I have read to 30% of this book, and can’t continue any further. This reads like a YA novel, obsessed as it is with two singing groups from 2004, winners of a talent contest reality show. There is no originality, just a take on the similar reality tv talent shows, even to the nasty, controlling Emery, the big boss producer.
The writing is so simplistic, there is no tension, just far too much navel gazing from the main characters. This also continues with Enola’s mother Kimberley, before Enola’s disappearance, and her stalker Charlie.
It’s all so superficial and boring. I hate the writing style of switching back from early timeline to present day every chapter, how can any narrative possibly flow, using this device?
There is no character development, all of them are dislikable, and I find I really don’t care what happened to Enola, so this will be a DNF. As a result, I will not publish this review to other media outlets,
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book.

I chose to read a free eARC of The Penthouse but that has in no way influenced my review.

Catherine Cooper's The Island was one of my top books of 2023. I also read and thoroughly enjoyed The Chateau back in 2021. So of course, I jumped at the chance to read Cooper's newest release, The Penthouse.

Enola Mazzeri is a member of Breathe, an all-female pop trio, or girl band if you prefer. Breathe are at the height of their fame when all of a sudden, Enola disappears. No one knows what happened to the pop starlet. Now, fifteen years have passed and Enola is still missing. Everyone has their own theory about what happened to Enola but without a body, they're just rumours, plain old hearsay. When two reunion concerts are announced for a brand new venue in Las Vegas, the fans secretly hope it's to mark her return. Her fellow bandmates, desperate for their own moment in the spotlight after all this time, hope the opposite. That they never see Enola again. She was always more popular with the fans. More talented than the rest of them. She was the star, they were just there to boost the numbers. In the lead up to the big concerts, things start to go very, very wrong. Could Enola be behind what is happening? Is she finally, after fifteen long years, wreaking her revenge...?

The Penthouse is an immersive and compelling psychological thriller. Told using multiple perspectives and two different timelines (the past, in the lead up to Enola's disappearance and the present, as the remaining band members prepare for their reunion gigs), this twisty thriller really grabbed my attention. Enola's awful mother, Kimberley, pushed her into the spotlight at a young age whilst completely ignoring Enola's twin sister, Roxie. Kimberley always believed she would have had the life Enola was living had she not accidentally fallen pregnant with the twins. The resentment this woman shows towards her daughters behind her fixed, 'loving' smile was repulsive but oh my gosh, I found this relationship, in particular, utterly mesmerising. She's bitter, envious and entitled. One of the things that isn't mentioned in the blurb is that alongside uber-famous Breathe is fading boy band, This Way Up. The two members of This Way Up used to hold the spotlight Breathe now occupy so there is plenty of jealousy there too. Enola begins to date Max. It starts out as a PR stunt, only to become something more. However, Max is controlling, insecure and manipulative. I really enjoyed the way the list of characters who held a grudge against Enola built over time. I found myself constantly questioning what had happened to her.

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. The Penthouse is a very readable thriller packed full of suspense, conspiracy theories, and obsessed fans! Jealousy and resentment reign supreme in this one and it was interesting to see that despite being surrounded by toxic people, Enola still seemed to be perfectly normal. Although a little oblivious to her effect on others, perhaps? Most of the characters are highly unlikeable but that's what makes the story so compelling. I did feel that this latest book was a little different to the author's earlier books. It felt less about the setting. We see the group in several different locations; Paris, Las Vegas and London, where the eponymous penthouse is. Cooper's books also, in my experience, tend to be about luxury and glamour, but very little about the pop style lifestyle in the book felt luxurious or glamorous (apart from the money they all have!). In fact, it sounds a miserable lifestyle full of fake people, all who want something from you. The characters really made this book for me. It sounds a strange thing to say but I did enjoy how horrible they all were. All in all, The Penthouse is a dark, unsettling read, full of betrayal and resentment. I was so intrigued by what had happened to Enola. Was she alive? Was she dead? And that kept the tension running high, with me desperate to know how it was all going to end! An enjoyable read. Recommended.

I chose to read and review a free eARC of The Penthouse. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Review will be published on 29th April]

This book is loosely based around a talent show with a bit of thriller thrown in!

The story follows Enola who auditions for a talent show and ends up being placed in a girl band named Breathe. They tour with a boy band called This Way Up and Enola is dating a member from the band named Max.
One night Enola goes missing from her penthouse and is never found. The bands then go their separate ways.

Fast forward to present day and both bands have reunited for a reunion concert only things don’t quite go to plan…

The story is written in different POVs from a few characters and it also skips from 2008 to present day. I found myself having to keep an eye as to what year we were in and who was talking.
I also assumed Charlie was a man until a little way through 🙈

I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 (3.5)

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC.

The Penthouse follows a group of young popstars as their career unfolds. Enola, Sophie, Angela, Max and Liam form two bands who tour together. As relationships develop, tensions in the group appear. When Enola disappears, the others try to rebuild their lives. At times predictable and stilted, the story alternated between 2008 and 2024, 20 years after the disappearance.

This book is recommended for people who enjoy Britain's Got Talent and the XFactor.

Thank you Netgalley, for giving me a free copy of the ebook in return for an honest review.

Thanks to @netgalley and Harper Collins UK for this ARC in return for an honest review


If you grew up in the era of Xfactor and Pop Idol - then this book will resonate with you!
This book isn’t rocket science, it’s a fast paced easy to read thriller, that will fill a gap in your reading. It’s far fetched but if you go into not expecting a riveting read then you will
enjoy this - it’s popcorn thriller at its finest. There were alot of characters and it did jump around and the ending felt very abrupt and the title really doesn’t connect to the book in my opinion.

This book is unsatisfactory in many ways. The title is misleading as it’d suggest something quite the opposite of the entire plot. Fortunately I understand why it’s titled this way, just not a big fan of the thought process going on here. The characters are so superficial, with monologues making them seem so fake—especially Charlie’s and Sophie’s. Cooper did a great job at making the characters very annoying though, because I swear I wanted to g^n someone down after finishing it.

The writing style is bad, not my cup of tea. The plot was predictable and left a bad impression on me. The ending was beyond unsatisfactory, leaving us, readers, to contemplate more. I felt like the book was going in circles with so many characters in the limelight that I couldn’t focus on a single one.

Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the ARC.

This is a fascinating book which combines a thriller with a nostalgic look at the world of pop bands, brought together by big reality shows. Set over a dual timeline and told by multiple points of view, the book outlines the set up of a girl band featuring Enola and looks at her background and being brought up by her fame hungry mum and twin sister, who detests the spotlight. A more established Boyband on the scene at the same time brings a love interest for Enola, which a darker side not seen by the public.

The disappearance of Enola at the height of the groups fame is at the heart of this story and as the book progresses the reader finds out more about her, her band mates, the relationship she is in, her family and ultimately her disappearance.

Well written and although there are lots of characters once you establish who they are and their place in the story it is an enjoyable read . Lots of red herrings and interesting plot twists and a good ending that I had not expected.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

#ThePenthouse #NetGalley
Enola, the lead singer of a world-famous band, had everything—fame, fortune, and an envious penthouse view. But then, she disappeared without a trace, leaving her bandmates’ careers in shambles. Now, fifteen years later, the remaining members reunite for a series of concerts in Las Vegas, only to find themselves haunted by eerie accidents. Is Enola back for revenge, or is someone else hiding the truth about what really happened all those years ago?
Overall, The Penthouse is an addictive psychological thriller packed with suspense, betrayals, and shocking twists. If you love glamorous settings mixed with dark secrets and a haunting mystery, this book is a must-read.
Her best till date.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK Harper Fiction for giving me an advance copy.

I have enjoyed other Catherine copper novels and this was just as good, although not a destination thriller. It's a mystery surrounding missing 90s girl band member Enola and her toxic band mates. Rgerwxa lot of secrets and lies, abs although an easy read, I didn't see the ending coming. Characters you love to hate!

THE PENTHOUSE BY CATHERINE COOPER.
Release date set for the 24th of April 2025.
This book is set around the music industry.
1990s girl band.
I felt so sorry for the main female character.
I thought this story was captivating throughout and a very easy read.
Page turner.
Suspenseful.
This is my first book by Catherine Copper and looking forward to picking up more of her work.

Big fan of Catherine Cooper's books, feel they go some way to plugging a big gap around glam OTT fiction (if that is even a genre, but I love the escapism of her books)

Any, back to the penthouse and we met two bands back on a reunion tour, but some things are better left in the past and maybe the reunion was not the best idea.

The whole plot hinges around what happened to lead singer of one band, Enola was she just seemed to disappear one night, complete with passport.

The reunion leads to dark secrets being uncovered along with a potential 'curse' over the band, chaos ensues. We have crazed fans, conspiracy theories and general revenge in the mix so it all serves up a delicious plot!
SPOILER ALERT
Have to say, I was hoping for a different out for Enola, I felt like she deserved more. Also I was slightly confused about the character Becki, I kept waiting for her to makes an apperance.

Can't wait for the next Catherine Cooper book.

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book, this is my honest opinion.

I loved this book. Catherine Coopers books are not rocket science but they are very addictive and very easy to read. I was very quickly hooked and was surprised when I found out the truth. Definitely worth a read, but clear you schedule for a few hours as you won’t be able to put it down!

The Penthouse centres on Enola Mazzeri, popular lead singer of girl band Breathe, who mysteriously disappeared years earlier. The story is told over two timelines - the past, following Enola's rise to fame (following her appearance on a TV talent show) and the lead up to her disappearance, and the present, in which her remaining bandmates along with boy band This Way Up, have reunited for a series of concerts. But it seems that somebody is out to sabotage both bands...

There are a lot of characters, mainly quite unpleasant, and we seem to hear from most of them at some point (including an obsessive stalker).

None of the people around her seem to genuinely love or want the best for Enola. Her boyfriend - This Way Up member Max - is controlling, her mother is selfish, her bandmates and managers are only out for themselves. Apart from Enola herself, not a single character seems like a nice person.

I had the song Enola Gay in my head for most of the book, so it was nice to see this referenced!

An enjoyable, if far-fetched story which seemed to finish a bit abruptly. Not Catherine Cooper's best, I don't think, but a good read.

One of Catherine Cooper’s best. Full of mystery, just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, you’re thrown another curveball. Absolutely devourable, mystery and Cooper fans alike will not be disappointed.

With getaways starting to be booked what a brilliant book for someone who cant live without their celebrity fix and if you love televised singing comps and rise to fame this is perfect. Reads like juicy bubblegum popping.

Book Review: The Penthouse by Catherine Cooper
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

I had high hopes for The Penthouse, but unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me. The title suggests a strong central setting, yet the link to it felt tedious rather than compelling.

One of the biggest issues was the characters. With too many protagonists, it was difficult to connect with or invest in any of them. None of them felt particularly warm or engaging, making it hard to care about their fates. Additionally, the plot’s twists were so extreme that they felt forced rather than shocking, losing their intended impact.

The setting, which could have been an atmospheric highlight, instead felt rushed and underdeveloped. There wasn’t enough depth or thought put into it, making the overall story feel disjointed and lacking direction.

Overall, The Penthouse was a disappointment. I wanted to enjoy it, but with a fragmented structure, unconvincing characters, and a setting that never truly came to life, it left me feeling unsatisfied.

Enola is part of a girl band put together from a reality TV show, but when she goes missing no one has a clue if she is dead or alive.
Intricate plotting, devious twists and excellent characterisation take this tale to a whole new level. Any serious crime fan will love it

This wasn't one of my favorites from Catherine. I really didn't like the characters at all. The twists were good and the ending was good. Nit one of her best for me. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Having read all of Catherine Coopers previous novels I was really looking forward to this one.
Firstly it's a completely different set up compared to her other books so nice to see her exploring a different set up/ tone for the book.

There were a few times I had to keep remind myself who was who and there connects but otherwise I found this too be a interesting read into the good and bad parts of fame and being part of a band. Makes you really think is it all worth it,with people out to get you at every opportunity and who you can and can not trust.

There were plenty of twists and turns and loved the news reports and fan opinions from a forum and the small chapters made for quick easy and light reading.

Have not read much about groups and the pitfalls of life on the road but enjoyed reading this book and look forward to more from Catherine.

Thanks netgalley for the opportunity to read this book before launch date.

The Penthouse by Catherine Cooper

Anything about talent shows usually have me switching off the t.v. Immediately or not reading anything about it.
But not this one , after reading about it I was strangely drawn into reading it , and I'm very glad I did.
The Book takes us world of TV talent shows, and the people that are drawn to it , usually the game hungry.
We are introduced to Elona who's willing to do anything to get what she wants and how to go about getting it .
Brilliant.