks to @netgalley and @headofzeus
publishers for an advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

Expected publishing date : 8th May 2025

I really enjoyed this! I thought that it has very similar vibes to that of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, with the Hollywood 50s glam and the struggles that women experienced while chasing their dreams. There were a couple of unexpected twists, and I think it was written in a way that was very clever and allowed for twists to continue twisting. I loved the main characters, I loved the ending, I loved the development and the friendship. The only thing that I was a little uncertain about was the timeline - I was a little bit confused about when these events were taking place in relation to each other, but that may have just been me. Would happily recommend this book to others, especially if they were a fan of the Evelyn Hugo book! 4 stars.

Book Review: "A Beautiful Way to Die" by Eleni Kyriacou

Eleni Kyriacou's "A Beautiful Way to Die" transports readers to the glamorous yet shadowy world of 1950s Golden Hollywood and London. From the outset, Kyriacou paints a vivid picture of the era, immersing us in the allure and darkness of Hollywood's backlot, where dreams can quickly turn into nightmares.

The characters are exceptionally crafted, each layered with complexity that keeps you guessing. Stella, reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe in her beauty, undergoes a profound character arc as she navigates the harsh realities of fame. Meanwhile, Ginny emerges as a strong, intelligent rising star in Hollywood, representing the fierce determination of women fighting against a patriarchal system that seeks to suppress them.

Kyriacou's writing flows effortlessly, making the novel a breeze to read while maintaining a gripping mystery that intertwines the characters' lives. The noir themes create a palpable tension, echoing the moral complexities of the time. The dual timelines of 1953 and 1954 enrich the narrative, revealing how the past shapes the present and highlighting the enduring struggles for power and agency.

In "A Beautiful Way to Die," Eleni Kyriacou masterfully blends mystery, romance, and social commentary within a beautifully rendered historical setting. Her gorgeous prose and strong, multifaceted characters make this novel a must-read for anyone who appreciates rich storytelling in a world where glamour often conceals deeper truths.

Eleni’s writing is compelling, she lures you in with her vivid, rich descriptions and keeps you hooked with the plot. This addictive thriller kept you holding on til the very end.

I enjoyed the dual plot line between Ginny and Stella and was invested from start to finish.

Remember.. play the game, do as they say.. or they’ll bury you

The gorgeous cover of 'A Beautiful Way to Die' by Eleni Kyriacou immediately caught my attention but the description made me immediately want to read it!
Following young stars in old Hollywood, we learn about the true darkness intertwined with the lives of the rich and famous. Not everything is as it seems for each of the characters in the story and each chapter immerses you in a new deep secret.
It felt like I was watching a murder mystery movie instead of reading along with it. The detail in the book made it easy to picture each scene of Hollywood and the time frame in the 1950's. It was easy to follow along and every chapter left me wanting to read more.
Although for me it was slow in the beginning but at around 60% through I couldn't put it down. I liked the different POVs of each characters story and how they seamlessly intertwined with each other. It put into perspective the dark side of Hollywood in the 1950s and how it exploits the young women rising to fame and how easily these young actresses could be pushed aside...but how much has really changed since then? I was rooting for Stella and Ginny the whole time. This book is one that you definitely want to add to your TBR if you enjoy reading thrillers and historical fiction!

I can't wait for A Beautiful Way to Die to be released! I'll immediately be adding it to my shelf!

Thank you to the publisher Head of Zeus and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC for this book!

I absolutely loooooved this book!

So let's start with pointing out that the only similarities between "the 7 husbands of Evelyn Hugo" and this book is the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood that it's set in, that's it, they are completely different, both fantastic books in their own right.

We follow a few characters through the story, all of whose lives intertwine, it works well, I didn't feel confused or overwhelmed when following all the characters. Very nicely done.

The characters themselves aren't deeply written, I didn't feel closely attached to one over the other, but they were all written well to be liked... Or disliked as they should.

The story itself was a refreshing take on a murder mystery, because we followed a few characters, we had extra multiple layers and branches to the mystery. The twist and turns had me gasping... My wtf meter was on high! Soooo bloody good! Did.not.expect.any of it!

I believe the amount of research the author did to make this story come alive clearly showed throughout the book and just dragged me into old Hollywood which we see was not in any way the glitz and glam it's been made out to be... By Hollywood!

Fantastic read, highly recommended. Would love to see this as a film tbh! This needs to blow up this year!

Thanks to Netgalley, Eleni Kyriacou and Head of Zeus of the Arc copy, brilliant.

In 1954 Hollywood, Ginny is an English ingenue who won a one-way ticket to LA and is desperate to prove herself... so when she meets movie star Max and is offered a contract with his studio, she jumps at, well, the contract and Max. There's just one small problem: Max is one half of the biggest celebrity couple in Hollywood, although he swears he and his wife, Stella, are pretty much finished. But Ginny isn't just a beautiful ingenue; she has talent and is willing to work hard to earn her own opportunities while she waits for Max to come through.

Several months later, legendary movie star Stella Hope is on loan to Ealing Studios following the bad publicity surrounding her break-up with Max. Lonely and a little lost, she befriends make-up artist Maggie... but it soon transpires that Maggie has questions of her own about just what happened back in Hollywood.

If you've read The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou, this book is as dark as that, but in a different way - with a glamorous, knife-sharp Hollywood edge. (There's also at least one enjoyable Easter egg in this one for Zina fans to pick up on.)

The narrative twists between all three female leads, switching from past to present, Hollywood to London with great effect. Eleni Kyriacou has quietly forged a career out of writing about solidarity between interesting female characters, and she's outdone herself with this novel. Ginny, Stella and Maggie are not perfect, but they all know what they want, and they all have a strong moral core that keeps them just the right side of the line (mostly). I really loved watching the friendship between Stella and Maggie develop, and the parallel friendship between Cynthia and Ginny makes a nice foil for the sordid Hollywood lifestyle, in which women are subjected to an endless parade of indignities in the service of powerful men. The depth of the research is clear - but that doesn't mean it's a slow read. After trying to savour the early chapters, I flew through the last two-thirds of the novel in a day. I'm still thinking of these characters, and I think they'll live in my head beyond the closing chapters for quite a while yet.

If you like books with multiple female main characters, if you like thrillers, if you like historical novels... don't pass up on this one!

Oh my god! No seriously, wow. I just sat for an entire day and completely devoured this book.

Where do I even start? First of all, if you’re a fan of Evelyn Hugo, this is absolutely for you. Old Hollywood vibes and glam, mystery, secrets, wild parties, overindulgence, blackmail, cover ups - it seriously had it all!

The multiple character POV’s meant not only did I get a greater understanding of our main characters and their motives, but also that the story moved incredibly fast. Just when I thought I knew what was about to happen, Kyriacou had another plot twist up her sleeve that left me genuinely shocked..

Amongst the differing POV chapters, you also get magazine/news articles and radio broadcasts which add so much to an immersive reading experience. Such incredible writing by Kyriacou will make you feel like you are IN this 1950’s world, gossip mag in hand, watching the Oscars on TV, star struck by your favourite Hollywood stars.

Set to the backdrop of real corruption and events that occurred in Hollywood from 1920 to the mid-1950’s, Kyriacou’s novel is not only thoroughly researched but utterly compelling and unputdownable. You’ll feel genuine rage for the real life women that Kyriacou based this novel on, the injustice of Hollywood during that period and the inexplicable cruelty of men in positions of power.

The first book I’ve read by Eleni Kyriacou but certainly not my last.

A big thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus. I absolutely loved A Beautiful Way to Die - and congratulations to Eleni on a stunning novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the free eARC!

I love a good thriller about the Golden Age of Hollywood. Stella Hope is one of the most famous actresses on the planet. She is going through a divorce with one of the most famous actors on the planet, Max Whitman. They live in separate residences. Enter Ginny Watkins. A young woman who moved to Hollywood from England to try to become the next big thing. The story really picks when their lives start to intersect, and she forms a relationship with Max. I don’t want to give anything away sadly this one. It was soooo good. Couldn’t put it down! There were some similarities to “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”, but this may have been even better than that!

One thing that drove me nuts was that the whole time I was reading it, I kept thinking to myself, “man…1950’s Hollywood was crazy with all the harassment and other nonsense that women had to deal with”, and then it dawned on me that not much has really changed since then, and they really sucks. I can’t recommend checking this out more! Just a great story about one of the most fascinating periods of Hollywood.

Set in 1954, A Beautiful Way To Die, follows the story of Stella Hope, a star who has fallen from grace after a car accident left her ex-husband, Max, disfigured. Now, making low-budget films, she’s trying to reclaim some of her former glory. Earlier that year, Virginia Rose, a naïve English actress, finds herself caught in the charm of a handsome star—none other than Stella’s ex, Max. But as is often the case in this world, nothing is as it seems.

The pacing of the book is fantastic. The way the author shifts between perspectives keeps the story moving at a perfect speed—enough to keep you hooked and wanting more. What I really appreciated was how the author balanced the glamour of Hollywood with the industry's darker, more corrupt side. It’s an honest look at how power, fame, and the people behind it all can be dangerous, especially for women.

The characters are incredibly well-developed, particularly Ginny and Stella. Both women are complex—sympathetic yet deeply flawed. Watching them navigate an industry built on manipulation and exploitation is both engaging and eye-opening.

And then there’s the twist—something I didn’t see coming at all. I spent much of the book wondering who would end up in a certain position, but the way things unfolded left me with a rather shocking—and somewhat bittersweet—reveal. I liked the twist, but wow, it was so unexpected in the best way.

This was my first book by this author, and I’m definitely excited to read more of her work. From start to finish, A Beautiful Way To Die is an unforgettable and captivating read, filled with suspense, emotion, and plenty of Hollywood secrets.

'A Beautiful Way to Die' is written with verve and a large dollop of Hollywood glamour. It felt like an ideal beach/holiday read - so much so that I longed to be lying on a sun-lounger by a pool as I read it. 🍸 If James Ellroy's 'LA Confidential' and Jackie Collins' 'Hollywood Wives' were put in a blender and then sprinkled with Kenneth Anger's 'Hollywood Babylon', it might be something like this

My favourite quote was the passage the title is taken from: "It was a tightrope, this town, she thought. Just one huge balancing act. Keep going, one foot in front of the other, even if you're exhausted, no matter. Take these pills, don't look down, don't complain, look straight ahead. The alternative was not to try at all. And if you fail? There's no safety net, but at least you gave it a shot. If you made it, the rewards were so high. And if you didn't, well it was a beautiful way to die."

Lastly, kudos to the cover designer - the book looks absolutely stunning. ❤️

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.