Rachel West and the Fallen Starlet

by Emma Mills

A Hollywood murder mystery set in the tabloid heyday of 2008, in which an aspiring journalist-aided by a ragtag group of amateur detectives, including her quirky neighbors and a big-hearted paparazzo-sets out to prove her friend, a troubled ex-child star, was murdered, to Mary Baker at Berkley, in a good deal, in an exclusive submission, in a two-book deal, for publication in spring 2026, by Bridget Smith at JABberwocky Literary Agency (world).

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Adult Fiction, Adult, Contemporary, Thriller

Unknown Binding

Expected publication May 19, 2026

About the author

Emma Mills is the author of several novels for Young Adults.

She holds a PhD in cell biology and is known for her YouTube channel, Elmify. She is also the co-creator and co-host of the "life skills" channel How to Adult, which ended in 2016.

Mills lives in St. Louis, Missouri.

Reviews

[hav! · Rating 4 out of 5]

what do y'all know about my lord and savior emma mills

[cass]

immediate purchase i need it now

[liyana]

if emma mills writes it, i read it

[rachel x]

"A Hollywood murder mystery set in the tabloid heyday of 2008, in which an aspiring journalist-aided by a ragtag group of amateur detectives, including her quirky neighbours and a big-hearted paparazzo-sets out to prove her friend, a troubled ex-child star, was murdered."

[michelle (magical reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

emma mills never disappoints

rtc

[natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a lot of fun with this! Cozy mystery is not my genre of choice, but I loved the author's YA books when I was younger so I had to give it a shot. My only qualm is that I wanted more. As this is an adult debut, I think the author had an opportunity to go more in depth with her character emotions and relationships, but mostly stuck to the standard formula I'm used to reading in her YA books. I did love the main character and I really enjoyed the signature Emma Mills humor, but I'm also a longtime reader of the author. I think new readers going into this specifically for the mystery and Y2K of it all might be expecting a little more. Overall I still really enjoyed my time with this and will definitely continue if we do get a series out of it. I guess what I'm saying is this was definitely for me (great humor, interesting mystery, insightful commentary, and fun characters) but it might not be for everyone – especially new readers who pick it up based on the genre. 4.5 ⭐️

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery about an actress found dead in her home and her BFF of the week who's left to mourn her and maybe find her killer was an addictive read that kept me turning those pages! Aspiring journalist Rachel gets the break of her life when she runs into Hollywood ingenue Molly in a restroom at a club. Suddenly they're best friends and Molly is giving exclusives to Rachel, catapulting her into the job she's been reaching for. But when Molly is found dead of an apparent drug overdose, Rachel isn't so sure that's what happened and is determined to get to the truth! Buckle in for this fun new mystery!

There were a few plot points that annoyed me, but most of them are spoilers, so I'll not write about them. This was an entertaining read that I definitely enjoyed despite the few quibbles.

[melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

a delightful cozy mystery set in pop culture's heyday, the late 2000s (more specifically, 2008 before the recession). the writing was funny and relatable, and i loved all the cultural references. molly byrne (the titular fallen starlet) was a compelling character and i'm sad we won't see her in any future books. the book felt like a realistic way someone deals with grief which i appreciated, and not something you always get from a cozy mystery novel. i didn't love the plot, i found rachel's inevitable breakdown frustrating and was kind of hoping it'd just be over. i thought the miscommunication was so last year (it's true) but at the end of the day, hope i can pick up the next book in the series!!

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!!

[Konrad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw others use the term cozy mystery, and that feels really accurate. This was fun, a delight to sink into, easily digestible and best read over a long weekend.

I do think the coziness inherently meant a lack of profundity—which is okay, not everything needs to be the next great American novel. This does what it does well, 3.5 stars.

Thanks to Berkeley and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this title via NetGalley. It does not impact my review.

3.5 Stars

I’ve really enjoyed many of Emma Mills’ YA books, so I was excited for her Adult Mystery debut. While it did take me a little while to get into it, I ultimately enjoyed it.

The story is set in 2008 which I originally thought seemed like an odd choice. I am not particularly nostalgic for 2008. However, it turns out 2008 is around the time Mills first started writing the book. It sat unfinished as she did other things and she recently returned to it, choosing to keep the time period instead of updated it to present day.

This is definitely what I would consider a cozy mystery. It’s not usually the type of mystery I gravitate towards, so it did take me a bit to get into it. While there were an enjoyable group of quirky characters, they were not very developed, so I wasn’t really invested in any of them. I also felt a little ambivalent about Rachel, the main character, and Molly, the celebrity friend that was (probably) murdered. One of the hallmarks of Mills’ books is the friendships and that was missing a bit for me here. There is also usually a slow burn romance, but there seemed to be two possible love interests in this one and nothing was resolved with those. However, I do believe there is going to be a sequel, so maybe the slow burn is yet to come. The book did have some fun banter and the humor I expected, though.

Overall, I did mostly enjoy Rachel West and the Fallen Starlet, and will definitely be checking out the sequel. I did have to adjust my expectations a bit, as this book is a bit of a departure from the author’s previous books that I enjoyed, though, and that might have impacted my reading experience. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries and pop culture, I would recommend checking this one out.

[Sapna Chary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for this ARC. I really wanted to like this book, the entire concept of the book is good but somehow when put on paper it seemed off. You can definitely say that the author was a YA because of the writing style and the the spacing between sentences. Rachel West, FMC ran into a famous child star and tabloid favorite, Molly Byrne at a nightclub bathroom. Rachel and Molly immediately hit it off and thus form sweet friendship. However, this only lasts a few months, because Molly Byrne is found dead at her house and her and her newly found BFF, Rachel West is shellshocked. This makes her start to question, why and how. This is where, personally, I felt the story could have developed well but the pacing was totally off. Rachel quits her job and runs into another guy, he happened to know Molly and wants to form alliance with Rachel to solve Mollys death because, they feel it is not really accidental . A bunch of amateur sleuths, yes, a bunch because Rachels neighbors join these two and form a murder board. The connect another star's death with Molly's! Somewhere along the book, we have a friend of Rachels neighbor who asks Rachel to proofread a story- I just don't get the point of this, because I didn't see it having a closure. Anyways, the book at about 71% through led somewhere but throughout the read I was starting to question where this story was headed. I really wanted to enjoy this book, but unfortunately, it is a pass for me. I didn't thoroughly enjoy this book. So, I will have to give this book a 2.5 stars, because of the pacing and I wasn't connected to any of the characters.

[Destiny Hallak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

The story follows Rachel West and her friends as they try and solve the murder of Molly Byrne, who is a close friend of Rachel.

The cover of this book is initially what got me interested in reading this book, and then after reading the summary I decided to dive in.

I liked how the chapters would switch between the time up until Molly was murdered, the current time, Nuclear Nebulas, and Celebritease. I think it adds a little bit of fun to the story telling. However, I was not totally blown away by this book nor did I strongly dislike it. I agree with the other reviewers that this is a pretty easy read, but I found myself bored at times and struggling to get to the end. I enjoyed the parts where the "murder klatch" would get together to discuss the case, but we don't see much of these other characters outside of their get togethers. I was kind of neutral when it came to how much I liked Rachel West, I felt that she was kind of a bland character. I didn't like how I had to wait until almost the end of the book to figure out why she had dropped out of medical school and became an entertainment reporter. At that point, I kind of lost interest in the reason why she had a career change.

If you're looking for something easy to read with some Y2K nostalgia thrown in, I would check this book out. However, with that being said, I would not have high expectations for the depth given into the characters.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a really fun book. was it always plausible? no. but that didn't matter one bit. i really enjoyed the way this story was told in the early 2000s, something the author touches on in her author's note. for some reason it really worked so much better than if it was present day.

its a pulpy book in the best of ways. rachel west, our narrator, is a great character, though i wish she was a little bit more fleshed out in what makes her tick. Mills touches on this very briefly, but i would have liked more. i think there were similarities between rachel and molly that could have come to light just a touch more.

but overall, i loved the idea that a starlet would befriend a "nobody" because she had a feeling of authenticity about her. how many real stars would like to pick up a friend like that? the murder mystery is fun, and on further consideration i do like how it all came together. at first glance i thought oh this is too convienient, but actually, its great.

loved the group of friends that rachel gathered along the way. i could see them popping up again in another mills novel. is that too much to hope for?


I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own, and I am writing a voluntary review.

[RedReviews4You Susan-Dara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cozy, engaging mystery that kept pulling me in — and I realized pretty quickly that I was slipping into my New Adult reader mode as I read. I didn’t know this was Emma Mills’s adult debut, but once I did, it made perfect sense. Her YA/NA roots show up in the pacing and tone in a way that’s familiar, warm, and easy to fall into.

Mills is an excellent writer, and her strengths are here: clean prose, character‑driven beats, and a mystery that’s fun to unravel. I found myself settling into the investigation almost immediately — but then again, I grew up on Nancy Drew and Veronica Mars, so a determined heroine digging into a starlet’s murder is very much my lane.

Rachel’s investigation into Molly’s death had that nostalgic, slightly noir‑tinged vibe I love, and I genuinely enjoyed the experience of reading it. While the story didn’t fully hit the deeper emotional notes I look for in adult mystery fiction, it was still a solid, cozy, satisfying read with a heroine I rooted for.

A good pick for readers who love character‑forward mysteries, Hollywood secrets, and a touch of YA‑style pacing in an adult setting.

Thank you to Goodreads and the publisher for sharing an early copy of the book with me

[Nicole P · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

This is a twisty, bingeable story that you won't be able to put down! Rachel West and the Fallen Starlet follows Rachel's life as she works to uncover the circumstances of her friend and superstar Molly Byrne's death. The writing is addicting as you retrace Molly's last days and unpack the mystery behind her death. Rachel is a compelling main character whose narration keeps you engaged and constantly wondering what will come next. I loved watching this story unfold, from flashbacks of Molly and Rachel's friendship developing to Rachel investigating the important people in Molly's life; this story kept me on the hook the entire time. I loved the little article snippets following Molly before and in the events following her death, they added such a fun little bit of additional perspective that adds to the mystery surrounding Molly. While I did find the ending a little predictable, I loved following along with this story. This was a great cozy mystery read that I would definitely recommend giving a try!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the eARC!

[Maricruz Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

My gratitude to NetGalley and Penguin Publishing Group for this ARC.

Despite centering around a death (and a potential murder), this novel leans more cozy than suspenseful. Emma Mills brings a light touch to the story, with sharp, humorous banter and characters full of heart and chaotic charm... it’s hard not to enjoy spending time with them.

The story follows Rachel West, an entertainment journalist grappling with the death of her friend Molly, a troubled former child star who once helped launch Rachel’s career. As Rachel navigates grief, memory, and unanswered questions, the novel balances heavier themes with warmth and humor.

I did find myself wanting more from the romance aspect, which felt a bit underdeveloped. However, it’s clear that the emotional core of the story lies in its friendships and found family, which Mills portrays with sincerity and care.
This is also a treat for anyone nostalgic for Y2K pop culture and the Perez Hilton era, adding an extra layer of fun to the reading experience.

[h o l l i s · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have no one to blame but myself for not totally reckoning with the reality of this setting. Not the 2008 of it all but the celebrity-movie-star-tabloid-focused-ness of it all. I think I just saw "Emma Mills adult novel" and requested without much more thought. My bad, yo.

I think if you were a fan of Veronica Mars, and maybe feel nostalgic for any timeline but our current one, you might get on with this. Particularly as it mashes itself up the current fad of murder clubbing aka amateur sleuths getting together to do what the police can't do. But alas, despite all of the above applying to me, I just did not. Get on, I mean.

If nothing else this was a quick and easy read.

Full review to come.

** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) via NetGalley exchange for an honest review. **

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The aughts were a time to be alive.
Rachel works for a gossip magazine after leaving med school. She befriends a famous celebrity in a bathroom (as you do in Hollywood) and finds herself in a whole new world. She’s got schwag, fancy stuff she’d never afford on her own. And she has a friend who calls her authentic.
When the friend dies, everyone just thinks she’s a tragic former star struggling to shine. But something someone says offhand makes Rachel realize her friend didn’t die by her own hand.
I really felt close to Rachel. I wanted to and was invested in her using her soft skills to solve the mystery. I loved the supporting cast, including Lee. The author do really well describing LA and dating it. This didn’t fall into a tropey joke of a timeline. It was respectable and very fun to read. I wanted to read more!

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

This was so much fun and so unique and had so many great elements to it.

This had a fun gossip tabloid type of feel to it (and it does involve those), a murder mystery, and Y2K vibes.

I also think the cover is so fun and cute. Love a fun little illustration.

This has a chaotic and unlikely ensemble cast of characters that don't seem like they should be trying to solve a murder, but they do it and it's fun. It's like if the characters in Scooby Doo were gossip columnists, paparazzi, and other quirky kinds of characters.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[M. Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very up my alley as a millennial that loved Veronica Mars.

This successfully scratched that itch of a slightly sardonic thriller with found family aspects clearly set in the early aughts — even if I didn't personally jibe with some characterization bits (such as mc Rachel deleting an interview meant for a magazine profile; girl, what). Made for a great vacation read that's well paced and plotted well enough, so I'd indeed recommend it for those who also carry that 2008 Neptune mystery whodunnit itch

[thanks to the publisher, author and netgalley for access to an ARC to form an honest opinion]

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A smart and witty FMC, Rachel, and a cast of eclectic do-gooders made this murder mystery a delight to read. Also, who hasn't had the daydream of meeting a celebrity out in the wild and striking up a genuine friendship? It was a common fantasy of mine in my younger days. Rachel is a bit too guarded and her life would be better if she would open up and allow herself to be vulnerable now and then--she's getting there. Loved the humor in this, it's very dry and constantly had me smiling. I think I need to read more by Mills. I'd recommend this to any mystery fan and those that appreciate sarcasm. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC

[Anna J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rachel West is a copy editor for a celebrity gossip magazine in Los Angelos. This isn't exactly the writing she thought she would be doing or her dream job. A night out at a club changes things for her as she meets Molly Bryne, a former child star in the bathroom and forms a friendship.

Molly is found dead and police are saying it was an overdose. Rachel knows that Molly has been clean and hasn't been using drugs so she believes Molly was murdered. Rachel forms her own quirky team to solve the mystery of Molly's death. The meetings and the murder board made it feel like an episode of Only Murders In The Building and I enjoyed the witty banter and so many great characters.

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I might have been... in my longest reading slump ever??? No Goodreads updates for two months, no book finished for longer than that... what on earth was happening to me?

I don't think I'm fully out of the slump yet, but I have at least managed to finish a book now, and it wasn't even a good one. This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2026, so to say I'm let down would be an understatement. But I guess thanks to this book anyway, because at least I'm back to writing reviews.

Sort of. Soon. RTC!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The year is 2008, the height of celebrity gossip magazines, and paparazzi. Rachel West works at a gossip magazine, and makes an unexpected friend. When her friend ends up dead so shortly into their friendship, she is determined to find out what actually happened to her. Full of twists, and turns and an unexpected ending. You’ll keep bouncing around on the suspects, just when you think it’s figured out something else happens, or a bit of truth is uncovered. A lighthearted murder mystery, that’ll take you back to 2000’s.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so, so much to love about this book. Aside from mystery must-haves — a fast-paced plot and an intriguing puzzle — the setting is perfectly captured, there are so many emotional layers, and the characters are well-developed and interesting. (My favorite one is a tie between Jaz and Rucksack. iykyk.) While there are some plot holes or, at the very least, unresolved plot lines, I still enjoyed this book and can't wait for the author to publish her next one.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s 2008, and Rachel West’s best friend just died. For the last 3 months, she and A-list actress Molly Byrne have been attached at the hip, but Molly just overdosed. Now, though, Rachel has begun to believe that it was murder. But how? And why? She dives into the seedy underbelly of Hollywood to find out.

This is funny, and sad, and I enjoyed the mystery. Feels like the first in a series! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

[Becca Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got 5 stars for being a total romp and for the delight of returning to 2008. Loses an 8th of a star for how the narrator would constantly repeat things that had been said to her earlier in the book. Loses a 12th of a star for every missed opportunity to insert “two thousand and late.” Still rounds up to 5 stars.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this. Rachel West is such a fantastic main character, and her journey from copy editor to amateur sleuth was so fun to follow. The pacing was 10/10—I flew through this in two sittings because the story was just that engaging. If you want a mystery that's witty, nostalgic, and perfectly paced, you need to read this. No notes, just pure vibes and a great mystery.

[Kayla Mikel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this and couldn’t put it down. On the hunt to find the killer of her Celebrity BFF, Rachel not only tries to solve the mystery but meets with so many great people and learns a lot about herself along the way.

[ً · Rating 2 out of 5]

what a huge disappointment. this entire book was a mess