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People Pleaser: Ein unwiderstehlicher Thriller in der Welt der Reichen und Schönen - Thriller
Denn niemand kennt ihr dunkelstes Geheimnis ...
Maggie Lathrop ist jung, schön und dank der Dating-Show »LoveShack« unglaublich erfolgreich. Sie und ihr Reality-TV-Boyfriend führen ein perfektes Leben – bis Maggie eines Tages brutal in ihrer Villa ermordet wird. Emma ist das absolute Gegenteil ihrer Schwester Maggie und hatte nie Interesse an deren Jetsetleben. Trotzdem will sie ihren Mörder finden. Also folgt sie der einzigen Spur, die sie Sie sieht sich endlich die Show an, die Maggie berühmt gemacht hat. Doch mit jeder Folge wird Emma klarer, dass ihre Schwester ein dunkles Geheimnis verbarg. Ein Geheimnis, das Emma lüften muss, um den Killer aus seiner Deckung zu locken – und sich selbst zu retten.
Maggie Lathrop ist jung, schön und dank der Dating-Show »LoveShack« unglaublich erfolgreich. Sie und ihr Reality-TV-Boyfriend führen ein perfektes Leben – bis Maggie eines Tages brutal in ihrer Villa ermordet wird. Emma ist das absolute Gegenteil ihrer Schwester Maggie und hatte nie Interesse an deren Jetsetleben. Trotzdem will sie ihren Mörder finden. Also folgt sie der einzigen Spur, die sie Sie sieht sich endlich die Show an, die Maggie berühmt gemacht hat. Doch mit jeder Folge wird Emma klarer, dass ihre Schwester ein dunkles Geheimnis verbarg. Ein Geheimnis, das Emma lüften muss, um den Killer aus seiner Deckung zu locken – und sich selbst zu retten.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2025
52 people are currently reading
1029 people want to read
About the author
Catriona Stewart
1 book30 followersCatriona Stewart lives in San Francisco and works in communications. Her writing has appeared in HuffPost, The San Francisco Chronicle, Jewish Currents, Lilith Magazine and more. People Pleaser is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
January 16, 2025
"I still have this suspicion that everyone hates me. Which I know is paranoid. Except maybe it's not paranoid?"
^^^ girl, SAME.
Okay, I'm desperately trying to gather my feelings about this book. I've been deliberating over the appropriate star rating for a while and I'm still not sure if I've got it right.
This book is about a girl called Maggie who becomes famous on a reality TV show called "Love Shack" (but come on, we know this is basically Love Island) she is murdered a couple years after the show and the nobody knows who did it. We follow this book through multiple POV's from Maggie's sister Emma, her friend, the creator of Love Shack and interestingly enough, Maggie herself.
Maggie's POV was by far my favourite. She would talk us through episode by episode of her time within the reality show and then her life after it leading up to her murder. As a girl that has always loved watching reality shows this felt like the ultimate *wink wink nudge nudge* from the author who had clearly researched the process and knew some of the inside secrets on how its made. Although I have to be honest, it was a pretty depressing insight into reality shows and the process of making them. At one point a character describes it as "I feel like a zoo animal being forced to mate in captivity" ... yikes.
"Not only was she sad, but she was sick of being sad"
I'm a little disappointed that this book didn't attempt to add much depth to reality show contestants. It seemed to continue perpetuating the image of reality show contestants becoming cold, fake, caricatures of themselves. Maggie had the potential to be an incredibly in-depth complex character, but once she reached fame her personality seemed to be reduced down to caring about nothing more than diet, surgeries, money and social image. I think this book had an ideal opportunity to blow apart the generic stereotype of reality TV contestants, and I honestly think this story would have benefited greatly from that. Seems like a wasted opportunity, and a waste of what could have been some pretty interesting characters.
And let me just say that I'm still trying to understand why Amanda's character was included??? Seemed like a whole lot of back story and filler with little gain to the story itself.
"The kind of day that made her want to crawl into a hole or scream into the void or walk into oncoming traffic."
Overall, this was definitely an interesting, thought provoking read, but it could have given so much more.
Thank you NetGalley for the free ARC ❤️
^^^ girl, SAME.
Okay, I'm desperately trying to gather my feelings about this book. I've been deliberating over the appropriate star rating for a while and I'm still not sure if I've got it right.
This book is about a girl called Maggie who becomes famous on a reality TV show called "Love Shack" (but come on, we know this is basically Love Island) she is murdered a couple years after the show and the nobody knows who did it. We follow this book through multiple POV's from Maggie's sister Emma, her friend, the creator of Love Shack and interestingly enough, Maggie herself.
Maggie's POV was by far my favourite. She would talk us through episode by episode of her time within the reality show and then her life after it leading up to her murder. As a girl that has always loved watching reality shows this felt like the ultimate *wink wink nudge nudge* from the author who had clearly researched the process and knew some of the inside secrets on how its made. Although I have to be honest, it was a pretty depressing insight into reality shows and the process of making them. At one point a character describes it as "I feel like a zoo animal being forced to mate in captivity" ... yikes.
"Not only was she sad, but she was sick of being sad"
I'm a little disappointed that this book didn't attempt to add much depth to reality show contestants. It seemed to continue perpetuating the image of reality show contestants becoming cold, fake, caricatures of themselves. Maggie had the potential to be an incredibly in-depth complex character, but once she reached fame her personality seemed to be reduced down to caring about nothing more than diet, surgeries, money and social image. I think this book had an ideal opportunity to blow apart the generic stereotype of reality TV contestants, and I honestly think this story would have benefited greatly from that. Seems like a wasted opportunity, and a waste of what could have been some pretty interesting characters.
And let me just say that I'm still trying to understand why Amanda's character was included??? Seemed like a whole lot of back story and filler with little gain to the story itself.
"The kind of day that made her want to crawl into a hole or scream into the void or walk into oncoming traffic."
Overall, this was definitely an interesting, thought provoking read, but it could have given so much more.
Thank you NetGalley for the free ARC ❤️
April 5, 2025
This was such a fun page turning thriller that I just couldn’t get enough of. I read half of it in one sitting and the rest the next day. I do love a look at the dark side of celebrity and this one was so juicy..and a murder!
Now I am. It a big reality TV fan but this book was so addictive. I can see the appeal of these kinds of shows but I just don’t watch them. It was fun to have a behind the scenes look at adapting TV show and how it changed the lives of its contestants. All the make up and fake news, I was there for it. The murder mystery was fun and twisty and I certainly did not pick whodunnit. Not all the characters were likeable and that makes it even more fun to read.
This was a great debut and I can’t wait to see what comes next for this author. Thanks so much to Random House UK, Cornerstone on NetGalley for my early copy to read. Publishes on May 22nd.
Now I am. It a big reality TV fan but this book was so addictive. I can see the appeal of these kinds of shows but I just don’t watch them. It was fun to have a behind the scenes look at adapting TV show and how it changed the lives of its contestants. All the make up and fake news, I was there for it. The murder mystery was fun and twisty and I certainly did not pick whodunnit. Not all the characters were likeable and that makes it even more fun to read.
This was a great debut and I can’t wait to see what comes next for this author. Thanks so much to Random House UK, Cornerstone on NetGalley for my early copy to read. Publishes on May 22nd.
August 28, 2024
While this book ostensibly revolves around fictional reality TV stars and influencers, it could take place in any number of settings. Unlike the shallowness we might stereotypically assign to people In the “industry,” Catie Stewart’s characters have depth. You have the chance to love and hate these people (and sometimes both simultaneously). This is also a really good whodunit - I was perplexed until the end - which reads easily. Great for commutes, vacations, and lazing on the hammock on a spring day.
August 22, 2024
A page turner that I truly enjoyed. I am an avid reality TV watcher. This book placed me in a world where I could experience the dark side of reality TV. The characters were compelling and the mystery kept going until the end. I highly recommend this book!
August 23, 2024
A true page turner! I could not put this book down and was hooked from the beginning. If you enjoy reality TV, suspense, and twists and turns, this book is a must read!!!!
December 1, 2024
thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! <3
’Do not fuck your best friend’s murdered sister’s widowed husband. Do not do it. Do not do not do not’
A fun fact about me is that I fucking LOVE, Love Island (the English version, not the crappy US one). Of course, I know it isn’t a good show. It’s slop, total garbage, the worst of the worst. And yet I watch it every single year without fail from the start to the end. Everyday I yearn for one of its former contestants to write a biography on their time on the show, and everyday I realise that probably isn’t going to happen.
But I suppose People Pleaser is the next best thing.
I knew I’d really enjoy this book, and I definitely did. I got through it in one day, and had so much fun. I think its pacing and style are very impressive for a debut, and it kept me hooked all the way through. I literally couldn’t put it down until I was finished, and it’s a long time since a book has done that. The story was incredibly engaging, and crime aspect very well-crafted. I wasn’t sure who the killer was at any point, and while that might just be because I’m an idiot, I’m going to instead put it down to this book just being well-written.
I think my biggest issue with People Pleaser was Amanda. Whilst I enjoyed her chapters, I wasn’t entirely sure what the point of her was throughout the story. It took a very long time for her to be actually relevant, and even then I’m not sure it was a great pay-off. With regard to Jill, Emma and Maggie, however, I enjoyed each of their chapters / flashbacks, and I liked that each woman had such human and realistic flaws. Their bad behaviour and mistakes were never simply forgiven, and none of them were perfect. It made me believe I was reading about actual people going through an incredibly shitty situation, and it made it all the more interesting.
Overall, People Pleaser gets 4/5 stars. This is a great little thriller that I can’t recommend enough as a palate cleanser or for those, like me, that need that reality tv kick.
’Do not fuck your best friend’s murdered sister’s widowed husband. Do not do it. Do not do not do not’
A fun fact about me is that I fucking LOVE, Love Island (the English version, not the crappy US one). Of course, I know it isn’t a good show. It’s slop, total garbage, the worst of the worst. And yet I watch it every single year without fail from the start to the end. Everyday I yearn for one of its former contestants to write a biography on their time on the show, and everyday I realise that probably isn’t going to happen.
But I suppose People Pleaser is the next best thing.
I knew I’d really enjoy this book, and I definitely did. I got through it in one day, and had so much fun. I think its pacing and style are very impressive for a debut, and it kept me hooked all the way through. I literally couldn’t put it down until I was finished, and it’s a long time since a book has done that. The story was incredibly engaging, and crime aspect very well-crafted. I wasn’t sure who the killer was at any point, and while that might just be because I’m an idiot, I’m going to instead put it down to this book just being well-written.
I think my biggest issue with People Pleaser was Amanda. Whilst I enjoyed her chapters, I wasn’t entirely sure what the point of her was throughout the story. It took a very long time for her to be actually relevant, and even then I’m not sure it was a great pay-off. With regard to Jill, Emma and Maggie, however, I enjoyed each of their chapters / flashbacks, and I liked that each woman had such human and realistic flaws. Their bad behaviour and mistakes were never simply forgiven, and none of them were perfect. It made me believe I was reading about actual people going through an incredibly shitty situation, and it made it all the more interesting.
Overall, People Pleaser gets 4/5 stars. This is a great little thriller that I can’t recommend enough as a palate cleanser or for those, like me, that need that reality tv kick.
December 6, 2024
5 *
ARC review for netgally.
This book isn't what I expected it to be.. I thought cosy crime to read for the autumn... boy, was I wrong. It had me hooked right at the start .. while I think the writer took read life avent that's happend and used them to write the book the side story's of the different characters where very interesting. This took me 2 days, and I couldn't put it down. The twist at the end was amazing, and I personally couldn't see it coming. I would definitely recommend 👌🏻
ARC review for netgally.
This book isn't what I expected it to be.. I thought cosy crime to read for the autumn... boy, was I wrong. It had me hooked right at the start .. while I think the writer took read life avent that's happend and used them to write the book the side story's of the different characters where very interesting. This took me 2 days, and I couldn't put it down. The twist at the end was amazing, and I personally couldn't see it coming. I would definitely recommend 👌🏻
March 4, 2025
The blurb:
When Kansas sweetheart Maggie Lathrop is crowned the winner of America’s most popular dating show, her life is transformed overnight.
Suddenly, Maggie has it all: a gorgeous husband, an immaculate Los Angeles mansion, and an entourage of glamorous friends.
Despite picture-perfect appearances, the world Maggie has created is shattered after she’s found murdered in a desolate warehouse.
As her sister, Emma, attempts to uncover the truth about Maggie’s life, a deadlier side to Hollywood is revealed.
Because being beautiful can have the ugliest consequences. . .
My thoughts:
I enjoyed this murder-mystery style crime thriller. The story is told through several pov, and goes back and forth between now and prior to Maggie’s murder.
I enjoyed the character’s- finding out more about each as the story evolved. I had several suspicions about who might have done it throughout the book.
I love the title and the idea around Maggie’s lifestyle and career and how this was could’ve been linked to her murder.
A really interesting concept. Really well written 4⭐️ from me. I am interested to read more from this author. Thank you again Catriona Stewart and Century Books/ Penguin for the advanced copy.
When Kansas sweetheart Maggie Lathrop is crowned the winner of America’s most popular dating show, her life is transformed overnight.
Suddenly, Maggie has it all: a gorgeous husband, an immaculate Los Angeles mansion, and an entourage of glamorous friends.
Despite picture-perfect appearances, the world Maggie has created is shattered after she’s found murdered in a desolate warehouse.
As her sister, Emma, attempts to uncover the truth about Maggie’s life, a deadlier side to Hollywood is revealed.
Because being beautiful can have the ugliest consequences. . .
My thoughts:
I enjoyed this murder-mystery style crime thriller. The story is told through several pov, and goes back and forth between now and prior to Maggie’s murder.
I enjoyed the character’s- finding out more about each as the story evolved. I had several suspicions about who might have done it throughout the book.
I love the title and the idea around Maggie’s lifestyle and career and how this was could’ve been linked to her murder.
A really interesting concept. Really well written 4⭐️ from me. I am interested to read more from this author. Thank you again Catriona Stewart and Century Books/ Penguin for the advanced copy.
November 10, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
I stayed up til 3:30am to finish this - I was so gripped!
I’ll be honest - I didn’t expect much from the characters because they’re mostly reality stars/influencers but the author really gave them depth and purpose.
I think the multi POV really helped to develop a better understanding of all the characters.
There were subtle subplots but I found them really engaging and again they really helped develop the characters.
This was the perfect whodunnit in my opinion - and I had no idea until the end!
I stayed up til 3:30am to finish this - I was so gripped!
I’ll be honest - I didn’t expect much from the characters because they’re mostly reality stars/influencers but the author really gave them depth and purpose.
I think the multi POV really helped to develop a better understanding of all the characters.
There were subtle subplots but I found them really engaging and again they really helped develop the characters.
This was the perfect whodunnit in my opinion - and I had no idea until the end!
November 18, 2024
Great read! Fun thriller that kept me guessing and engaged. I loved all the different character narrations - especially the flashbacks that gave such depth to the beloved Maggie. Highly recommend this if you’re looking for a fun and captivating read!
December 5, 2024
I never knew that reality TV and murder could mix this well. A real page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat. Catriona Stewart has captured the zeitgeist with a keen eye for humor and irony. I can't wait to read what she puts out next. 10/10
August 12, 2025
4.5⭐️actually struggled to put this down i loved it that much🙊 it’s giving reality tv and murder mystery crossover!
October 29, 2024
This book! This freaking book! It was so good.
A murder mystery about a reality tv star, in this day and age it’s more normal than not.
Maggie the star of “loveshack” is found dead but to her sister agony the police declare it a cold case as they don’t have a prime suspect. Emma and her best friends Jill and the creator of “loveshack” Amanda have to solve this themselves.
We read this story from their POV and Maggie herself as flashbacks from during and after the reality tv show as aired. I did find predict the ending but I’m not mad about it as it was exceptionally good and would honestly recommend this book when it’s released.
So happy I got a ARC of this! Thank you!
A murder mystery about a reality tv star, in this day and age it’s more normal than not.
Maggie the star of “loveshack” is found dead but to her sister agony the police declare it a cold case as they don’t have a prime suspect. Emma and her best friends Jill and the creator of “loveshack” Amanda have to solve this themselves.
We read this story from their POV and Maggie herself as flashbacks from during and after the reality tv show as aired. I did find predict the ending but I’m not mad about it as it was exceptionally good and would honestly recommend this book when it’s released.
So happy I got a ARC of this! Thank you!
October 23, 2024
As someone who loves reality tv AND a great mystery novel, I was so excited to read this book and it definitely lived up to the hype! The characters are spot on — the author did a great job of making them ridiculously annoying and relatable. I loved it and can’t wait to read more from this author!!
October 27, 2024
This book is SO much fun to read!!!! I couldn’t pull away, I stayed up until 3am to finish it. The suspense and mystery are amazing and the characters are hysterical and feel so vivid. Could not recommend more, especially for anyone who’s ever watched and loved a reality tv show!!
November 4, 2024
Amazing!!! I absolutely loved this book and I’m so grateful I was given the chance to read the ARC before publication. Really relevant and modern storyline relating to a lot of life nowadays, will definitely be picking up more books from this author! Highly recommend!
October 29, 2024
A fun, smart, and incisive take, combining my love for murder mysteries with my love for soapy reality tv. Excited to read more from Stewart!
November 5, 2024
I loved this book! A page turner. Excellent writing. Interesting and surprising characters. Highly recommend!
May 11, 2025
People Pleaser by Catriona Stewart is a gripping, emotional and twisty reality TV thriller that will deliver chills behind the glamorous life of reality stars.
This book is told in present from Emma's perspective and in past from Maggie's perspective. This gives us a chance to unfold the story slowly, learn about the characters and the motivation behind their actions.
Exciting start, drags you in straight away. Now you just must know what happened, who did it, and who is lying?
We are learning about the harsh truth behind the golden scenes. We believe what they make us believe without knowing how much pain and heartbreak are happening in real life. People will do crazy things for fame and money! I liked the representation of social media and the life of influencers, I think it is relevant in this generation.
Maggie is taking part in the reality TV show LoveShack and ends up winning the show and marrying Theo, one of America’s most eligible bachelors. Their life is picture perfect. Their TikTok account is blooming, money keeps coming, and everyone looks incredibly happy and satisfied...
Three years later...
After Maggie's murder, Emma can't accept that her sister's case is closed after only 3 months without finding the guilty one. She is dedicated to finding who kiIIed her sister. This journey opens a Pandora's box of secrets and lies, and soon Emma realises that she doesn't know her sister at all.
It was so interesting to follow Maggy and her experience through a reality TV show and the aftermath.
It was so interesting to discover the harsh reality that no one wants to show.
It was so sad to discover how much broken life hides behind the glamorous lifestyle.
Thank you, NetGalley, Random House UK, Cornerstone | Penguin, for this copy.
This book is told in present from Emma's perspective and in past from Maggie's perspective. This gives us a chance to unfold the story slowly, learn about the characters and the motivation behind their actions.
Exciting start, drags you in straight away. Now you just must know what happened, who did it, and who is lying?
We are learning about the harsh truth behind the golden scenes. We believe what they make us believe without knowing how much pain and heartbreak are happening in real life. People will do crazy things for fame and money! I liked the representation of social media and the life of influencers, I think it is relevant in this generation.
Maggie is taking part in the reality TV show LoveShack and ends up winning the show and marrying Theo, one of America’s most eligible bachelors. Their life is picture perfect. Their TikTok account is blooming, money keeps coming, and everyone looks incredibly happy and satisfied...
Three years later...
After Maggie's murder, Emma can't accept that her sister's case is closed after only 3 months without finding the guilty one. She is dedicated to finding who kiIIed her sister. This journey opens a Pandora's box of secrets and lies, and soon Emma realises that she doesn't know her sister at all.
It was so interesting to follow Maggy and her experience through a reality TV show and the aftermath.
It was so interesting to discover the harsh reality that no one wants to show.
It was so sad to discover how much broken life hides behind the glamorous lifestyle.
Thank you, NetGalley, Random House UK, Cornerstone | Penguin, for this copy.
April 18, 2025
When Maggie, a beautiful woman and winner of America’s most popular dating show has been found murdered, her sister Emma sets out to try and uncover the truth.
I was getting sick of the reality TV trope but I thought this was done well! You get snippets of Maggie during her time on a reality show but the plot does focus more on Emma trying to uncover what had happened.
I really enjoyed this one and I think it would make for a perfect beach read. I just love glamorous thriller books!
The writing is addictive and it’s a real page turner! You are sucked in immediately and there is never a dull moment in the story.
I did knock this down half a star however, as I guessed the murderer!
Overall an enjoyable read and a great debut!
I was getting sick of the reality TV trope but I thought this was done well! You get snippets of Maggie during her time on a reality show but the plot does focus more on Emma trying to uncover what had happened.
I really enjoyed this one and I think it would make for a perfect beach read. I just love glamorous thriller books!
The writing is addictive and it’s a real page turner! You are sucked in immediately and there is never a dull moment in the story.
I did knock this down half a star however, as I guessed the murderer!
Overall an enjoyable read and a great debut!
May 26, 2025
the perfect beach read!! i cannot remember the last time a book had my heart literally physically pounding in the lead-up to the big reveal.
December 27, 2025
a thoroughly enjoyable and fun murder mystery with sufficient queer culture, cultural commentary, girlhood friendship to fill my cup
June 20, 2025
Couldn’t put it down- biting and deep
October 27, 2024
Such a fun read! The characters were funny, the insight into reality TV was super interesting and it was SUCH a page turner. The quality of the pacing especially stood out to me!
Overall, I'd absolutely recommend!
Overall, I'd absolutely recommend!
May 24, 2025
⭐️2.75
The murderer was very guessable and I’m not that smart
And the ending sucked
Very average but readable book
The murderer was very guessable and I’m not that smart
And the ending sucked
Very average but readable book
July 31, 2025
Die Geschichte dreht sich um Maggie, die durch ihre Teilnahme an der Reality-TV-Show „Love Shack“ über Nacht zum Star wird. Jahre später wird sie ermordet aufgefunden, und niemand scheint zu wissen, wer der Täter ist.
Wir verfolgen die Ereignisse aus verschiedenen Perspektiven: die ihrer Schwester Emma, Maggies bester Freundin, des Erfinders von „Love Shack“ und, was für mich das absolute Highlight war, Maggies eigener Sichtweise.
Maggies Perspektive war für mich das Herzstück des Buches. Sie nimmt uns mit auf eine schonungslos ehrliche Reise durch ihre Zeit in der Show, Episode für Episode, und gewährt uns danach Einblicke in ihr Leben, das schließlich zu ihrem tragischen Ende führte. Ich muss ehrlich sagen, es war ein ziemlich deprimierender und ernüchternder Blick hinter die Kulissen von Reality-Shows und deren Entstehungsprozess. Es wurde deutlich, wie die ständige Präsenz der Kameras und der Druck der Öffentlichkeit Menschen verändern können. Maggie hatte das Potenzial, ein unglaublich tiefgründiger, komplexer Charakter zu sein. Aber sobald sie berühmt wurde, schien ihre Persönlichkeit darauf reduziert zu werden, sich nur noch um Diäten, Schönheitsoperationen, Geld und ihr soziales Image zu kümmern. Das war schade, da ich mir hier mehr Nuancen gewünscht hätte.
Maggies Schwester Emma mochte ich ebenfalls sehr gerne. Ihre Entschlossenheit, den Mörder ihrer Schwester zu finden und sich dabei nicht von anderen beirren zu lassen, war bewundernswert und trieb die Handlung stark voran.
Die Perspektive von Amandas hätte ich persönlich nicht so ausführlich benötigt, denn es fühlte sich manchmal wie Füllmaterial an, auch wenn es für die Hintergrundgeschichte notwendig war.
Das Ende des Buches war in seiner Auflösung zwar schlüssig und spannend, aber für meinen Geschmack auch etwas zu übertrieben. Es war ein bisschen zu viel des Guten und hat mich persönlich nicht komplett abgeholt.
Insgesamt ist „People Pleaser “ eine solide bis gute Geschichte, die definitiv ihre interessanten und spannenden Momente hat. Auch wenn es mich nicht hundertprozentig packen konnte, ist es dennoch lesenswert gewesen.
3,5 von 5 Ottis 🦦 🦦 🦦
Wir verfolgen die Ereignisse aus verschiedenen Perspektiven: die ihrer Schwester Emma, Maggies bester Freundin, des Erfinders von „Love Shack“ und, was für mich das absolute Highlight war, Maggies eigener Sichtweise.
Maggies Perspektive war für mich das Herzstück des Buches. Sie nimmt uns mit auf eine schonungslos ehrliche Reise durch ihre Zeit in der Show, Episode für Episode, und gewährt uns danach Einblicke in ihr Leben, das schließlich zu ihrem tragischen Ende führte. Ich muss ehrlich sagen, es war ein ziemlich deprimierender und ernüchternder Blick hinter die Kulissen von Reality-Shows und deren Entstehungsprozess. Es wurde deutlich, wie die ständige Präsenz der Kameras und der Druck der Öffentlichkeit Menschen verändern können. Maggie hatte das Potenzial, ein unglaublich tiefgründiger, komplexer Charakter zu sein. Aber sobald sie berühmt wurde, schien ihre Persönlichkeit darauf reduziert zu werden, sich nur noch um Diäten, Schönheitsoperationen, Geld und ihr soziales Image zu kümmern. Das war schade, da ich mir hier mehr Nuancen gewünscht hätte.
Maggies Schwester Emma mochte ich ebenfalls sehr gerne. Ihre Entschlossenheit, den Mörder ihrer Schwester zu finden und sich dabei nicht von anderen beirren zu lassen, war bewundernswert und trieb die Handlung stark voran.
Die Perspektive von Amandas hätte ich persönlich nicht so ausführlich benötigt, denn es fühlte sich manchmal wie Füllmaterial an, auch wenn es für die Hintergrundgeschichte notwendig war.
Das Ende des Buches war in seiner Auflösung zwar schlüssig und spannend, aber für meinen Geschmack auch etwas zu übertrieben. Es war ein bisschen zu viel des Guten und hat mich persönlich nicht komplett abgeholt.
Insgesamt ist „People Pleaser “ eine solide bis gute Geschichte, die definitiv ihre interessanten und spannenden Momente hat. Auch wenn es mich nicht hundertprozentig packen konnte, ist es dennoch lesenswert gewesen.
3,5 von 5 Ottis 🦦 🦦 🦦
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April 16, 2025I was one of ten people chosen to receive the travelling ARC of People Pleaser! Before me it was Loz’s turn and we got to meet up at Bay Tales for a snap with the book!
When I had the book it came with me on a camping trip to the Lake District and after my time was up it was on its way to Keira.
People Pleaser is the debut murder mystery thriller from Catriona Stewart. Described as Love Island meets White Locus. Emma is devastated after the murder of her reality TV star-turned-influencer sister, Maggie. With no leads, it is written off as a cold-case just three and a half months into the investigation. Together with her housemate, Jill, and Jill’s TV boss Amanda – the three launch their own investigation into Maggie’s death.
The book fluctuates between passages from the three – mixed in with a timeline of events from Maggie’s point of view as she appeared on Loveshack, the reality show she starred in.
This was a compelling story that will make you think about true crime and influencer culture. “HBO is already slated to make a documentary about the murder, even though we know almost nothing about its circumstances. It will continue to be fictionalized and retold in TV shows and movies.”
Thank you to Catriona for sending me me the travelling ARC. I also received a digital copy via NetGalley.
When I had the book it came with me on a camping trip to the Lake District and after my time was up it was on its way to Keira.
People Pleaser is the debut murder mystery thriller from Catriona Stewart. Described as Love Island meets White Locus. Emma is devastated after the murder of her reality TV star-turned-influencer sister, Maggie. With no leads, it is written off as a cold-case just three and a half months into the investigation. Together with her housemate, Jill, and Jill’s TV boss Amanda – the three launch their own investigation into Maggie’s death.
The book fluctuates between passages from the three – mixed in with a timeline of events from Maggie’s point of view as she appeared on Loveshack, the reality show she starred in.
This was a compelling story that will make you think about true crime and influencer culture. “HBO is already slated to make a documentary about the murder, even though we know almost nothing about its circumstances. It will continue to be fictionalized and retold in TV shows and movies.”
Thank you to Catriona for sending me me the travelling ARC. I also received a digital copy via NetGalley.
January 16, 2025
Maggie Lathrop wins an American tv dating show and it looks like she has fallen in love with her perfect man from it too. But relationships and lifestyles aren’t always as they appear as Maggie’s sister Emma discovers.
What a brilliant debut novel this is. I could not put it down! There are twists and turns throughout with a clever, well rounded plot and believable contemporary characters. If you are a fan of murder mystery, reality tv shows, social media influencing and conspiracy theories you will love this book. I did and can’t wait to read the next one by this amazing new author.
What a brilliant debut novel this is. I could not put it down! There are twists and turns throughout with a clever, well rounded plot and believable contemporary characters. If you are a fan of murder mystery, reality tv shows, social media influencing and conspiracy theories you will love this book. I did and can’t wait to read the next one by this amazing new author.
May 22, 2025
If I could give six stars, I would. This book had me hooked from the start. The three dimensional characters are totally believable - in fact I think I know a couple, at least. The storyline is well thought out and the writing is engaging and slick. Never did I feel the drag that you sometimes get in other books, particularly in the middle. It’s the kind of book that makes you miss appointments, stay up later than you intended and then rave to your friends about. Looking out for more from Catriona Stewart
March 11, 2025
I couldn’t put this down!!! There were lots of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and the reveal of whodunnit at the end was very satisfying. Loved how Maggie’s chapters showed the darker side of fame and reality tv, along with the commentary on how social media can change who we are and take over our lives. Overall a very interesting take on the murder mystery genre!
Thank you NetGalley for the early copy!
Thank you NetGalley for the early copy!
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