People Pleaser

A really fun mystery, with multiple perspectives in a Reality TV/Love Island- esque universe. It was intriguing, twisty and the characters were so easy to like and difficult to suspect.

As a fellow people pleaser this book immediately caught my eye and then when I saw what it was about it complflipped on its head. I’m not much of a murder mystery buff but as someone who loves all things entertainment and Hollywood I could wait to dive in and see this mystery unfold

Really enjoyed this. A twisting plot that shows the darker side of fame and fortune. Lies, revelations and secrets have a way of coming out, and that's exactly what goes down in People Pleaser!

I have to say, I am rubbish when it comes to guessing the 'who done it' in thrillers like this. And I can confirm, this time was no different! 🙈😂 There were a few gasps from me as the story unravelled. You will change your mind throughout (if you're anything like me!), and that's the sign of a great story in my eyes! I like to be kept on my toes and this kept the story fast paced and exciting.

I'd definitely recommend this to others.

This book! This freaking book! It was so good.

A murder mystery about a reality tv star, in this day and age it’s more normal than not.

Maggie the star of “loveshack” is found dead but to her sister agony the police declare it a cold case as they don’t have a prime suspect. Emma and her best friends Jill and the creator of “loveshack” Amanda have to solve this themselves.

We read this story from their POV and Maggie herself as flashbacks from during and after the reality tv show as aired. I did find predict the ending but I’m not mad about it as it was exceptionally good and would honestly recommend this book when it’s released.

So happy I got a ARC of this! Thank you!

Amazing!!! I absolutely loved this book and I’m so grateful I was given the chance to read the ARC before publication. Really relevant and modern storyline relating to a lot of life nowadays, will definitely be picking up more books from this author! Highly recommend!

Absolutely brilliant, loved it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an advance copy, I will definitely be recommending.

In People Pleaser, Catriona Stewart crafts a riveting murder mystery that dives into the glamorous yet toxic world of reality TV fame. The story centers around Maggie Lathrop, who skyrockets to fame after winning the reality show LoveShack, becoming America’s sweetheart almost overnight. But the fairytale comes to a chilling end when she’s found murdered in an abandoned LA warehouse, leaving fans devastated and authorities scrambling for answers. Maggie's sister, Emma, takes it upon herself to uncover the truth behind Maggie's untimely death, quickly discovering that her sister’s "perfect" life might have been anything but.

Stewart uses alternating perspectives to piece together Maggie's rise and fall, contrasting her seemingly flawless public image with the complicated reality behind it. The book’s structure allows readers to explore Maggie’s world from multiple viewpoints—fans, friends, and Emma herself—each adding depth to the mystery and slowly revealing the cracks in Maggie's TikTok-polished persona. Through Emma’s investigation, we see how fame has warped relationships and obscured the truth, setting up a gripping exploration of identity and the price of popularity.

What makes People Pleaser stand out is its layered critique of fame culture and social media. Stewart's portrayal of Maggie as a "people pleaser" feels painfully relevant, examining the lengths people go to maintain an image and the toll it takes on their personal lives. Emma's journey to uncover the truth also becomes a story about understanding who Maggie really was—a woman torn between the demands of her fans, her own insecurities, and the darker forces of the entertainment industry. The twists are unpredictable, though the final reveal might be polarizing; Stewart leaves readers with an ambiguous take on justice and closure.

This novel is a page-turner that combines mystery with social commentary, making it a thought-provoking and timely read. If you're a fan of thrillers that take a deep dive into contemporary issues like fame, identity, and the hidden realities of social media, People Pleaser will grip you from start to finish. Catriona Stewart has crafted a captivating tale that’s as entertaining as it is unsettling, leaving readers questioning the stories they see on screen and the ones left untold.