This is a dark and compelling tale of Old Hollywood and its dark underbelly.
Ealing Studios 1954 and Hollywood star Stella Hope is making a low-budget film after being exiled following a car crash that left her ex-husband with facial injuries.
Earlier that year, Virginia Rose, a naive English actor, is being wooed by a handsome star who happens to be Stella's ex-husband, Max. But nothing is as it seems.

This drips with Hollywood glitter. It's all platinum blonde hair, fur stoles, and strappy sandals. There's excessive glamour, and Kyriacou has done her research. The settings of LA, Ealing, and Soho are evocative and well drawn. As is the intrigue. There's a sordid flipside to it all. 1950s Hollywood was a dangerous place to be a woman. There were a multitude of ways to deal with inconvenient, non-compliant , or difficult women. Within the twisty plot, this serious subject is handled sensitively. Sadly, there's relevance to today, and not everything has changed.

I really enjoyed this as a Hollywood story, it had that suspense and what it takes to be a star in Hollywood. I was invested in what was going on and enjoyed the concept of this book. Eleni Kyriacou has a strong writing style and I loved the cover of this book. It was everything that I was looking for and enjoyed the characters in this. It felt like Old Hollywood and was hooked from the first page.

Thanks to Netgalley and Head of Zeus publishing for providing me with an early review copy.

I wasn't planning on plowing through it like this, but here we are, 50 pages yesterday and literally the other 270 pages today. For me, that's honestly wild. The fact that it's a thriller definitely helped with the speed-reading situation. The pacing is just really well done, and the way the author switches between different perspectives keeps everything moving at this perfect pace that makes you want to keep going.

Now, I need to address the marketing comparison to "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" because it's a bit misleading. If you're going in expecting the deep character stuff and emotional gut-punches that Taylor Jenkins Reid writes, you might want to adjust your expectations, Eleni Kyriacou does not. The only real similarity is that they both take place in 1950s Hollywood. This book does a great job with that setting. I actually learned some pretty interesting stuff about the entertainment industry during that era. The author manages to show both sides of Hollywood, all the glitzy, glamorous stuff alongside the really dark, messed up parts of the industry.

The way it handles the thriller aspects is just really solid. It's got all the twists and reveals in the right places, the suspense actually feels suspenseful, and the whole Hollywood setting adds this extra layer that makes it stand out.

This deserves to blow up next year when it comes out. It's just a really well-executed thriller that does everything you want from this genre. I don't typically give 5 stars to thrillers (that's just how I rate things), but this is about as good as it gets for me in this category. The way it kept me glued to the pages says it all, really. The whole thing is just very captivating from start to finish.

Thanks to Netgalley and Head of Zeus publishing for providing me with an early review copy.

I had taken a break from thrillers after growing bored of the genre. Everything felt very same-y and predictable for a while there. When I read the synopsis of A Beautiful Way to Die, I was hopeful I had found something to pull me from my thriller slump. I'm happy to say I was right!

The setting of 1950s Hollywood was compelling, adding an extra layer of tension and corruption. We follow several women as they navigate a dangerous industry filled with powerful and predatory men. Many moments of misogyny, unbalanced power dynamics, and infuriating injustices actually raised my heart-rate. The tension was effective, properly building to a climax that was satisfying, even if I was able to predict some of the reveals.

Each of our characters felt distinct and believable, with Stella being a standout and a badass. I would have preferred a bit more time with her inner dialogue, but it was fascinating to witness her through the eyes of others as well, with all of her flaws on full display. A vain, pampered, self-assured but also deeply insecure woman with a fiery temper and fierce loyalty. There was a lot of complexity and nuance to her which I relished.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this one, and was eager to return to these women each time I put the book down.

Wow - this was unexpected, in the very best way.

When I read the description for this book, it reminded me of a dark Evelyn Hugo-type of situation.

However, it was much different than expected, but I LOVED it. I read it in about 3 sittings because I couldn't stop. It's much of a thriller than I thought it would be, and it had more twists and turns than I ever thought. It made me question who to trust, and who was reliable when it came to the storytelling, but it all came together in the end very nicely.

I feel like I may need to re-read it at some point with the knowledge I have now to get the full impact. It was very well done, and it was niche enough that I fear I won't find another like it for now - but that just means it stands on its own.

Highly, highly recommend to history and thriller fans.

fantastic book, i read most of it while getting a tattoo and it was so engaging i couldn't put it down, the story is so captivating i loved the characters and the inner monologues. the twists in every second of this book make it just that much better and i've already recommended it to 3 of my friends!! would read by the same author again.

Set in the glamorous yet cutthroat world of Hollywood and London during the 1950s, A Beautiful Way to Die by Eleni Kyriacou is a historical crime mystery that immerses readers in the decadence and dark underbelly of the early film industry. The story unfolds across two timelines, each focusing on a woman caught in the tangled web of stardom, power, and deception.

In Hollywood, 1953, young actress Ginny Watkins has rapidly become the hottest new starlet. With beauty and ambition in spades, she quickly catches the eye of legendary actor Max Whitman, who promises her everything she desires in exchange for a "favour." The dynamics of power, manipulation, and exploitation are on full display as Ginny finds herself entangled in the dangerous games of the rich and famous.

A year later, in London, we meet Stella Hope, a former Hollywood icon whose life has taken a sharp downturn after a bitter divorce from Max. Now relegated to Ealing Studios, Stella must come to terms with her fall from grace. But things take an even darker turn when she receives an ominous letter threatening to expose a long-buried secret from her past.

The novel brilliantly weaves these two women's stories together, highlighting the contrast between their careers and the sinister forces lurking behind the glittering facade of fame. As both Ginny and Stella find themselves drawn into Max's orbit, their lives inevitably collide in a moment of shocking violence at a glamorous Oscars afterparty.

Kyriacou’s writing brings the 1950s film world to life with vivid descriptions of Hollywood decadence, social hierarchy, and the harsh realities faced by women in a patriarchal industry. There is a palpable sense of nostalgia in the setting, combined with a thrilling and suspenseful mystery that keeps the reader on edge. The novel's tone is both seductive and unsettling, as it unravels the complex relationships between ambition, betrayal, and survival in a world where nothing is ever as it seems.

The characters are multifaceted and complex, particularly Ginny and Stella, who are both sympathetic and flawed. While their desires for fame and success are relatable, their willingness to compromise their integrity makes them fascinating to watch as they navigate the toxic systems of power and control. Max Whitman, a man of charm and manipulation, is a compelling figure who plays the role of both villain and catalyst in the story’s tragic unfolding.

If you enjoyed The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, A Beautiful Way to Die will undoubtedly appeal to you with its exploration of old Hollywood's allure and its dark, suspenseful narrative. The novel blends mystery, drama, and a touch of glamour to create an unforgettable story of ambition, betrayal, and the price of stardom.

Overall, A Beautiful Way to Die is a captivating historical crime novel with richly drawn characters and an intriguing plot that dives deep into the shadows of fame and fortune. Kyriacou has created a story that will leave readers eagerly turning pages until the shocking conclusion. Fans of vintage Hollywood, suspenseful drama, and complex female characters will find this book a thrilling and irresistible read.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

A Beautiful Way to Die is a must-read for any fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and books by Gill Paul.
Set in the glitz and glam in Hollywood in the 1950s, we follow a young wannabe starlet Ginny Watkins as she pursues an acting career in the movies. We all now know the dark side of Hollywood, especially back in those days and about the male predators in the industry and what women were forced to do to get ahead, so this book was another interesting glimps into the dark side of the rich and famous. Ginny begins turning heads and catches the eye of Max Whitman - the biggest actor in Hollywood. Max strikes up an affair with Ginny and tells her he's divorcing his wife Stella Hope despite the fact that the pair are Hollywood's power couple.
Stella is the dual POV in the story, and her POV is a year ahead of Ginnys, so the story goes back and forth over the period between 1953 and 1954. Stella has been ousted from the studio after her divorce and placed on loan to a production company in the UK where she meets a makeup artist who seems to have a secret agenda. This book was such a woven, twisty read with events and revelations I didn't see coming. I read this book in one sitting as I could pull away from the story, suspense and drama and still can't stop thinking about it now. This is the first book by this author I've read, and I'll definitely be checking out her backlist!

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.

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.

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.