While I enjoyed Catherine Cooper's latest, The Penthouse, it felt more like notes for a really good thriller than a good thriller in its own right. The concept is fun - early 00s girl band Breathe, who formed via a TV talent show (think Girls Aloud/Popstars: The Rivals), have come together for a reunion tour in the present day. But only two of the original members are there, because lead singer Enola mysteriously disappeared back in 2008 and hasn't been seen since. When mysterious accidents start happening to the remaining women, they wonder who is stalking them, and if the truth of what really happened to Enola is about to come to light. The Penthouse is narrated through a crazy number of different points of view as it skips between past and present, from Enola to her mother to her sister to the other band members to members of a contemporary boy band who are wrapped up in the mystery. The constantly shifting narrators and the very short chapters is what made this feel like an early draft. Sections I would have loved to see further developed - for example, Enola's time on the talent show and Breathe's original rise to frame - are just totally skimmed over. Part of the appeal of thrillers like Cooper's is the luxurious settings, and The Penthouse is so bitty that we never get to sink into the atmosphere. However, it's fair to say that I had many of the same criticisms of Taylor Jenkins Reid's Malibu Rising, which others loved. For me, though, The Penthouse is not as good as Cooper's previous novels.

Wow! I'm seriously in love with this one. A thriller set in the world of music, fame and glamour. This is a serious page turner with some interesting characters. Right from the beginning you know it is going to be good.

I liked how the concept of social media, celeb obsession, impact of fame, rivalry and reality shows is shown. I loved the band dynamics and the then and now premise with multiples perspectives. I did not guess the twists and got a couple of things wrong thanks to the red herrings.

An extremely enjoyable thriller that would keep you guessing. Its setting and narrative is a main USP. Definitely recommend!

Thank you HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.

Five stars all the way... I was 100% hooked. This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat the entire time... There was so many twists and turns!

It was a rollercoaster of a thriller with plenty of twists to keep you guessing.

I adore Catherine Cooper’s books! No matter where I am in my shelf, she is getting bumped to the top! | loved this it was outstanding again!! Hurry with the next one!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars 😊

Enola, a world famous singer with the world at her feet, has much to appreciate: a loving boyfriend, a music career and a penthouse that’s almost too good to be true. But when she vanishes when band Breathe is at its power, it leaves others’ careers in tatters. Fast forward 15 years and the remaining members have agreed to a series of concerts in Las Vegas. A return to their former glory days, but it’s not going according to plan… in fact, there’s plenty of dangerous accidents that plague their return. They continue on, but some wonder if it’s Enola getting her revenge for past crimes. Does anyone really know the truth and if so, will they have the strength to be honest? It’s a pacy read – full of neat twists and turns where you’re left not sure who you can trust… which is my favourite kind of read.