The Starlets is a historical fiction featuring two actresses who dislike each other and must work together to solve a murder.
I consider myself very fortunate that I got the chance to listen to this audiobook. The Starlets is such a fresh and exciting historical fiction based in the Golden Age of film. It features two actresses who dislike one another but must work together to solve a murder and save their own lives. You’ll fall in love with both characters, the setting, and all the side characters.
Below is an overview of The Starlets, the Amazon synopsis, my review, and who I would recommend this book to read. I hope you enjoy it!
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The Starlets Overview
Title: The Starlets
Author: Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne
Pages: 336 Pages
Publish Date: November 12th, 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction and Mystery
My Star Rating: 4 out of 5 stars! (I loved this book and would recommend most people read it!)
Grab your copy here: https://amzn.to/3VCCJqE
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Synopsis From Amazon
Summer, 1958. Vivienne Rhodes thinks she’s finally landed her break playing Helen of Troy in Apex Pictures’ big-budget epic, A Thousand Ships, an anticipated blockbuster meant to resurrect the failing studio. Naturally, she’s devastated when she arrives on the remote Italian island of Tavalli and finds herself cast as the secondary character, Cassandra—while her nemesis, the fiancé-stealing Lottie Lawrence, America’s supposed “sweetheart,” is playing the lead role instead.
The tension on set, though, turns deadly when the ladies discover that members of the crew are using the production as a front for something decidedly illegal—and that they are willing to kill to keep their dealings under wraps. When the two women find themselves on the run and holding key evidence, Vivienne and Lottie frantically agree to work together to deliver the proof to Interpol, hoping to protect both their lives and their careers.
Staying one step ahead of corrupt cops and looming mobsters, the archrivals flee across the seas. Their journey leads them into Monaco’s casinos, Grace Kelly’s palace, on a road trip through the Alps—even onto another film set, before a final showdown back on Tavalli, where the lives of the entire cast and crew hang in the balance. Vivienne and Lottie finally have the chance to be real heroines—to save the day, the film, maybe even each other—but only if they can first figure out how to share the spotlight.
My Review of The Starlets
Thank you to NetGalley, Lee Kelly, Jennifer Thome, and HarperCollins Focus for this audio copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I really enjoyed listening to this book.
Forget the “enemies to lovers” trope; I’m a huge fan of the “enemies to sisters” trope. The Starlets is told from two POVs of two actresses who don’t like each other based on the media pitting them against each other. I love the way Vivienne and Lottie are written. They are both strong and capable while in a perilous situation. They must work together to solve the mystery and save their, and others, lives.
I loved listening to this book because Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thome wrote such a detailed story that I could picture the set of Troy back in the height of the golden age of film.
Gail Shalan is a fantastic narrator for this book. I was genuinely surprised when I found out that there was only one narrator. She gives life to both Vivienne and Lottie, making you think a different woman voices them. I will definitely be listening to more books narrated by Gail!
Overall, The Starlets is a wild ride perfect for someone who enjoys historical fiction with a splash of adventure and mystery. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!
Grab your copy here: https://amzn.to/3VCCJqE
Who Would I Recommend This Book To
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction books. Anyone who loves a good mystery and adventure. Also, if you like Golden Age Hollywood vibes this book might pique your interest.
If you are looking for a book with strong female characters, set in the 1950s, two points of view, and intriguing side characters this book is a good one to check out. It’s a great book to listen to while driving somewhere or doing housework (that’s when I was listening).
Grab your copy here: https://amzn.to/3VCCJqE
More Book Reviews
- NetGalley Book Review: Fun for the Whole Family
- NetGalley Review: Three Days In June by Anne Tyler
- NetGalley Book Review: The Fabled Earth by Kimberly Brock
- The Lost House by Melissa Larsen NetGalley Book Review
Final Thoughts
If you have a chance to read this book, I hope you enjoy it. It’s definitely a wild ride filled with humor, crime, murder mystery, and drama! The Starlets is a great book to read this winter season because it will transport you to the Golden Age of Hollywood with summery vibes.
If you enjoyed reading this review let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from all of you. Also, please share it on your social media. I appreciate all the love and support.
Thanks for reading,
Kel
