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The Publicist
But Lola hasn’t come this far in life to let an inconvenience like an undead actor stop her from getting what she wants, so she immediately sets about getting close to the investigation into his disappearance…and DCI Sue Fisher. Sue’s been laying low ever since the Medford nail bar case, determined to focus on her grieving son Tom and moving on from the horrors they’ve faced, but the search for actor Sam Stevens throws up unexpected challenges. Because in the glitzy, glamorous world of showbiz it’s not a matter of discovering who might be keeping secrets, but rather, determining who is willing to kill to keep them…
- GenresThriller
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 18, 2023
52 people are currently reading
477 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Tambini
2 books43 followersNatalie Tambini has more than thirty years' experience as a national newspaper and magazine journalist. She created and wrote Cosmopolitan's ‘Confessions’ columns, supplements and books, interviewed countless celebrities during nine years at TV Choice and Total TV Guide – infamously missing a slot with Julia Roberts – and helped to pioneer the ‘real-life’ writing style that exploded in magazines during the early nineties. Her work has been syndicated worldwide, and she has acted as ghostwriter for several celebrity columnists on women's magazines.
A committed Buddhist, she strives to find the humanity in the killers who dominate her crime novels, and can't wait to see where her characters take her next. Her fascination with murderers and the need to understand them stems from a childhood passion for Agatha Christie novels while growing up in Norfolk and Hampshire, and the gruesome killing of her neighbour during the eighties. She has also interviewed many victims of crimes as a real-life journalist, and those who endured miscarriages of justice, including an innocent man who spent 20 years on death row. She has also spent time working for animal rights charity PETA.
Natalie lives in Surrey, where her crime novels are largely set. Her eldest son was a patient at Great Ormond St Hospital's neurosurgical unit for many years, and her favourite quote is by the photographer Duncan Raban: ‘Nothing else matters once you've been in there.’
She currently reports for metro.co.uk.
A committed Buddhist, she strives to find the humanity in the killers who dominate her crime novels, and can't wait to see where her characters take her next. Her fascination with murderers and the need to understand them stems from a childhood passion for Agatha Christie novels while growing up in Norfolk and Hampshire, and the gruesome killing of her neighbour during the eighties. She has also interviewed many victims of crimes as a real-life journalist, and those who endured miscarriages of justice, including an innocent man who spent 20 years on death row. She has also spent time working for animal rights charity PETA.
Natalie lives in Surrey, where her crime novels are largely set. Her eldest son was a patient at Great Ormond St Hospital's neurosurgical unit for many years, and her favourite quote is by the photographer Duncan Raban: ‘Nothing else matters once you've been in there.’
She currently reports for metro.co.uk.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
June 27, 2023
3.5
The publicist is Lola Lovett and on her books are many A-listers such as Premier footballers and so on. One of her clients is high profile, well known actor, Sam Stevens who appears to have gone missing, which is odd as Lola has a plan for him and it’s not a good one. DCI Sue Fisher is on the case once more in leafy Cobshott, a place that doesn’t hold good memories following the terrifying drama centred on the Medford Nail Salon. She is determined to try to move on from that horror but as well as this case she faces several unexpected challenges. Where is Sam? Has he been kidnapped,? Or is he hiding for some reason? If so, why? What is Lola‘s game? Let the “fun“ begin……
The opening line is a cracker and the first scene is darkly funny but then it gets a bit clunky while the storyline gets going. The pace rises and falls which is fine, but there is a tendency to over explain which gets in the way of a good plot.
I like Sue Fisher, although there is one section in the book, where I go off her a bit! She’s a thoughtful, determined and brave copper who has a lot of baggage to work through. Mike doesn’t appear much this time but he is one of the good guys which he clearly demonstrates towards the end. As for Lola, I’ll fake it till I make it and then I’ll fake it some more. She is manipulative, ruthless and puts a whole new spin on ambition. She’ll go to any lengths to protect her clients, oh, and herself. This does, of course provide scope for a juicy scandalous mystery/thriller, and there’s certainly a tangled web here. The plot thickens and deepens, there are lies by the lorry load and secrets which will be concealed by any means necessary. Let’s chuck in some revenge too and then maybe it gets a bit convoluted. Do I totally buy into it?. Hmmm. It’s an entertaining quick read but not as good as The Nail Salon in my opinion.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Harper Collins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
The publicist is Lola Lovett and on her books are many A-listers such as Premier footballers and so on. One of her clients is high profile, well known actor, Sam Stevens who appears to have gone missing, which is odd as Lola has a plan for him and it’s not a good one. DCI Sue Fisher is on the case once more in leafy Cobshott, a place that doesn’t hold good memories following the terrifying drama centred on the Medford Nail Salon. She is determined to try to move on from that horror but as well as this case she faces several unexpected challenges. Where is Sam? Has he been kidnapped,? Or is he hiding for some reason? If so, why? What is Lola‘s game? Let the “fun“ begin……
The opening line is a cracker and the first scene is darkly funny but then it gets a bit clunky while the storyline gets going. The pace rises and falls which is fine, but there is a tendency to over explain which gets in the way of a good plot.
I like Sue Fisher, although there is one section in the book, where I go off her a bit! She’s a thoughtful, determined and brave copper who has a lot of baggage to work through. Mike doesn’t appear much this time but he is one of the good guys which he clearly demonstrates towards the end. As for Lola, I’ll fake it till I make it and then I’ll fake it some more. She is manipulative, ruthless and puts a whole new spin on ambition. She’ll go to any lengths to protect her clients, oh, and herself. This does, of course provide scope for a juicy scandalous mystery/thriller, and there’s certainly a tangled web here. The plot thickens and deepens, there are lies by the lorry load and secrets which will be concealed by any means necessary. Let’s chuck in some revenge too and then maybe it gets a bit convoluted. Do I totally buy into it?. Hmmm. It’s an entertaining quick read but not as good as The Nail Salon in my opinion.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Harper Collins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
January 15, 2024
This book had an opening that you would not want to show your grandmother. I was mildly entertained but also curious, wondering how Tambini would develop the narrative. However, as much as I tried, I could not truly get immersed in the story and it wasn’t until it reached the half-way point that I started to like it.
The protagonist, Lola, is not a character you can like. Yet, you cannot help but admire her cutthroat ways and how she has succeeded as a publicist to celebrities, protecting their reputations and spinning newspaper stories to ensure the best possible outcome. As readers get to know this character, it is revealed that she has quite a few secrets hidden and this is where you see Lola at her most manipulative. The way she treats others is simply for her own gain and protection, making her snake-like in her actions. In contrast, the leading Detective on the disappearance of Sam Stevens is surprisingly weak and I disliked how she treated her family, making assumptions that her partner knows nothing about her troubled son.
The disappearance of Sam Stevens almost becomes a sub-plot as Lola’s character grows in strength. Her manipulative actions reach far and beyond and the control she maintains is deadly. On the other hand, I thought the lack of emphasis on Sam to lessen the tension of the story. Whilst the background to this missing character added to the novel, I did find myself a bit bored by some of the relationships portrayed.
Another element that didn’t help was the frequent references to the previous book by this author. Despite this not apparently being a series, it did feel like I should have read the first book to get an idea of a previous case that Sue Fisher had worked on. It made this story less appealing and I was frustrated by how little understanding I had of this case that seems to still feature largely in this novel.
There were a few plot developments in this book that made a significant impact on me; I wish there had been more along the way. Instead, for the most part, I feel that readers were given too much insight into character motives, with little room for surprises. Indeed, the story featuring Sue’s son had me questioning whether there would be greater links to other characters in the story, so I was a bit disappointed when this did not come into fruition.
In my opinion, there was a mixture of dark crime and a bit of light-heartedness that made reading the book a bit awkward. I don’t think it helped that I didn’t warm enough to the leading women in the story and whilst Lola’s ruthlessness made it seem that she would not stop at anything, I would have preferred there to be more surprises along the way.
With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The protagonist, Lola, is not a character you can like. Yet, you cannot help but admire her cutthroat ways and how she has succeeded as a publicist to celebrities, protecting their reputations and spinning newspaper stories to ensure the best possible outcome. As readers get to know this character, it is revealed that she has quite a few secrets hidden and this is where you see Lola at her most manipulative. The way she treats others is simply for her own gain and protection, making her snake-like in her actions. In contrast, the leading Detective on the disappearance of Sam Stevens is surprisingly weak and I disliked how she treated her family, making assumptions that her partner knows nothing about her troubled son.
The disappearance of Sam Stevens almost becomes a sub-plot as Lola’s character grows in strength. Her manipulative actions reach far and beyond and the control she maintains is deadly. On the other hand, I thought the lack of emphasis on Sam to lessen the tension of the story. Whilst the background to this missing character added to the novel, I did find myself a bit bored by some of the relationships portrayed.
Another element that didn’t help was the frequent references to the previous book by this author. Despite this not apparently being a series, it did feel like I should have read the first book to get an idea of a previous case that Sue Fisher had worked on. It made this story less appealing and I was frustrated by how little understanding I had of this case that seems to still feature largely in this novel.
There were a few plot developments in this book that made a significant impact on me; I wish there had been more along the way. Instead, for the most part, I feel that readers were given too much insight into character motives, with little room for surprises. Indeed, the story featuring Sue’s son had me questioning whether there would be greater links to other characters in the story, so I was a bit disappointed when this did not come into fruition.
In my opinion, there was a mixture of dark crime and a bit of light-heartedness that made reading the book a bit awkward. I don’t think it helped that I didn’t warm enough to the leading women in the story and whilst Lola’s ruthlessness made it seem that she would not stop at anything, I would have preferred there to be more surprises along the way.
With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2024
3.5⭐️
June 13, 2023
This is another fascinating book from Tambini whose book, The Nail Salon was a nail biter! In this one, also featuring DCI Sue, famed actor, Sam Stevens has gone missing and no one is sure why. Has he been kidnapped, or is he in hiding as he needs a break from all the press? But does Lola, the publicist who represents him know more than she should or is she speculating or in the dark like the rest of them? So many questions and the answers will surprise you! Many themes and topics abound: abduction, foster care, drugs, foster care, and revenge. Bottom line is a suspense-filled, action-packed novel that will keep you up until you finish!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
August 4, 2023
In "The Publicist" by Natalie Tambini, PR expert Lola Lovett faces a unique challenge as her client, an actor thought to be deceased, goes missing from his own home. Unfazed by the unconventional situation, Lola delves into the investigation, bringing her closer to DCI Sue Fisher. Fisher, grappling with personal loss, is thrust into the search for the missing actor, Sam Stevens, leading to unexpected complexities. Tambini's storytelling mastery keeps readers captivated, with expertly crafted pacing that leaves one yearning for more with each chapter. Amidst the glitz of the showbiz world, the novel delves into darker themes, including abuse, anorexia, adoption, abandonment, and suicide. This gripping narrative weaves a tapestry of suspense, taking readers on a whirlwind of twists and turns that hold their attention until the very end. "The Publicist" is a fast-paced, riveting tale that skillfully addresses multiple issues while keeping its audience on the edge of their seats.
NetGalley arc
NetGalley arc
August 5, 2024
I didn’t like this book as much as the first one in the series but it was ok. It centers on a missing actor actor named Sam and both his agent (Lola) and the police detective (Sue) that are involved in the case. Lola is a distinctly unlikable person and I didn’t really connect with Sue either. There are a few twists and turns as the book continues.
I had some trouble really immersing myself in this book and I’m not exactly sure why- thinking it’s because I couldn’t relate to either protagonist and Sam, who the whole story was about, felt like more of a side story than someone I got to know. There was one cool surprise twist regarding Lola that I enjoyed, but some of the other twists felt either predicable or contrived. When the villain is unveiled I had trouble getting behind the reason for that person to do the things they did. The end didn’t leave me with unanswered questions but was a bit abrupt.
Overall, this was a decent story but it just didn’t capture me the way the previous book did. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had some trouble really immersing myself in this book and I’m not exactly sure why- thinking it’s because I couldn’t relate to either protagonist and Sam, who the whole story was about, felt like more of a side story than someone I got to know. There was one cool surprise twist regarding Lola that I enjoyed, but some of the other twists felt either predicable or contrived. When the villain is unveiled I had trouble getting behind the reason for that person to do the things they did. The end didn’t leave me with unanswered questions but was a bit abrupt.
Overall, this was a decent story but it just didn’t capture me the way the previous book did. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2024
This one was rather slow to start with and my hopes were low with the grammatical errors I spotted, but it was actually quite a good book, enjoyed by the end
August 15, 2023
After a fabulous Hollywood type of gala a very famous actor goes missing his name is Sam Stevens and his publicist seems very worried about him or at least that’s what she wants detective Sue Fisher to believe. Lola is very popular with the Hollywood elite and she knows everyone’s dark secrets and fixes them before they become public knowledge but what others don’t know is that Lola has secrets of her own. Then there’s Tyler he says he and Sam have been dating for under a year that they’re very close but find reasons to believe not all was well with their relationship and Sue Fisher should know because her relationship with her son Tom isn’t so great unlike his loving supportive attitude before the death of Zeus husband and his father Rob he now is angry rebellious and disrespectful and it doesn’t help that Sue has moved on and is now dating her coworker Mike, who I love by the way. this is the second book in the Jane Fisher Detective mystery series OMG if these books do not read like standard thrillers. Not to mention just like the first book nail salon, this book has a twisty deliciously awesome ending in one I did not guess. Throughout the book I thought I knew who did it but OMG if the author didn’t totally surprise me with the end of this book! speaking of the first book we also get to say Susie the twins is mom again and they mention the whole house and Sue has to go back to the same neighborhood to investigate her new case with Sam Stevens so I love that it is all intertwined and reads like someone’s real life except the phenomenal ending because OMG as I said I was not expecting that! If you read this book you will not be expecting it either… There’s no way! I want to thing net galley and harperCollins UK for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
July 28, 2023
This gripping follow-up to "The Nail Salon" brings another compelling case to DCI Sue Fisher's desk. Tambini once again masterfully portrays flawed characters navigating through realistic and relatable situations. The story delves into moments so heart-wrenching that they leave a lasting ache in the reader's heart.
Similar to her previous book, the author keeps us oscillating between conflicting feelings about the characters. There are no easy resolutions or neat closures; instead, Tambini weaves a gritty and authentic narrative that resonates deeply with readers.
It's challenging to elaborate without revealing spoilers, but I must emphasize that this book is a riveting experience. As a recipient of the dARC from the publisher via Netgalley, I can wholeheartedly say that this review reflects my genuine and honest impressions.
Overall, Tambini's ability to craft intricate and emotionally charged stories shines through in this gripping sequel. If you appreciate realistic portrayals of flawed characters and stories that linger in your mind, this book is a must-read.
Similar to her previous book, the author keeps us oscillating between conflicting feelings about the characters. There are no easy resolutions or neat closures; instead, Tambini weaves a gritty and authentic narrative that resonates deeply with readers.
It's challenging to elaborate without revealing spoilers, but I must emphasize that this book is a riveting experience. As a recipient of the dARC from the publisher via Netgalley, I can wholeheartedly say that this review reflects my genuine and honest impressions.
Overall, Tambini's ability to craft intricate and emotionally charged stories shines through in this gripping sequel. If you appreciate realistic portrayals of flawed characters and stories that linger in your mind, this book is a must-read.
August 18, 2023
While this is a stand-alone novel, The Publicist follows on well from Natalie Tambini’s earlier novel, The Nail Salon, which I enjoyed enormously.
This novel is set four years later and DCI Sue Fisher is now living with her former partner Mike, though this is not really a match made in heaven. Her son Tom has grown from a truly likeable fourteen year-old into a surly and withdrawn eighteen year-old. It’s clear that Sue has plenty going on in her home when she is assigned to find missing A-List actor Sam Stevens.
Lola, personal publicist to the stars and particularly Sam, who was her first client when she started her agency, is also keen to find Sam, but not for quite the same reasons. It seems Lola has plenty of secrets and there is a chance Sam might spill the beans. The race is on.
I loved the fast pace of this story, which is told largely from Lola’s and Sue’s points of view. I read the book in one setting as clues and backstory were dripped in at just the right moments to keep me curious and interested. This has been an excellent read.
This novel is set four years later and DCI Sue Fisher is now living with her former partner Mike, though this is not really a match made in heaven. Her son Tom has grown from a truly likeable fourteen year-old into a surly and withdrawn eighteen year-old. It’s clear that Sue has plenty going on in her home when she is assigned to find missing A-List actor Sam Stevens.
Lola, personal publicist to the stars and particularly Sam, who was her first client when she started her agency, is also keen to find Sam, but not for quite the same reasons. It seems Lola has plenty of secrets and there is a chance Sam might spill the beans. The race is on.
I loved the fast pace of this story, which is told largely from Lola’s and Sue’s points of view. I read the book in one setting as clues and backstory were dripped in at just the right moments to keep me curious and interested. This has been an excellent read.
August 3, 2023
Lola Lovatt runs a successful international PR Company. She is savvy and focussed, her company boasting a stable of A list clients. One of them, actor Sam Stevens, has been with her long term and they are close. But now Lola has a problem, because Sam is threatening to expose things in her life she would rather keep private. Together with Rick, the man who sorts out any ‘difficulties’ she encounters, they plan to find Sam and make the problem go away. However, before they can locate him, they discover he has been abducted.
DCI Sue Fisher is brought in to head up the investigation. The case takes her back to Cobshott, where she investigated the grisly Medford case four years ago. Following the death of her husband, Sue now lives with her former colleague Mike, who has been promoted and transferred. Son Tom is due to leave for university after the summer. Sue’s new DI is Dev Basu and together they embark on what appears to be an impossible task. There has been no ransom note, no call to make demands. Has Steve taken himself away to chill out after weeks of shooting a TV series in the Lake District, or has something more sinister happened? Talking to Lola seems to be a good place to start, but it brings unexpected and unforeseen complications which could pose a threat to Sue at some future point.
Although the plot is not as complex as that of The Nail Salon, it still takes the reader on quite a journey as Sue and Dev try to find answers by delving into Sam Stevens’ personal life. Sue is still the committed police officer, but she’s also having to cope with Tom, whose reaction to his father’s death has turned him into a temperamental and remote stranger. It is Mike who discovers the cause of this sudden personality change, and in Sue’s absence prevents what could have been a real tragedy. I have to admit the ending came as a bit of a surprise. If anything, it also confirmed that Lola was definitely ahead of her game. Looking forward to what Natalie Tambini has in store for us next.
To sum up, The Publicist is definitely a worthy sequel to The Nail Salon. A great four star read.
I would like to thank Natalie Tambini, Harper Collins and Netgalley for an ARC of The Publicist in exchange for an honest review.
DCI Sue Fisher is brought in to head up the investigation. The case takes her back to Cobshott, where she investigated the grisly Medford case four years ago. Following the death of her husband, Sue now lives with her former colleague Mike, who has been promoted and transferred. Son Tom is due to leave for university after the summer. Sue’s new DI is Dev Basu and together they embark on what appears to be an impossible task. There has been no ransom note, no call to make demands. Has Steve taken himself away to chill out after weeks of shooting a TV series in the Lake District, or has something more sinister happened? Talking to Lola seems to be a good place to start, but it brings unexpected and unforeseen complications which could pose a threat to Sue at some future point.
Although the plot is not as complex as that of The Nail Salon, it still takes the reader on quite a journey as Sue and Dev try to find answers by delving into Sam Stevens’ personal life. Sue is still the committed police officer, but she’s also having to cope with Tom, whose reaction to his father’s death has turned him into a temperamental and remote stranger. It is Mike who discovers the cause of this sudden personality change, and in Sue’s absence prevents what could have been a real tragedy. I have to admit the ending came as a bit of a surprise. If anything, it also confirmed that Lola was definitely ahead of her game. Looking forward to what Natalie Tambini has in store for us next.
To sum up, The Publicist is definitely a worthy sequel to The Nail Salon. A great four star read.
I would like to thank Natalie Tambini, Harper Collins and Netgalley for an ARC of The Publicist in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2024
Picked up cheaply as a quick read. Story was quite gripping, although the occasional typing error (such as a "hair" of gloves) was annoying. I also didn't realise it was the second in a series of a particular detective.
March 25, 2025
4 stars
i did love this book it had good plot twists
i dont blame tyler and mary for what they did
and i still think lola should get somekind of punishment she killed more than 3 people so probably more than mary
BUT WILKO IS SPELT WRONG !!!!!
i fear it needs to be reedited
i did love this book it had good plot twists
i dont blame tyler and mary for what they did
and i still think lola should get somekind of punishment she killed more than 3 people so probably more than mary
BUT WILKO IS SPELT WRONG !!!!!
i fear it needs to be reedited
April 19, 2024
That was satisfying
April 3, 2025
4.75 ⭐️
August 9, 2023
I enjoyed this author’s first novel, The Nail Salon, but loved this book even more. As soon as I started it, I knew it would be a book that I couldn’t put down. It’s a pacy thriller set within the glamorous world of showbiz. Secrets, lies and murder: what ore could you ask for. Highly recommend, I can’t wait for the next novel. Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK One More Chapter and the author for the chance to review.
July 30, 2023
The Publicist was thrilling, dark and twisted with an air of mystery and glamour. I recommend reading the nail-biting book The Nail Salon before diving into this one.
DCI Sue Fisher is back and still reeling from the previous case. Her relationship with Mike is becoming static, her son Tom has withdrawn and not himself, and she is driven to find the truth regarding the disappearance of Sam Stevens, a famous actor. Sam's Publicist, Lola, like Sue, is forced to find out what happened with Sam and is keen on keeping up to date with the progress of the investigation. As Sue and Lola's paths cross, things become unexpected and complicated.
Leave it to the author to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is well-done, and the chapters leave you wanting more. Natalie Tambini also tackles multiple issues in this book, such as abuse, anorexia, adoption, abandonment and suicide. My sole contention with this read is that the last 85% of the book was abrupt and rushed. I would have loved it if the author fleshed out the scenes a tad more in line with the underlying suspense beautifully created throughout the book.
Thank you, NetGalley & HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, for providing an e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
DCI Sue Fisher is back and still reeling from the previous case. Her relationship with Mike is becoming static, her son Tom has withdrawn and not himself, and she is driven to find the truth regarding the disappearance of Sam Stevens, a famous actor. Sam's Publicist, Lola, like Sue, is forced to find out what happened with Sam and is keen on keeping up to date with the progress of the investigation. As Sue and Lola's paths cross, things become unexpected and complicated.
Leave it to the author to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is well-done, and the chapters leave you wanting more. Natalie Tambini also tackles multiple issues in this book, such as abuse, anorexia, adoption, abandonment and suicide. My sole contention with this read is that the last 85% of the book was abrupt and rushed. I would have loved it if the author fleshed out the scenes a tad more in line with the underlying suspense beautifully created throughout the book.
Thank you, NetGalley & HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, for providing an e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
August 23, 2023
Lola Lovett won't let anyone stand in her way. Even if they are a high profile, well-liked actor. Lola is a ruthless and manipulative woman who has a big secret - or two!
When Lola's client, famous actor Sam Stevens, goes missing, Lola is keen to assist DCI Sue Fisher in the case. Lola sees this as a brilliant opportunity to raise her profile and manipulates Sue, the press, and Sam's boyfriend, Tyler for her own gain, leading to a shock twist that Lola absolutely wasn't prepared for.
Fast-paced, scandalous and deliciously dark & twisty, Lola is a great character who will play dirty when it suits her agenda! I was gripped throughout and the ending was super WOW!
I didn't really care for Sue, Mike and Tom, but I think this may be because i haven't read the first book and so I didn't have the benefit of the background on Sue and her family.
I thought Helen Colby's narration was excellent, with clear diction and a good pace.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Natalie Tambini and Harper Collins for an ARC in return for an honest review.
When Lola's client, famous actor Sam Stevens, goes missing, Lola is keen to assist DCI Sue Fisher in the case. Lola sees this as a brilliant opportunity to raise her profile and manipulates Sue, the press, and Sam's boyfriend, Tyler for her own gain, leading to a shock twist that Lola absolutely wasn't prepared for.
Fast-paced, scandalous and deliciously dark & twisty, Lola is a great character who will play dirty when it suits her agenda! I was gripped throughout and the ending was super WOW!
I didn't really care for Sue, Mike and Tom, but I think this may be because i haven't read the first book and so I didn't have the benefit of the background on Sue and her family.
I thought Helen Colby's narration was excellent, with clear diction and a good pace.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Natalie Tambini and Harper Collins for an ARC in return for an honest review.
July 30, 2023
Another brilliant read from Natalie Tambini and a great follow up to The Nail Salon, which I would recommend reading first. This book focuses on the world of PR with Lola Lovett as the main character and again features DCI Sue Fisher. Lola knows all her clients secrets and when actor Sam Stevens goes missing she wants to know where he is as much as the police do. It turns out he knows some of her secrets too which has her worried. This is gripping with twists and turns. The characters are very deep and the writing is at times dark, with some quite graphic, not for the feint hearted moments. A real page turner that keeps you guessing the outcome from the start. I love how Natalie Tambini links everyone, with some of them not being at all obvious, and doesn’t shy away from sensitive topics. I would definitely recommend this if you like a good action packed, twisty thriller. Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
August 24, 2023
A fascinating and impactful dark thriller of broken human psyche. Once more Natalie Tambini brings the listener/reader into a dark world where the exposure to cruelty and abuse of the characters in their young lives explosively impacts on them and others in the now of their adult lives. The story has threads that start in ‘The Nail Salon’, listen/read that first if you can. Thank you to Harper Collins Audio UK and NetGalley for the audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
August 1, 2023
The second in the DCI Sue Fisher series is another hit! This one follows after a few years and keeps up the heart-racing pace as it enters another complex case with all the twists and turns of the first! There are even more threads to pull and looking forward to number three! Great read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter Books for this ARC!
Many thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter Books for this ARC!
August 30, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
The Publicist
Author: Natalie Tambini
Source: NetGalley
Publish Date: Aug. 31, 2023
The Publicist features one of England’s top PR mavens, Lola Lovett, whose job is to put out fires, get good press for her clients, and advance their burgeoning careers with good publicity and great jobs. What they aren’t prepared for is when the top talent at the agency goes missing and is presumed in danger. The detective in charge is DCI Sue Fisher, well-known for solving significant crimes. This one is going to be a doozy, and everyone is suspect. I like a thriller that gives us a unique back story I haven’t read before with some super big twists. This novel comes out next week and was worth my time. I liked the well-described and flawed characters, which made for an exciting story. I think you will like it too. When it comes to stars, all that glitters is not gold. #abductions #crime #PR #ThePublicist #murder #whodunit #thriller #mystery @NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK @harpercollinsuk @natalietambini
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I received a complimentary copy of this ARC. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to Harper Collins UK, NetGalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel. Pub. Date: August 31, 2023.
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The Publicist
Author: Natalie Tambini
Source: NetGalley
Publish Date: Aug. 31, 2023
The Publicist features one of England’s top PR mavens, Lola Lovett, whose job is to put out fires, get good press for her clients, and advance their burgeoning careers with good publicity and great jobs. What they aren’t prepared for is when the top talent at the agency goes missing and is presumed in danger. The detective in charge is DCI Sue Fisher, well-known for solving significant crimes. This one is going to be a doozy, and everyone is suspect. I like a thriller that gives us a unique back story I haven’t read before with some super big twists. This novel comes out next week and was worth my time. I liked the well-described and flawed characters, which made for an exciting story. I think you will like it too. When it comes to stars, all that glitters is not gold. #abductions #crime #PR #ThePublicist #murder #whodunit #thriller #mystery @NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK @harpercollinsuk @natalietambini
🎬
I received a complimentary copy of this ARC. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to Harper Collins UK, NetGalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel. Pub. Date: August 31, 2023.
🎬
#book #books #bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #reader #booklove #bookreader #reader
June 19, 2023
The Publicist is the second novel in a new series by Natalie Tambini and re-introduces the reader to Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Sue Fisher from the Metropolitan police in London. However, the novel would also work well as a standalone, despite there being numerous references to the previous novel.
Our storyline begins with PR guru Lola Lovett who informs the reader that not only is one of her clients missing - but that he is actually dead. And of course, she is involved and trying to keep on top of the investigation. As in The Nail Salon, we soon discover that our protagonists can have many facets to their character and each side is more dangerous than the last.
Next we meet DCI Sue Fisher as she introduces us to her investigation into the disappearance of Sam. It's not long before we start to see some disturbing overlaps between Sue's case and Lulu's story.
The overall pace is rapid and there are sufficient twists that I really could not guess what was going to happen next. The storyline is certainly dark and TW are required. The number of darker elements did make for difficult reading in certain sections but the storyline was well written and I wanted to know how the novel would end for the characters such as Sue and Lulu. And the developments in Sue's personal life are a welcome progress and I want to see more happen in the future with her character.
Our storyline begins with PR guru Lola Lovett who informs the reader that not only is one of her clients missing - but that he is actually dead. And of course, she is involved and trying to keep on top of the investigation. As in The Nail Salon, we soon discover that our protagonists can have many facets to their character and each side is more dangerous than the last.
Next we meet DCI Sue Fisher as she introduces us to her investigation into the disappearance of Sam. It's not long before we start to see some disturbing overlaps between Sue's case and Lulu's story.
The overall pace is rapid and there are sufficient twists that I really could not guess what was going to happen next. The storyline is certainly dark and TW are required. The number of darker elements did make for difficult reading in certain sections but the storyline was well written and I wanted to know how the novel would end for the characters such as Sue and Lulu. And the developments in Sue's personal life are a welcome progress and I want to see more happen in the future with her character.
July 23, 2023
DCI Sue Fisher, the less than perfect investigator, returns in this compelling, unique series by talented author Natalie Tambini. She’s living with her former deputy Mike and dealing with her difficult teenage son Tom. As usual, she is avoiding personal problems by becoming completely involved in a new case. And what a case it is! We know from the first chapter that publicist Lola Lovett expects her star client Sam Stevens to be found dead of an overdose. Yes, she’d planned it that way. Instead Sam has disappeared, the police are involved and Lola must stay ahead of their investigation to protect some dangerous and very well hidden secrets that will destroy the career she has worked so hard to build. But nothing in The Publicist is simple. One secret leads to another and DCI Fisher is overwhelmed as her personal and professional lives collide.
Sue Fisher, with all her flaws, is a refreshing change from other detectives in police procedurals. And Lola Lovett dominates The Publicist with her self serving behavior and greedy desperation. Tambini has a gift for developing intense female characters. I can’t wait for the next in this excellent series. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Natalie Tambini for this ARC.
Sue Fisher, with all her flaws, is a refreshing change from other detectives in police procedurals. And Lola Lovett dominates The Publicist with her self serving behavior and greedy desperation. Tambini has a gift for developing intense female characters. I can’t wait for the next in this excellent series. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Natalie Tambini for this ARC.
August 16, 2023
DCI Sue Fisher is back in book #2 in the series that bears her name. This time, she's searching for a missing celebrity while still nursing some scars from the first book, The Nail Salon. As in the first book, Tambini has shown us how flawed these characters could be. No one is without their dark side. As she works her way through the clues and comes closer and closer to discovering exactly where the missing man could be and why this is about so much more than money. This man's publicist raises flags each step of the way. Again, Tambini's ability to move seamlessly from character to character and keep us turning those pages is remarkable. She has quickly moved up my TBR list as well as topping my recommendation list.
June 13, 2023
Wow! This is an outrageous thriller with a massive twist. It revolves around the world of publicist and celebrity. When I compare it to real life with all the publicity surrounding a popular daytime television programme, not so far fetched either! Hence I thought it bang up to date, appropriate, enjoyable and intriguing with the added bonus of a murder mystery.
It contains multiple references to the first book, The Nail Salon, so I would recommend reading that first for maximum enjoyment, though this does work as a standalone.
It contains multiple references to the first book, The Nail Salon, so I would recommend reading that first for maximum enjoyment, though this does work as a standalone.
June 28, 2023
I loved this! It wad a fun, quick and easy read and I enjoyed every second of it. It wad purely based on the twists and turns and the scandal and didn't have to use shock value or trigger topics. It was a good, clean, suspense that let the writing style speak for itsself. I can't say I really liked any of the characters but in real life I don't like a lot of people either so it could just be me! Or the fact that not all people are likeable. The actual story was just such a good read and kept me guessing til the big reveL at the end. Highly recommended
October 3, 2024
Oh my GOD. I cannot count the amount of plot twists in this book!
DCI Sue annoyed me after a while, but I can’t do the whiney woe-is-me storyline and the constant repetition of how they were done wrong but even Sue had her own dramas at home! I appreciated how Sue, her DCI boyfriend and her son Tom linked together, and not in the way you’d think!
Towards the end, I started piecing things together, but it wasn’t spoilers - more excitement to see how it all turned out.
This is definitely one I’ll recommend AND reread.
DCI Sue annoyed me after a while, but I can’t do the whiney woe-is-me storyline and the constant repetition of how they were done wrong but even Sue had her own dramas at home! I appreciated how Sue, her DCI boyfriend and her son Tom linked together, and not in the way you’d think!
Towards the end, I started piecing things together, but it wasn’t spoilers - more excitement to see how it all turned out.
This is definitely one I’ll recommend AND reread.
July 10, 2023
I enjoyed this book so much that o ordered her first one on Amazon to fill in the gaps! The Publicist kept me on tenderhooks, I like the characters of Sue, Soozie and Mike and kept reading all night until I finished it.
I highly recommend anyone who loves a good whodunnit based in the rich suburbs with a cast of catty, beautiful people, all trying to stay happy or alive. Great read and should be made for tv series asap!
Get me the next one quick!!
I highly recommend anyone who loves a good whodunnit based in the rich suburbs with a cast of catty, beautiful people, all trying to stay happy or alive. Great read and should be made for tv series asap!
Get me the next one quick!!
September 2, 2023
If you want a book that will keep you turning the pages this is the one. This is the second book from this author and I’ve enjoyed them both. The story, the characters, the pacing, I did figure it out before the end but that’s because I’m a genius 😆 I loved Lola, I hope she pops up again.
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