Book of the Day

Our Review:

From the first page of Caroline Rebisz's "Death of a Soap Star," I was engrossed in this riveting murder investigation. Lucinda Neville's world and the complex web of ties surrounding her tragic death captivated me, even though I do not usually watch soap operas.

The story that Rebisz expertly weaves together incorporates the flash and glamour of the entertainment industry with the murky undertones of envy, vengeance, and unfinished business. She is complicated and interesting, but also divisive, due to the contrast between Lucinda's wealthy off-screen existence and her on-screen identity as the boisterous Jackie Taylor.

It was a brilliant move by the author to have the crucial reunion at Brandon House, a five-star hotel that used to be the characters' school. As the story unfolds, this location acts as a pressure cooker, bringing to the surface long-buried tensions.

The investigation team led by DCI Alan Lewis is riveting as they meticulously uncover hidden truths and deceit. The story's police procedural elements are grounded in solid research and give the investigation a genuine feel.

Rebisz more than compensates for the dull spots in the middle with surprising turns that keep the reader guessing right up until the finish. What may have been a simple mystery gets more complex as she delves into the characters' goals and the fallout from their prior choices.

For those who enjoy character-driven dramas and crime fiction, "Death of a Soap Star" is an enjoyable and engaging read. We're eagerly awaiting Rebisz's next book after she delivers a contemporary spin on the traditional murder mystery.