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Death of a Cheerleader: An utterly gripping and unique thriller full of twists and turns for 2025
"Such a fun novel!" Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"A unique and fun read with lots of mystery and intriguing characters" Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🤠🌟Step into a world of glamour and pompoms in this unique and original thriller written by an ex-Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader🌟🤠
Everyone wants to be a Dallas Lonestars Cheerleader, but fame can have a deadly price...
The Dallas Lonestars Cheerleaders are untouchable. They are the epitome of glitz and glamour, reeking of hairspray and perfection. But everything changes when America's Angel and cheerleading captain Jentry Rae Randall is found murdered in the squad's locker room.
Filmmaker Nikki Keegan has the opportunity of a lifetime. Brought in to document the Lonestars' potential comeback after four disastrous seasons, Nikki is now perfectly placed to investigate the murder of the team's iconic frontwoman.
Nikki turns to cheerleader Shaunette Simmons, the deceased's best friend, for help. As Nikki becomes closer to Shaunette, the more she suspects that Shaunette is hiding something.
But when Shaunette is run off the road and left to die, it's clear that nobody in this cheer squad is safe. Because some people would kill to be a Dallas Lonestars Cheerleader...
💥Love Netflix's America's Sweethearts? Then don't miss Death of a Cheerleader, an utterly gripping psychological thriller written by ex-Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Marina Evans!💥
"A unique and fun read with lots of mystery and intriguing characters" Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🤠🌟Step into a world of glamour and pompoms in this unique and original thriller written by an ex-Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader🌟🤠
Everyone wants to be a Dallas Lonestars Cheerleader, but fame can have a deadly price...
The Dallas Lonestars Cheerleaders are untouchable. They are the epitome of glitz and glamour, reeking of hairspray and perfection. But everything changes when America's Angel and cheerleading captain Jentry Rae Randall is found murdered in the squad's locker room.
Filmmaker Nikki Keegan has the opportunity of a lifetime. Brought in to document the Lonestars' potential comeback after four disastrous seasons, Nikki is now perfectly placed to investigate the murder of the team's iconic frontwoman.
Nikki turns to cheerleader Shaunette Simmons, the deceased's best friend, for help. As Nikki becomes closer to Shaunette, the more she suspects that Shaunette is hiding something.
But when Shaunette is run off the road and left to die, it's clear that nobody in this cheer squad is safe. Because some people would kill to be a Dallas Lonestars Cheerleader...
💥Love Netflix's America's Sweethearts? Then don't miss Death of a Cheerleader, an utterly gripping psychological thriller written by ex-Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Marina Evans!💥
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2025
3 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 20, 2025
I don’t have too much to say, to be honest.
I thought the insight into cheerleading was interesting — I liked seeing the behind-the-scenes of a cheerleader’s life. But I honestly felt like it read more like a magazine story than a novel. Some parts were clever, sure, but it seemed like the focus was more on making the cheerleading aspect feel real, and everything else kind of slipped away.
As for the writing itself, I don’t think Marina really knows how to write properly. The story was hard to follow, constantly jumping between characters. Half the time, I didn’t know whose perspective I was reading or who was who.
The plot didn’t give much. It was meant to be a whodunnit, and technically it was, but not in the style I enjoy. It started off strong but very quickly veered off in all kinds of directions. I know it’s fiction, but with thrillers, I like there to be some kind of real-life grounding, and this just didn’t have that element.
There were a few well-written moments, but overall, I couldn’t get to grips with this book at all. I found myself skimming chapters out of boredom. The killer was obvious from the start, there wasn’t much suspense, and there wasn’t much to guess about.
To write a solid thriller, you need to know how to build tension and craft a story that keeps readers hooked — and unfortunately, this didn’t do that.
I was super excited to read it, but ended up really let down. I won’t be reviewing it on my Instagram.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
I thought the insight into cheerleading was interesting — I liked seeing the behind-the-scenes of a cheerleader’s life. But I honestly felt like it read more like a magazine story than a novel. Some parts were clever, sure, but it seemed like the focus was more on making the cheerleading aspect feel real, and everything else kind of slipped away.
As for the writing itself, I don’t think Marina really knows how to write properly. The story was hard to follow, constantly jumping between characters. Half the time, I didn’t know whose perspective I was reading or who was who.
The plot didn’t give much. It was meant to be a whodunnit, and technically it was, but not in the style I enjoy. It started off strong but very quickly veered off in all kinds of directions. I know it’s fiction, but with thrillers, I like there to be some kind of real-life grounding, and this just didn’t have that element.
There were a few well-written moments, but overall, I couldn’t get to grips with this book at all. I found myself skimming chapters out of boredom. The killer was obvious from the start, there wasn’t much suspense, and there wasn’t much to guess about.
To write a solid thriller, you need to know how to build tension and craft a story that keeps readers hooked — and unfortunately, this didn’t do that.
I was super excited to read it, but ended up really let down. I won’t be reviewing it on my Instagram.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
October 30, 2025
In Death of a Cheerleader, Marina Evans pulls back the sparkling curtain of fame to reveal the darkness that hides beneath ambition, envy, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Drawing from her own background as a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Evans crafts a compelling and vividly authentic thriller that immerses readers in the high-stakes world of professional cheerleading—where image is everything, and loyalty can be lethal.
The story begins with the shocking murder of Jentry Rae Randall, the glamorous and adored captain of the Dallas Lonestars Cheerleaders. Her death shatters the team’s pristine reputation, sending shockwaves through the squad and the world that idolized them. Enter Nikki Keegan, a documentary filmmaker hired to capture the team’s long-awaited comeback season. What begins as a career-defining opportunity soon turns into a dangerous obsession as Nikki’s camera lens captures more than rehearsals and routines—it begins to expose secrets no one wants revealed.
Evans excels at creating atmosphere. The setting is drenched in glitter, sweat, and whispered rivalries—each page glows with the false sheen of celebrity culture. Behind the synchronized smiles and flawless choreography lies a toxic blend of competition and insecurity. The author portrays this duality masterfully, contrasting the dazzling public image of the cheerleaders with the personal turmoil that simmers behind the scenes. As Nikki delves deeper into the mystery, she forms a complex connection with Shaunette Simmons, Jentry’s best friend and fellow cheerleader. Their relationship is layered with trust, suspicion, and unspoken grief. When Shaunette herself becomes a target, the stakes rise dramatically, propelling the narrative into a tense, fast-paced investigation where every character seems to have something to hide.
What sets Death of a Cheerleader apart from other thrillers is its sharp social insight. Evans uses the murder mystery as a vehicle to explore fame, female rivalry, and the cost of maintaining perfection in a world that prizes appearances above authenticity. Her writing is cinematic—each scene feels meticulously framed, mirroring the filmmaker’s perspective of the protagonist. Stylistically, the novel reads like a hybrid between a psychological thriller and a glossy crime drama. Evans strikes a balance between entertainment and tension, crafting a story that feels both light and razor-edged. While it doesn’t lean heavily into procedural complexity, it offers an addictive rhythm of revelations and cliffhangers that make it difficult to set aside.
In essence, Death of a Cheerleader is a glitzy yet haunting exploration of ambition, identity, and the perilous cost of success. Beneath its glittering exterior lies a biting commentary on the culture of celebrity and the illusion of perfection. Evans delivers a stylish and satisfying mystery that keeps readers hooked until the final reveal—proof that even in a world of bright lights and big smiles, the darkest secrets can hide in plain sight.
September 27, 2025
This was a hard one for me to judge. I started off really liking it, the hook was great but it just couldn't keep my focus as it needed. At first I flew through it, eating up the murder and the various characters introduced. At around the 40% mark however I started to struggle. The plot started to veer off into all kinds of unexpected territory, and not in the fun way. So many of the choices made by characters were not only bad ones, but stupid and unrealistic. I can let one or two characters be daft, but for everyone to behave like they are in a bad movie was just too much.
I didn't believe any of these characters were actually real. The one who came the closest was Shaunette when she dealt with her mother. Those scenes were gut wrenching, powerful and I wish more of the story had been written that well because it shows that this author can write, she just needs to focus on her characters, their emotion, and less on the more shocking, tabloidy style that so much of the book was.
I enjoyed the chapters that built the wider world, little glimpses into diary entries, social media posts, transcripts of moments on TV. They worked really well in setting the stage and giving us much needed context outside of our two main characters.
By the end of it, the killer was obvious and I barely found myself caring. This was a little too 'lite' for my tastes, but for people wanting that glossy mag, all the goss style, I think you'll really enjoy it. It just personally wasn't for me.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
I didn't believe any of these characters were actually real. The one who came the closest was Shaunette when she dealt with her mother. Those scenes were gut wrenching, powerful and I wish more of the story had been written that well because it shows that this author can write, she just needs to focus on her characters, their emotion, and less on the more shocking, tabloidy style that so much of the book was.
I enjoyed the chapters that built the wider world, little glimpses into diary entries, social media posts, transcripts of moments on TV. They worked really well in setting the stage and giving us much needed context outside of our two main characters.
By the end of it, the killer was obvious and I barely found myself caring. This was a little too 'lite' for my tastes, but for people wanting that glossy mag, all the goss style, I think you'll really enjoy it. It just personally wasn't for me.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
November 5, 2025
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Post Description: Marina Evans’ Death of a Cheerleader is an addictive blend of mystery, ambition, and obsession set against the dazzling yet dangerous backdrop of Texas cheer culture. When Jentry Rae Randall—the golden girl of the Dallas Lonestars—is found brutally murdered, the façade of perfection begins to crumble. Evans masterfully captures the duality of fame and fear, showing how glamour can conceal darkness beneath its glossy surface.
The story follows filmmaker Nikki Keegan, whose documentary assignment transforms into a chilling investigation. As she unravels the cheer squad’s tangled web of jealousy, secrets, and betrayal, readers are pulled into a world where loyalty is fickle and ambition can be deadly. Nikki’s growing bond with Shaunette Simmons adds emotional depth, but when Shaunette’s life is threatened, it becomes clear the killer is closer than anyone suspects.
Fast-paced and sharply written, Death of a Cheerleader keeps readers on edge until the shocking end. Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers, it’s a gripping portrayal of fame, friendship, and fatal envy—one that will leave you breathless and eager for more. A must-read for mystery lovers.
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👉 Follow: @marinaevans.author
🫶 {DM to Get Featured} 🫶
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✨ #bookstagram #booklover #bookcommunity #bookreview #readersofinstagram #readingtime #inspiringreads #bookishlove #readmorebooks #goodreads #bookrecommendation
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Post Description: Marina Evans’ Death of a Cheerleader is an addictive blend of mystery, ambition, and obsession set against the dazzling yet dangerous backdrop of Texas cheer culture. When Jentry Rae Randall—the golden girl of the Dallas Lonestars—is found brutally murdered, the façade of perfection begins to crumble. Evans masterfully captures the duality of fame and fear, showing how glamour can conceal darkness beneath its glossy surface.
The story follows filmmaker Nikki Keegan, whose documentary assignment transforms into a chilling investigation. As she unravels the cheer squad’s tangled web of jealousy, secrets, and betrayal, readers are pulled into a world where loyalty is fickle and ambition can be deadly. Nikki’s growing bond with Shaunette Simmons adds emotional depth, but when Shaunette’s life is threatened, it becomes clear the killer is closer than anyone suspects.
Fast-paced and sharply written, Death of a Cheerleader keeps readers on edge until the shocking end. Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers, it’s a gripping portrayal of fame, friendship, and fatal envy—one that will leave you breathless and eager for more. A must-read for mystery lovers.
.
👉 Follow: @marinaevans.author
🫶 {DM to Get Featured} 🫶
.
✨ #bookstagram #booklover #bookcommunity #bookreview #readersofinstagram #readingtime #inspiringreads #bookishlove #readmorebooks #goodreads #bookrecommendation
November 1, 2025
3.5⭐️
Death of a Cheerleader is a thriller that follows 2 main characters (Shaunette, a cheerleader and Nikki, a documentary maker) after the murder of Jentry Rae, another Dallas Lonestars Cheerleader.
Shaunette was the best friend of the deceased until a falling out shortly before the murder. Nikki has been hired to film a documentary about the rise of the football team but soon gets wrapped up trying to solve the murder. She teams up with Shaunette trying to unravel the mystery that was Jentry Rae’s private life but with secrets being kept by all, who can be trusted to tell the truth?
I enjoyed the range of characters from Jentry Rae’s sweet dad, the competitive cheerleaders and the dominating men in the football team. I liked reading the problematic relationship between Shaunette and her mom who pressures her to breaking point to be perfect.
The author, Marina Evans was a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader so has a lot of insight into the world of American football and cheerleading where perfection is expected of you.
I enjoyed the premise of the book and the storyline of a cheerleader being killed in her dressing room but as someone who reads a lot of thrillers, it didn’t quite stand up against some of the more experienced thriller writers. I did, however enjoy the book and found it an easy to read story with a few thrills along the way.
Death of a Cheerleader is a thriller that follows 2 main characters (Shaunette, a cheerleader and Nikki, a documentary maker) after the murder of Jentry Rae, another Dallas Lonestars Cheerleader.
Shaunette was the best friend of the deceased until a falling out shortly before the murder. Nikki has been hired to film a documentary about the rise of the football team but soon gets wrapped up trying to solve the murder. She teams up with Shaunette trying to unravel the mystery that was Jentry Rae’s private life but with secrets being kept by all, who can be trusted to tell the truth?
I enjoyed the range of characters from Jentry Rae’s sweet dad, the competitive cheerleaders and the dominating men in the football team. I liked reading the problematic relationship between Shaunette and her mom who pressures her to breaking point to be perfect.
The author, Marina Evans was a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader so has a lot of insight into the world of American football and cheerleading where perfection is expected of you.
I enjoyed the premise of the book and the storyline of a cheerleader being killed in her dressing room but as someone who reads a lot of thrillers, it didn’t quite stand up against some of the more experienced thriller writers. I did, however enjoy the book and found it an easy to read story with a few thrills along the way.
December 16, 2025
📕📙December Read: 𝔹𝕆𝕆𝕂 ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎📙📕
📗The Cheerleader
(UK Title: Death of a Cheerleader)
✍️ Marina Evan’s
📣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5 ( rounded up)
PUB DATE: 1/6/26
This is Marina Evans’ debut novel, and she absolutely nails it. As a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, she brings an authentic behind-the-scenes look at the lifestyle—proving it’s not all glamour and game days.
This book is more than a standard whodunit. It explores the pressure of perfection, the illusion of social media, and the very real impact of mental health. Those layers added so much depth to the story.
The book opens with the shocking death of the team’s star cheerleader in the locker room after a game, and from there it’s a nonstop puzzle. The story sends you on a wild goose chase, piecing together clues while the danger escalates the closer you get to the truth. Nearly every character feels like a suspect—red herrings everywhere, and everyone has a motive.
By the end, everything comes together in a way that fills in all the gaps. The ending is both tragic and beautiful( the last chapter and Epilogue), and it definitely full circle.
Do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
🗣️Quote:
"Faces are strange things, aren't they? They can mask a lot of pain."
“Don’t carry heavy baggage while trying to climb a mountain of healing."
📗The Cheerleader
(UK Title: Death of a Cheerleader)
✍️ Marina Evan’s
📣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5 ( rounded up)
PUB DATE: 1/6/26
This is Marina Evans’ debut novel, and she absolutely nails it. As a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, she brings an authentic behind-the-scenes look at the lifestyle—proving it’s not all glamour and game days.
This book is more than a standard whodunit. It explores the pressure of perfection, the illusion of social media, and the very real impact of mental health. Those layers added so much depth to the story.
The book opens with the shocking death of the team’s star cheerleader in the locker room after a game, and from there it’s a nonstop puzzle. The story sends you on a wild goose chase, piecing together clues while the danger escalates the closer you get to the truth. Nearly every character feels like a suspect—red herrings everywhere, and everyone has a motive.
By the end, everything comes together in a way that fills in all the gaps. The ending is both tragic and beautiful( the last chapter and Epilogue), and it definitely full circle.
Do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
🗣️Quote:
"Faces are strange things, aren't they? They can mask a lot of pain."
“Don’t carry heavy baggage while trying to climb a mountain of healing."
September 21, 2025
Ok. I have a lot of thoughts. Let’s start with the good:
The author clearly knows about the life of a pro cheerleader.
A football franchise is a great setting for a murder mystery.There’s lots of interest in the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders since the documentary series and this is a great idea to capitalise on this.
And the less good:
There is not a likeable character in this but more importantly, there is not a three dimensional character among them either.
This is not helped by the writing style which is very much telling you but also has some very strange word choices and adjective usage. It feels sometimes like reading a tabloid style gossip website but in a novel form.
And then there is so much plot so many new complications being added on and tragic backstories and evil scheming and yet it’s mostly just annoying rather than being emotive.
I really struggled with this - and I only got to the end because a) I wanted to see it through, b) I wanted to see who actually did it and c) it was an advance copy for review and I feel bad if I bail on those - and when I leave a review like this.
*****Copy from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own.*****
The author clearly knows about the life of a pro cheerleader.
A football franchise is a great setting for a murder mystery.There’s lots of interest in the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders since the documentary series and this is a great idea to capitalise on this.
And the less good:
There is not a likeable character in this but more importantly, there is not a three dimensional character among them either.
This is not helped by the writing style which is very much telling you but also has some very strange word choices and adjective usage. It feels sometimes like reading a tabloid style gossip website but in a novel form.
And then there is so much plot so many new complications being added on and tragic backstories and evil scheming and yet it’s mostly just annoying rather than being emotive.
I really struggled with this - and I only got to the end because a) I wanted to see it through, b) I wanted to see who actually did it and c) it was an advance copy for review and I feel bad if I bail on those - and when I leave a review like this.
*****Copy from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own.*****
August 28, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC.
I rated this 3 ⭐️. It was a light, thriller with a murder mystery aspect.
Dallas Lonestars Cheerleader Jentry Rae Randall is found murdered in the squad’s locker room shortly after she has fallen out with her bestfriend Shaunette Simmons who is also a Dallas Lonestars Cheerleader.
Nikki a filmmaker who is hired by the team to do a documentary on the team’s potential comeback however she finds herself diving straight into reporting on a murder investigation.
All eyes are on Shaunette, but when she is ran off the road it’s clear that there’s something bigger going on. Everyone wants to be a Dallas Lonestars Cheerleader. But what will they do to get there?!
I enjoyed this book and the character’s within. This is written in third person which I don’t normally enjoy however this made for a great read.
If you are looking for an easy read thriller as a little palette cleanser this is the book for you.
I rated this 3 ⭐️. It was a light, thriller with a murder mystery aspect.
Dallas Lonestars Cheerleader Jentry Rae Randall is found murdered in the squad’s locker room shortly after she has fallen out with her bestfriend Shaunette Simmons who is also a Dallas Lonestars Cheerleader.
Nikki a filmmaker who is hired by the team to do a documentary on the team’s potential comeback however she finds herself diving straight into reporting on a murder investigation.
All eyes are on Shaunette, but when she is ran off the road it’s clear that there’s something bigger going on. Everyone wants to be a Dallas Lonestars Cheerleader. But what will they do to get there?!
I enjoyed this book and the character’s within. This is written in third person which I don’t normally enjoy however this made for a great read.
If you are looking for an easy read thriller as a little palette cleanser this is the book for you.
December 10, 2025
The Dallas Lonestars Cheerleaders are once again in the spotlight, but this time not for their captivating perfection. Team captain Jentry Rae is found murdered in the locker room, sending shockwaves through the organisation.
Meanwhile, Nikki is hired to film a documentary about the Lonestars’ comeback, placing her in the perfect position to dig deeper and uncover the truth — furthering her career while putting herself in increasing danger with every secret she uncovers.
Despite being a murder mystery, I found this book to be a fun, light-hearted read. I really enjoyed the storyline and constantly felt drawn in, always wanting to know more. The blend of characters worked well and felt believable throughout.
I would personally recommend this book to fans of Katy Brent and Bella Mackie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for offering this ARC in exchange for my personal thoughts.
Meanwhile, Nikki is hired to film a documentary about the Lonestars’ comeback, placing her in the perfect position to dig deeper and uncover the truth — furthering her career while putting herself in increasing danger with every secret she uncovers.
Despite being a murder mystery, I found this book to be a fun, light-hearted read. I really enjoyed the storyline and constantly felt drawn in, always wanting to know more. The blend of characters worked well and felt believable throughout.
I would personally recommend this book to fans of Katy Brent and Bella Mackie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for offering this ARC in exchange for my personal thoughts.
September 23, 2025
Nikki Keegan is given the opportunity to make a documentary highlighting the Dallas Lonestars football team, one she hopes will open more doors for her in the film industry. When the body of head cheerleader Jentry Rae Randall is found in the cheerleader locker room, Nikki takes the opportunity to turn the investigation into a side hustle--a reality crime series featuring the deceased cheerleader. Marina Evans' debut thriller gives the reader a behind the scenes look at the lives of professional cheerleaders as well as the pro-football league. The story grabs you from the start and keeps you on the edge of your seat till the end. Marina Evans has a winner with the book, and I wouldn't be surprised if movie rights are sold and it becomes a series on one of the streaming channels. I highly recommend this book.
November 28, 2025
⭐ Death of a Cheerleader by Marina Evans ⭐
3.5 ⭐
Marina Evans’ debut takes us behind the scenes of professional cheerleading, and it’s not all smiles and pom-poms! As a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Marina brings authenticity to a story full of jealousy, secrets, betrayal, and grief.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It’s an easy, light read with just enough thrills to keep you turning the pages. The story explores themes of family, friendship, jealousy, betrayal, and grief, weaving them into a cosy murder mystery that feels fresh and engaging.
If you’re looking for a "cosy" murder mystery, this is perfect. As someone who usually reads gritty thrillers, this was a refreshing palate cleanser. Honestly, I could see this making a great movie!
Thank you to the author and publisher for my review copy.
3.5 ⭐
Marina Evans’ debut takes us behind the scenes of professional cheerleading, and it’s not all smiles and pom-poms! As a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Marina brings authenticity to a story full of jealousy, secrets, betrayal, and grief.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It’s an easy, light read with just enough thrills to keep you turning the pages. The story explores themes of family, friendship, jealousy, betrayal, and grief, weaving them into a cosy murder mystery that feels fresh and engaging.
If you’re looking for a "cosy" murder mystery, this is perfect. As someone who usually reads gritty thrillers, this was a refreshing palate cleanser. Honestly, I could see this making a great movie!
Thank you to the author and publisher for my review copy.
November 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5/5)
Death of a Cheerleader is a dark, character-driven mystery that really leans into the world of professional cheerleading. You can clearly feel the author’s personal experience as a former Dallas cheerleader shining through — the setting is well-researched, authentic and adds a unique edge to the story.
There are a few red herrings along the way, though I did find some of the twists slightly predictable. Even so, the pacing flows well, and I found myself wanting to read more every time I picked it up. It’s an engaging, immersive thriller that kept my interest throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC.
Death of a Cheerleader is a dark, character-driven mystery that really leans into the world of professional cheerleading. You can clearly feel the author’s personal experience as a former Dallas cheerleader shining through — the setting is well-researched, authentic and adds a unique edge to the story.
There are a few red herrings along the way, though I did find some of the twists slightly predictable. Even so, the pacing flows well, and I found myself wanting to read more every time I picked it up. It’s an engaging, immersive thriller that kept my interest throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC.
September 26, 2025
When a professional cheerleader is murdered on a gameday, we embark on a suspenseful roller coaster ride that had me dying to know “whodunit”?? I loved this insider look at NFL cheerleading because the details were vivid and I felt the excitement of the squad members as they fought to maintain their spots.
Most importantly, this book delivers a great message: that healthy, non-toxic female friendships are possible as long as jealousy is taken out of the equation. I can’t wait to read the next book by this author!
Most importantly, this book delivers a great message: that healthy, non-toxic female friendships are possible as long as jealousy is taken out of the equation. I can’t wait to read the next book by this author!
September 29, 2025
A professional cheerleader has been murdered in this mystery thriller, and a budding filmmaker wants to find out the truth.
Although this book started well and I was pretty invested, the plot did start to stagnate around the middle and I found myself not particularly caring about all the new information being shared. The ending was fine but it was a lot of hard work getting there, which made it distinctly less exciting!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Although this book started well and I was pretty invested, the plot did start to stagnate around the middle and I found myself not particularly caring about all the new information being shared. The ending was fine but it was a lot of hard work getting there, which made it distinctly less exciting!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
December 20, 2025
I love watching America's Sweethearts and this was a great book that explores the story of a murder in their world. It's a really fun, cosy murder mystery that keeps your attention and keeps you smiling throughout.
I loved the characters and it's completely atmospheric. I think I was a bit to English to get some of the references but it was fun and enjoyable nonetheless the less.
It's a great story filled full of jealousy, lies and betrayal as well as friendships thrown in for good measure.
A great debut book and one I'd definitely recommend
I loved the characters and it's completely atmospheric. I think I was a bit to English to get some of the references but it was fun and enjoyable nonetheless the less.
It's a great story filled full of jealousy, lies and betrayal as well as friendships thrown in for good measure.
A great debut book and one I'd definitely recommend
September 5, 2025
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley.
I have just finished this, and I enjoyed it. With the author being a former Dallas Cheerleader she has an amazing insight into the world of Dallas cheerleaders and the footballers.
The book is an easy read, interesting and keeps you guessing on what's going on.
I have just finished this, and I enjoyed it. With the author being a former Dallas Cheerleader she has an amazing insight into the world of Dallas cheerleaders and the footballers.
The book is an easy read, interesting and keeps you guessing on what's going on.
October 12, 2025
I really enjoyed the whole cheerleader/American football vibe in this book.
The author having experienced this meant we got good insight into that world
I thought the plot was a great idea, star cheerleader found dead in the locker room. Was it a crazed fan… was it an inside job… what was the motive?!
It was great to have the diary excerpts from Jentry Rae the Cheerleader who met her untimely demise. These added some of the backstory and helped us piece together maybe what the motive was.
I didn’t guess the killer in this one, they were definitely in my suspects list but there were some good red herrings!
I don’t think I connected well enough with the characters in this though. I didn’t particularly like or dislike any of them!
Also although nothing particularly bad stood out about the writing and I thought it flowed well I just found I wasn’t captivated enough to keep picking the book up to read.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an ARC of the book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
The author having experienced this meant we got good insight into that world
I thought the plot was a great idea, star cheerleader found dead in the locker room. Was it a crazed fan… was it an inside job… what was the motive?!
It was great to have the diary excerpts from Jentry Rae the Cheerleader who met her untimely demise. These added some of the backstory and helped us piece together maybe what the motive was.
I didn’t guess the killer in this one, they were definitely in my suspects list but there were some good red herrings!
I don’t think I connected well enough with the characters in this though. I didn’t particularly like or dislike any of them!
Also although nothing particularly bad stood out about the writing and I thought it flowed well I just found I wasn’t captivated enough to keep picking the book up to read.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an ARC of the book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
August 23, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this eARC in exchange of my honest opinion.
This is an easy and light mystery. As someone who has read a lot of great thrillers and some not so great ones, this falls somewhere in the midrange for me.
This is an easy and light mystery. As someone who has read a lot of great thrillers and some not so great ones, this falls somewhere in the midrange for me.
August 22, 2025
really tried to get into this book but I found it hard going
I am obviously not the target audience.
I am obviously not the target audience.
September 24, 2025
Whoa!! What a fun ride! This clever thriller kept me guessing until the end. I loved the fact that the author was a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader. I highly recommend this book!
October 12, 2025
During the first 20-30% I was hooked.
I found it really promising, but as I got to the halfway point I found it harder to get through.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton at NetGalley for the ARC.
I found it really promising, but as I got to the halfway point I found it harder to get through.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton at NetGalley for the ARC.
August 9, 2025
2.75 stars rounded up. This is more the chicklit ballpark of crime, which isn’t my usual fare, so it would be unfair to compare it to Poirot style books. It’s a light crime mystery, written by a former professional cheerleader so the detail and scene setting definitely feels accurate and helps create a picture for the reader. Overall if you’re looking for a light easy read mystery in a different field than usual, this will tick the box.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
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