The Penthouse

by Catherine Cooper

Nineties girl band Breathe were the girls every teenage girl wanted to be – until the lead singer, Enola, went missing at the height of her fame and was never found.

Conspiracy theories abounded, and the people closest to her came under suspicion; her boyfriend Max, her manager, her stepdad, and even Angel, the lead singer of rival girl band Attitude. But no evidence of any wrongdoing was ever found and, bar various unverified sightings of her over the years, no trace of Enola has ever been found.

Now four decades later, three bands are part of a revival tour, but when nasty accidents start happening, and band members start dying, it looks like this blast from the past is about to blow them all away. But who wants them dead and why?

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction

381 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2025

About the author

I am a freelance journalist living in the South of France with my husband and two teenage children. We moved from London in 2009 so that the children could grow up bilingual and we could all ski more, and to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life.

I learned to ski on a school trip when I was 14 and have loved it ever since.

I'm an avid thriller reader and have been since I discovered Agatha Christie as a child.

The Chalet is my first published full-length novel, though I have also written several (unpublished) thrillers for teens and a (what used to be called) chick lit novel set in TV production.

Other than skiing and reading I love travel, theme parks (the pic on this page was taken on a rollercoaster in Spain) and I spend far too much time on social media. Some of my other favourite things include Alan Partridge, sparkly flip flops and salt and vinegar crisps.

Reviews

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a disappointment. I found this slow and had so many characters I couldn't keep up. Nor one of her best.

[Laura Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Penelope Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really disappointed by this. I had high hopes as I normally love Catherine Coopers books but just could not warm to the characters or plot. The storyline was very predictable at times and just didn't have me hooked the way I hoped.

[Monika Armet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows the story of Enola Mazzeri, a lead singer of the girlband Breathe. The book goes back and forth between the present and the past, detailing how Enola came to fame and how she met Max from the boyband This Way Up.

Enola mysteriously disappeared in 2008. She was last seen at her penthouse on the 25th floor of the Golden Peaks building. No one has heard from her since.

In 2024, Breathe and This Way Up are in Las Vegas for their reunion tour. However, suspicious incidents happen to the other band members. Is someone targeting them? Or, as conspiracy theorists imply, is it Enola coming back from the shadows?
I love Catherine Cooper’s books, and this one didn’t disappoint.

I enjoyed the timeline and the fact that it was told from various points of view. All characters had something to hide (even the mother – yuck!), and I must admit that I didn’t warm to any of them. The only person that I felt sorry for was Enola. She had a tough childhood and thought she didn’t deserve to be loved; therefore, she put up with Max’s antics and coercive control.

This is a twisty read which will leave you wanting more.

[BookswithLydscl | · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25*

You know what you're getting with a Catherine Cooper and I always enjoy delving into her books. I truly enjoy the split timelines that build the story to get us to the present where mysteries and secrets begin to come to light. With 'The Penthouse' we're in the world of pop, reality TV and reunion shows - be still my millennial heart! I was really bought into the story and spent the whole time trying to work out what happened to 2000s girl group singer Elodie after her mysterious disappearance.

I really enjoyed the build up of the story - the potentials for what may have happened and why things were going wrong in the modern timeline, up until the final quarter and the ending just absolutely bombed for me.

I was truly disappointed that this one felt like it just didn't stick the landing and felt like it just ended suddenly and with no real sense of satisfaction for me as a reader.

Despite the ending, I enjoyed the rest of it, I was genuinely surprised at the unveiling of the who, why and how and realised afterwards that my theories were as crazy as the delusional fans on the fanboards in the story!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for a digital review copy of "The Penthouse" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

[Dee B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow drama about two feuding bands, set both in present day and covering events leading up to the lead singer of one the bands going missing years before.

There’s a lot of characters and voice changes, it’s hard to follow at times. There’s end was sudden and almost unresolved.

Very different to the authors previous novels and not quite as good.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having enjoyed previous books by this author I was looking forward to this.

An easy read following two bands on a reunion tour, following split timelines with a mystery narrator, it was a well-rounded story that gave me 'Popstars - The Rivals' vibes!

[Julie Lacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good read but can be a bit confusing at times, due to the changing timelines.
The book is about two bands - an all girl group and an all boy group, and we see them at their peak and at a reunion many years later.
One of the girls goes missing at the peak of her career, and things never really recover.
I was keen to find out what really happened to Enola but it took a while to get there.
Overall, this is a good read though.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK for the opportunity to read this book.

[Alexia | Books4Dreamz · Rating 4 out of 5]

After discovering Catherine Cooper through The Chalet earlier this year, I was instantly drawn to her sharp storytelling and gripping plotlines. So when I had the chance to read an advance copy of her latest thriller, The Penthouse, I didn’t hesitate—and I’m glad I didn’t.

Set against the glitzy, high-stakes backdrop of the music industry, The Penthouse follows the intersecting lives of two successful pop groups, unraveling a story filled with fame, rivalry, secrets and betrayal. From penthouse suites and music competitions to lavish parties and darker undercurrents of drugs and manipulation, the novel offers a fresh and highly entertaining setting for a thriller—one that’s not often explored in the genre.

The pacing is fast and immersive, keeping the pages turning effortlessly. While the resolution didn’t deliver a jaw-dropping twist, it was satisfying, well thought-out and true to the narrative. Cooper maintains a strong balance between suspense and readability, making this a perfect pick for readers seeking a gripping yet light thriller.

A compelling and enjoyable read from start to finish—this only confirmed that Catherine Cooper is now firmly on my list of go-to thriller authors.

Thank you to the publisher for my complimentary copy of this book !

[Angela Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this as I have read all of Catherine’s books and this book was top of my list for 2025. It was an absolutely brilliant page turner and I could not put it down.

Enola goes missing at the height of her fame as part of a manufactured girl band. She has never been found and now the band reunite in Las Vegas decades later and the fans wait to see if Enola will reappear on stage.

The story was excellent with some really well written characters. I really felt for Enola and what she had to deal with from not only her mother but also her band mates and her boyfriend Max.

The book was full of twists and turns and had me on the edge of my seat and kept me guessing right until the end, a fantastic 5 star read.

Thanks to NetGalley, Catherine Cooper and Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

All my reviews can be found at damppebbles.com

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

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

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

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery set in LONDON and LAS VEGAS

3.5*



This story is set in the glamorous (and at times cutthroat) world of the music industry. Back in 2008 Enola fronted “Breathe”, a successful girl band. She was dating Max who was and still is a significant member of “This Way Up”. Now, in 2024 the two groups are appearing together in Las Vegas. But Breathe is without Enola, who simply vanished in 2008. The story starts in 2004.

The mystery throughout the novel is fuelled by her disappearance. The relationship between the couple was fraught at times (he was overtly controlling) and whilst in Paris they were perusing rings for a potential engagement when a petrol tanker rammed into a high end shopping centre (surely an exclusive jeweller in Hatton Garden would have been the venue of choice?), where they were eyeing up the rocks. Subsequently, she could no longer remember much about the event and certainly does not remember saying yes to his engagement proposal. He asserts they were well down the road of potential matrimony.

There are plenty of characters who have a motive to remove her and indeed, given her fragile self, did she choose to simply walk away or perhaps even take her own life? There are those in this novel who are self serving and vengeful (crikey, Enola’s mother is a piece of work), and others who will wait for the opportunity to cause friction and damage.

This is a story full of glitzy luxury, tempers and tantrums and a cast of pretty unlikeable characters, and as accidents start to occur in Las Vegas, thoughts turn to who might be engineering so much upset among this group of people.

This story has a good level of interest, pace and tension as it works its way to the end. I did, however, struggle with the construct. Given the novel should be ideal for a pool-side read – whereby a reader wants to be easily led through the unfolding story and thoroughly entertained without a great deal of cerebral input – I felt it required an awful lot of effort to keep the story straight. Chapters are generally short and punchy and headed by: 1) date (2008 or 2024, for example), 2) a location and 3) a character. Those three elements proved to be overly taxing as the story busily moved back and forth. For me, it jumped about a bit too much.

If you like glitz and glamour and murky dynamics within the entertainment industry, then this is for you.

SPOILER ALERT

Why, though, in the blurb on Amazon and the publisher’s website, would this book be advertised by the publisher as: “The glamorous new murder mystery suspense thriller, perfect for summer 2025″ – half the tension is whether a murder took place or not… I do despair of the level of lack of care in publishing sometimes, which also in this instance extends to the book cover – the eponymous penthouse of the title is set in London, so the stock photo really isn’t quite on point with its palm trees pictured the the windows (although I suppose they reference Las Vegas).

[Mana · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Catherine Cooper’s latest novel, readers are treated to a riveting narrative blending nostalgia, intrigue, and the grim underside of fame.

Set within the music industry, specifically the lively yet turbulent realm of 1990s girl bands, the story centers on Enola, the lead singer of Breathe, who inexplicably disappears at the zenith of her success. Her absence sparks numerous conspiracy theories and leaves a lasting mark on those close to her, including her boyfriend Max, her manager, stepfather, and Angel, the rival band's lead singer.

The characters are vividly portrayed, each shouldering their own unique burdens from the past. Max is depicted as a tormented figure still grappling with Enola's disappearance and his role in her life, his emotional depth infusing the story with profound layers that evoke reader empathy. The manager and stepfather are characterized by an amalgamation of ambition and desperation, illustrating the warping effect fame can have on relationships. Angel serves as an interesting foil to Enola; their rivalry is discernible yet tinged with shared experiences that complicate their dynamic.

The atmosphere is charged with tension and a longing for the past. Cooper skillfully recreates the exhilaration of the music scene, while simultaneously casting light on its darker aspects. As the revival tour progresses, the growing sense of looming disaster intensifies with each chapter. The accidents befalling band members inject a chilling urgency into the narrative, keeping readers on tenterhooks.

Emotionally, the book resonates deeply. It encapsulates the yearning for lost youth and the haunting quality of unexplained mysteries. Readers might find themselves reflecting on their own brushes with fame and loss, fostering a poignant experience.

Cooper's writing style is fluid and engrossing. She adeptly strikes a balance between descriptive prose and incisive dialogue that imbues the characters with life. However, at times, certain plot points feel somewhat underdeveloped, particularly concerning how characters respond to unfolding events. Further exploration into their motivations would have added an additional layer of complexity.

The themes of fame, loss, and the pursuit of truth are interwoven throughout the narrative. Cooper raises thought-provoking questions regarding the lengths people will go to safeguard their secrets and the consequences of past traumas resurfacing. While delivering an enthralling mystery packed with unexpected twists, the novel also prompts readers to ponder personal connections and the ramifications of public personas.

In essence, this novel delivers a captivating fusion of suspense and emotional resonance. With its vivid characterization and atmospheric backdrop, it captures both the allure and danger of fame while sustaining readers' engagement right until the dramatic conclusion.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a few of this author's books, and I think this one is her best to date. For me, she really captured the toxic world of the media, rising stars, and so many other things that I won't mention for fear of spoiling the book for others.

Think of an "X Factor" style of TV show. A pair come on to audition, one is selected and the other isn't. This is what happens to Enola. She was selected, even though she wasn't that bothered about auditioning; she did it for her friend. Fast forward to after the show has ended. Enola is given a chance to join a new girl band called Breathe, and they make an impact on the music world. They join with the already established boy band. Together they make music, sell papers, pictures and all that comes with being a star.

With the success of the band, Enola is able to buy a penthouse flat. Luxury and opulent, but when the after-award-ceremony party finishes, Enola is not to be found. No one knows why she has left, her passport gone, no sign of her for 2 decades. A tribute show is arranged, is this to finally lay the memory of Enola to rest, or will she suddenly appear out of the woodwork?


Jealousy is a huge vibe through this story and from so many characters, some I sort of expected but others... well, I will let you discover that for yourself! But, to be fair, when you look at how celebrities are often portrayed or act, this is an understandable, if not very desirable, trait. The author does use it to great effect within this story.

I enjoyed the flitting back and forth between the main characters and an unknown one. These go back and forth in time as the author gives different perspectives, thoughts, opinions and how events play out. There is a threat, and this becomes more and more obvious as the reunion tour starts.

In a world where egos are as big as the billboards and record sales, there is going to be some strain in the professional relationship, and the author manages to portray this through the story. This is something that occurs throughout the story, after all, where there is jealousy, then its friend's ego is sure to be in close company.

The story was an amazing read, I liked how the author charts the life before and during the life in a band as well as the experiences from fellow bandmates, family and others. The timeline does flit, but it is easy to understand the dynamics between the characters changing and opinions dividing.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one, it is very engaging, quite complex as I think about it now, writing this review, but it didn't feel so at the time. A mix of mystery, suspense, crime and thriller that would appeal to many readers, and one I would definitely recommend.

[The Cookster · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rating: 1.3/5

Glossy suspense thrillers, set in enviably luxurious locations have become very much the trademark of Catherine Cooper. Her latest offering is set in the glamorous world of the pop music industry and features two acts, a girl group and a boy band, who had their heyday in the 90s and are now looking to rekindle their former success with a joint reunion tour.

I was full of praise for Catherine Cooper's first two thrillers, "The Chalet" and "The Chateau", but less impressed by her third, "The Cruise". The fourth, "The Island" showed signs of a return to the quality of those first two publications, but sadly, this latest offering is pitiful and does not reflect well on the author and her previous work.

Given the setting, this was always likely to tend towards the overtly glamorous, but it is overdone and becomes simply glossily superficial. This could, perhaps, be forgiven as a necessary consequence of the author painting an appropriate backdrop. However, the writing also becomes annoyingly melodramatic. There were hints of this in "The Cruise", but in "The Penthouse" Catherine Cooper takes it to new heights - and not in a good way.

I have commented in previous reviews of this author's novels that they borrow tried and trusted elements from other books in this genre. I have no real issue with that - certain characteristics are inevitably going to be common within any given genre. Unfortunately, in this case, the author seems to have adopted tropes that are prevalent in the less well executed examples of the genre. Authors always need to be granted a degree of artistic licence, but the plot of "The Penthouse" is too far-fetched. It soon becomes silly, unnecessarily drawn out and repetitive. The characterisation is shallow. The plot twists are, at best, clumsy and overly convenient. I would even go as far as to say that the author commits the greatest of all sins by producing rabbits out of the hat.

I have enjoyed reading Catherine Cooper's work in the past, so it may well be that I still return for book six - but it will need to be an awful lot better than this if I am still going to around for book seven.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The Penthouse’ by Catherine Cooper is a deliciously dark and twisty mystery spanning twenty years which juxtaposes stardom and glamour against jealousy and obsession. The plot focuses on the 2008 disappearance of reality TV show auditionee-turned-girlband frontwoman Enola, and the 2024 reunion of the remaining bandmembers of Breathe and male pop duo This Way Up. As the former stars luxuriate in Las Vegas, strange and dangerous events begin to plague them… is it just a coincidence, or is it revenge?!

I loved how many layers the plot of this novel had, and how elements kept me guessing throughout, with each big reveal tempered by another seed of doubt. Cooper writes in an addictive fashion, leaving cliffhangers at the end of sections before shifting to another perspective or period, which meant I raced through the book! I also really enjoyed the glimpse into noughties reality TV, manipulative producers and the crudeness of mangers who care only about image and money, even in the most extreme and tragic of circumstances. In addition, the exploration of Enola and Max’s relationship and the important issue of coercive control was well-handled.

While the multiple narrators added depth and a whirlwind feel to the story, I didn’t think their voices were particularly distinct, with many of them coming across childish and self-obsessed… or possibly that’s just the world of celebrity? None of the characters were particularly likeable, with “the best of a bad bunch” an apt description for Enola in the early scenes. It also didn’t feel as immersive as the author’s masterful destination-focused thrillers.

Overall, this gets 3.5 stars from me - gripping and unpredictable, this is a dreams-turn-to-nightmares thriller that will appeal to fans of celebrity culture. The ending will shock you…

I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Harper Collins UK via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

I received a free proof copy of this novel from the publisher for review.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an advanced copy of The Penthouse in exchange for a review.

I do enjoy Catherine Cooper’s style of psychological thriller, and I was very ready to dive into a page-turner after my last read being a little slow! Her new book, The Penthouse, very much lives up to my expectations and I raced through it!

In her usual style, The Penthouse flips between a few different timelines and characters’ perspectives. We start in 2008, where Enola - the hugely successful lead singer of girl band Breathe, has just moved into her dream penthouse and is having a party after the band have won an award. But afterwards, she disappears and everyone has a view about what might have happened to her.

Now, in 2024, the remaining band members - and the band featuring Enola’s boyfriend, Max, are reuniting for a few concerts in Las Vegas. But when they arrive, various accidents start to befall them and it starts to look like the secrets of their past may be catching up with them…

This was super addictive and twisty! And I loved the 90s band revival theme and how it was impossible to know who to trust. I couldn’t put it down until I knew what had happened to Enola! And, without any spoilers, I’ll just say I loved the ending! Another really enjoyable read from Catherine Cooper!

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enola, is a member of Girl and Breathe and the person every girl wanted to be. That is until she disappeared at the height of her fame. With Enola never found, conspiracy theories are in abundance and those closest to her are all shrouded under suspicion. Years later there is a reunion but when strange things happen, is someone out there who wants to cause them harm?

I enjoy Catherine Cooper’s book so was excited to read The Penthouse. I really enjoyed the nostalgia feel of the making of the 00s girl band and the background look at the harsh, cut throat side of fame. I found this fascinating to read. There were twists and turns throughout the novel and I never fully knew who to trust.

Although I enjoyed the premise of this one, I do feel some parts were not as strong. There are a multitude of unlikeable characters and the chapters are told in many of these voices, which at times was confusing and disjointed, not flowing as well as it could. I would also have liked to have seen more atmosphere around the penthouse itself and the build up started to feel slow by the midpoint. Even though this wasn’t my favourite by this author, this is still a fun, easy to read thriller with an interesting plot. I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

[Elizabeth Currie · Rating 4 out of 5]

have been a huge fan of Catherine Cooper's books ever since her first book, The Chalet - she certainly knows how to write a page turning thriller, and her latest, The Penthouse, is no exception.

In 2008, Enola, lead singer of hugely successful girl band Breathe, originally formed thanks to a reality tv show, mysteriously disappears. Fifteen years later, the two remaining band members of Breathe reunite and team up with male pop duo This Way Up to perform in Las Vegas - but they are soon beset with a host of unfortunate events. Unlucky …… or something more sinister at play for these two very connected groups?

Moving between the two timelines, and told from multiple points of view, we begin to learn more about Enola and events leading up to her disappearance, as well as who is involved in the current day drama as the bands prepare to perform.

As someone of a certain age, this felt very reminiscent of the Pop Idol/X Factor era, and the pressures of instant fame - it certainly made you think about the way in which young people were thrust into the spotlight and managed by those in the industry. And it does make for some pretty unlikeable characters!

With short chapters that keep you turning the pages, and a plot that keeps you guessing as the surprising truth is unfolded, it’s another thoroughly entertaining read - and perfect for packing in your suitcase this summer.

[Morag Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow!! This novel is jaw-droppingly good!! If you are looking for clever fiction that drifts a little into the dark side of fame then this is the book for you!

Catherine Cooper crafts an utterly gripping and original tale based around a young woman, Enola, who is shot to fame as part of a girl band put together from a reality TV show. The book features a past and a present timeline, and fairly quickly we learn that somewhere along the 'past' timeline Enola mysteriously disappears - we are left to speculate as to the reason behind her disappearance and her destination, is she alive or dead?! As this fabulous novel unfolds we discover the truth....and be warned - it is A LOT!!!!! The central characters are Enola's mum, her boyfriend (who is a successful boy band star), Enola's bandmates, twin sister and a random stalker she collects along the way. As the bands get set to perform a reunion gig, a series of unfortunate events befall the bands - are they cursed...or is Enola feeling revenge?!

I applaud this author for just how beautifully this book flows, in addition to coming up with a cracking plot!

100% recommend!

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.

[KathVBtn · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can always rely on Catherine Cooper to write a pacy thriller that will leave you guessing.. ‘
The penthouse’ is a dual timeline story set between 2004 in the heady times of new girl band Breathe and boy band This Way Up (great names!) and 2024 when the bands are reuniting for a legacy tour.

Lead singer Enola is the voice and face of Breathe , much to her band mates’ annoyance. . The adoring public are particularly fond over her relationship with boy band member Max, the two are tabloid fodder, even though he has a controlling jealous side too.. When Enola goes missing after a celebratory party in her penthouse, no one knows where she has gone or what might have happened.. 20 years later there is still no idea what has happened to Enola and the band are preparing to tour without her, knowing that there will be numerous questions about what happened twenty years ago.

Super fan, Charlie has been following Enola since the early days and thinks they know what might have happened to Enola.

The story is split between Enola‘s voice, other band members voices, Enola’s mother who was desperate to be famous herself and Charlie. The multiple voices bring both intrigue and insights into this complicated rise to fame.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am obsessed with this book. From the very start it drew me in, shocks, twists and turns with moments of suspense. Catherine Cooper books have always been a favourite of mine and the penthouse did not dissapoint.

The book changes from the past to the present. We follow two pop groups, a girl and a boy group that rise to fame becoming famous when one day Enola goes missing and isn't seen to this day. The popular pop groups soon falls and many years later they come back together for a reunion but all is not as it seem. Accidents start happening and this cannot be a coincidence can it?

I really wanted to know what happened to Enola. Some characters you will like whilst some you aren't the biggest fan on. There is secrets hidden for many years that will soon come out and i was definitely looking forward to what all the suspense and secrets were going to be.

I enjoyed the penthouse, a right amount of mystery, gossip and thrill with twists and turns that pull you in. I would definitely recommend to other book readers who enjoy a good mystery read, this one is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperCollins for the copy of this arc in exchange of my full honest review.

[Roz · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

[Amanda Varley · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this latest mystery from Cooper, the disappearance of celebrity Enola sets the stage for a slow-burning, secret-laden narrative. When Enola vanishes without a trace — no body, no note, no closure — the world assumes she has chosen to leave her high-profile life behind. Years later, a reunion of her former bandmates and boyfriend in Las Vegas brings unresolved tensions to the surface, and it becomes clear that each of them is guarding something — and that one of them may know the truth about what happened that night.

Having enjoyed Cooper’s previous work, I approached this book with high expectations. While the story is compelling and the mystery well-paced, I found it somewhat harder to connect with, perhaps due to its focus on celebrity culture, which felt a bit distant at times. However, one of Cooper’s strengths — her use of shifting timelines and perspectives — remains a highlight. This technique adds depth and intrigue, allowing the reader to piece together the truth like a carefully constructed puzzle.

Overall, while this may not have been my favorite of Cooper’s novels, it still ticks my boxes as an interesting and intriguing read.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant story, I was totally hooked from the very first few pages.

Set in the manufactured pop band world, this is a story that could so easily happen in real life, as we see the rise of two young pop groups, from a Simon Cowell-esque figure who are now reforming 15 years later for some big reunion concerts in Las Vegas.

Except Enola went missing 15 years ago, and so Breathe are now a duo not a trio, and the fandom is still speculating just what happened.

With sections from the past and present, press articles and a few other voices, we have a gripping story, as we learn the truth of what just happened all those years ago. And also whether all the weird things happening to both bands now are just coincidental or a vendetta.

I definitely didn't predict the ending, and I thoroughly enjoyed my journey through the pages of this book.

It's another example of fabulous writing and storytelling from Catherine Cooper, whose books I truly love. Utterly brilliant from start to finish.

Thank you to HarperCollins and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Lost Vegas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enola Mazzeri, member of girl group Breathe is our main focus in this book. Talented, publicly loved and at the prime of her career, she suddenly disappears.

We follow her band mates Sophie and Angel as they start their reunion tour. Alongside are Max and Liam from not quite so popular band, This Way Up. Max was in a long term relationship with Enola and some fans were concerned about his behavior towards her.

The story is told in multiple timelines, from different perspectives and includes forum posts from the more obsessive fans.

The author writes perfectly, we have so much detail and history that the book never feels slow and there is so much plot both present and historical you can’t wait to get to the conclusion.

This is a book that most could enjoy, if you remember the girl bands from the 90’s this will be a joy for you to read.

Lastly, I loved Enola’s character. I was very invested in her well-being. Excellent.

This eARC was sent to me in return for an honest review which this is. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

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

[Bev Dulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

Can't wait for the next Catherine Cooper book.

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

[Megan Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really struggled to connect with this book, I found the plot to be dull and the characters unlikeable. I am also not sure why this is called 'The Penthouse'. Yes a penthouse does feature and becomes important but for a large portion of this book it does not feature, I do feel a better title could have been found.
Back to the plot and I enjoyed the dual timeline aspect as it meant I knew something in the past was impacting the present and I liked being able to slowly connect the dots on this. I did find some aspects of the plot to be obvious, however having said this, I thoroughly enjoyed the twist that comes towards the end of the plot and this provided some much needed excitement and thrills.
Sadly, the characters are my main area of dislike with this book, they are just so unlikeable and I could not connect or care about any of them. Whilst I recognise this is the point and ties in with the plot, I do feel something was needed to make the reader like at least one person.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for an advance copy.