I just finished Number One by Michelle Powers, and wow—this book delivers some truly jaw‑dropping moments. When the reigning number‑one author is found murdered and the long‑time number‑two, Zoey Black, suddenly shoots to the top spot, the questions start piling up fast. Did Zoey orchestrate the murder to boost her own success? Was she simply tired of living in Camille Price’s shadow?
And just when you think you’ve figured out the angle, Zoey becomes the one being stalked, making you wonder if she’s about to become the next victim. Powers keeps the suspect pool shifting—early on you think you’ve got it, halfway through you’re sure you’ve cracked it, and then the ending hits and you realize you missed all kinds of clues because the twist is wild.
A suspenseful, fast‑paced, one‑day page‑turner for me.
Huge thank‑you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I found this book very easy to read and the ideas are easy to follow. I could not believe who ended up being the murderer.

The ideas were arranged in a way that made sense to me, and sometimes that is hard with ADHD.

I cannot think of anything at this point that I would change about this book.

Number One
~Michelle Powers

Number One by Michelle Powers is a sharp, dark, and uncomfortably honest psychological thriller about rivalry, fame, and how quickly ambition can turn into survival.

When ‘Thriller Queen' Camille Price – author, icon, and publishing powerhouse – is found dead, alone in her bedroom, the literary world comes to a screeching halt. Rival author Zoey Black knows she should be upset about Camille's death, but with Camille gone, Zoey has suddenly claimed the coveted ‘Number One' spot. Every author's dream.

As social media buzz turns into suspicion and whispers morph into headlines, odd packages begin arriving, each tied to the same unsettling timeline surrounding Camille's death. What should be the peak of Zoey's career quickly shifts into something far more dangerous. When a private investigator shows up at her door, the professional high she's riding turns into a waking nightmare.

Every clue surrounding Camille's death seems to point back to Zoey, the author who finally got what she wanted. But was murder the ultimate career move to eliminate her competition, or is something more sinister lurking beneath the surface?

Powers has never lacked in character development – and that remains true in Number One. Every character is richly layered with distinct personalities and motivations that make them stand out individually while blending seamlessly together to create the perfect high-stakes suspense. Zoey is a complex mix of ambition and insecurity - flawed, driven, yet self-aware enough that makes her relatable to anyone who's ever measured themselves against someone else's success.

The atmosphere is chilling, fueled by tension, plausibility, and unresolved questions that give the story the pulse of a modern scandal - full of shock, scrutiny and obsession. You are literally experiencing the everyday terror of public scrutiny and the dark side of literary celebrity with Zoey.

Pacing is strong, steady and infectious. Short chapters that read like breaking news cycles, giving it authenticity and urgency that keep the suspense razor-sharp. Chapters end on a scratched-nail moment that leaves you at the point that ‘just one more chapter' is an understatement - it's more like, I have to finish this tonight! Powers peels back the layers of ego, envy, and how fragile success really is when the spotlight turns harsh.

And the twists and turns… I will just leave this here, YOU WILL NEVER SEE THEM COMING!

Powers poses the ultimate question – what would you trade for the top spot, and who would you make pay for it?

If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that will make you think twice, three times, and even four about who to trust, accountability in the digital age, and the loneliness that often comes with success, then Number One by Michelle Powers is your next read! Releases June 28, 2026, and available for pre-order on Amazon now!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Michelle Powers for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC an early copy of Number One. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.

This is a fast paced thriller with a twist you do not see coming. Camille Price, who is a number One best selling author, is murdered, all eyes are on her rival Zoey Black. One of her best works that I've read!

Michelle’s latest book didn’t disappoint.

Celebrity status is not for everyone and when Pattys daughter, Zoey’s competitor turns up murdered, Zoey is getting scrutinized thinking she wanted the number one spot.

Zoey has some alarming things happen to her as well.

Who is the killer and why are they doing what they’re doing?

Michelle has hit another one out of the park. Number One will keep you on the edge of your seat. I love this book. Amazing writing and amazing storyline

Okay, okay, okay… I swear I say this in every review I write about a Michelle Powers book, but THIS one? This one is officially my favorite so far.
From the very first page, I felt like I was Zoey. That’s something this author does so effortlessly. She doesn’t just tell a story; she pulls you inside it. You don’t just read what the characters are going through… you feel it. Every emotion hits exactly where it should, and Zoey’s journey felt so real it was almost unsettling in the best way.
And can we talk about that ending for a second? Because WOW. Just… WOW. My mind was completely blown. I’m not exaggerating, and I’m definitely not saying this just to hype it up; I genuinely did not see it coming. Not even close. It’s one of those endings that makes you sit there afterward, looking blankly into space, replaying everything in your head.
Michelle Powers has this incredible way of building characters you connect with deeply and then developing a story that keeps you hooked until the very last page. And just when you think you have it all figured out… she flips everything upside down.
If you love stories that pull you in, mess with your state of mind, and leave you shocked in the best way, this is one you have to read.

I love Michelle Powers books! They hook you from the beginning and you entertained not wanting to stop till you get to the end. The characters personalities come to life from the first introduction and blossom throughout really adding to the plot! I love the thrill and excitement of reading her books and highly recommend!