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Life of Zanna
Paige White and Hannah 'Zanna' Zagalo used to be inseparable.
After a fated meeting at university, the glamourous Zanna invited aspiring journalist Paige to write for her blog and social media channels as Zanna's rise to influencer fame beckoned. Together, they lived the #dream, moving in together and making riches from Zanna's online persona. But when Zanna tragically died, Paige reluctantly took over the Life of Zanna page - a ghostwriter emerging from behind the scenes.
Five years on, Paige is invited to take part in a documentary about the social media star's murder, and her piling bills and lavish lifestyle mean she can't possibly afford to turn it down. But then she receives a strange email, a note that just 'I know what you did.'
As the cameras turn on Zanna's family and friends, old rumours start to resurface. Is Zanna's murder all it seems? Or does someone have something to hide?
After a fated meeting at university, the glamourous Zanna invited aspiring journalist Paige to write for her blog and social media channels as Zanna's rise to influencer fame beckoned. Together, they lived the #dream, moving in together and making riches from Zanna's online persona. But when Zanna tragically died, Paige reluctantly took over the Life of Zanna page - a ghostwriter emerging from behind the scenes.
Five years on, Paige is invited to take part in a documentary about the social media star's murder, and her piling bills and lavish lifestyle mean she can't possibly afford to turn it down. But then she receives a strange email, a note that just 'I know what you did.'
As the cameras turn on Zanna's family and friends, old rumours start to resurface. Is Zanna's murder all it seems? Or does someone have something to hide?
384 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2024
36 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 2, 2024
The story opens with the transcript of an interview for a documentary. The focus is influencer Zanna and her murder. Amongst those interviewed are her best friend, Paige, who ghostwrote the content for Zanna’s blog and instagram posts.
From the outset it is clear that people are suspicious of Paige. Some mutual friends talk of her obsession with Zanna and it is not helped by the fact that she is now in a relationship with Shane, Zanna’s ex. There has been talk about who might have benefitted from Zanna’s death.
The book shifts between the present and the past. We gain an insight into the rather vacuous lifestyle lived by someone determined to make a living out of being in the public eye. Anyone with a pulse can see that things were not right between these so-called friends, but the actual reality came as a bit of a surprise.
From the outset it is clear that people are suspicious of Paige. Some mutual friends talk of her obsession with Zanna and it is not helped by the fact that she is now in a relationship with Shane, Zanna’s ex. There has been talk about who might have benefitted from Zanna’s death.
The book shifts between the present and the past. We gain an insight into the rather vacuous lifestyle lived by someone determined to make a living out of being in the public eye. Anyone with a pulse can see that things were not right between these so-called friends, but the actual reality came as a bit of a surprise.
June 25, 2024
I loved this book! Such a fun summer read. It's a great commentary on female frienships in the age of social media where comparison and vanity are rife. I loved seeing behind the curtain of social media - the author clearly has an insight into the influencer world. I flew through it and struggled to put it down. Would be perfect for the beach!
June 11, 2025
3.5*
I just love books where every single character is annoying and self-centred because it creates the most DRAMA
This was such a gripping read that kept you turning the page, definitely going to keep an eye on Emily Jane Hodgkin as an author now!!
I just love books where every single character is annoying and self-centred because it creates the most DRAMA
This was such a gripping read that kept you turning the page, definitely going to keep an eye on Emily Jane Hodgkin as an author now!!
June 2, 2024
What a debut from Emily Jane Hodgkins this is. A modern day thriller very relatable to those of us who proudly support and follow (online) our favourite influencers. Ms Hodgkins skill of drawing us into the world of Zanna and giving us a glimpse behind the curtain and let me tell you it isn’t that pretty.
The book flip flops from present day, past and documentary chapters. This all works incredibly well and it allowed the reader to get different points of view which was extremely clever.
We have themes of toxic friendships, jealousy, greed, family dynamics and dangerous lust.
As the reader you are essentially playing detective and as the truth unravels you really are sat there like OMG!
I really enjoyed my time with both Zanna and Paige. I could see things from both points of view. It is incredibly difficult to work with friends and there is at times that power struggle for sure. I don’t think everyone will but I saw good in both of them. But the idea of fame, money and status was a real driving force for Zanna and it was all consuming.
The documentary entries were my favourite. You get snippets of conversations between Zanna’s family and friends. It elevated the story to another level.
I was so excited by the refreshing modern day feel and relatability. It is exactly what we as readers have been waiting on. Something fresh to get our teeth into. If you love an excellent thriller then this debut should be high on your list.
Emily Jane Hodgkin is now a new automatic buy author for me. I am really looking forward to what is next. But mark my words we will be seeing her name everywhere and at all in the crime festivals in the future.
May 26, 2024
I throughly enjoyed this read, a great debut! Books with plots based on the toxicity of social media always grabs my interest and the author also threw a in a bit of toxicity in differing relationships.
Both Paige and Zanna were awful characters, both self absorbed, selfish, greedy characters, to me they were both as bad as each other. I loved Zanna’s mum though! Hilarious how over the top she was and her thoughts on Paige 😂.
I liked how the different character POVs were used alongside the documentary filming and through the different timelines, we learn the build up to Zanna’s murder.
I’m looking forward to more by the author!
Both Paige and Zanna were awful characters, both self absorbed, selfish, greedy characters, to me they were both as bad as each other. I loved Zanna’s mum though! Hilarious how over the top she was and her thoughts on Paige 😂.
I liked how the different character POVs were used alongside the documentary filming and through the different timelines, we learn the build up to Zanna’s murder.
I’m looking forward to more by the author!
October 23, 2024
This is severely fucked up. I thought it was only so so before the doco premiere, after the premiere things took a turn toward the OMFG Paige!?! The more I think about it, the more I am severely disturbed. I noticed things along the way that someone should have paid more attention to. In fact, people tried to tell us. Xmas Sweaters are a huge red flag
I assume
I assume
May 24, 2024
When Paige White and Hannah Zagalo (aka Zanna) decided to work together to parlay Paige's starter-journalist credentials and Zanna's charisma and charm to create an online presence that would bring benefits to both of them, they had no idea that success would be so swift or striking.
But everything changes after Zanna's untimely death, and Paige is left without the necessary source material for her writing. An opportunity to makeup her losses - well, the financial ones at least - comes with the offer to participate in a documentary about her friend.
But does Paige know more than she is saying about the nature of Zanna's death? An anonymous note she receives, containing a threat, would seem to indicate so...
This is an entertaining read, and takes a critical look at the social media influencer lifestyle and its less wholesome elements. The real price of fame and fandom is laid bare in the book, and its mystery/thriller elements will keep readers engaged throughout. It get 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
But everything changes after Zanna's untimely death, and Paige is left without the necessary source material for her writing. An opportunity to makeup her losses - well, the financial ones at least - comes with the offer to participate in a documentary about her friend.
But does Paige know more than she is saying about the nature of Zanna's death? An anonymous note she receives, containing a threat, would seem to indicate so...
This is an entertaining read, and takes a critical look at the social media influencer lifestyle and its less wholesome elements. The real price of fame and fandom is laid bare in the book, and its mystery/thriller elements will keep readers engaged throughout. It get 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
April 26, 2025
Emily Jane definitely did not disappoint with this book! I found it a gripping and interesting read, and it does great work highlighting the real side of social media, and that not everything is as perfect as it seems. I loved the interview transcript format that was used in some of the chapters, I enjoyed being able to read the other characters thoughts and viewpoints.
I felt that Paige and Zannas had great backstories and development which made it much easier to connect with them. However I didn’t care much for Shane to be honest haha. There were twists throughout the book that I was not expecting which is always a good sign with a thriller!
Overall, this was a great debut from Emily, I would recommend to those who enjoy the social media type thrillers, definitely a read for people to look out for when it’s been published. Can’t wait to see what future work EJH comes out with!
Thank you so much to @bwpublishing for providing me with a proof copy of EJHs debut influencer thriller due for publication in May 2024! Opinions are all my own
I felt that Paige and Zannas had great backstories and development which made it much easier to connect with them. However I didn’t care much for Shane to be honest haha. There were twists throughout the book that I was not expecting which is always a good sign with a thriller!
Overall, this was a great debut from Emily, I would recommend to those who enjoy the social media type thrillers, definitely a read for people to look out for when it’s been published. Can’t wait to see what future work EJH comes out with!
Thank you so much to @bwpublishing for providing me with a proof copy of EJHs debut influencer thriller due for publication in May 2024! Opinions are all my own
April 18, 2024
the story starts with a documentary transcript about two girls, paige and zanna.
as the story transcends through the past and present day, you get glimpses of each part of both girls timelines.
the book takes a peak into social medial influencing, fame and popularity.
i thoroughly enjoyed reading the interview transcripts from the documentary between each chapter. it made the book feel really unique and interesting, whilst keeping you guessing.
this felt like a modern social media thriller, it deals with anonymous hate coming through, hate blogs, and the mystery behind a social media stars death.
at times the plot felt a bit juvenile for me, and the characters felt, one dimensional and underdeveloped.
however for a debut novel, i thought this was a wonderful piece of work and i would definitely keep an eye out for this authors next projects.
thank you to black & white publishing and net galley for the arc. all opinions are my own <3
as the story transcends through the past and present day, you get glimpses of each part of both girls timelines.
the book takes a peak into social medial influencing, fame and popularity.
i thoroughly enjoyed reading the interview transcripts from the documentary between each chapter. it made the book feel really unique and interesting, whilst keeping you guessing.
this felt like a modern social media thriller, it deals with anonymous hate coming through, hate blogs, and the mystery behind a social media stars death.
at times the plot felt a bit juvenile for me, and the characters felt, one dimensional and underdeveloped.
however for a debut novel, i thought this was a wonderful piece of work and i would definitely keep an eye out for this authors next projects.
thank you to black & white publishing and net galley for the arc. all opinions are my own <3
June 3, 2024
Paige is the best friend of Zanna Zagalo, and also her ghost writer. While Zanna's face is everywhere as an influencer, Paige is happy to write her blogs and generally be a dogsbody to her. The narration takes us through the beginning of their relationship to the end and at many times I have no idea why Paige is involved, she clearly doesn't care that much.
The present time is filled with a documentary that is being made five years after Zanna's death. Was it murder? Not helping anyone is the fact that Paige is now living with Zanna's boyfriend.
I really enjoyed the way the author wrote this book. the dual timelines and the documentary transcripts, but for me, the story wasn't strong enough. I can suspend disbelief but I cannot work out how on earth some of these characters stayed in this circle and it really didn't become believable.
I received this book as an ARC from netgalley in return for an honest review, which this is.
The present time is filled with a documentary that is being made five years after Zanna's death. Was it murder? Not helping anyone is the fact that Paige is now living with Zanna's boyfriend.
I really enjoyed the way the author wrote this book. the dual timelines and the documentary transcripts, but for me, the story wasn't strong enough. I can suspend disbelief but I cannot work out how on earth some of these characters stayed in this circle and it really didn't become believable.
I received this book as an ARC from netgalley in return for an honest review, which this is.
May 30, 2024
Nail bitingly good!
Take a deeper look into the dark side of social media in this gripping mystery! Hodgkins knows how to build characters that are both realistic and relatable. Paige is a main character that I instantly wanted to know more about, even though both her and Zanna aren't the greatest of people there's something about the way Emily portrays these two that keeps you wanting more.
I liked how this story is told, with the mix of transcripts and chapters I felty like every time I turned the page there was something new catching my attention. We also get past and present which I felt helped build the story and make it feel more realistic. Amazing pacing and chapters that pack a punch you will struggle to look away, especially if you're a thriller lover who likes suspense and figuring out the unknown.
Take a deeper look into the dark side of social media in this gripping mystery! Hodgkins knows how to build characters that are both realistic and relatable. Paige is a main character that I instantly wanted to know more about, even though both her and Zanna aren't the greatest of people there's something about the way Emily portrays these two that keeps you wanting more.
I liked how this story is told, with the mix of transcripts and chapters I felty like every time I turned the page there was something new catching my attention. We also get past and present which I felt helped build the story and make it feel more realistic. Amazing pacing and chapters that pack a punch you will struggle to look away, especially if you're a thriller lover who likes suspense and figuring out the unknown.
May 17, 2024
A sort of modern day on a classic. The comparisons made to inventing Anna meets Agatha Christie stand up. I found this engaging and fresh. There is a lot of books taking the insta generation on and a lot them don't stand out but this with its classic whodunit plot running though made it stand out from the crowd. I did feel it was maybe targeted at younger reader group than myself perhaps more later YA but nonetheless a good interesting engrossing read. A lesson learned DO NOT LIVE YOUR LIFE ONLINE
May 20, 2025
Paige is an influencer, having taken over her friend's Instagram account when Zanna sadly died. Desperate for cash, Paige agrees to take part in a true crime documentary about Zanna. And we soon come to realise that Paige, the Queen of Spin, is an unreliable narrator. How much does she know about Zanna's death?
June 12, 2024
Absolutely amazing read!
August 20, 2024
The cover doesn’t really match the story or vibe of the book, but this was a solid read that kept my interest throughout. A good escape from reality for a few hours!
October 23, 2024
This book is so underrated
January 10, 2025
i mean, interesting characters ..?
February 6, 2025
2.5
Setting: UK
Rep: n/a
Feel like I've read this story multiple times before and this book did nothing different.
Setting: UK
Rep: n/a
Feel like I've read this story multiple times before and this book did nothing different.
August 25, 2025
Lightweight and trashy but an easy read and just what I needed.
3.5⭐️
3.5⭐️
August 27, 2025
Didn’t like this book, I just finished it because I can’t start reading a book and not finish it. Also, I don’t like Zanna or Paige one bit
May 28, 2024
Thanks to Hannah at Black and White Publishing for sending out a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This was an addictive thriller that really delves into the negative side of social media and life as an influencer. It also shines a light on how being an influencer can incur unwanted attention, and how some people will do whatever they can to get what they want.
The novel is mainly written from Paige’s point of view, going backwards and forwards to the past before Zanna’s death and the present. Also, interspersed throughout the narrative is transcripts from the documentary. I love how innovative Hodgkin is by including this in her novel. As each transcript is given, and we’re given more information about what happened in the past, there’s various twists and turns that make this a highly enjoyable read. I will definitely check out more of Hodgkin’s work in the future.
This was an addictive thriller that really delves into the negative side of social media and life as an influencer. It also shines a light on how being an influencer can incur unwanted attention, and how some people will do whatever they can to get what they want.
The novel is mainly written from Paige’s point of view, going backwards and forwards to the past before Zanna’s death and the present. Also, interspersed throughout the narrative is transcripts from the documentary. I love how innovative Hodgkin is by including this in her novel. As each transcript is given, and we’re given more information about what happened in the past, there’s various twists and turns that make this a highly enjoyable read. I will definitely check out more of Hodgkin’s work in the future.
February 4, 2025
The pace of the story was nice, and it was interesting to hear the impact that being an influencer had on Zanna.
May 24, 2024
💄When Paige meets Zanna, she knew that she'd found her best friend. They were inseparable. The former a simple girl from a normal, middle class family; a dreamer. The latter, an influencer, beaming with confidence and beauty. When Paige becomes a ghostwriter for Zanna's social media blogs, she gets a taste of the perks of "influencing". After Zanna's tragic death, her voice continues to be heard. Through Paige. Now a regular recipient of ominous messages that threaten to ruin her new life.
💄It is an enjoyable read that addresses the dark side of social media through the eyes of two girls' aim for fame. It is both thrilling and gripping with each page making you guess the truth! The characters are not unique nor lovable but you still want to know everything because of how crazy the plot is and how engaging Paige is! The characters' could have had more depth and dimensions but the plot makes up for it! This storyline is so relevant considering the world of beauty and fashion influencing. It makes you genuinely reflect on the power of social media and the truth behind every reel, story and brand post! Looking forward to seeing more from Emily.
💄It is an enjoyable read that addresses the dark side of social media through the eyes of two girls' aim for fame. It is both thrilling and gripping with each page making you guess the truth! The characters are not unique nor lovable but you still want to know everything because of how crazy the plot is and how engaging Paige is! The characters' could have had more depth and dimensions but the plot makes up for it! This storyline is so relevant considering the world of beauty and fashion influencing. It makes you genuinely reflect on the power of social media and the truth behind every reel, story and brand post! Looking forward to seeing more from Emily.
September 26, 2024
A social media age whodunnit that shines a light on the darker side of influencer culture - The Life of Zanna follows Paige, ghost writer turned sinfluencer who is taking part in a documentary about the stalking and subsequent murder of her best friend, instagram sensation Zanna.
I had a great time reading this book - the character development was fantastic, the way the story was told kept me in suspense and towards the end it was completely un-put-downable. I actually listened to a little of it in audiobook and the narration was great once sped up a little.
A great quick read for fans of social media themed thrillers, filled with twists and turns that will keep your attention. Thanks so much to the publisher and author for sending me a gifted copy.
I had a great time reading this book - the character development was fantastic, the way the story was told kept me in suspense and towards the end it was completely un-put-downable. I actually listened to a little of it in audiobook and the narration was great once sped up a little.
A great quick read for fans of social media themed thrillers, filled with twists and turns that will keep your attention. Thanks so much to the publisher and author for sending me a gifted copy.
May 22, 2025
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :)
Paige and Zanna curated the perfect life on Instagram together for years, but when tragedy strikes, attention falls on Paige as a documentary crew seek to bring eyes to Zanna's story.
This feels like a really impressive debut, which keeps you on your toes from the very beginning. Interspersed with documentary interviews and transcriptions, this pacey thriller is great to sink your teeth into for the summer, and would be perfect around the pool! A little predictable in places but a lot of fun, this twisty and shocking influencer thriller is one I would definitely recommend!
3.25 stars
Paige and Zanna curated the perfect life on Instagram together for years, but when tragedy strikes, attention falls on Paige as a documentary crew seek to bring eyes to Zanna's story.
This feels like a really impressive debut, which keeps you on your toes from the very beginning. Interspersed with documentary interviews and transcriptions, this pacey thriller is great to sink your teeth into for the summer, and would be perfect around the pool! A little predictable in places but a lot of fun, this twisty and shocking influencer thriller is one I would definitely recommend!
3.25 stars
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