The main characters: Delia, singing star; Lily, young woman Delia takes under her wing; Frank, private investigator and friend to Peter (Delia’s management).

These are the three voices of the book.

Delia meets Lily on a cold, wet day as she and a friend, Celeste, are going to dinner. Lily has ingratiated herself with Delia by getting fans waiting for autographs to leave her to get along. Delia asks Lily to join them for dinner.

From then on the bond between the two women grows but not everyone is very happy about that. Then, Delia disappears on the day of an important film contract signing. There is a ceremony coming up in which Delia will be receiving a special achievement award. Peter asks Frank to look into where she is.

Frank is quite suspicious of Lily who convinces Peter and Davey, Delia’s musical director, to let her do the number at the awards in place of Delia. Celeste is also very concerned. There appears to be something off about Lily but she astounds everyone with an announcement at the end of her performance at the awards show. This puts a different perspective on things.

We read about Delia’s past, she returns and supports Lily’s climb to fame even at her own cost. Even when Delia knows that Lily has lied and Frank confronts her with evidence, proof that Lily is not who they think she is, Delia is adamant that it doesn’t matter. Delia tells Frank about her past and swears him to secrecy.

Lily is quite conniving and manipulative but also behaves as she does for a reason, she has had a difficult childhood and even with all her plotting doesn’t have everything her own way. She is young and lacks experience in some areas. Her relationship with Guy, the leading man in the film she is starring opposite, is a quite horrible and he is a really nasty character.

We see hints and more of films from the late 1940s and through the 1950s. Most especially in the film being made with Lily and Guy which even for younger readers will be relatable through more recent remakes. I will always picture Judy Garland and James Mason whenever anyone mentions A Star is Born. It is these hints which simply support the post war setting of the book. Allowing our imaginations to better conjure up a world moving on from those horrors even when they and their consequences are still so very raw.

The characters are well written and the various themes – Delia’s history, Lily’s story, Frank’s past and all the related actions that take place in the book – are very well written, how each interweaves, the sympathetic handling of each storyline and the way in which each is unravelled to bring a very satisfactory conclusion is beautifully done by the author.

This is a really enjoyable read. Well written with some wonderful characters, a book which will keep you enthralled throughout Tell Me How It Ends is well worth reading.

Thanks

Thanks to Quercus for an eCopy via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own, I have not received any payment for this review.

I do love the sweeping dramas and did enjoy this but I did struggle and found it a bit of a slog until everything heats up towards the end. But I love the time period and am glad that I finished the book. #NetGalley#TellMeHowItEnds

Tell Me How It Ends seemed like an intense thriller about deceit and deception during the 50s. I was psyched to read it, but things started to take a turn when I realised that this thriller wasn’t exactly thrilling.

The narrative is split between three characters; Delia, a glamorous 50s star with a closet packed with skeletons; Lily, her obsessive assistant with a secret of her own; and Frank, a not-quite detective who kind of just… bumbles about with his own problems whilst staring at Delia with googly eyes. Honestly, I think that I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if it was told from just Delia or Lily’s point of view. Frank’s narration – which is strangely in first person, with the women’s narration in third – seemed boring, mopey, and at times a little too misogynistic for my liking.

I only truly found myself engrossed in the story once Delia started to delve back into her fraught past. V.B Grey created a backstory rich with the terror in the often-overlooked Nazi-occupied countries during the Second World War. However, this story doesn’t begin to properly emerge until around 70% of the way into the book, and the intrigue that it creates fizzles out by the 90% mark.

The mystery itself is mostly-transparent, and any semblance of a thriller seems to have been removed from the story, leaving it remarkably lacking in tension. I felt like the characters were foolish, unable to see truths that I knew from the get-go, and forgiving each other in a tedious loop reminiscent of Groundhog Day. The subplots were lacklustre and I had little interest in them, whilst the main plot was too wrapped-up by the end that the story lost believability. I understand that the author was stressing the importance of forgiveness, but the happily ever after didn’t sit right with me, and by the end, I was just wishing that we’d got more of Delia’s past.

I genuinely think that this author has a knack for writing Delia’s history (can you tell?) and I’d have loved to see a full-length book just about that, but this plot wasn’t what I expected. This isn’t a thriller, it’s a long, historical piece about new generations, guilt, and fame. It isn’t awful, it’s just totally not what I expected.

It took me a couple of goes to get started with this book, but once I had I found myself drawn in. There's a gentleness to it, despite the big themes it handles – war, betrayal, deception. A couple of the subplots didn't quite work for me, but the overall story, of a young starlet seeking to eclipse her mother, a glamorous and established star, and the sinister undertones to their relationship, works well and keeps the reader engaged.

I’m not quite sure how to describe Tell me How it Ends by V. B. Grey. It has elements of mystery and psychological thriller, while also exploring secrets and manipulation within an intense family drama. I felt like it was a completely different type of book to others I’ve read recently and it was a welcome change!

What I enjoyed most about the book was the setting and how the author manages to so vividly evoke the glitz and glamour of postwar show business. It conjures images of beautiful old movies like A Star is Born (obviously not the Lady Gaga version!), with Delia Maxwell, a Jewish holocaust survivor turned successful singer and actress, at its heart.

Delia is the most wonderful character. She’s elegant, beautiful, talented and kind. When young Lily Brooks inserts herself into Delia’s life and Delia adopts her as a new protégée, those close to the star become concerned that Lily isn’t quite all she seems. As the book progresses we become aware that the secrets Lily is harbouring may in fact knock Delia off her pedestal, and despite all Delia’s kindnesses towards her, Lily seems determined to ruin her. But why..?

I really loved the opening of the book; the captivating scene-setting and introductions to the characters, particularly the enigmatic Lily. I thought I’d worked out the direction the narrative was going to take but I was quickly proved wrong and I was intrigued to see what was going to happen next. The author’s writing style is so completely fitting for the era that I was quickly pulled in and fully invested from the outset.

In an ideal world I think I’d have liked a slightly faster paced second half of the book as I did find my attention slightly wandering at some points. I also would have liked the ending to be a bit messier, though these are obviously just my own personal preferences and actually I can absolutely appreciate why it’s written as it is. But what it lacked for me in these respects I thought it made up for in ambience, sentiment, and sensitive handling of some very emotive topics

An enjoyable, intriguing and thought-provoking drama, With thanks for this gifted eARC for review.

Lily gets her dream job as Delia's assistant but there's more to her new position than she thinks. Delia is a famous singer who is about to move into acting on the silver screen. Delia believes Lily to be the daughter she put up for adoption. Delia has disappeared her manager, Peter and couturier have raised concerns. Peter asks Frank to look into Lily's background. Delia had been about to sign a film contract.

This book takes us from the late fifties to the swinging sixties. Set amongst the music and film industry. i wouldn't call this a thriller, it's more of a romance story with a little bit of mystery thrown in.. This is a character driven story. The characters are well rounded and and believable. The pace is steady. There is also a mention of was torn Malaya. This is quite an intriguing read.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Quercus Books and the author V. B. Grey for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A popular singer, Delia Maxwell, goes missing just as she's supposed to be signing a film contract, and her manager asks his best friend to investigate. There are two mysteries: the identity of Lily, a teenage fan who seems to have sweet-talked her way into Delia's life despite the disapproval of her friends; and the question of who Delia was before she became famous.

This wasn't quite what I expected based on the cover and blurb. Marketed as a slick Highsmith-esque thriller, it is more of a soapy historical mystery comparable to the likes of Kate Furnivall and Pam Jenoff. Not really my cup of tea, but enjoyable if you're in the right mood.

As usual with my reviews, I am not going to rehash the plot - there are plenty of other reviews doing just that out there.

I loved this book - set in the late 1950s/early 1960s, it is full of atmosphere - capturing the glamour of the fashions of the 1950s, and the rise of 1960s pop culture. It's so atmospheric that it felt at times as though I was watching an old movie rather than reading a book.

There are some strongly written characters. Delia is the epitome of a star of her time - elegant and glamorous, but fragile underneath it all. Lily is an ambitious young upstart, determined to make her mark on the world - and on Delia's life in particular! Frank is a classic war-damaged hero type - struggling with things, but determined to see through his mission. Guy is a typical roue movie star type of the period - gorgeous on screen, but badly behaved, feeling entitled to treat women however he chooses.

They all have their secrets - people and events from the past that they would rather not remember or think about. Who is telling the truth? Well you'll have to read it and find out...

I will look out for more from this author, lovely style of prose and well crafted plot.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

This novel reminded me of a Sunday afternoon, black and white film. That is not a criticism by the way, but reminiscent of a time when films told a character driven story, with not a special effect in place. Of a time when women stepped out elegantly, in flared skirts, with perfectly set hair, high heels and a clutch bag, while all men wore smart suits.

Although the story begins in the late Fifties, we quickly move to 1963. Beatlemania is about to hit London, and plays are beginning to appear by Angry Young Men, but Delia Maxwell belongs to a gentler time. She is more of an Alma Cogan character, whose wistful ballads have made her Peter Jenks most successful recording artist. Indeed, she is now due to sign a new, movie contact. The only issue, is that she has vanished. Now, Jenks turns to his old friend, from a war which is still very much in the memory of most of our characters, to locate her. Frank goes in search of Delia, but comes across young Lily Brooks; a fan, who seems to have made herself very much at home in Delia’s life. When Delia does not reappear, Lily even sings in her place and then announces that she is really Delia’s daughter.

This was a really enjoyable read for me. I love novels set in post-war London and was happy to follow Frank around Soho coffee bars and visiting down at heel dressmakers. A London that is damaged, a little shabby and grey, with the marks of the war very much in place – both physically and mentally. Before long, Frank is beginning to question how Lily has wormed her way into Delia’s life so effectively and to ask whether she can be believed. This novel has a lovely, poignant elegance about it. I enjoyed the characters, the secrets which inhabit their lives, and which go back to the war which casts a long shadow. You are never quite sure who, or what, to believe as you uncover the secrets of the past.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.

An interesting book, but not the "gripping drama" reminiscent of Patricia Highsmith that was promised. I found parts of it quite tedious, and didn't warm to the characters.
Thank you to netgalley and Quercus books for an advance copy of this book.

An interesting read. I was interested in the historical details and that kept me reading. I felt that a lot of Delia and Lily’s story was predictable but still engaging.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

This was not at all what I was expecting, but I found myself enjoying it. I don’t think I would call this a thriller, but more of a historical romance fiction, with some mystery thrown in. So, it did surprise to find it to be more love and less suspense and thrills. Overall, I think the characters were well written, the story was perfected in the right imagery, but not a thrill ride if that’s what you’re looking for! A bit of shock at end, but nothing too drastic. Do recommend; especially to those historical romance fans!

A beautifully told story. I could almost imagine it in black and white, a book with subtle film references. A story of revenge, manipulation, lies and toxic friendships. Hollywood glamour. Gorgeous.

This feels mis-packaged as it looks like a domestic thriller (Patricia Highsmith, toxic friendship, manipulation all in the blurb) but actually it's a more historical romance (not in a lovey way) - I should say that I particularly dislike books that use the Holocaust as a plot point as this one does - it's tasteless and insensitive. I could pretty much see the whole plot from the prologue... Just not for me - sorry!

Interesting story which kept me interested until the end. Not an action packed story, but the characters were well defined and described and I felt I understood them and the actions they did take. Overall a good read!

Tell Me How It Ends from V B Grey is such a refreshingly different book to read. It’s a mystery but not in the adrenaline rush, high body count, rollercoaster vein and for that I loved it. It is character driven and somewhat old-fashioned in tone. It’s set in the swinging sixties when fashion and amphetamines were the stock in trade particularly in the music and film industry in which the story is set. Delia Maxwell is an iconic 50s singing star who’s about to embark on a Hollywood career when a young ingenue, Lily, ingratiates herself into Delia’s life. Delia believes Lily to be the daughter she gave up for adoption but it’s not long before her manager Peter, and couturier and close friend Celeste raise concerns. Peter solicits help from Frank, who saved his life during WWII, asking him to investigate Lily. There’s much intrigue, a heavy dose of male stereotyping, a famous male movie star with secrets of his own and a blossoming of love. Both the music and film industries are well described and the references and after-effects of wartime traumas deftly handled. This is an ideal book for those wanting an immersive and rewarding journey. Thanks to NetGalley and Quercus for the ARC.

In 1960s London world famous singer, Delia Maxwell is at the height of her popularity and she is on the verge of breaking in to movies too. But her life is turned upside down when an ambitious young woman, Lily Brooks suddenly enters her life. Lily is a super fan of Delia's with ambitions of her own and it doesn't take long before the older woman takes Lily under her wing.  But there is much more to Lily than meets the eye and behind the bright lights and glamour of the music and movie business, this is a heartbreaking tale of revenge and the search for forgiveness and truth.

this was such a beautiful book on relationships and I fell in love with the way the writer wove together the stories and characters together

I enjoyed this book. It never really took off as a thriller, but it was a pleasing saga.

Delia is a famous singer, about to move into acting on the silver screen. Lily appears on the scene as the daughter Delia gave up for adoption and the story covers their relationship.

It’s written quite gently with a reassuring sort of tone. It’s not designed to build suspense, simply reveal the story bit by bit. I guessed the main twist very early on but that didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy of this book.

I really enjoyed the story and the authors way of writing . Entertaining and twisted , everything I love In a book !!I would like to read more by this author !!