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Hollywood Thriller #2
The Catch
At a glittering after-party on the night of the Academy Awards, author Mirren McLean celebrates her win with her childhood friends Davie Johnston and Zander Leith by her side.
Three kids from a tough street in Glasgow, the dazzling trio rose from the ashes to become Hollywood stars with global fame and vast fortunes.
This is their moment in the spotlight.
But by morning, there’s only darkness.
A secret from their past has come back to haunt them and the shield of stardom can’t protect them from the horrors of their old lives.
Someone is out to destroy them… and unlike the movies, there’s no guarantee that the good guys will win.
An exciting next instalment of the glamorous thriller for the fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid, Liane Moriarty and Jo Spain.
Three kids from a tough street in Glasgow, the dazzling trio rose from the ashes to become Hollywood stars with global fame and vast fortunes.
This is their moment in the spotlight.
But by morning, there’s only darkness.
A secret from their past has come back to haunt them and the shield of stardom can’t protect them from the horrors of their old lives.
Someone is out to destroy them… and unlike the movies, there’s no guarantee that the good guys will win.
An exciting next instalment of the glamorous thriller for the fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid, Liane Moriarty and Jo Spain.
464 pages, Paperback
First published February 20, 2023
743 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
Shari Low
48 books1,493 followers*No1 Multi-Million Copy Best-Selling Author*
LATEST NOVEL, JUST ONE MORE DAY IS OUT NOW!
In a career spanning twenty five years, author Shari Low has published over 40 books, and sold over five million copies around the globe, hitting the best seller charts in many countries including UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia.
In 2020, her first novel, What If? (originally published in 2001), was updated and re-released, followed by the sequels What Now? and What Next?. All three novels became international best sellers.
Since then, several of Shari's books have been #1 chart-toppers - including One Day With You, One Moment in Time, One Christmas Eve, One Year After You, One Midnight With You, One Day & Forever and One Snowy Day (all published by Boldwood Books).
Shari has also co-written three Hollywood thrillers, The Rise, The Catch and The Fall, with LA-based TV presenter and actor Ross King.
In real life, once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and thirty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with the one they said would never last. Their children have now grown and scattered across the world, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video calls and aeroplanes.
For all the latest news, visit Shari on Facebook, twitter, instagram or at sharilow dot com
LATEST NOVEL, JUST ONE MORE DAY IS OUT NOW!
In a career spanning twenty five years, author Shari Low has published over 40 books, and sold over five million copies around the globe, hitting the best seller charts in many countries including UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia.
In 2020, her first novel, What If? (originally published in 2001), was updated and re-released, followed by the sequels What Now? and What Next?. All three novels became international best sellers.
Since then, several of Shari's books have been #1 chart-toppers - including One Day With You, One Moment in Time, One Christmas Eve, One Year After You, One Midnight With You, One Day & Forever and One Snowy Day (all published by Boldwood Books).
Shari has also co-written three Hollywood thrillers, The Rise, The Catch and The Fall, with LA-based TV presenter and actor Ross King.
In real life, once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and thirty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with the one they said would never last. Their children have now grown and scattered across the world, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video calls and aeroplanes.
For all the latest news, visit Shari on Facebook, twitter, instagram or at sharilow dot com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
February 21, 2023
Yayyyyyyy Mirren,Davie and Zander are back in this the 2nd book of the explosive Hollywood series
Got to say the addition at the beginning of a ‘reminder’ or a ‘heads up’ for new readers is a great idea as is the much needed in many books ‘cast list’ AND how each character is linked to each other….
And for the story…well its dynamite again,total escapism into the world of L.A. and all that happens there,films,music,the stars and their lives,good and bad,every page thrills with the pictures forming in your mind of the lifestyle…but there is importantly a really really good story here too,exciting,thrilling,edgy and brilliantly written and played out
I loved every sentence of this book,I wish the next instalment ( please let there be one ) was out but the wait will be worth it,these books are pure reading enjoyment
10/10
5 Stars
Got to say the addition at the beginning of a ‘reminder’ or a ‘heads up’ for new readers is a great idea as is the much needed in many books ‘cast list’ AND how each character is linked to each other….
And for the story…well its dynamite again,total escapism into the world of L.A. and all that happens there,films,music,the stars and their lives,good and bad,every page thrills with the pictures forming in your mind of the lifestyle…but there is importantly a really really good story here too,exciting,thrilling,edgy and brilliantly written and played out
I loved every sentence of this book,I wish the next instalment ( please let there be one ) was out but the wait will be worth it,these books are pure reading enjoyment
10/10
5 Stars
March 12, 2023
The Catch
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Thriller
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 2/20/23
Author: Shari Low and Ross King
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pages: 477
GR: 4.47
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
My Thoughts: This is the second book in the Hollywood Thriller Series. However, it can be read as a standalone. I love that the story starts with a bit of a catch up from the last book, to either refresh your memory or put you on even ground. This book has it all, romance, humor, and suspense. The story opens at the Oscars with an explosive beginning, then walks us back through the previous six weeks.
Mirren, Davie, and Zander grew up rough but not live in the Hollywood glamour. They have their fair share of secrets that would be devastating if they came out. The story is narrating in alternating POVs. There are a lot of chapters, but they are short, creating easy stop points. Once the secrets and betrayal start to unravel, The characters were built on from the previous book, The Rise, with depth, were mysterious, and creatively done. The details and characters are written so that you get invested in the storyline. The authors’ writing style was complex, multifaceted, suspenseful, steamy, and just brilliant. The story is written so well that parts could be 100% true, I love this facet.
I absolutely love the author due of Shari Low and Ross King, they compliment each other wonderfully in their novels. This story was brilliantly written and will captivate you from the very beginning. It is a page turner and more than once kept me up to late reading, just one more chapter. I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR. There is a third book, The Fall, in this trilogy that will be released later this year, 6/7/23, and I cannot wait to read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Thriller
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 2/20/23
Author: Shari Low and Ross King
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pages: 477
GR: 4.47
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
My Thoughts: This is the second book in the Hollywood Thriller Series. However, it can be read as a standalone. I love that the story starts with a bit of a catch up from the last book, to either refresh your memory or put you on even ground. This book has it all, romance, humor, and suspense. The story opens at the Oscars with an explosive beginning, then walks us back through the previous six weeks.
Mirren, Davie, and Zander grew up rough but not live in the Hollywood glamour. They have their fair share of secrets that would be devastating if they came out. The story is narrating in alternating POVs. There are a lot of chapters, but they are short, creating easy stop points. Once the secrets and betrayal start to unravel, The characters were built on from the previous book, The Rise, with depth, were mysterious, and creatively done. The details and characters are written so that you get invested in the storyline. The authors’ writing style was complex, multifaceted, suspenseful, steamy, and just brilliant. The story is written so well that parts could be 100% true, I love this facet.
I absolutely love the author due of Shari Low and Ross King, they compliment each other wonderfully in their novels. This story was brilliantly written and will captivate you from the very beginning. It is a page turner and more than once kept me up to late reading, just one more chapter. I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR. There is a third book, The Fall, in this trilogy that will be released later this year, 6/7/23, and I cannot wait to read!
August 22, 2023
I'm excited to say Mirren, Davie and Zander are back in the second book of this highly addictive series.
The three friends all grew up in Glasgow and have all made it big in Hollywood. But someone is determined to make them pay. This explosive secret has come back to haunt them and could destroy them.
I loved everything about this book and I cannot wait to start the next instalment.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
The three friends all grew up in Glasgow and have all made it big in Hollywood. But someone is determined to make them pay. This explosive secret has come back to haunt them and could destroy them.
I loved everything about this book and I cannot wait to start the next instalment.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2023
I have no idea how I missed the first in this series; as a huge fan of Shari Low's writing I can only conclude that the publicity passed me by!
Mirren, Davie and Zander grew up together in Scotland so when they find themselves at the Academy Awards, it's not something they ever expected to experience. All three have reasons to forget their childhoods - but secrets, as we all know, rarely stay hidden . . .
I had thought I would go back and read the first of this series but I suspect I now know what's in it, but after a bit of time I'll give it a whirl. This is a fabulous collaboration, pushing Shari Low into the thriller genre but without losing her very entertaining humour. I remember Ross King well from British TV, and it's exciting that these two friends are writing together. A good, solid, gripping story with well-developed characters and a huge dollop of mystery about where it's going next kept me riveted from beginning to end. Beautifully written - I would expect no less - this is a cracking series and one I shall most definitely follow. An exciting and lively novel, easily worth all five sparkling stars!
Mirren, Davie and Zander grew up together in Scotland so when they find themselves at the Academy Awards, it's not something they ever expected to experience. All three have reasons to forget their childhoods - but secrets, as we all know, rarely stay hidden . . .
I had thought I would go back and read the first of this series but I suspect I now know what's in it, but after a bit of time I'll give it a whirl. This is a fabulous collaboration, pushing Shari Low into the thriller genre but without losing her very entertaining humour. I remember Ross King well from British TV, and it's exciting that these two friends are writing together. A good, solid, gripping story with well-developed characters and a huge dollop of mystery about where it's going next kept me riveted from beginning to end. Beautifully written - I would expect no less - this is a cracking series and one I shall most definitely follow. An exciting and lively novel, easily worth all five sparkling stars!
March 13, 2023
So I had no idea going into this one that there was a previous book. The recap did help but I have to admit, I was a little lost at the start as there were so many characters being introduced and I struggled to keep track of who was who. As the book went on, things became clearer though and I began to get very invested in the story. This fast paced Hollywood thriller had lots of drama and suspense and I was constantly on edge while reading, flipping through the pages as quickly as I could, especially towards the end. Highly entertaining - would recommend this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 28, 2023
Hollywood glitz and glamour
Stardom, fame, academy clamour
They've come a long way from their childhood
In a tough Glasgow neighbourhood.
But they have secrets they've kept for years
Revelations could end in more than tears.
Someone else knows what they left behind
Hoping no-one else would ever find.
Whilst their friendship is strained
There is much to be gained
By working together again
To keep each other safe - and sane!
A story where glamour collides with the past
Where dangerous secrets could make this their last.
This is the second in a trilogy
An explosive story, as you'll soon see.
The cast of characters, their relationships, too,
Are shared at the start to help you.
This sets the scene if straight to this book you've gone
And acts as a reminder to folks who've read book one.
Relationships, attitudes, fame and more
Are key elements that this story explore.
As someone is out to destroy them now
Will they manage to survive somehow?
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Stardom, fame, academy clamour
They've come a long way from their childhood
In a tough Glasgow neighbourhood.
But they have secrets they've kept for years
Revelations could end in more than tears.
Someone else knows what they left behind
Hoping no-one else would ever find.
Whilst their friendship is strained
There is much to be gained
By working together again
To keep each other safe - and sane!
A story where glamour collides with the past
Where dangerous secrets could make this their last.
This is the second in a trilogy
An explosive story, as you'll soon see.
The cast of characters, their relationships, too,
Are shared at the start to help you.
This sets the scene if straight to this book you've gone
And acts as a reminder to folks who've read book one.
Relationships, attitudes, fame and more
Are key elements that this story explore.
As someone is out to destroy them now
Will they manage to survive somehow?
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
June 2, 2024
Oh my freaking god!!
Absolutely jaw dropped. I’m shaking and sobbing and I never do this but I’m going to buy the next one right now. I need to know where the story goes next. No spoilers, as my best friend is working through the series, and i don’t like ruining books for anyone, but especially not her - P if you see this, it’s safe to read on 🫶
If you read my review of the first in the series you’ll know I had conflicted ideas of whether this series would work for me, my god it works, I’m so invested in the lives of these characters it’s unreal, the first instalment was great, this was outstanding.
I LOVE that each chapter is a song, it’s a little Shari Low trademark and I adore it, I always have a song in my head, so it works so well for me.
Peter Gabriel ft Kate Bush - Don’t give up 🥲💔
The narration by Ross King and Helen McAlpine is outstanding- this title seemed a little more Ross King heavy, so we know the story is brilliant when we consider my extreme bias for Helen McAlpine.
All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends
Absolutely jaw dropped. I’m shaking and sobbing and I never do this but I’m going to buy the next one right now. I need to know where the story goes next. No spoilers, as my best friend is working through the series, and i don’t like ruining books for anyone, but especially not her - P if you see this, it’s safe to read on 🫶
If you read my review of the first in the series you’ll know I had conflicted ideas of whether this series would work for me, my god it works, I’m so invested in the lives of these characters it’s unreal, the first instalment was great, this was outstanding.
I LOVE that each chapter is a song, it’s a little Shari Low trademark and I adore it, I always have a song in my head, so it works so well for me.
Peter Gabriel ft Kate Bush - Don’t give up 🥲💔
The narration by Ross King and Helen McAlpine is outstanding- this title seemed a little more Ross King heavy, so we know the story is brilliant when we consider my extreme bias for Helen McAlpine.
All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends
February 21, 2023
As a new to me author, and I did not realize this was the second book, I appreciated the quick catch-up or preview in the beginning.
The story grabbed me, and I loved the drama, suspense, secrets, and overall chaos of the lives of our characters. Toss in a little romance, and humor with the glitter of Hollywood, and I had difficulty putting the book down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
The story grabbed me, and I loved the drama, suspense, secrets, and overall chaos of the lives of our characters. Toss in a little romance, and humor with the glitter of Hollywood, and I had difficulty putting the book down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
September 12, 2023
I don’t think it should’ve kept referring back to it. Also, it was just boring to me. I was hoping for much more. I’m glad Zander & Hollie finally got together. Not sure if I’ll read book #3 or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2024
Review to will be updated later
August 30, 2025
This is the second book in the series and in my opinion it's better than the first. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 25, 2023
Ugh this one pulled on the heart strings !!! I loved it & the twist at the end was completely unexpected
Read
May 12, 2024The sequel did not disappoint.
Great character development and it was good to see a number of side characters promoted to main cast characters as this expanded the 'world' of the book out from focusing just on Mirren, Davie and Zander.
Great idea to have the recap at the beginning - a good reminder to reboot our memories for those of us who read the first book and a good prompt for those who may have picked it up not realising it was second in a series. The recap offers enough that you could just read this as a stand-alone but you will get so much more out of it if you read the first one, first.
This story opens towards the end, leaving you in the middle of the cliffhanger that is happening and then takes you back to the start to run you through how we got to this place.
As with the previous book, it kept me guessing the whole way through, although my guesses were a lot closer to the mark with this one.
I listened to the Audible Audio version of this book and found both narrators suited to the story.
Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - no
Would I sit down and read it all over again - yes
Would I read more by this author based on this book - definitely, moving straight on to the 3rd book now
Great character development and it was good to see a number of side characters promoted to main cast characters as this expanded the 'world' of the book out from focusing just on Mirren, Davie and Zander.
Great idea to have the recap at the beginning - a good reminder to reboot our memories for those of us who read the first book and a good prompt for those who may have picked it up not realising it was second in a series. The recap offers enough that you could just read this as a stand-alone but you will get so much more out of it if you read the first one, first.
This story opens towards the end, leaving you in the middle of the cliffhanger that is happening and then takes you back to the start to run you through how we got to this place.
As with the previous book, it kept me guessing the whole way through, although my guesses were a lot closer to the mark with this one.
I listened to the Audible Audio version of this book and found both narrators suited to the story.
Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - no
Would I sit down and read it all over again - yes
Would I read more by this author based on this book - definitely, moving straight on to the 3rd book now
December 8, 2022
I absolutely love “The Catch”, the second book in The Hollywood Thriller Trilogy by Shari Low and Ross King. Davie, Zander and Mirren are my favorite characters and once again their drama filled lives were met with scandal, secrets and life threatening situations. Romance was in the air for Mirren, Zander was searching for who he really was and Davie was busy being the king of reality TV. I devoured the book in only a few hours and I couldn’t get enough of the Hollywood hierarchy, the glamour of red carpet events and the chances the characters took to finally achieve happiness. We are introduced to Mirren’s son Logan, who is a member of a super popular boy band that was climbing the charts and causing young girls to swoon. Zander still has women flocking to him but unfortunately, he was obsessed with the one woman who could ruin him. I was surprised he couldn’t see that his life would be better with someone who truly understood the man he was behind the movie star. Davie’s girlfriend Sarah was immersed in writing a tell-all Hollywood tale while closely guarding their potential career ending secret from falling into the wrong hands.
I was captivated by every heart pounding chapter as Davie, Zander and Mirren dealt with Hollywood politics, gossip and emotional personal issues. I wanted to be a fly on the wall at the business meetings, parties and quiet nights at the beach so I too, could experience the magic of Hollywood. Of course, danger was right around the corner for all three of them and no matter how much security they could afford, no one ever felt safe. I was absolutely convinced that I knew who was behind all of their troubles, but I was wrong and completely shocked by the final scene that I never saw coming. Ms. Low and Mr. King are a dynamic writing team and I am grateful that they came together to write this creative and entertaining series.
I was captivated by every heart pounding chapter as Davie, Zander and Mirren dealt with Hollywood politics, gossip and emotional personal issues. I wanted to be a fly on the wall at the business meetings, parties and quiet nights at the beach so I too, could experience the magic of Hollywood. Of course, danger was right around the corner for all three of them and no matter how much security they could afford, no one ever felt safe. I was absolutely convinced that I knew who was behind all of their troubles, but I was wrong and completely shocked by the final scene that I never saw coming. Ms. Low and Mr. King are a dynamic writing team and I am grateful that they came together to write this creative and entertaining series.
February 23, 2023
This is the second in the Hollywood Thriller Trilogy but can easily be read as a standalone. The book starts with a very handy catch-up of the previous book & a cast of characters (of which there are many).
A great story with plenty of dramatic twists & turns. It’s true the past cannot remain buried as our trio of Mirren, Davie & Zander discover to their cost. The almost other-worldly setting of movie moguls & the high life of L.A. is brilliantly told but I did find the constant ‘product placement’ a little onerous.
Thrills, spills & humour aplenty throw in some romance & sex - there is something for all. Well written, despite being a collaboration, you can’t see the joins. What next I wonder?
A great story with plenty of dramatic twists & turns. It’s true the past cannot remain buried as our trio of Mirren, Davie & Zander discover to their cost. The almost other-worldly setting of movie moguls & the high life of L.A. is brilliantly told but I did find the constant ‘product placement’ a little onerous.
Thrills, spills & humour aplenty throw in some romance & sex - there is something for all. Well written, despite being a collaboration, you can’t see the joins. What next I wonder?
June 5, 2023
I was desperate for this sequel for the second I finished The Rise last year and it didnt disappoint I am genuinely obsessed.
It follows on seamlessly from the previous story, you get lost in the characters lives and the glamorous well written narrative. I am so sad that the third installment will be the last because I love the characters and the style of this story, the history and their so relatable
It follows on seamlessly from the previous story, you get lost in the characters lives and the glamorous well written narrative. I am so sad that the third installment will be the last because I love the characters and the style of this story, the history and their so relatable
December 21, 2022
I didn't think that the second book could be as good as the first but I was wrong. Built on the first book but could be read as a stand alone.
It focuses on the here and now of the three childhood friends and the rollercoaster of their personal and professional lives.
A new look at Los Angeles and the entertainment business.
It focuses on the here and now of the three childhood friends and the rollercoaster of their personal and professional lives.
A new look at Los Angeles and the entertainment business.
October 22, 2023
This was such a gripping read, it can be fully read as a standalone but I will be reading the first book
This had some characters that confused me in the sense I didn’t know to love them or hate them 😂
It was interesting to see how they all reacted following the death of Chloe, I will definitely be reading the next in the series.
This had some characters that confused me in the sense I didn’t know to love them or hate them 😂
It was interesting to see how they all reacted following the death of Chloe, I will definitely be reading the next in the series.
May 2, 2023
I love Shari Low books - BUT this was so full of recaps of the previous book it really detracted from the story and the characters.
The recaps are so detailed you can safely skip through pages until you get to the next "speach text bit" and not miss a thing.
The first book of this series was an absolute belter which is why I got straight to this one not wanting it to end.
The recaps are so detailed you can safely skip through pages until you get to the next "speach text bit" and not miss a thing.
The first book of this series was an absolute belter which is why I got straight to this one not wanting it to end.
February 20, 2023
As expected, I loved it! It was the perfect follow up to The Rise with just as much drama, suspense and chaos as its prequel brought to the table. In this instalment, the same three main characters, Davie, Mirren and Zander, along with Sarah, the journalist from the previous book, alternate sharing POVs. At the beginning we find the three celebrities at the 2014 oscars and are left with a cliffhanger which leaves us wondering if they will all survive some kind of explosion. The authors take us back 6 weeks in the lead up to this suspenseful event, and we find Davie producing and acting in several hit TV shows, Mirren negotiating contracts for her Clansmen enterprise and founding a safe house in honour of her late daughter Chloe, and Zander filming a new movie, modeling for a famous italian designer and totally clean! But an alarming number of close calls and weird incidents keep happening to Davie and Zander, with Mirren caught somewhere in the middle. When Mirren thinks she sees someone dangerous from her past, suddenly puzzle pieces start to fall into place.
Much like the first book, this one is also split into more than 60 short chapters each following a different character's point of view. As a result, it is a pretty fast-paced read that you will not want to put down! I do really enjoy the short chapters, many of which left off in a cliff-hanger, leaving you needing to read 2-4 more chapters before you got more info about that last big event. Occasionally it left me having to pause for a second to remember what happened, last time I read a Davie chapter for example, but it definitely left me wanting to read more since the action alternated between storylines.
While it definitely has thriller/suspense elements, it is not one that will keep me awake in the middle of the night hiding from serial killers! There are a few content warnings which include: arson, physical violence, car accidents, drugs and mention of rape and murder. There is also lots of sex, but it is very well done and not overly graphic. I didn't fully understand the title in The Rise and I feel similarly about The Catch. I wonder if it is kind of like Catch-22, like the downside of notoriety. As with The Rise, The Catch is a captivating story that will hold your interest and leave you with just enough closure at the end.
Much like the first book, this one is also split into more than 60 short chapters each following a different character's point of view. As a result, it is a pretty fast-paced read that you will not want to put down! I do really enjoy the short chapters, many of which left off in a cliff-hanger, leaving you needing to read 2-4 more chapters before you got more info about that last big event. Occasionally it left me having to pause for a second to remember what happened, last time I read a Davie chapter for example, but it definitely left me wanting to read more since the action alternated between storylines.
While it definitely has thriller/suspense elements, it is not one that will keep me awake in the middle of the night hiding from serial killers! There are a few content warnings which include: arson, physical violence, car accidents, drugs and mention of rape and murder. There is also lots of sex, but it is very well done and not overly graphic. I didn't fully understand the title in The Rise and I feel similarly about The Catch. I wonder if it is kind of like Catch-22, like the downside of notoriety. As with The Rise, The Catch is a captivating story that will hold your interest and leave you with just enough closure at the end.
February 24, 2023
After reading The Rise, which is the first book in The Hollywood Thriller Trilogy, I was eager to read this book, The Catch. I didn't even wonder if it would be as good as the first. There was no doubt!
It may be the second book in the trilogy, but it is so easily read as a standalone. To make it even easier, these two clever authors have dedicated some time to writing a 'catch up' chapter right at the beginning of the book. There is also a list of characters, who they are, and what their roles are in the story. I thought this was a great touch myself.
The Catch immediately hooked me again. I was back with Mirren, Davie, Zander and Sarah, who has given her job up and moved to the U.S. since the end of The Rise. It was so good to return to them with their glamorous and jet-set lifestyles (particularly Zander off course!). I was invested in all of these characters from the last book and this book just hammered home just home much I was invested in them all.
Everything that Shari Low and Ross King brought to The Rise, glamour, mystery, grit and humour too, is present in this book in spades. Then there's the absolute escapism that comes with this trilogy. Everything that makes L.A what it is is here and I was so immersed in everything again. The ups and downs of the rich and famous is such an addictive read.
Again, another fabulously well written book but I expect no less from this writing duo. I was picturing everything in my mind as the story unfolded. A story that I couldn't get enough of. Once I picked my kindle up to start the book, I just read until I was forced to put my Kindle down, three year olds force your hand like that!
If I wasn't reading I was thinking about wanting to read it. It was almost like an obsession! Talk about an addictive set of books! I flew through it so fast! It's no less entertaining than The Rise and I finished it way too soon for my liking. Before I knew it I had to leave them all again. I simply want to read the third book!! NOW! But even that will be bittersweet as I don't want this series to end.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the gifted Epub of the book.
It may be the second book in the trilogy, but it is so easily read as a standalone. To make it even easier, these two clever authors have dedicated some time to writing a 'catch up' chapter right at the beginning of the book. There is also a list of characters, who they are, and what their roles are in the story. I thought this was a great touch myself.
The Catch immediately hooked me again. I was back with Mirren, Davie, Zander and Sarah, who has given her job up and moved to the U.S. since the end of The Rise. It was so good to return to them with their glamorous and jet-set lifestyles (particularly Zander off course!). I was invested in all of these characters from the last book and this book just hammered home just home much I was invested in them all.
Everything that Shari Low and Ross King brought to The Rise, glamour, mystery, grit and humour too, is present in this book in spades. Then there's the absolute escapism that comes with this trilogy. Everything that makes L.A what it is is here and I was so immersed in everything again. The ups and downs of the rich and famous is such an addictive read.
Again, another fabulously well written book but I expect no less from this writing duo. I was picturing everything in my mind as the story unfolded. A story that I couldn't get enough of. Once I picked my kindle up to start the book, I just read until I was forced to put my Kindle down, three year olds force your hand like that!
If I wasn't reading I was thinking about wanting to read it. It was almost like an obsession! Talk about an addictive set of books! I flew through it so fast! It's no less entertaining than The Rise and I finished it way too soon for my liking. Before I knew it I had to leave them all again. I simply want to read the third book!! NOW! But even that will be bittersweet as I don't want this series to end.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the gifted Epub of the book.
February 25, 2023
The Catch by Shari Low and Ross King
(The Hollywood Thriller Trilogy Book 2)
They've reached the top, but someone is determined to make them pay.
At a glittering after-party on the night of the Academy Awards, author Mirren McLean celebrates her win with her childhood friends Davie Johnston and Zander Leith by her side.
Three kids from a tough street in Glasgow, the dazzling trio rose from the ashes to become Hollywood stars with global fame and vast fortunes.
This is their moment in the spotlight.
But by morning, there's only darkness.
A secret from their past has returned to haunt them, and the shield of stardom can't protect them from the horrors of their old lives.
Someone is out to destroy them, and unlike the movies, there's no guarantee that the good guys will win.
After reading The Rise, I was keen to read The Catch, the second book in this glamourous thriller trilogy, to see what happens next to Mirren, Davie and Zander.
It was really great to return many years later to the wealthy, fashionable, glamorous lifestyles of the rich and famous and to follow all they have risked getting to the top of their game.
The name-dropping of well-known celebrities added an element of realism to the story. However, it makes you wonder how much is fiction and how much is possibly true.
Shari Low and Ross King again bring a rounded insight into the secrets, lies, determination and endurance of the elite.
At the beginning of The Catch is a summary that catches you up with each character from book one, The Rise, and reminds you of how the previous story concluded.
An indulgent, entertaining, pure escapism story. I long for June 7th to read the third and final story in The Fall, which I have on pre-order.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I want to thank publishers Boldwood Books, authors Shari Low and Ross King and Rachels Random Resources for an invite on the tour.
(The Hollywood Thriller Trilogy Book 2)
They've reached the top, but someone is determined to make them pay.
At a glittering after-party on the night of the Academy Awards, author Mirren McLean celebrates her win with her childhood friends Davie Johnston and Zander Leith by her side.
Three kids from a tough street in Glasgow, the dazzling trio rose from the ashes to become Hollywood stars with global fame and vast fortunes.
This is their moment in the spotlight.
But by morning, there's only darkness.
A secret from their past has returned to haunt them, and the shield of stardom can't protect them from the horrors of their old lives.
Someone is out to destroy them, and unlike the movies, there's no guarantee that the good guys will win.
After reading The Rise, I was keen to read The Catch, the second book in this glamourous thriller trilogy, to see what happens next to Mirren, Davie and Zander.
It was really great to return many years later to the wealthy, fashionable, glamorous lifestyles of the rich and famous and to follow all they have risked getting to the top of their game.
The name-dropping of well-known celebrities added an element of realism to the story. However, it makes you wonder how much is fiction and how much is possibly true.
Shari Low and Ross King again bring a rounded insight into the secrets, lies, determination and endurance of the elite.
At the beginning of The Catch is a summary that catches you up with each character from book one, The Rise, and reminds you of how the previous story concluded.
An indulgent, entertaining, pure escapism story. I long for June 7th to read the third and final story in The Fall, which I have on pre-order.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I want to thank publishers Boldwood Books, authors Shari Low and Ross King and Rachels Random Resources for an invite on the tour.
February 24, 2023
Favorite Quotes:
That was showbiz. A year ago, Jizzo was washed up, almost a joke, a has-been with a bad weave who was desperately holding on to a fanbase that had long ago swapped their leather trousers for pension plans and brochures for assisted-living facilities. Throw in a supermodel girlfriend, a hit reality show and behaviour that would get him arrested anywhere else in the world, and the result was the kind of homage that used to be reserved for state leaders and royalty.
She prided herself on being the last person in Los Angeles who still consumed carbs on anything other than birthdays, Christmas or the discovery that your partner was cheating on you with a twenty-two-year-old waitress.
Mellie unfurled her legs from under her and stood, her spiked heels and black leather trousers giving her a look that sat somewhere between Robocop and an occupation that demanded the use of a safe word.
Others saw a career that epitomized the very pinnacle of success. She wondered when he was going to get a real job and actually build something because ‘All you do is talk for a living. It’s not proper work, is it?’
My Review:
Another bitingly witty, cleverly plotted, complex, and multi-layered thriller full of twists, sensuality, scandals, and subterfuge. I lapped up every perfectly chosen and evocative word, snarky misdirection, and vibrant detail like a starving dieter on a binge. The characters were so fabulously flawed they were teetering on the edge of ruin yet I was fascinated by their work ethic and continued successes despite their jagged histories and poor choices. Shari Low is a skilled scribe and master storyteller while the synergy in pairing with Ross King has yielded a dynamic and explosive combination. I hope there is more to come as I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
That was showbiz. A year ago, Jizzo was washed up, almost a joke, a has-been with a bad weave who was desperately holding on to a fanbase that had long ago swapped their leather trousers for pension plans and brochures for assisted-living facilities. Throw in a supermodel girlfriend, a hit reality show and behaviour that would get him arrested anywhere else in the world, and the result was the kind of homage that used to be reserved for state leaders and royalty.
She prided herself on being the last person in Los Angeles who still consumed carbs on anything other than birthdays, Christmas or the discovery that your partner was cheating on you with a twenty-two-year-old waitress.
Mellie unfurled her legs from under her and stood, her spiked heels and black leather trousers giving her a look that sat somewhere between Robocop and an occupation that demanded the use of a safe word.
Others saw a career that epitomized the very pinnacle of success. She wondered when he was going to get a real job and actually build something because ‘All you do is talk for a living. It’s not proper work, is it?’
My Review:
Another bitingly witty, cleverly plotted, complex, and multi-layered thriller full of twists, sensuality, scandals, and subterfuge. I lapped up every perfectly chosen and evocative word, snarky misdirection, and vibrant detail like a starving dieter on a binge. The characters were so fabulously flawed they were teetering on the edge of ruin yet I was fascinated by their work ethic and continued successes despite their jagged histories and poor choices. Shari Low is a skilled scribe and master storyteller while the synergy in pairing with Ross King has yielded a dynamic and explosive combination. I hope there is more to come as I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
January 18, 2023
To get the very best from this book I suggest you read The Rise first - it is the series opener after all!
So, we start after the fallout from the shenanigans of what happened in the opener. Mirren, Davie and Zander have been reunited from their estrangement. But the secret they were so desperate to keep. A secret so bad that, well, the fallout from that exposure would be so so shocking that it doesn't bear thinking about. A secret that could very easily come out any day...
And then someone reenters their lives and threatens to do just that... threatening their very lives too...
Ok so if you haven't read the first book (shame on you, you're missing out) there is a recap at the beginning. Not as detailed as reading the book obviously but it serves well as a memory jogger - kinda like a "previously on..." at the start of a new series of a TV show. Thereafter we are once again thrown into the showbiz world our main characters inhabit and, as already mentioned, the secret. Having bonded well with the characters in The Rise, I was really fearing for them in this book, and rooting for them every step of the way. I got a bit emotionally involved at one point but that just shows the power of the characterisation of these authors.
The story is gripping and had my stomach in knots. I needed to know what was going to happen so much it was hard to tear myself away from the book. Luckily the authors don't subscribe to waffle or padding so it got on with itself very well.
At the end I was sad to have to say goodbye to them once again, hopefully book three is not long coming. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So, we start after the fallout from the shenanigans of what happened in the opener. Mirren, Davie and Zander have been reunited from their estrangement. But the secret they were so desperate to keep. A secret so bad that, well, the fallout from that exposure would be so so shocking that it doesn't bear thinking about. A secret that could very easily come out any day...
And then someone reenters their lives and threatens to do just that... threatening their very lives too...
Ok so if you haven't read the first book (shame on you, you're missing out) there is a recap at the beginning. Not as detailed as reading the book obviously but it serves well as a memory jogger - kinda like a "previously on..." at the start of a new series of a TV show. Thereafter we are once again thrown into the showbiz world our main characters inhabit and, as already mentioned, the secret. Having bonded well with the characters in The Rise, I was really fearing for them in this book, and rooting for them every step of the way. I got a bit emotionally involved at one point but that just shows the power of the characterisation of these authors.
The story is gripping and had my stomach in knots. I needed to know what was going to happen so much it was hard to tear myself away from the book. Luckily the authors don't subscribe to waffle or padding so it got on with itself very well.
At the end I was sad to have to say goodbye to them once again, hopefully book three is not long coming. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
March 6, 2023
This a book two in the Hollywood Thriller Trilogy but its easily read as a standalone novel as there’s a useful catch up at the beginning and cast list which is good as there are a lot of characters.
The story centres around three friends who grew up in Glasgow and have all made it big in Hollywood. Although it is only recently they have been reunited. Mirren is a Hollywood author, director, screenwriter and mother but is grieving for her only daughter Chloe who died at just eighteen. She has a son Logan who is in the music industry.
Zander is the wild child, action hero and has Hollie as a loyal assistant but is having an affair with the influential Adrianna Guilloti.
Davie a presenter/producer is in a relationship with Sarah, a journalist from Glasgow and who knows their dark secret but after falling for Davie has kept it to herself. A call from her old boss in Scotland raises a question about Mirren’s mother who she has told everyone is dead. She has spoken to Mirren previously about the past but Davie and Mirren had been close once so she goes to Mirren to tell her that a story may come out.
It is fast paced, racy and the secret that the three have kept for years is dangerously close to being revealed. The three are tough due to their upbringing but they are loyal and look out for each other. Then attacks start to happen to the trio,is it possible someone is out for revenge?
It reminded me of Jackie Collins books which show the dark and real side of the glamorous lives of the rich and famous. It shows how it is not always how we see it from the outside.
Plenty of drama, intrigue and thrills. I will definitely be reading book 3 !
4 stars ****
The story centres around three friends who grew up in Glasgow and have all made it big in Hollywood. Although it is only recently they have been reunited. Mirren is a Hollywood author, director, screenwriter and mother but is grieving for her only daughter Chloe who died at just eighteen. She has a son Logan who is in the music industry.
Zander is the wild child, action hero and has Hollie as a loyal assistant but is having an affair with the influential Adrianna Guilloti.
Davie a presenter/producer is in a relationship with Sarah, a journalist from Glasgow and who knows their dark secret but after falling for Davie has kept it to herself. A call from her old boss in Scotland raises a question about Mirren’s mother who she has told everyone is dead. She has spoken to Mirren previously about the past but Davie and Mirren had been close once so she goes to Mirren to tell her that a story may come out.
It is fast paced, racy and the secret that the three have kept for years is dangerously close to being revealed. The three are tough due to their upbringing but they are loyal and look out for each other. Then attacks start to happen to the trio,is it possible someone is out for revenge?
It reminded me of Jackie Collins books which show the dark and real side of the glamorous lives of the rich and famous. It shows how it is not always how we see it from the outside.
Plenty of drama, intrigue and thrills. I will definitely be reading book 3 !
4 stars ****
February 6, 2023
The Catch Ross King/Shari Low
4 stars
This is the 2nd book in a trilogy and although I have not read the first book, there is a synopsis at the beginning that told me what had happened before and set the scene for this book.
The story revolves around three main characters, Mirren McLean, Davie Johnston and Zander Leith. All three had grown up together in Glasgow and had always been friends forming a united front against their dysfunctional parents. The first book describes the tragedy that had occurred and how Mirren, by writing the story, albeit with totally different characters, had made it big in Hollywood and made stars of her two friends.
The second book is 20 years on and gives us an amazing insight into the lives of the rich and famous, how corrupt everything is and how fame can be taken away in an instant. Someone is out to ruin all three of the main characters and the past comes back to haunt them.
In many ways the events that are described seem too far-fetched but both the authors are part of the scene that they are describing and obviously know all about the scandals that they describe. The references to real life people also added an element of authenticity to the story and I can well believe that a lot of the action is based on real life.
I will look out for the final book as I would really like to see how their lives continue. A great book to read if you like an insight into the rich and famous in the TV and film world.
Karen Deborah
Reviewer for Net galley
4 stars
This is the 2nd book in a trilogy and although I have not read the first book, there is a synopsis at the beginning that told me what had happened before and set the scene for this book.
The story revolves around three main characters, Mirren McLean, Davie Johnston and Zander Leith. All three had grown up together in Glasgow and had always been friends forming a united front against their dysfunctional parents. The first book describes the tragedy that had occurred and how Mirren, by writing the story, albeit with totally different characters, had made it big in Hollywood and made stars of her two friends.
The second book is 20 years on and gives us an amazing insight into the lives of the rich and famous, how corrupt everything is and how fame can be taken away in an instant. Someone is out to ruin all three of the main characters and the past comes back to haunt them.
In many ways the events that are described seem too far-fetched but both the authors are part of the scene that they are describing and obviously know all about the scandals that they describe. The references to real life people also added an element of authenticity to the story and I can well believe that a lot of the action is based on real life.
I will look out for the final book as I would really like to see how their lives continue. A great book to read if you like an insight into the rich and famous in the TV and film world.
Karen Deborah
Reviewer for Net galley
March 3, 2023
They’ve made it to the top but someone is determined to make them pay...
At a glittering after-party on the night of the Academy Awards, author Mirren McLean celebrates her win with her childhood friends Davie Johnston and Zander Leith by her side.
Three kids from a tough street in Glasgow, the dazzling trio rose from the ashes to become Hollywood stars with global fame and vast fortunes.
This is their moment in the spotlight.
But by morning, there’s only darkness.
A secret from their past has come back to haunt them and the shield of stardom can’t protect them from the horrors of their old lives.
Someone is out to destroy them… and unlike the movies, there’s no guarantee that the good guys will win.
I’ll be honest and say I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. It was really handy that the authors had put the characters and explained their links and info about them at the beginning of the book so I didn’t feel that I had missed anything, and as there are so many characters it was a good reference for me if I got confused. This was the second book in the series, and as I hadn’t read the first it was easy for me to pick up the story so I didn’t feel I had missed anything. I felt the book was well written, and a great original story, and I felt I wanted to read on to see what happened next. The characters were original, and came across well as the story went on. A great read!
At a glittering after-party on the night of the Academy Awards, author Mirren McLean celebrates her win with her childhood friends Davie Johnston and Zander Leith by her side.
Three kids from a tough street in Glasgow, the dazzling trio rose from the ashes to become Hollywood stars with global fame and vast fortunes.
This is their moment in the spotlight.
But by morning, there’s only darkness.
A secret from their past has come back to haunt them and the shield of stardom can’t protect them from the horrors of their old lives.
Someone is out to destroy them… and unlike the movies, there’s no guarantee that the good guys will win.
I’ll be honest and say I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. It was really handy that the authors had put the characters and explained their links and info about them at the beginning of the book so I didn’t feel that I had missed anything, and as there are so many characters it was a good reference for me if I got confused. This was the second book in the series, and as I hadn’t read the first it was easy for me to pick up the story so I didn’t feel I had missed anything. I felt the book was well written, and a great original story, and I felt I wanted to read on to see what happened next. The characters were original, and came across well as the story went on. A great read!
February 20, 2023
Mirren, Davie, and Zander all grew up in a tough neighborhood in Glasgow. Through hard work and endurance, they are all now Hollywood superstars. To escape their dire lives in Glasgow, they did a very bad thing but covered it up and hope it stays covered. At one time, something happened that drove the friends apart, but they have now reconciled.
We find Mirren grieving the loss of her daughter to drugs and her husband leaving her not long after. Her son, Logan, is a top of the charts singer. Mirren is a successful author and her books have been made into a movie series. Davie is a talk show host who is very popular. Zander is a man who has had a past with alcohol and drugs but is clean now. Their lives all intertwine in this very mesmerizing tale of the life of the Hollywood elite. It appears to be an honest portrayal of the decadence that money can buy along with the bad things that can go along with having too much money.
Well written with great characters and a story I’m sure readers will enjoy. As I am a dedicated reader and do not follow movies and Hollywood, this only made me smile at times. I’m sure for those to are up-to-date with the latest and greatest in Hollywood, this book will be fascinating. Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
We find Mirren grieving the loss of her daughter to drugs and her husband leaving her not long after. Her son, Logan, is a top of the charts singer. Mirren is a successful author and her books have been made into a movie series. Davie is a talk show host who is very popular. Zander is a man who has had a past with alcohol and drugs but is clean now. Their lives all intertwine in this very mesmerizing tale of the life of the Hollywood elite. It appears to be an honest portrayal of the decadence that money can buy along with the bad things that can go along with having too much money.
Well written with great characters and a story I’m sure readers will enjoy. As I am a dedicated reader and do not follow movies and Hollywood, this only made me smile at times. I’m sure for those to are up-to-date with the latest and greatest in Hollywood, this book will be fascinating. Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 22, 2023
I’m not entirely sure how I missed ‘The Rise’, the first book in this trilogy, but thankfully its sequel ‘The Catch’ can easily be read as a standalone. There’s a comprehensive checklist of who’s who at the beginning, although personally this was too much for me to absorb in one go and I preferred just to get to know the characters as the storyline progressed.
Each chapter is told from the perspective of one of the main characters. There are lots of chapters but each is fairly short which helps to keep a good pace and keep the reader wanting more.
The story offers a glimpse into the glitzy, showbiz world of Los Angeles and Hollywood but equally has a gritty, emotional side as dark secrets and trauma in the lives of the characters adds an extra edge. There’s also plenty of Shari Low’s trademark humour to be found!
This reminded me in many ways of a classic Jackie Collins novel and I write that as a compliment to the authors. The narrative is completely engaging, with just the right mix of glamour, passion, heartache and suspense. I’m already looking forward to reading the next one!
With thanks to Shari Low, Ross King, Rachel at Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
Each chapter is told from the perspective of one of the main characters. There are lots of chapters but each is fairly short which helps to keep a good pace and keep the reader wanting more.
The story offers a glimpse into the glitzy, showbiz world of Los Angeles and Hollywood but equally has a gritty, emotional side as dark secrets and trauma in the lives of the characters adds an extra edge. There’s also plenty of Shari Low’s trademark humour to be found!
This reminded me in many ways of a classic Jackie Collins novel and I write that as a compliment to the authors. The narrative is completely engaging, with just the right mix of glamour, passion, heartache and suspense. I’m already looking forward to reading the next one!
With thanks to Shari Low, Ross King, Rachel at Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
March 15, 2023
The Catch by Shari Low; Ross King was excellent and I just fell in love with the cover! I wanted to go on holiday which makes this latest book a great holiday read and especially as this is the second book in the Hollywood Thriller Series and it can be read as a standalone. - So no worries there!
This book had me gripped from the start and centres around three friends, Mirren McLean. Davie Johnston and Zander Leith who all grew up in Glasgow and have all made it big in Hollywood. Its fast paced, very racy and they are all keeping a big secret hidden for years which is very dangerously close to being revealed.
However, all three are tough and are very loyal to each other especially as they always look out for each other.
Then attacks start to happen to the trio, is it possible someone is out for revenge?
But, who? and why?
I highly recommend this book I loved it!
Big Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book had me gripped from the start and centres around three friends, Mirren McLean. Davie Johnston and Zander Leith who all grew up in Glasgow and have all made it big in Hollywood. Its fast paced, very racy and they are all keeping a big secret hidden for years which is very dangerously close to being revealed.
However, all three are tough and are very loyal to each other especially as they always look out for each other.
Then attacks start to happen to the trio, is it possible someone is out for revenge?
But, who? and why?
I highly recommend this book I loved it!
Big Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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