I really enjoyed this one, and it was nice to read a standalone of this talented author again. And with this book, it goes to show you, all that glitters isn't gold. Please write more in future. Highly recommended.
TB

I had such high hopes for this book based on the premise and cover. I understood where the book was trying to go but i feel like it fell flat. It started off very slow in the beginning and could jog keep my attention. About 55% the light the book it started to get more interesting. I did predict the twists though so did not like that aspect. It was interesting but not my favorite.

I found this book to be an enjoyable read, though not without flaws. The storyline had some interesting moments, and the characters were generally well-developed. However, there were a few parts that felt a bit slow and dragged on longer than necessary. The pacing was inconsistent, and while some of the dialogue was engaging, other sections felt somewhat forced.

Overall, it's a good book for those who enjoy the genre, but I feel it could have been more polished. Worth reading, but not a standout.

Lynch returns with another standalone thriller set amidst the world of the rich and famous following her successful departure from Cheshire set crime series, with The Rich.

Lynch creatively exposes the darkness underneath the sheen of superficiality we see amongst Instagram reels and stories.

In this book, we meet Gloria White, the aging mid-morning television host who is being subjected to a series of vicious anonymous letters culminating in the kidnapping of her daughter; while dealing with the loss of her media mogul father-in-law Roger Wade and the stress this leads.

Hot on the heels of the highly acclaimed film 'The Substance', where the varnish vanishes from an ageing starlet as she seeks the elixir of youth; this shows a highly esteemed television personality's life slowly unravel when her integrity is questioned.

Unlike The Rich which was one of those Crash-like scenarios, when lives are entwinned unknowingly, this story focuses solely on a main matriarch and her behaviour impacts everyone, while her arc revolves around this eventual realisation of her actions before it is too late.

Truth is buried and lives are ruined by the acts of the rich and famous. Lynch who touched upon such things in her previous work, invents more fictional tales that focus upon cancel culture, celebrity and money buying power.

Thrilling and tantalising in equal measure, fans of Lynch's Kelly Porter books will know what to expect with the intricately plotted narrative, but the realisation of a character such as Gloria White, at her advanced age is a successful one.

If you like a book with secrets, shocking truth, and what lies behind fame, this book is right up your alley.

Author’s books have the infinite layers of mystery, secrets, lies, truth, and psychological elements. The characters were so intriguing. As each layer of secrets and truth unveiled, I felt more connected with Gloria. Author has shown the struggle of Gloria, how she clawed her way on the top. But the dark secrets held her down. So many things were going on this book. She wanted to keep her daughter far away from the glamorous world. Yet, something unthinkable happens and it turns her world upside down. Each character had a secret and it wasn’t easy for either for them. The way author draw us in and connect us to the characters is brilliant. I didn’t see the twists coming. The ending was jaw-dropping and it made me think about different scenarios.

4.5

Okay, first things first: that cover is absolutely gorgeous. Like, I would honestly buy this book just for the aesthetics. Chef’s kiss. 💅

As for the story itself, it was an interesting ride. Famous dives into the glossy, chaotic world of fame with Gloria White, a sharp, polished TV personality who definitely knows how to play the game… but has some dark secrets tucked behind the camera. The premise had all the ingredients for a juicy, psychological thriller, and while it had its moments, it didn’t completely blow me away. It wasn’t bad by any means, just not one of my favourites.

That said, I can definitely see thriller fans who love books about power, image, and hidden agendas getting totally hooked. I did enjoy the darker peek behind the scenes of celebrity culture, and there were a few twists that kept me turning pages.

Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC! I’m giving this one 3.5 stars, and 5 stars for that stunning cover design.

this was a strong psychological thriller novel, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. The characters were everything that I wanted in this and had that secrets that I was expecting. It was a strong psychological element that I wanted and was engaged with the fame atmosphere that I was hoping for. Rachel Lynch wrote this well and was glad I got to read this.

Taut and suspenseful, the novel keeps readers on edge as secrets unravel and the line between ambition and morality blurs. With sharp commentary on celebrity culture and a chilling undercurrent of revenge, this is a page-turner that lingers long after the final twist. Dark, addictive, and deliciously ruthless.

The famous by Rachel Lunch is a fast pace psychological thriller.

Gloria White is famous, she's on your tv every morning. She reflects elegance, charm and power. Everyone wants to be just like her, but she wasn't always like yhis. She started from the ground up and did some things to get to where she is today, but one person knows exactly what she did you get that famous, and that's an issue.

The book was fast paced, intriguing and easy to read. Thank you Rachel Lunch for working with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review

I really liked this! The premise is really unique and I wasn't sure how it was going to end. I really enjoyed the writing style and had a hard time putting this down! I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Rachel Lynch, Canelo and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

I did not care for this book. The plot was interesting but I did not care about the characters. I read 100 pages and quit.

Wasn’t able to read this one digitally but I did order a copy of the book so will be reviewing it after I’ve read it. I’m really excited for it as I’ve only heard great things about it.

Wanted to love this one but unfortunately it wasn't to be. I had no connection to the characters whatsoever. Therefore, I found it easy to put down. Sorry it wasn't meant to be for me. You may like it so give it a try.

The Famous by Rachel Lynch is a very slow burn deep dive into the darker side of celebrity.

Gloria White is the face of a morning television show. She seems to have it all put together. But when she starts to receive some threatening anonymous letters, it seems that someone knows exactly how she got to the top. When the head of her media organization dies things get even worse because it is her father-in-law. Now her ex husband will have control over the company and that doesn't bode well for Gloria.

This definitely took a while for me to get into. The main characters are all pretty unlikable but I do like the way that Lynch explores the seedier side of media. Even though this one wasn't necessarily my favorite, I have heard great things about Lynch's other books and will definitely check them out!

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel Lynch, and Canelo for this ARC. Publication date was March 6th 2025.

I’m normally a huge fan ig Rachel’s books especially the DI Porter books but I really struggled to get into this book. The characters weren’t captivating me and the storyline even less, so much so I found myself skim reading instead. Not a book I’d recommend, go read a DI Porter one instead!

Compelling..
Everyone knows Gloria White - or, at least, they think that they do. The face of morning television, everyone certainly knows her face. They don’t know what lengths she went to reach her heady heights - or, maybe someone does. Slow burn, carefully plotted and immersive standalone suspense with twists aplenty, a cast of credible characters and a plot where fame and celebrity hides something rotten to the core. Compelling.

Rachel Lynch delivers a gripping and suspenseful novel in The Famous, a story that expertly blends romance, mystery, and intrigue. With a couple whose past secrets and lies resurface in unexpected ways, the novel keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

Lynch masterfully builds tension throughout the story, creating an atmosphere of anticipation that makes it impossible to put the book down. The pacing is well-executed, allowing for a gradual unraveling of twists and revelations that enhance the depth of the narrative. The characters are skillfully developed, each carrying layers of complexity that make them compelling and authentic. Their struggles, emotions, and interactions feel raw and realistic, adding to the immersive nature of the storytelling.

Beyond the thrilling premise, what truly sets The Famous apart is its originality. Lynch’s ability to craft a storyline that is both unique and emotionally resonant makes this novel stand out in its genre. Readers will find themselves drawn into the secrets and lies that shape the protagonists’ journey, eager to uncover the truth alongside them.

With its engaging plot, well-rounded characters, and a suspenseful build-up, The Famous is a must-read for those who enjoy a mix of drama, romance, and psychological depth. Rachel Lynch has created a novel that is both thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining—one that lingers in the mind long after the final page.

‘The Famous’ by Rachel Lynch is a psychological thriller about TV personality Gloria White, whose enviable life is permeated by reminders of what she did to win the fame and fortune she enjoys today… It was unfortunately a very rare DNF for me at about 40% as the narrative didn’t draw me in sufficiently and the slow pacing discouraged me from continuing. I have seen other reviewers who were captivated and am thrilled that others experienced the novel more positively.

Gloria White is the mature (think aging) face of morning television (think the Today Show) and has just attended the funeral of her former father-in-law, media mogul Roger Wade (think Rupert Murdoch.) She has been hiding a very big secret. The anonymous letters she has been receiving have turned more and more threatening and she worries about the safety of her daughter Jilly. She has not yet told her ex-husband, Oliver Wade. While Gloria self-medicates, secrets become public and those threats come close to home.

The Famous is a well-plotted thriller that looks at the underbelly of fame and privilege. The only problem here is that the characters are not at all likable. We should feel sorry for Gloria but can only wonder why she doesn’t hand the notes over to the excellent security both her company and her family can provide. We don’t like Oliver because he is, well Oliver. And Jilly doesn’t seem to realize how her family has given her the opportunity for success and the money to enjoy it. 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Canelo and Rachel Lynch for this ARC.

Ohhhhh Rachel Lynch is one author I just love reading her books so when The Famous Rachel Lynch I could not wait to get my hands on it. But, sadly this latest book did not grip me like her other books. I found it slow and I was hoping It would get better. . . . . Sorry this book was not for me.

Big thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for me ARC.